Turning Tables

Dress

When I pushed the door open to my little house, saw dad quickly hide something behind his back. He was already dressed in his good clothes- a checked shirt and jeans. I ran up and hugged him. He smelt good- he doesn't often smell like soap, just on reaping days.
"Morning sweetheart." His hug was strangely lopsided because of the thing he was hiding behind his back.
"Morning Papa."
"I got you something special for reaping day today."
"Wow! Really?" I pretended to be surprised.
He pulled it out from behind his back. The papery gown just brushed the floor. It was a thin, white dress, simple but beautiful.
"Your mother's wedding dress." He got a little teary. Mother had died when I was three weeks old. I stared down at it in shock. This was a big thing.
"I'll..." I stuttered, "I'll go put it on." I swallowed.
"Thank you beautiful." He brushed my face. I walked into my room. I cleaned myself in some water and soap that dad had heated for me. I combed my hair back, trying to find a style that would suit the dress. Finally I tied it up with some ribbon into a bun. I cleaned my face one more time before putting on the dress. To be sensitive, I tied another ribbon around the waist in a bow. I felt a little self conscious. I don't get to wear things as beautiful as this.

I walked out to pa. His eyes watered again. He hugged me.
"Don't worry. You won't get pulled out." He rubbed my back.
We began the long walk to the town square.
Masses of people were waiting just outside the square. All solemn- all anxious- all well dressed. I saw Jeremy in an instant. He pulled at his collar, holding Indigo's hand, with Ruby close at foot. Jeremy's frail parents stood hugging Mary. Papa walked over to them, while I got closer to Jeremy.
"Ria!" Ruby and Indy squealed, running up to hug me. They were wearing pretty little dresses. Indy had been crying.
"You both look beautiful."
"We don't want to go Nike." Indy sobbed. I gave Jeremy a worried look. His eyes were rippling like a rock pool.
"You'll be fine."
Jer and I let the little girls hug their parents once more, then took them to their lines to get marked off. I let them have a moment with Jeremy while I hugged Papa goodbye. I turned back around to find Jer- when I felt something slam into my arm.
I turned to see a dark haired girl in a purple dress, with malice burning in her eyes.
"Nice dress," she laughed, "where'd you get it?"
I instantly lost my fear and anxiety. My mind and body recoiled.
"Does it really matter Lucy?" I spat, becoming instantly aggressive. She raised her eyebrows and sneered.
"Because you probably stole it from my mother's shop. Who knows what you and your idiot boyfriend get up to in the dark of the night."
There's a phrase "my blood boiled."
Well, my blood practically evaporated. I didn't know which insult to address first. The safest one... I guess.
"It was my mothers wedding dress. She designed and made it herself- and it's five times prettier than the ones your mother makes." I felt sick after I'd said it.
Lucy rolled her evil blue eyes, as her two shadows, Courtney and Fatima, rolled in behind her, sniggering at every word she said.
"And by the way- Jeremy isn't my boyfriend and he certainly isn't an idiot." I turned on my heel and headed in the opposite direction. This argument had gone on for years, and she - Lucy - was the ultimate bitch. I wasn't really looking, but I knew Jeremy was coming to hug me. He'd seen it. I just let him press my face into his chest.
"You know-"
"I know not to listen to her." I interrupted. He pushed my face up into his hands.
"You look beautiful Ria."
I smiled.
"Bye." I let go of his hand.