“It’s just that it’s giving auntie vibes. It’s cute, but I don’t think it’s you,” Aja continued to explain.
“What my big mouth twin is trying to say is, it’s a stunning gown, but we think you can do even better. Why don’t you try on the lavender gown?”
I turned towards the floor-length mirror positioned in front of the sofa. The twins, along with Yara, Raina, and August, were all staring at me, their faces similar. I felt embarrassment bubble within me and resisted the urge to bite my nails. I quickly tampered it down and tried to hide the grimace that had appeared on my face. They were right after all.
I forced a smile and dashed back to the dressing room to look for the lavender dress Janae mentioned. This dress was sleeveless, with an asymmetrical neckline with straps over one shoulder. The back wasn’t completely exposed, but people would still be able to see the large vertical scar that decorated my spine. The slit came up right above my knee and would expose the portrait of jagged scars I held there as well. I took a deep breath and walked back out into the showroom.
Dr. Beck persistently reminded me that my scars were proof that I was alive and how hard I fought to survive. He would tell me that my scars did not define me and that everyone had scars; some of them just weren’t as visible. I didn’t feel strong when I looked at my body. Instead, I felt ruined and soiled with the memory of that day. I survived, and I had to live with the guilt of doing just that every day.
This time, when I reached the sitting area, there was silence. This was the quietest they’d ever been since I arrived. Yara and the other two women made themselves busy to avoid the awkward silence that had descended upon the room.
I fidgeted with the fabric of the dress as I waited for them to speak. “What do you guys think?”
Aja and Janae both had tears in their eyes, and the sight of them had me shifting on my feet. I wasn’t sure how much Parker told them, if anything at all. I didn’t know what tosay, and seeing themthisupset was starting to make me feel uncomfortable.
The twins rose to their feet hurriedly and embraced me in their arms. Aja was the first to speak.
“You look absolutely beautiful, Willow.”
Janae sniffled as she agreed. “Stunning, actually. This color looks wonderful on your skin complexion.”
They didn’t ask any questions. They just hugged me tighter. After a minute, I relaxed into their embrace.
Relief washed over me. I was thankful that I wouldn’t have to lie more than I had to. My presence here was random and abrupt, yet they had shown me immense kindness. I didn’t have words for the emotions that swirled through me. All I knew was that I felt a little lighter surrounded by the Woods. For the first time in a long time, I wasn’t alone.
Aja and Janae managed to bring out a smile in everyone, despite the emotionally charged moment earlier. Yara, Raina, and August have turned on the music and are encouraging the impromptu fashion show that the twins enlisted me in. I modeled several dresses, each in a different cut, length, and style for them. I caught myself smiling and laughing along with them on more than one occasion, feeling a lightness I haven’t felt in a while.
Despite trying on at least twelve different gowns, all beautiful in their own way, the girls all agree that I should go with the lavender gown. Raina and August collected our glasses and began wheeling the dress racks away as Yara took our gowns to the back to be packaged and delivered after alterations were made.
The twins turn to leave, walking towards the door, but my feet stay rooted in place.
Did they pay for our dresses already? Shit. I should have checked the price tag in the fitting room.
I turned towards the counter where Yara stands typing on her computer. Before I could even open my mouth, she said, “Your dress has already been paid for, Ms.Norris.”
“I don’t understand,” I sputtered out and looked at the twins.
They both held up their hands, claiming innocence.
“We are not responsible for this,” they squeaked out.
“Mr. Parker Woods called ahead and gave me his card. He said to put whatever you wanted on it. You’ve got a good man, Ms. Norris.”
I must’ve looked like a fish out of water the way my mouth was opening and closing in shock.
“He’s not mine.” I stuttered out once I regained my composure. I heard the twins snickering behind me. “Uh, thank you, Yara,” I muttered as I turned around to flee towards the exit.
As soon as I made it onto the sidewalk, I pulled out my phone to call Parker. He answered on the second ring.
“Hey, Ev! Calling for a rescue?” he answered.
“No, uh. Hi.”
“Ev? What’s wrong? Are you okay? You sound weird.” He rushed out.
I palmed my face at his reaction, choosing that moment to look for William, my personal bodyguard. It didn’t take long because he'd been my shadow since we got out of the car. His presence was probably the only reason I could smile today.
“No. I mean, yes! I’m completely fine,” I said quickly. “I just wanted to say thank you for the dress.”
