Old Scars, Future Hearts

21

Lydia carried three Macy's bags as she entered Allison's house. Since she made Marika 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."

Marika bounced her leg impatiently as she watched Lydia show off her dresses.

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?"

Marika glanced at Allison before she said, "She's just wondering if he's coming. He was a pretty huge part of your life, after all."

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. Marika, the is yours." She handed Marika the blue dress she'd picked. "This one's material girl. It's for you." She offered Allison a floral print dress. She 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."

Marika frowned, realizing Mrs. Argent 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."

Marika frowned. "I understand that you're mad at your mom, but you really should talk to her."

Allison turned to Marika and said, "I will eventually."

"Make it soon." She looked at her phone. "Dima needs me apparently. See you at your party, Lydia. Thanks for the dress. Allison, talk to your mom." She left the room and closed the door behind her.

"Thank you, Marika," Lydia said.

After a moment, Lydia let out a sigh and said, "Let's get back to the dresses." 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 Marika and Dmitri showed up a short while later and heard a voice say, "Or maybe nobody's coming because Lydia's turned into the town whackjob."