One Journey, the Final

Chapter 10:

                Before I knew it the appointment day had come. I got up extra early so I could quickly get ready and leave my mother enough time to get ready. We had to be at Kleinfeld by 10:00am and check-in would take a while as well as the camera crew. I quickly took a shower, my hair quickly curling as it dried. I curled back a few off pieces and brushed on some makeup. By 8:00 I was done and ready. My mom soon got up after that to get ready. I could feel the anticipation running through my veins as I tried to slowly sip my cup of orange juice. I had not allowed myself to drink coffee the day after Harry proposed to me. I had feared that the day of the wedding would come, and I’d have brown teeth for all the pictures. The juice was alright, and I had gotten used to it, and it would have to do. Around 9:30 my mother came downstairs bright eyed and smiling. I looked up above the brim of my glass of juice, and she looked like she was glowing.

                “Sweetheart, I’ve been anticipating this moment for a while. It’s a great time for a mother and daughter to bond, and I just want you to know, that I want you to pick the dress because you like it, I’m happy when you’re happy. I don’t want to be a Mother of the Bride Monster,” she said, walking over to hug me. She squished me tightly, knocking the air out of me. I patted her shoulder lovingly. We then rushed into the car to get to Kleinfeld. When we got there, there was a buzz of many excited brides fantasizing about their perfect dress. Immediately we signed in, waiting for my consultant, Melinda. The wait took about half an hour. I browsed many bridal magazines as I sat on a very comfortable loveseat next to my mother. Her leg was shaking in impatience. I tried to stay calm and collected, but I could hardly contain myself. After the thirty minutes passed, we were directed to the seating area of our appointment, and out walked Melinda.

                “Hello I’m Melinda, and I’ll be your consultant today!” Melinda said brightly. I shook her hand, and she countered with a hard shake. “Don’t mind the cameras. They’re just a part of the Say Yes to the Dress experience. They’ll be recording all the important moments in this beautiful experience for you to have and to hold for the rest of your life,” she said. I felt like she was reciting vows for a marriage to my dress. I forced a half smile. Truthfully though, she was scaring me. “They should start recording in about two minutes. That’s when I’ll walk in to introduce myself to you and your family. And then, we’ll start our search to look for the most important dress of your life!” Her teeth were sparkling in the light, practically blinding my vision. I thought this experience would be a lot easier. I was instead being smothered by my consultant. Melinda then continued to talk about things I should know about wedding dresses, but I tuned her out. I had a feeling that this appointment was going to be really long, and really stressful. Before I knew it the two minutes were up and we were rolling camera. Melinda strutted into our secluded spot and went through the introductions again.

                “…And you must be the bride?” She said, sticking her hand out again, willing me to shake it. I timidly took it and said,

                “Yes, I’m the bride. My name is Annabel Price, and I’m here to find my wedding dress today. My fiancé is Harry Styles. He’s the most romantic and funny guy I’ve ever met. I love him, and I can’t wait to be married to him,” I recited. Melinda smiled.

                “Well I’m honored to be able to help you. Do you have a price point you’d like to stay at?” My stomach churned. Harry had offered to pay for the dress, but I couldn’t bring myself to let him do that. I’m sure though, somehow he’d find a way to do it.

                “Uh…I’d like to spend no more than $3,000.” I said shakily. Melinda smiled, trying to encourage me. She then guided me to the dressing room. I undressed and got into a silk bathrobe. We sat down on little couches and began talking.