Stephanie's POV
I am so thankful for Grandma Mazur. Out of everyone in my family, she is the only one who truly understands me. She gets me and realizes that I'm not like my mother. I think in some ways, my grandmother isn't Burg either. I think that's why she and Grandpa Mazur moved away once they gave the house to my parents. I happily climb into the back of their car, an old blue Buick, and we head to the dress shop. Once the doors are closed and we are on the road, my grandmother lets me in on a secret.
"Don't tell your mother because she would have a conniption, but I destroyed your dress on purpose. It was hideous. All the bridesmaids will look ridiculous. Then again, Valerie's dress makes a Yeti look fabulous. I didn't want you to suffer. I already ordered you a new dress in Princeton. It is much more appropriate for you and will match the other dresses perfectly. It will need to be altered. I'm glad that Lester's grandmother can take care of that problem."
"Thank you, Grandma. I also want to thank you for insisting on staying with Mom and Dad. I wasn't looking forward to being in the same house with them for a week."
"You're welcome. You seem so happy living in Miami. I've been speaking with Rosa, and she goes on and on how you are truly happy, flying. She said how you and Lester are very close and that you seem to be very close to her other grandson Carlos. She thinks that you and Carlos will be married someday that you are soulmates. Tell me about him, Steph."
"I don't know where to begin. Almost from the beginning, I felt at peace when I was near Carlos. I was able to tell him all the details of my attack. I haven't even told Lester everything, yet. There is something about Carlos that draws me to him. I can tell when he's near because the hair on the back of my neck seems to stand up. I think he has the same reaction to me. We spend a lot of time together. I trust him completely."
"Does he understand you? Does he expect you to be your mother one day?"
"No, absolutely not. Abuela Rosa doesn't buy into traditional gender roles, even though she was raised that way. She believes that all work around the house is the responsibility of everyone who lives in the house. We all help with the cooking and cleaning. We each are responsible for our own laundry and ironing. We have chores around the house. Both Lester and Carlos have vacuumed, mopped the floor, dusted, changed sheets, and cleaned windows. I have mowed the lawn, fixed simple household repairs, and taken out the garbage. If a button falls off or we get a hole in our clothes, she makes us fix it. Abuela has taught us all how to sew, cook, and knit."
"You cook? Your mother always said you couldn't cook."
"I can cook. I just couldn't cook with Mom. If I ever asked a question, she'd yell at me. I would try to ask if I was cutting something correctly, and she'd tell me to do it like she showed me, and then when I did it wrong because I didn't understand, she'd berate me for not asking. It was a no-win situation. Abuela and Tia Celia were patient, showing me exactly what to do. If I messed up, they said it was fine, and we went with the flow. I cook a lot of Cuban foods."
"I am proud of you, Stephanie. Where are you going to college? Grandpa and I have some money saved to give you to help pay for your schooling."
"Keep it, I don't need it."
"Why? Aren't you going to school?"
"I am, but I'm going to West Point. No one pays tuition to go there. I will spend four years there and graduate a commissioned officer. I will then have to defend my country for four years after graduation. I'll be able to see part of the world. Carlos is attending West Point as well."
"Proud of you, Princess," my grandfather finally said, joining the conversation for the first time. "I was proud to serve our country in Korea. You will do well in the Army. You think outside the box. People will look at you and dismiss you, thinking that you are some dumb girl. That will only work in your favor. Never underestimate your opponent. What will you do when you finish your tours?"
"I'm not sure. I was thinking about working with the FBI or the Police. Maybe do some private investigating. I'll be studying psychology, so maybe I'll work in that field instead. I haven't really figured that part out yet."
"I'm sure that whatever you decide, you will be great," Grandpa replied.
We pulled up to a small dress shop. Grandpa said he'd wait in the car while Grandma and I went in to get the dress. She walked over to the sales lady, who immediately brought us to the dressing room. She told us to sit while she went to retrieve the dress. When she returned, my mouth dropped in shock. The dress was still Pepto pink, but it was beautiful. It had a sweetheart neckline with spaghetti straps. The bodice was form-fitting, with a tea-length A-line skirt. There was a large bow on my right hip but otherwise was elegant. I couldn't wait to try it on. The sales lady, whose name was Melody, helped me into the dress. As always, the bust needed to be taken in. The hem was a little lower than it should be, but otherwise, it was a perfect fit. I actually looked decent in the dress. Normally, that shade of pink would wash me out, making me look pale and sickly, but since I've been living in Miami for almost a year, I had a slight tan, enough of a tan to make the color look good on me. My sun-kissed highlights stood out even more. I quickly changed back into my clothes. Once dressed, I ran to my grandmother, giving her a huge hug.
