Tomorrow

Chapter Eight

I heave in a huge breath and feel a tight tug from behind.

This dress wasn't going anywhere.

"There. I think it's all set. Turn around for me, sweetheart." The seamstress says excitedly.

I slowly turn around and nearly fall off of the platform. I suck in my gut and feel my face flush.
"I-I think it's too tight."

"Hmm...it does look that way. Turn back for me, please."

I turn around and feel a cloud of comfort arise as she unravels the ribbon to the dress. I examine the dressing room around me as she made adjustments. Mom had finally beat me in my own game and dragged me downtown to a dress boutique for Shirley's bridesmaid fitting. I thought that the dress looked pretty cute when I first saw it. Not on me, of course. Only when it was on the rack.

It was a light coral color, with white pearls lining the white ribbon of the dress, and stopping mid waist. It was knee length and had a bit of volume around the skirt. It was also a collared and sleeveless dress, so I didn't have to worry about any wardrobe malfunctions during the ceremony. I liked Shirley's taste. Simple, yet classy.

"Ok, sweetheart. How does it feel now?" The seamstress calls me out of my daze, and I reply with a thumbs up.

"You can turn around now."

I slowly turn to face the mirror, and I see a stranger staring back at me. Well, it was me, but it didn't feel like me. This girl looked happy and warm. I felt tired and stressed beyond compare. But at this moment, I felt like the Quinn when Dad was still here.

"You look amazing. I knew your Mother made the right choice." I tilt my head to the side and to see the star of the show. Shirley glowed, no, sparkled with excitement. She looked so happy.

I slowly step down from the platform and approach Shirley with open arms.

She gives me a tight and welcoming hug and steps back to observe me. A few of the other bridesmaids had stepped out of their changing rooms to see Shirley, but instead stopped to look at me as well. This was getting embarrassing. I felt like a sculpture being displayed in a museum. To break the awkward silence, I turn back towards the seamstress and start heading towards her. I sit down on the chair next to the platform and the ladies began to separate from their sightseeing bonanza.

"Shirley. I am so glad to see you. I really appreciate you letting me be a part of your wedding. I really do. I feel a little hot in here, though."

"Quinn, you will always be a part of our family. I appreciate the fact that I have such a beautiful bridesmaid."

"Oh, I wouldn't go that far. But thanks, Shirley." I look down at my beautiful dress, and then down to my weary and tired feet.
"Um, do you mind if I step out a bit? I just need some fresh air."

"That's perfectly fine. You've been here since this morning. Take all of the time you need." She smiles at me brightly and waves goodbye as she walks back to her fitting room.

I breathe out a huge sigh of relief and quickly hurry to change.
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Once changed, I take my phone and head out the door. I see a bench nearby, and decide to sit down and relax my feet.

I look down at my phone.

NO NEW MESSAGES

Phew. If Miko or Kat had called and somehow found out I was in a bridal boutique, I wouldn't hear the end of it.

I put my phone in my pocket and cross my arms lightly across my chest. The warm sun and light breeze were drifting me off to sleep. I slowly and wearily close my eyes....