31 Days of Halloween

Enchanted Things

 Why do you always wait until the last minute? She questioned herself. Standing in the middle of 'Enchanted Things,' a new antique and consignment shop, she searched frantically for a vintage dress and hat for her costume. Anja Brennan dug through the racks of clothes, her hunt for a particular style – gothic, dark, and beautiful.

Her eyes were repeatedly drawn to the display case holding various pieces of jewelry. Come on, you need a dress, not jewelry, she chastised herself. The woman behind the counter, an eclectic mix of Bohemian gypsy and Victorian grace, watched her. A combination which while surprising, somehow fit the woman perfectly.

"Is there something I can help you find?" the woman asked her.

"I'm looking for a long, dark, gothic style dress, black, with red maybe, lace," she paused, "I'm afraid I've procrastinated for too long."

"Oh, Dearie, follow me, we just received a piece I believe will work, and it seems it might be just your size."

Stunned amazement filled Anja's voice, "Really? That would be amazing!"

"I'm Drina. Welcome to Enchanted Things, I think you'll be pleased with your decision to come in today."

"Nice to meet you, Drina, I'm Anja. You might be correct, especially if this dress is everything you've described," she smiled politely. In the back of her mind, she couldn't help but be pessimistic.

Watching with bated breath, she waited for the silver-haired woman to part the curtains to the storage room. Drina pushed the flowing purple, and orange layered chiffon curtains to the side. Anja inhaled sharply as her next breath locked in her chest. She couldn't find words to describe what was before her.

"Drina, I...I don't know what to say," she murmured.

The dress, a deep, dark, ruby red, floor length, with a corseted bodice, off the shoulder, black lace overlay down the front and the length of the sleeves. The neckline a beautiful black lace, and fitted sleeves which flowed from the wrists with ruby chiffon while cascading ruffles encircled the waist. Anja thought she would cry, it was beautiful beyond anything she could have imagined finding.

"It truly is an amazing gown, Drina."

"My suspicions were correct – it was perfect for you. Well, come on, child. Let's try it on. Although we probably don't have to, I believe it will fit like a glove."

Nervous, Anja stepped toward the small bathroom in the back of the shop. Afraid she had found the perfect dress and now wouldn't be able to wear it. Not to mention, the price, which they hadn't discussed. This had to be out of her budget, especially for a Halloween costume.

As she struggled in the cramped room, she knew her fears had come to fruition. The dress was too tight. Opening the door to inform Drina, she caught sight of the woman, her long, silver and white hair blowing behind her as if in a breeze. The words she spoke were imperceptible. Grasping the handle on the door, she quietly pulled it close.

"Be right with you, child."

Drina's voice sounded odd, but that didn't bother her as much as the woman's hair blowing in the nonexistent wind. Beginning to step out of the dress, she frowned in the mirror. Never had she seen a dress of any kind that compared to this one. A light rap on the door told her Drina was there.

"Thank you for all of your help, and the dress is beautiful, but it's too tight. It will look lovely on someone, though."

"Now, now, we're having none of that. I think we should try it again and see what we have. Let me help you," Drina told her. A glint of light sparked in her eye, "Arms up!"