Till Eternity

Chapter 3: THE CARNIVAL

It was a beautiful day. The sun shone and the warm rays touched Lorrie's delicate skin while she lay on her cosy bed with the roasted coffee she'd made earlier. She stared out of the glass window from there, thinking how her mornings suddenly became so lonely and how, when Dave was still there, she'd taken these small details, for granted.

She longed to share these beautiful days and the activating yet delicious coffee with someone. Someone, who shared a mutual love for the sound of chirping birds and found the shining sun magnificently beauteous .She wanted someone who'd play with her hair while she read her favorite books and tell her, she looked beautiful ,even when she knew she looked hideous. These thoughts made Lorrie groan and pull the blanket over her head. She stayed like that for at least a minute, until there was a soft knock at her door. It was Zoey. The mere sight of her tiny angel in pony tails and her white 'I'm cute' shirt made her smile.

'Mommy, today we have a school ca-carniveel', Zoey said in a troubled tone.

'Baby, You have a carnival today? Why didn't you tell me before?', Lorrie said, holding Zoey's baby face in her hands so their eyes met.

'Because I have a play and I don't want to go! I'm scared. I don't want anyone to laugh at me if I go wrong', she said gloomily.

'OH HONNEY, that's nothing to be afraid of! Give it your best and you'll do great. Mommy's gonna be there for her princess' , Lorrie said giving her a tight hug, followed by a kiss.

'Thank-you mommy! Miss Manny told me to reach by 10:00 am.' Zoey said, face bright with excitement.

The next hour, Lorrie dressed Zoey for her role of 'Goldie locks'. Lorrie let her chose whichever dress she wanted to wear and she wisely chose a silk sky blue frock, which, she'd worn on her birthday last year. It had a black bow in the middle and the silk fabric made the dress flow elegantly when she walked. Later, Lorrie curled her golden hair, so that they'd bounce like springs attached to her scalp. She loved how Zoey was such a calm child, Sitting patiently while her mother did her hair, not complaining once. After her hair was well set and sprayed, Lorrie did her makeup and realised that it was Zoey's first time. She was so excited that she ran to her mother's room to get the things and fell on the stairs 'I'M ALRIGHT!', A scream followed. Her lips were perfectly heart shaped and glossy pink, her huge eyelashes covered in thick mascara and her flawless cheeks light pink with blush-on. She looked like a china doll, wearing the silk dress with so much flair and her hair, perfectly made. 'All the boys will go mad for my girl when she grows up', Lorrie teasingly laughed.

In about an hour, all the girls packed up in the car and Lorrie drove to the venue. Reaching there, Sarah spotted her friends and rushed to them, while Lorrie and Jessica dropped Zoey to her teacher. Then, they went to visit all the stalls and bought themselves a gigantic candy floss, which proved to be exceptionally delightful! Lorrie spotted a photo booth and they went there. They took some crazy pictures after getting hold of which, followed uncontrollable laughter. Jessica, then insisted to have a ride on the roller coaster and so, they did. Judging by her mother's look, Jessica could bet that she was scared as hell so, she held her close to her and calmed her down. The whole ride was followed by Lorrie's screams, Jessica's laughter and both of their "WHHHOOOO's"!

It felt great spending time with her mother and making her feel good. It had been Jessica's plan after all. She'd told Zoey to participate so that they could bring mom to the carnival and spend some quality time, rather than staying home all day and rotting. It was finally a good Saturday after weeks of depressing days and nights. Feeling proud of her, choice Jess patted herself.

An announcement was made to gather at the main stage so that they could witness their kids perform on different skits. The mere sound of this bought a wide smile on Lorrie's face and Jessica felt like all her troubles had vanished, for a single second. How she wished to see that more often.

They were seated and there were tons of people, trying to get a proper seat so they could get a decent look at their children. Zoey's skit 'Goldie locks and the three bears' was 3rd and Lorrie couldn't wait for it, after all, it was the first time she'd witness her girl perform, in front of such a huge audience! Jessica was bored, as any teen would be and all she could think of was when her little sister's turn would arrive. Soon, an announcement for the third skit was made and suddenly, Lorrie sat up straight and looked alert, breathing increased. This sight made Jessica smile. There stood Zoey, looking like a troubled Barbie, trying to spot her mom. Realising this, Lorrie stood up and screamed 'WE'RE HERE LOVE', waving. Seeing her mother, Zoey promptly smiled and waved back.

Zoey said her lines ever so elegently and acted with so much devotion, perfectly in character, until the worst thing happened. When the papa bear introduced himself, she ran to him and held her tight,saying 'I MISS YOU PAPA'. Hearing this, Lorrie's hands trembled, eyes watered and she sat there stunned. Jessica frantically looked at her mother's terrified face and patted her soft hands, trying to make the situation tolerable. The next minute, the teacher came to the stage and whispered something in her ears and wiping her tears like a brave girl, she continued the act.

When everything was done, Zoey's teacher bought her to Jessica. She came running towards her sister and hugged her as tight as she could. Lorrie and Jess began complimenting her, 'darling you were great! Mommy's so proud of her little girl!', Her mother kissed her, which left a red lipstick mark on her cheek. None of them uttered their disregard for the 'papa' act she performed and said all the right things to make her confident. 'Thanks mum, I love you!' she said, wiping the smudge off her sensitive skin.

They held hands and walked towards the car until Sarah came along and complimented her sister on being great. She didn't seem to realise what impact she's made on the audience and their mother but, all was well, for at least, they'd made her smile. That's what mattered the most, considering how messed up everything had been for them.