The Originators

CHAPTER 17: IS THERE EVER A SURE THING? I. BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO (LAURA)

I.

In one of the bedrooms, overlooking the lake, I take a small sip of champagne. I hate champagne. A good thing, right.

"Cass." I put the glass down, walking over to her, I survey, lovely. "The hair needs to be pulled a little higher to emphasize the coronet. Where did you find the dress?"

I move back to the window, sky overcast, sailboats heading back to shore, a few cruisers sit waiting, not yet sure when to head for shore. Waiting too, are the swans below, treading in the lake's backwash and leftovers. They paddle between the small interlocking marshes, threaded, forested with water lilies, rushes, and reeds, pondering a possible move.

The cruisers and swans appear to have one thing in common; indecision.

"Poll said some relative had been saving it for him in case he ever got married. It's like nothing I've seen before."

"It's magical." I agree.

The dress' spun fibers stand alone, juxtaposing the illusion of unity. The underlying pattern is threading; suspends drops of diamond-like crystals.

When Cass moves, her frock builds a vision of silvery clouds and the Moon, and then it seems she's bathed in a golden sun and stars. The dress floats on her.

She's so happy.

My parents are hosting Cass and Poll's wedding. Cass' parents have been dead for years. I know nothing about Poll's parents except Merc; now established as his younger, half-brother.

"Let's go. I want to get married Laura."

"Hang on. I just have to take another sip of water." I carry my glass over to the pitcher of water; my purse is right next to it. I quickly open the purse; pulling out a pill box. I place two on my mouth, throw water in my mouth and tilt my head back. I hate taking pills. However, as Solomon and I agreed, I have to prepare myself.

"What are you doing Laura? Are you taking drugs?"

I turn. Cass is staring at me, eyes wide, pupils dilating, brows lift. "Since when are you a drug addict? I've been watching you for the last two weeks." Her voice increases in volume, pitch; she throws a hand on her hip, "You are constantly taking pills or hanging out with Solomon in stairwells. I actually thought I saw him injecting something into you."

"Cass, this is your wedding day. Don't worry about what I'm doing. It's to guarantee we all survive. Today is not about work. Today is about you and Poll. Never stop trusting me, ever."

Cass stares at me. Her mouth trembles ever so slightly; nerves tickled by doubt, then guilt. "Laura. I'm sorry. How could I even question you, my very best friend?"

"Get over it; let's get you married."

Cass suddenly skips, twirling her mystical dress, the gold laurel crown perched atop her curling auburn hair. The only other jewelry is something she said Merc gave to her. A pair of faceted, beryl heliodor cuffs circle her wrists. I knew they were real, probably from Madagascar. When the light hit them, the gems are the most perfect moss green, rippling with the darkest depths of the Lake Tyrus; occasionally heaving when hit with sunlight.

"I'm marrying my true love. Hah! Sing our song Laura. Sing the song.

We saw Snow White so many years ago; sadly, or maybe not so sadly, Cass, was always certain her prince would come.

"Fine." I grab her hands. We circle around the room, waltzing, singing,

"Someday my prince will comeSomeday we'll meet againAnd away to his castle we'll goTo be happy forever I know 
Some day when spring is hereWe'll find our love anewAnd the birds will singAnd wedding bells will ringSome day when my dreams come true"