"Thank you, Grandma. The dress is beautiful. Mom and Valerie are going to be livid."
"You're right. Ellen and Val will be pissed. You will look much better than your sister. She wanted everyone else to look ugly, so she'd look better."
My grandmother paid the balance on the dress, and we walked back outside to meet my grandfather. On the way back, grandma told me that she would tell my mother that Abuela needed to start on the dress immediately so it would be ready on time. That way, I could skip dinner and not have to report to the house until tomorrow morning. Did I tell you how much I loved my grandmother?
She dropped me off in front of Tia Celia's house, where I exited the car with the dress in hand. I leaned in the window to kiss my grandmother goodbye and to thank her, yet again. I kissed grandpa's hand, watching as they drove two doors down. I quickly made my way to Tia's front door, where Carlos was waiting.
"How do you like your new dress?"
"It is so much better. It actually looks good on me. It needs a little alteration, but it mostly fits."
"When is your mother expecting you?"
"She's not. Grandma Mazur is making excuses for me so that I don't have to be there until tomorrow."
"Good. I missed you, Babe." I followed Carlos into the kitchen, where the rest of the family was settled.
"It that the dress, Estefania?" Abuela asked.
"Yes. It needs a little altering."
"Let's go upstairs so you can try it on. I'll pin the dress now so I can work on it tonight."
I follow Abuela upstairs. She motions me into her room, and I enter before her. Whenever Abuela visits New Jersey, she always stays with Celia. Her bedroom here has a beautiful triple mirror, her sewing machine, and a step for me to stand on. I put on the dress, realizing I needed a strapless bra after the dress is on.
"Abuela, I have to go get a bra."
"No need. I can fix it, so no bra is necessary. A strapless will just keep slipping. You'd spend most of the night adjusting it. When I'm done, everyone will think you're wearing a bra. It will be our little secret."
She stepped behind me, adjusting the bust and pinning it. Then, she went into her sewing box, pulling out two cups and some wire-like material. She placed the cups on my breasts, then applied a little tape to the back, so they would stick to the dress in the right location. She took the wire-like material and situated it below my breasts, so they were held up as if my underwire. Once she was satisfied, she went on to hem the length. Once done, she finally spoke to me.
"Estefania, this dress is beautiful on you. Carlos will be star-struck."
I blush, thinking about the look he gets in his eyes when we make out, right before he goes down on me. I need to relax, it's too early for a shower.
"I'll have it ready for you tomorrow. It is an easy alteration. Your grandmother did a good job. I gave her your measurements, and we had this dress custom made for you. With your tan, this color looks nice."
"Thank you, Abuela. I didn't want to wear that hideous dress that Val picked out."
"I don't blame you. Whoever designed that dress ought to be shot. Now, take this off carefully then get dressed. I'll meet you downstairs for dinner. Leave the dress hanging on the hook on the closet door."
"Okay."
I quickly remove the garment and hang it where indicated. Today is Tuesday. Val is getting married on Saturday, and the rehearsal dinner is Friday. I need to get through a few more days.
Wednesday and Thursday go by quickly. My grandmother has me helping her with all her tasks, which keeps me away from my Mom and Val. However, today, there's no escaping the witches. At eleven, Valerie and I have appointments for a mani/pedi at the mall. Then, at two, I have an appointment with Mr. Alexander to straighten my hair. He will be fixing my hair again tomorrow, but he said that if I straighten it first on Friday, it will be easier for him to style on Saturday and faster as well. He also gives me a haircut.
"Mr. Alexander, is there something you can do about her hair? I don't like how it is so light. Those highlights need to go."
"Mrs. Plum, while I will do what you request, I think her highlights are magnificent. It would take me a long time to achieve highlights that look this good in someone's hair. It would be a shame to cover up nature's perfection."
"You mean it's not dyed?"
