Beauty & the Geek

Chapter 13

Shopping is not just an act; it's a sensory journey. The touch of leather, the caress of cashmere, the sight of vibrant fabrics, it's all a feast for the senses. It's like the first bite of a warm, gooey brownie after days of starving. The pleasure is instant, the gratification is real, and it's far more satisfying than waiting for words of praise that may never come.

Maddy, a young woman with a penchant for fashion, always managed to find something she desired. This time was no different. As she ran her fingers over a luxurious red cashmere scarf, she couldn't help but confess, "I have a weakness for new clothes. If I could treat myself to a fresh outfit every day for a year, I'm certain I wouldn't have a single reason to feel blue anymore."

Aunt Gertrude paused mid-stretch, her arms loaded with clothes, as she reached for a cozy grey and white striped sweater. She turned to her niece, wondering, "Why are you depressed?"

As Maddy wrapped the vibrant plaid scarf around her neck, she couldn't help but voice her inner turmoil. "My dad is in the hospital, and I'm a mess. I'm lost about college and graduating without ever having a boyfriend or a real kiss. It's a pitiful state of affairs, really."

Sensing Maddy's distress, Gertrude handed over the pile of clothes to a helpful service girl, who swiftly took them to the cash register. Then, she enveloped Maddy in a comforting embrace, her voice filled with reassurance. "Let's tackle these issues one by one, my dear. Remember, you're not alone in this. Family is here for you."

The two took the dresses the blonde was carrying to the dressing room. As Maddy changed into one of them, she could hear her aunt speaking from the other side of the door, offering opinions and suggestions. "First, let's consider your father. Yes, he's wounded and laid up in the hospital. But he's alive. We cling to that. And it's not your responsibility to always tend to him."

"But I'm his daughter," Maddy reminded her aunt, reaching for the zipper.

Gertie replied, her voice filled with wisdom. "You are his daughter but also a young woman with dreams and ambitions. I know Bob, and I can tell you he wouldn't want you to put your life on hold for him. He'd want you to live your life to the fullest. Now, that doesn't mean you should stop visiting him. It just means living, Madison, and pursuing your own happiness is okay. There's nothing wrong with that."

Maddy emerged from the dressing room and faced the expansive wall of mirrors, taking in her reflection from every angle. Her expression soured as the dress was all wrong. While pretty, it swallowed her figure, and Aunt Gertrude agreed, giving it a thumbs down.

As Maddy changed, Gertie delved into the second issue. "Moving on to the topic of college. Mom mentioned that you've received acceptance letters from top universities nationwide. We all recognize your intelligence, so what specifically is causing you concern in this situation?"

Hanging the ill-fitted dress on the hanger, Maddy explained, "Again, my father. I don't want to go away to college only to have him wake up alone, or worse, he could die, and I wouldn't know it."

"That makes sense," Gertie said with concern. "But I also think it's important for you to pursue your college education. Bob was passionate about you getting your degree, which is why he set up the college fund for you. So what about a compromise? Have you thought about enrolling in the community college in Muncie? It may not be as prestigious as Yale, but you'll earn the same degree for a lot less and be home every day."

Maddy hesitated for a moment before admitting, "No, I haven't thought of that." As she stuffed her arms through the sleeves of another dress, her mind wandered down rabbit trails regarding community college. It's the perfect solution!