Hayloft Kids

14: Mementos

When night came, everyone went to their rooms to prepare. I went to Aunt Louise's room as she beckoned me in.

There, on her bed, laid flat and smoothed out, was a gorgeous black dress.

It had a thin, thin strap that looked like it could've been made of silver moonlight. The neckline was low and had a plunging V shape. The top part had a small sprinkling of jet-black sequins. The waist was tied with a beautiful sparkly silver satin ribbon. The skirt was shimmery, with silver beads that shined delicately even in the bright white light. I gasped.

"It was mine," Aunt Louise said.

"Was?" I inquired.

"It's yours now."

I couldn't speak. "But – but – I can't -" I finally stammered.

She smiled at me and picked it up, and held it front of me. "Johnny will like this for sure," she said devilishly.

I sighed. She had me. "Okay," I said.

I twirled in front of the mirror. Amazing. The change, the outfit, everything.

The dress hugged my body snugly.

I thought the steep neckline was both sexy and innocent.

My waist looked better than it had ever curved.

My hips jutted out nicely. Not too bony, not too thick.

I liked the look of my bare back.

The dress was made for me. It reached my knees, billowing in a magical breeze.

Then Aunt Louise cut in. "You look gorgeous, dear."

I smiled. "Thanks."

Then she pulled my ponytail off. It was the first time I'd worn my hair like this in a long, long time. I'd resolved to keep it that way since Mom had left us.

My mane curled around my shoulders. It made my neck look good – hot. It was tall, thin, and graceful. Ha-ha, Cricket…

I walked to my suitcase and drew out a box. I lifted its cover carefully.

Inside was my mother's necklace. It had a simple silver heart pendant with one single crystal.

Next to the necklace was a set of earrings. They were silver, too, with diamonds chips.

I got tears in my eyes.

I put them on with care.

Then Aunt Louise made me wear this pair of beautiful shoes that'd come with the dress– not too high-heeled, but low and comfy. They matched the dress perfectly. They had a beautiful black cover. This silver, glittering, slipper was dreamland.

I was a walking memento scrapbook.