1148 words, this chapter
Chapter Eleven: Shopping for the Bridal Gown, Part 2
Jess came out in her first choice. "Ooh, a cat walk!" she cried, she jumped up the platform and strutted her stuff. The women laughed. She paraded down and stopped in front of the mirrors. She took a long look at herself. "I love it!" She turned to face the gallery. "Well?"
Silence.
"Uh-oh, that doesn't sound good," she said with a chuckle.
"You look like sherbet," said Melissa.
Her mother elbowed her.
Jess wore a short, lime sherbet colored dress, covered with brighter green rhinestones. The deep plunging neckline was lined with larger green jewels. The dress ended above the knees, in three rows of ruffles, speckled with more green rhinestones.
Abby laughed. "I think you look fine."
"Fine?" asked Jess. "That's it?"
"You look...lovely," said Emily. "It is not that different from another dress you have worn."
"Yeah, she's right," said Abby. "You wore one almost identical to this at that fundraiser last year."
"You looked like ice cream at a fundraiser?"
"Melissa Ann Parker, stop it!" cried her mum.
"I have worn something like this. You're right. I forgot," said Jess. Then she glared at Missy. "And I looked delicious!"
"Shall we try another one?" asked Barb.
"Please," answered Jess.
She next came out in a pink tight corset top, with a pink net-like tulle skirt that ended mid thigh. "It's big and poufy, Mum."
"Yes, but it's pink," she said.
"Light pink, Mum. It's subtle," said Jess.
Amelia scoffed. "There is nothing subtle about it. It's so short!"
"You look like a ballerina," said Missy.
"So?" asked Jess. "I like it. Mum Becker, what do you think?"
Grace sighed. "You look lovely."
Jess smiled.
"However..."
"Yes?"
Mrs Becker bit her lip.
Jess smiled. "Go on, you won't hurt my feelings. I need to hear it straight."
"I give it to you straight," said Missy.
Jess chuckled. "Yeah, you can't wait. Mum Becker?"
Grace smiled. "Dear, I just don't get 'bridal' from it."
"She is correct," said Emily.
"Yeah," said Abby. "You do want it to look like a bridal gown, right?"
"I do. I want it clear that I'm getting married."
"This isn't it, Jess," said her mum. "That is my concern about short and colored."
Jess frowned, looking over her dress choice. "You may be right."
"What would you think about just one of those things?" asked Barb. "Either color or short?"
Emily nodded. "One major variation to the traditional gown, not several."
"Hmm, maybe," said Jess. "Mum?"
"I think I can handle either short or color, but a bit, not a lot."
"Perhaps not color all over the dress," suggested Becker's mum.
"Yeah," said Jess. "OK. How about I try a short white dress?"
"Like the ones I've been picking out all day?" asked Missy.
Jess stuck her tongue out at her. They smirked. Their mother looked uncertain but less outright opposed.
So Jess came out in a short white dress with a halter that tied around the neck. The white bodice had lace with etched butterflies and flowers, studded with pearls and white rosettes. It had a high waist, ending just under the bust. A thin pearl built-in belt separated it from the straight, crisp white, tight skirt. It ended mid-thigh, with a light scalloped edge.
"That's my pick!" cried Melissa. "You look hot! Not as hot as I would, but close enough!" Jess shook her head and laughed.
Her mum made a face as she looked it over. "It still looks like a party dress to me," she said. "I...I'm sorry, honey, but I think I need it long."
Jess frowned. "I want it short."
"Jess, you wear short everyday," said Abby. "Maybe long is the way to go."
"Perhaps you should try a longer gown," said Emily. "You may be surprised."
"I think you should go with this one," said Missy.
"Because you picked it?" asked her sister. Missy smiled.
"You know, Jess," said Barb, "Brides come in here all the time certain that they know the look they want. We encourage them to stay true to their vision, but to have an open mind. Sometimes they get so focused on a look, that they miss what other styles can do."
She nodded. "I guess...trying a long dress won't kill me."
Her mum smiled. "It will not. Thank you, dear."
"We can always come back to short," said Barb.
"OK," said Jess.
She finally came out in a long white gown, big and poufy like her mum wanted. Amelia was beaming with joy. She had tears. "Oh, my...you look...incredible. My little princess."
The dress was a shade of white, not brilliant or crisp but not cream either. It was strapless, with a sweetheart neckline that hinted at cleavage. The top was covered with crystals. It hugged her abs, then jutted out at the waist into a huge, multi-layered skirt. There were bows arranged throughout the layers, dividing it a bit as it cascaded down.
Jess sighed.
"You don't look happy," said Abby.
"No, she does not," agreed Emily.
"It's not really me," she said flatly.
"You look like you should be standing on a wedding cake," Missy said with a scoff.
Jess looked at her mum. "I'm sorry, Mum, but..."
Her mother smiled sadly. "I would choose this for you." Jess hung her head. "However..that is not the face I wish you to wear when you marry your husband."
Jess smiled weakly. "Thank you. I really wish I loved it too."
"I know."
"So are we letting the princess dress go?" asked Barb.
They all nodded.
"OK, come on Jess," Barb said, helping the bride off the walkway.
The bride stopped at the edge of the waiting room. "Abby? Could you come back with me? Is it OK, Barb?"
"Of course," she said.
Abby got up and walked with them back to the dressing room.
"I'll give you two a moment," said Barb.
"What's wrong?" asked Abby when they were alone.
"I want to please Mum."
"I know."
"I guess I'll focus on long, but...I need color then. Your dress had color but it looked bridal. Can you help me?"
Abby smiled. "Let me go have a look." She and Barb came back a short time later. Barb was holding a gown. "How about this one?" asked Abby.
Jess eyes lit up. "I love it! I really do!"
Abby chuckled. "Do not pick it for me, okay? I don't care what you wear, as long as you're happy."
"I know, Abby, thanks. Be out in a sec."
End of Chapter Eleven