“Yeah, you’re right. It’s time.” His words agreed, but his voice conveyed grudging acceptance.
“We can donate all the fancy dresses to The Glass Slipper project. They lend them to underprivileged girls for prom dresses.”
Todd’s eyes lit up. “I love the idea! And there’s another organization that takes business clothes for the homeless. They wear them for interviews. We’ll call them, too!”
I suddenly had an even better idea. “You know what I want to do? Let’s go thrift store shopping and buy them out of prom dresses. They’ll be sitting there collecting dust this time of year. The thrift store owners will be delighted for the extra income, and the prom places will be happy for all the dresses!”
Todd’s smile grew. “I’m in. I love thrift store shopping! Please tell me I get your presence all day? This could take a while.” He pushed his hands together, praying to spend time with me.
“All day. Oh, I’m excited. We’ll shop tomorrow and go through my clothes Sunday. Then Monday we’ll deliver it all. Is Rick still working every day?”
“Yeah, until the New Year. It’s all the end of year accounting mess. Then, after the first of the year, they give them extra vacation time to recuperate.” His eyes strayed toward the closet. He was dying to go through and pull out clothes to donate.
“Bless his heart. I hope you’re taking good care of him.” I poked his shoulder to bring him back to our conversation.
“Of course, I am!” Todd said, mock offended. “I spoil him more than I spoil you!”
We continued to banter and plan our shopping weekend while Todd teased my hair into some sort of punk rock up-do, wilder than I’d ever fix for myself. When headed to a club, though, I didn’t mind the extra edginess. When he finished my makeup, it was also on the edgy side. Lots of black eyeliner and a bold, red lip. Satan took one peek at me and ran.
Staring into the mirror, I took a critical self-appraisal. “I love it, Todd. You’ve surprised me. I didn’t expect to be pretty with this much extra…stuff.”
“You’re gorgeous. If you let me dye your hair, it’ll make those big eyes and luscious skin pop even more.”
Dramatically, I rolled my eyes. “One day. One step at a time.”
Todd left me with my dress and heels while he went to the spare bedroom to get ready. He wanted to play date-night with Rick and go pick him up. Rick always teased him for his romantic antics, but I believed he loved it, too.
The baby blue dress with a black lace overlay on the sleeveless bodice was phenomenal. The skirt stopped at my knee. Any longer and I would’ve resembled a princess in a cartoon. A silk belt crossed my waist, and the skirt flared when I twirled. I turned on some dancing music and spent several minutes making myself dizzy watching the dress float around me.
To keep it modest, a short pencil skirt hid underneath and stayed close to my body. The tightness of it made me sultry, but at the same time, I’d still be a lady.
I lost track of time as I twirled and admired myself. I glanced up from my beautiful dress and found Todd leaning on the doorframe, watching me. I squealed in surprise. “How long have you been standing there?
“Long enough. I thought youhatedwearing dresses and skirts?”
“Hush. This dress is amazing, and you know it. I’m allowed to feel like I’m playing dress up when I wear something this fabulous.” I smiled prettily and flipped my skirt at him.
Laughter filled the room. “I guess you are.”
Suddenly, I wasn’t the only one squealing. Arch stood behind Todd. I’d watched him approach, but Todd had no idea. “What in the pits of gay hell?” Todd shouted, voice three octaves too high, as his hand came up to cover his heart.
“Sorry, buddy! I knocked, but I guess you didn’t hear it over the music. I tried the handle, and it opened right up.” Arch turned to me, lecturing. “Ellie, after what happened with your stepbrother, then your stepmother trying to break in, I’d expect you to be more careful.” Arch sounded disappointed in my behavior. The feelings of guilt and shame his words evoked surprised me. His opinion of me had grown enough to make my gut clench at his disappointment.
I tried not to let my emotions show as I attempted to give Arch a wide eyed, innocent stare, but it probably didn’t translate well with the eyeliner and punk hair. Todd came to my rescue, though. “I’m the one who left it unlocked, and you’re right. With all that’s happened, I shouldn’t have.” He turned to me. “I’m sorry, Ells.”
“It’s okay, Todd. We aren’t used to being paranoid. This is a new, uncomfortable experience for us all.” I tried to let Todd off the hook, but I was a little worried he left it unlocked. I’d been fastidious about locking it and setting the security system since the incident with Mitch. The nightmares alone were enough to make me careful. Plus, the building manager had informed me they didn’t know where my stepmother or Mitch had gotten access codes. They made the entire building change their security codes again as a precaution.
“Ellie, I’m sorry I didn’t say this the second I walked in, but you look amazing.” I shivered as Arch’s eyes raked up and down my body.
“I’m not finished yet; wait until you see her in the complete ensemble.” Todd gave a fake sniff and wiped at a nonexistent tear as he scurried to my closet. He returned with a pair of silver, strappy heels. The shoes were covered in a clear layer to keep them secure on my feet when dancing. The clear layer was covered in tiny rhinestones, making the shoes appear to be made of glass. “Put these on, and my masterpiece will be complete!”
The tight underskirt of the dress made it more difficult to reach the straps, but I sat dutifully on the bed and began the difficult task of maneuvering them onto my feet.
From the corner of my eye, I watched Arch stride forward. He took the heels from my hand and crouched in front of me. I gawked up at Todd with wide eyes, chills traveling up and down my body. A mass of blazing flames filled my abdomen. Todd made a face while mouthing, “Oh, my dear baby antelopes,he’s putting your shoes on for you.” This statement was punctuated by the O shape of his mouth and his eyebrows dangerously close to vacating the top of his forehead.
Arch ran a finger along my inseam, causing a small snort to erupt from my mouth. He grinned up at me. He knew the effect he had on my body. Behind him, Todd bounced on his toes, nearly clapping in exhilaration. I tried to stop, but the laughter flowed.
With both feet safely ensconced, he placed one hand on my knee and used it to push himself to his feet. His hand lingered there for a moment before he offered it to help me stand.
