Safety

Chapter 19

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Soundtrack

Cold Water - Justin Bieber
So take a deep breath and let it go
You shouldn't be drowning on your own

***

Later in the week, I come home to hear a racket coming from the master bedroom, as if someone were rustling through our things.

Cautious, I pick up the heaviest thing I can find nearby (which happens to be a bookend in the shape of a lion) and lift it over my shoulder, ready to swing it at a possible invader.

I tiptoe into the room, only to find my mother rifling through her closet, mumbling to herself in frustration.

"Mom?" I chuckle, setting the bookend down as I venture closer. "Are you alright?"

She snaps her gaze up just as she grasps a garment bag, a light of accomplishment flashing in her eyes.

"I'm fine," she assures. "Actually, I'm glad you're here."

"What's in the bag?" I question.

Suddenly nervous, she glances hesitantly at the bag before looking back at me.

"I heard you were letting Tyler take you to the Winter Formal-" at the surprised look on my face, she chuckles and says, "Jace told me."

"Of course he did," I laugh.

"Well, it's this weekend, and while I have no problem buying you a new dress, I thought that all the good ones might be taken. I had this hanging in my closet anyways, and thought maybe you'd like to try it on?"

Her voice is surprisingly timid as she explains. Things haven't ever been smooth between us, and I take as an extended olive branch.

"Can I see it?" I ask, tentatively taking the opaque bag from her. I pull the zipper down, effectively freeing the dress from its confinement.

And what a dress it is.

The dress itself is a crème color, but the royal blue overlay gives the entire gown an azure glow. There are intricate blue details from the sweetheart neckline to just below the hips, where the fabric falls to the floor.

In all honestly, it reminds me of a snowflake in its design. What better to wear to a winter dance?

"Oh, Mom," I sigh, unable to tear my eyes away from it.

"You hate it?" she says quickly, stretching her hands out to pull it away.

"No! The opposite," I assure, hugging it to my chest. "I'm going to go try it on. Give me a second."

I rush into the bathroom, unzipping the dress and stepping into it eagerly.

"Do you need help?" she calls after a minute or two.

"Just a little," I respond, opening the door and turning around to give her access to the zipper. It slides up with ease.

I don't have to look at myself in a mirror to know this is the dress I'll be wearing to the formal. It fits perfectly, hugging all the right places without being too tight.

"I love it," I say softly, turning to let her see.

She grins as she looks me over. "You may look even better in it than I did."

I look down at myself, twirling side to side to see the fabric spiral around my legs.

"When did you say you wore it?" I ask her, raising an eyebrow.