False Starts

In-between

MOIRA Dunham stood in front of the standing mirror next to Abbie, her eyes looking overly bright, her lips pressed together in an attempt to keep her from crying. 

      “Mom, don’t,” Abbie pleaded. “You’ll ruin your make-up and it’s almost time.” She gestured to the attendant standing by, who quickly grabbed a box of tissues Abbie had stocked in the room for just this occasion.

Moira pulled out a couple and dabbed at her eyes. “Shut up, Abigail, that’s what they invented waterproof mascara for,” she said, but tried harder to compose herself. “I just can’t believe it. Look at you. You look stunning. So glamorous.”

“Your mama’s right, baby girl,” her dad piped up. Joseph Dunham was standing beside the mirror, smiling widely at Abbie. “Something she always likes to hear. I am joking!” he added quickly when his ex-wife shot him a look. “But she is. You look wonderful.”

“Thanks,” Abbie said, looking from her dad to her mom. “But do I look happy?”

Both her parents’ smiles got wider.

“Honey, I don’t think you could look any happier,” said Moira, “even if you tried.” Joseph nodded his head in agreement.

Abbie felt a lump form in her throat and she was afraid she was going to start needing the tissues herself in a moment. She took a deep breath and swallowed away the lump. Must control my feels, she thought to herself. She didn’t think she could sit through another make-up session. “Thank you, both of you,” she intoned. “Please try not to kill each other today.” They all laughed and it was easier to breathe after that.

      It was when her mother was placing the veil on her head when someone knocked on the door. Her dad went to open it and was surprised at who he found standing on the other side.

      “Baby girl, someone’s here to see you,” Joseph called over his shoulder.

      Abbie turned to the newcomer and smiled tearfully. “I knew you’d find me,” she said, almost resignedly, but she couldn’t deny that she was happy to see him.