Regrets

Part 17

Heather had no expectations when she agreed to go on a date with Ray. On the other hand, her niece Jenifer was very excited. She arrived at Heather's place early in the morning.

"Aunt Anne, you need to prepare yourself for tonight. I am here to help. "

" Jen, exactly how old are you?"

" Aunt Anne, I am old enough to understand love. "

" Silly, you need to focus on your studies"

" Aunt, do not tell dad, I hate studies. I wish I was born in olden days as a princess and married my Prince and live happily ever after.

Heather saw her younger self in Jen. Now she knows all childhood fantasies are not reality. Reality is gruesome.

" Jenifer, those stories are outdated. Women shouldn't wait for a prince. They have to become the brave queen who can fight and save their kingdom and also the prince.

" If you are not interested in studying, pursue a career in whatever you like.

" I am into fashion designing but dad and mum will never allow it".

I will speak to them. You just follow your heart.

"Aunt Anne, why do you wear such loose-fitting clothes?

Heather then noticed herself. With the stress of opening a business, she didn't notice her own weight loss... This did give her motivation and she started waking every morning for two hours.

"Do you want to go shopping with me? Heather asked Jenifer.

" Yes, she jumped out of happiness.

Heather then regretted her decision. Jen chose everything for her. The dresses were different styles to what she wore.

"Aunt Anne, trust my choice. You will look stunning in these."

They had lunch outside. Heather missed Rose very much. She was the opposite of Jen. Rose was timid but focused on her goals. She was initially upset with Rose but understood her love for her father. She loved both her children and vowed to be strong for them. She never asked Rose about her father or what was going on between them. Heather never received her father's love and time, she did not want to deprive Rose of that. Parents never want their children to go through the struggles which they face in life.

It was late afternoon when Heather arrived back.

"Looks like aunt and niece were on a shopping spree" Caroline asked, looking at the bags in Heather's hand.

"Your daughter is a shopaholic".

"She learned from the best" Marry pointed at her mother.

"Caroline, I think Jenifer should do fashion design. She has very good taste."

Heather tried the modest dress from the clothes which Jen had chosen. She couldn't believe that it was her in the mirror. Her face had slimmed down significantly. There was still stubborn fat around her tummy, but after seeing her transformed she vowed that she would work out.

She was naturally beautiful. Her light gray eyes could take anyone's breath away. With little foundation and lipstick, she looked stunning. She had a natural blush on her cheeks and with cold weather, they would turn darker, enhancing her beauty.

When she came down, her staff at the café were all stunned.

"You should always dress up like this". Simon was the first one to cheer her up.

Heather genuinely smiled after months. Ray was blown away seeing Heather.

"My lady, please follow my lead" he offered his hand.