Concrete Angel

21

Lydia carried three Macy's bags as she entered Allison's house. Since she made Emma go shopping with her, she was willing to carry the bags.

"Clear your schedules," Lydia said. "This could take awhile."

She placed the bags on Allison's bed and Allison asked, "How many outfits do you plan on wearing tonight?"

Lydia met her eyes and shrugged. "It's my birthday party. I'm thinking host dress." She held up a grey-striped dress. "Evening dress, then, mm, after hours casual."

Emma sat, watching silently.

Allison said, "I noticed you didn't send out any invites."

Lydia shot Allison a look. "It's the biggest party of the year, Allison. Everyone knows."

Allison was silent for a moment. "I was wondering if maybe this year, you know, might be different."

"Why would anything be different?"

"Just 'cause things have been off lately. Things and people. Like Jackson."

Lydia's voice took on an icy tone. "What do you care about Jackson?"

Emma glanced up and said, "Is he coming? He was a big part of your life."

Lydia frowned. "Everyone's coming." She held a beige dress to her body. "This one's America rag. Mm, I love it. For me, not you. Emma, this is yours." She handed Emma the white dress she'd picked. "This one would make you look almost angelic. It's for you." She offered Allison a floral print dress and turned to see Allison's mom. "Ms. Argent. What do you think of this one?"

Mrs. Argent nodded half-heartedly. "Oh, it's lovely. Allison, uh, can I grab you for a moment to talk? Just the two of us."

Allison didn't look up. "Um, can we do it later?"

"Actually, uh, to be honest, sooner would be -- would be better."

Emma frowned, realizing the short-haired woman wanted to say goodbye to her daughter.

"Party's at 10:00," Lydia said.

Mrs. Argent licked her lips. "Um, will you be around before then?"

Allison let out a sigh. "I think so."

"You think so."

"I don't know."

Emma shot Allison a look. "You should talk to her. Don't be a bitch to her."

Allison turned to Emma and narrowed her eyes. "I'll talk to her when I feel like it."

"You best it soon."

Allison's eyes narrowed further. "Don't tell me what to do. Why don't you talk to your mom and resolve whatever issues you have with her."

Emma grabbed the dress Lydia had given her and stood. Her jaw tightened and her eyes welled up. She wiped away a tear and said, "Happy birthday, Lydia."

"Thank you, Emma," Lydia replied, looking at her friend worrisdly.

After a moment, Lydia let out a sigh and said, "That was a bitchy thing to do." She pulled out another one. "Oh, I guess that black one would fit. All right, here you go." She handed the dress to Allison and cocked her head. "No, it's too much."

Allison smiled. "I think I like it."

"You like it?"

She nodded. "Yeah, no, I do. Happy birthday."

She smiled at her. "Oh, thank you. I actually appreciate that."

They arrived at Lydia's house, and Emma showed up a short while later and heard a voice say, "Or maybe nobody's coming because Lydia's turned into the town whackjob."