Here we go again! I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and I hope you all enjoy this chatper.
Lief is a brand new OC and I hope you all like him.
Enjoy the update!
Kyle and Autumn sat next to each other in the back seat of the red Mustang as the mall came into view. In her lap, Autumn held the garment bag that contained the dress she would be wearing to the Christmas dance which was only a few days away. Kira had suggested she bring it with her so that Alma could help her accessorize.
She was a little nervous as she wasn't used to shopping for girly stuff. This would be a first for her. Before, she'd been content with the dress and a pair of shoes.
She had no idea what to expect.
Kyle gently squeezed her hand as if he could read her mind. "I'll be with you…it'll be fun."
Autumn smiled back and squeezed his hand in answer…then looked straight head.
Minutes later, they'd successfully found a parking spot…on the fourth floor of the parking garage. Connor put the car in park, walked around to Kira's side and opened the door for her.
Grinning, she took his hand and allowed him to help her out of the car. Kyle watched them for a moment and hurried to follow his example. Autumn was surprised when he did and was completely confused as to what to do…but then she saw Kira give her an encouraging look. And so, she accepted Kyle's help.
As they walked to the elevator that would take them to the entrance, Kyle saw Connor grab Kira's hand and he did the same. As he did, he couldn't help but notice the small smile on Autumns face.
Just like the first time, Alma was waiting for them, having been alerted by Connor as to their plan hours before.
"You're back again, I see. Did you enjoy you're night out last night?"
Kira grinned. It was wonderful. That dress I wore last night was wonderful…it really did feel good to dress up for once!"
Alma smiled. That's wonderful Dearie." Then she looked at the younger girl and boy. "Now, then, whom have you brought me this time?"
"This is Autumn Park and her date, Kyle De Santos. Their like adopted siblings to us…she's got a dress, but her mom and I felt that she could use something more to the outfit. You helped me out and I know you can help her too."
The aging miracle worker gave the girl a speculative look. I'm sensing that there's more to this visit then meets the eye. But let's just focus on you.
She smiled encouragingly at her young client.
"Now, why don't you all come into the back room and show me what we're working with."
Autumn couldn't help but feel safe once she walked further into the dress shop and into the back room. Alma seemed to give off the kind of vibe that immediately soothed her nervousness and made her feel at home.
Once they were all seated comfortably, Alma started in without preamble. "Now then dear, won't you show me your dress."
Autumn held up the dress bag and pulled the zipper down. Kira helped her to pull out the dress.
Alma cocked her head to the side. I've seen that dress before…where did your mother get it?"
At Rosie's Formal Wear. It's the same dress shop everyone else get's their dresses and tuxes.
I see." Alma said Now I know I recognize it. Several years ago I submitted a dress design that looked just like this one..only it was meant for thicker fabrics."
"You designed this dress?"
"Just the pattern dear. I meant for this to be made in satins and brocade. But this one is just as beautiful. This wasn't how I envisioned the dress but it's a masterpiece all the same. Kira was right to bring you here."
Autumn was graced with another smile from the proprietess as she rose. "Dear, would you mind putting the dress on for me? You can use the dressing room in there. I'll be right back."
Autumn nodded slowly and ducked behind the curtain. Seconds later, Alma returned with the same tray of water and finger sandwiches. Once she did that, she addressed Autumn.
"Dear, do you need any assistance?"
"My zipper's stuck. I think I may have torn something."
Alma tisked. "Well, don't worry about it dear. Let me take a look." Once, behind the curtain, she saw that Autumn was in the dress but the zipper had snagged a little. I think I may have gained a little weight."
Alma examined the little white zipper. Nope it's not snagged…but it looks a little tight. But it's not because you've gained too much weight…you're body is still growing and filling out. But not to worry dear, I've just the solution for this predicament. Just sit tight honey, I'll be right back."
Minutes later, she was back with several white undergarments.
"Have you ever worn a corset Dearie?"
"No, I've never needed to…since I don't dress up very often."
"Well, there's a first time for everything. Now, this corset will pull your stomach in a bit and will help your dress to fit better. Now go ahead and take that dress off and we'll give this another try."
Minutes later, the pale purple corset was successfully laced up. Alma looked her over. "Can you still breath in this? We can't have you passing out in the middle of the dance."
"It's a little tight, but I'll be fine."
"Well, it's supposed to be a little tight, that's how it keeps your stomach in. Now, lets put the top on." To Autumn's surprise, the dress fit much easier.
"Better?" she asked.
Autumn grinned. "Yes, it looks a lot better."
"Good, now, lets get you back out there and start with the accessorizing." Grinning, she held back the curtain and allowed Autumn to step through.
Kyle had been anxiously awaiting her reappearance in the dress she'd be wearing.
What he saw was beyond what he'd imagined. The dress was two layered single shoulder dress with a sweetheart neck line. The bottom layer was white silk and the top layer was a sheer blue material that wrapped around from the back in uneven waves that clipped at the waist with a delicate looking snowflake.
"Wow, Autumn!" He said with awe in his voice. "You look amazing!"
Autumn blushed prettily and looked at her feet. "Mom bought it for me."
Connor chuckled at her softly and then looked at Kira. His soul mate grinned at back at him.
"It was an excellent choice and it's perfect for Christmas." Alma said in a knowledgeable tone. She paused for a moment giving it a calculating look. "In fact, I think I have just thing for it." Saying this, she walked to the front and came back a moment later with a young man who carried a big black jewelry show box.
"This is my adopted son, Leif. Once in a while, he comes in to give me a hand.
