The Scarwoods

Chapter 14

Lavender

She brought out the first dress. It was a long forest green gown, covered in sparkles. Amelia grabbed my hand and lead me towards the dressing room.

"Try this on darling. I think this would look perfect on you." She hung the gown on the wall and slid the current closed. I stood there, staring at the gown in front of me. It was breathtaking. It was a strapless, sweetheart neck gown that was tight fitted. I took off the dress and shoes I was wear and carefully stepped into the dress. It hugged my body perfectly. There was a slit in the right leg that went up almost to the top of my thigh. I felt my fingers running down the sides of the dress, the sparkles felt bumpy beneath my fingers. I was taken out of my trance as I heard a knock on the wall.

"Let me help you zip it up." Amelia peaked her head through the curtain and her eyes softened when she saw me.

"Does it look okay?" I asked as I moved my hair to the side, exposing my back for her to zip it up for me. I felt her slowly move the zipper up to the top before turning me around to look in the mirror. She stood behind me, placing her hands on my shoulders and smiled.

"Lavender, my dear girl. You look beautiful." I could feel the pride in her voice, and I followed her out to show Madam Dubois. She was standing with her back to us, shaking with excitement.

"D'accord, d'accord. Can I turn now?" Her excitement made me smile, her work was so beautiful. I felt honoured to be standing in this gown in front of her.

"Yes, I'm ready." I chuckled lightly as she turned around. Her eyes widened in shock.

"Oh mon dieux! C'est incroyable!" She exclaimed, rushing over to me. She pinched the gown to make sure there were no gaps, or extra space. She placed her hands on my shoulders as she stood in front of me. "You look perfect Lavender. Okay! Next dress!" She exclaimed before running off to the back of the shop to bring us another gown.

"Amelia, are you sure this is okay? This dress is incredible, and you've done so much for me?" Amelia smiled, and nodded.

"Lavender, you're family. It's not about how much we have done, it's about how much we love you. Remember that. And yes, we do need all these dresses. We have some...events coming up. I'm sure the next one she brings out will be even more extravagant so get ready." She giggled as she moved her way over to the couch to sit and wait. I stood there, admiring myself in the mirror waiting for Madam Dubois to come back out with the next dress.

"Okay, don't look this time. This one is a surprise. I will help you get into it." She stood behind a mannequin as I walked into the room and closed the curtain. I could hear the sound of her heels clicking as she approached the room. "Turn around, I will help you out of this dress." I did as I was told and turned away from the mirror as she unzipped the back. It slid down my body, and I carefully stepped out of it, cautious to not hurt it. I closed my eyes as she guided me into the next dress. I felt her fumble with the zipper as she slid it up the back of the dress.

"Open your eyes." She whispered into my ear as she stepped out of room and opened the curtain. I spun around and looked at myself in the mirror. I felt tears coming to my eyes.

"Amelia.." she stood up, and rushed over to me, embracing me in a hug. I have seen people get emotional over a dress, but I never thought I would be one of those people.

"Oh Lise. We don't need to try anymore on. Whatever you have picked out for her, we will take them all. You clearly know what you're doing." Madam Dubois clapped and grabbed a few more garment bags and placed them on the counter. Amelia handed me a handkerchief and I dabbed the tears off my face. I was dazed by the girl who stared back at me in the mirror.