Leif was a tall teenager that had shaggy black hair and hazel eyes. Obviously a goth, he wore black silk shirt with green flames all over, bondage pants and black tennis shoes. Around his neck he wore a golden pendant that featured a dragon which grasped a green emerald in it's front claws.
"Hey, don't we go to school together?" Kyle asked. "I'm sure I've seen you around."
Leif gave him a crooked smile. "Yeah, but most days I hang around the science department with professor Cranston." At their surprised expression, he added. "There's a lot more to me then meets the eye. Goth I may be, but I know a lot more about biology and chemistry then about the latest album from System of A Down."
"You look more familiar to me now." Autumn said, "Uncle Billy talks about you a lot…and uncle Justin too."
"A lot of times I don't dress up this extreme either." Lief added. "I tend to dress down a bit to keep from violating the School's dress code. However, Saph and I have a date this afternoon.
"Speaking of which, I'm glad your still going to the dance…you shouldn't let that constipated female ruin stuff for you. She's just an attention ho…always having to be in the spot light."
He would have said more, except that Alma cleared her throat. Wearing a sheepish expression he apologized to his adopted mom.
"Sorry. I'll be quiet now."
Alma chuckled. "Open the box Leif. The teenager just nodded and opened the lid.
"This is the winter collection." She explained as she helped Autumn down from the pedestal. "It will look wonderful with your dress." She opened the lid revealing a delicate looking snowflake on a thin silver chain. The tiny crystals embedded in it glittered in the over head light.
Autumn gasped. "These are gorgeous!"
Alma chuckled and gently freed the chain from the black velvet. "They're not really big sellers as every one these days like the flowers and butterflies and hearts." The aging woman continued as she put the chain around the younger girl's neck. "But maybe these were destined for you." Once that was done, she showed her the matching earrings. "This is real silver, so it shouldn't give you any problems."
Autumn grinned as she put them in. "These are beautiful!"
Alma stood back to give her a once over. This is really coming along. But I think I have something else that will tie all of this together. She turned to Leif. Dear, would you go into the store room and bring out that box with the silver hair collection to me?"
Leif nodded his head, handed the box to his Mom, and walked to the back door. Before long, he returned with the right box and took the lid off.
Autumn's eyes widened. "Are those diamonds?"
"Nope, just more crystal," the proprietor said as she picked up the hair clips. However, these will look just beautiful in your hair. Moreover, they will really compliment the dress." The clips she held were little crystalline poinsettias. "If you take these to your hairdresser, she'll be able to put them in for you just right."
Leif spoke up again offering his mom a blue sparkly shawl and plain white sandals. "What do you think Mom?"
Alma grinned. "My dear, I do believe I'm rubbing off on you. I couldn't have picked better finishing touches then these." She gently wrapped it around Autumn's shoulders while Kira helped her with the sandals.
Once all was done, she got back up on the pedestal and took a good long look at herself.
Who was that beauty in the mirror.
There's no way that this is me…
As if reading her mind, the elderly woman chuckled. "You, my dear are all set for the dance."
In the mirror, Autumn could see Kyle staring at her. She turned and looked at him, blushing furiously.
Kyle only grinned wider. You look amazing, Autumn, there's no way that cheesy cheerleader can one up you now."
"It's gonna take more then a nice dress and bling to show her up. Everyone knows what I am…"
"No, they don't young lady." Alma stated firmly. You've kept the most beautiful part of you hidden inside."
Autumn looked at her in shock.
There's more to me than meets the eye, child. When I was young, my parent's boarded a family of Japanese refugees. I used to watch the father and mother exercise every morning. They were both so very graceful in their movements and they could always sense what each other was doing and they moved together as if they were one entity. One day, I asked them to teach me…and they did willingly."
At autumns surprise, she chuckled.
Though I became very skilled in the Jujitsu, the most important thing I learned was balance…in all things. For all you're life, you've only shown the fighter in you…and you took no time to let the girl in you out to breathe and live.
You must find balance Autumn. You need to show all of them that you can be both warrior and beauty. The other thing I learned is that sometimes it's okay to let the man protect you. Fighting side by side in battle is one thing…but in times of peace, a man needs to be his the woman's hiding place."
"Thanks Alma. I'll remember that."
The elderly woman grinned as she began pulling out a receipt book and began writing out the list of things she was selling.
As she did that, Autumn retreated with Kira behind the curtain to get all the finery off. While Leif cleaned off the table and took the half empty tray away.
Kira came out not long after wards with Autumn and her dress in toe.
Leif stood ready behind the counter with a polishing cloth. As the items were rung up he cleaned and gave the jewelry one last polish and put them back into their cases and into some plastic bags.
Alma came up behind him and accepted the bags from him.
"So, when is your date with Sapphire?"
"She's helping her aunt today, so, she'll be out in a few minutes. I should probably go meet her now. I know better then to keep a lady waiting."
Alma chuckled. Good to know that some of my lessons sunk in."
Leif gave her half a hug. "Nah, I just can't wait to see her."
Connor held Kira's hand. "We're heading that way too. You can walk with us if you want."
Leif shrugged. "That's okay with me…but you know, Mom can hold the dress and stuff for you if you want, it'd be much easier."
Connor looked sheepish. "I didn't even think of that." he turned to Alma. "Would you mind?"
"Not at all, Dears. I know how big a trip this is for you guys. I'll just keep them safe in here. Please, enjoy the rest of the shopping trip."
Kyle grabbed Autumn's hand and they all walked towards the salon again.
Well, what didy ou think of Lief and the new twist on Alma's back story?
Leave me a nice review and once again, Merry Christmas!
Angel Grove Mall