"No, these are natural. Photobleaching. It happens when one spends a lot of time outdoors. It is a blessing for those who naturally have it. Unfortunately, Val's hair is resistant. If Val wants highlights, they need to be done the old fashioned way, with dye."
"No, she's fine. I guess you can leave them if you think they look good."
"Mrs. Plum, they look divine."
After Mr. Alexander finished, we went back to the house. Valerie and I needed to get changed for the rehearsal dinner. Mom had laid out a prim bubblegum pink dress for me. It had a high neckline, three-quarter sleeves, and the skirt ended below my knee. Besides the dress, she had a full-coverage pink bra and pink granny panties laid out, with pantyhose in nude. There was a pair of pink ballet flats on the floor. I sighed as I put on the pre-selected outfit. I looked like I was ten. I walked down the stairs to the living room, finding everyone waiting for Val and me. While I was ready, Val wasn't. However, I couldn't slip by unnoticed.
"Oh, Stephanie, you look so lovely. There won't be a Burg boy there who wouldn't want to be by your side. With that dress on, you will have everyone forgetting about the unfortunate incident that occurred last year." Steve's mother said.
I had to work hard to control my temper, and politely replied. "Thank you."
Fortunately, Valerie chose that moment to appear at the top of the stairs. Everyone gushed over how beautiful she looked in her white sundress. Her dress was the same cut as mine, but with her larger chest, it didn't look so juvenile. We quickly gathered our belongings to get in the cars to drive to the church. The drive is only ten minutes, then we are getting out of our vehicles. We enter, and the priest and the assistant immediately walk us through the events that will take place. Thankfully, the ushers will all be at the altar with Steve, so I get to enter Morelli-less.
Once we practice entering the church, the motions of the ceremony, and the exchanging of the rings and vows, it is time to practice exiting. I must hold onto Morelli's arm. Ugh. I plaster a fake smile on my face, picturing walking beside Carlos instead. My mother deemed us ready for the wedding. Now, it's time to eat.
We arrive at Rossini's. Mr. Rossini himself ushers us into the back room, where the tables are set up in a U. Val and Steve are sitting in the middle of the U, with their parents on either side. The first spot on each arm of the U is the grandparents. I am sitting next to Grandma Mazur. Morelli is across from me. At least I won't be forced to interact with him too much. Our meal is over quickly. Soon we are being ushered back to the house. I kiss my parents goodnight, and head over to Tia's house, with the strict orders to be home by eight the next morning to start to get dressed. I assure my mother that I'll be there on time. I walk up the steps, relaxing for the first time once I enter the house. Carlos and Lester look at me in my dress and laugh. Once they control their laughter, Carlos frowns, "what happened to your curls?"
"They are just straightened. Once I wash my hair, the curls will be back. My curls are too unruly for the wedding."
"Please don't ever get rid of them again. I like your curls. They fit you, querida."
"Thanks, Carlos." I quickly go up to my room and change into sleep shorts and a t-shirt. I return downstairs to join Carlos and Lester in watching a movie before bed.
"What time do you need to be up, sis?"
"I have to be at my parent's house at eight sharp, so by seven. That way, I can eat breakfast and shower."
"I'll make sure you're awake. Wouldn't want the wicked witch of the Burg to cast a spell on us, turning us into flying monkeys."
"Les, you are too much sometimes." We settle in to watch 'Twister,' sharing a bag of microwave popcorn between us. I fell asleep during the movie because the next thing I feel is Carlos carrying me upstairs. I settle my head on his shoulder, closing my eyes, relishing in the feel of his arms around me. He places me on my turned down bed, before heading back down to the living room to sleep on the pull-out sofa with Lester.
The next thing I knew, sunlight was streaming into my room, and Carlos was waking me up. "Babe, it's seven. You need to get up. Come downstairs. I have breakfast waiting for you."
I reluctantly get up, dragging myself to the bathroom to answer nature's call, brush my teeth, and wash my face. I head downstairs, smelling bacon and eggs. I grin as I watch Lester buttering my toast for me. I sit at the table, ready to eat my feast.
"Thanks, guys. I'll be lucky if Mom allows me to drink water once I get the dress on. You know she'll be afraid that I'll ruin it. As it is, she's going to flip when she sees it."
"Carlos and I wish we could be there to see her reaction, though we will probably be able to hear it from here."
We continue bashing my mother and sister before I decide it's time to take a quick shower. Mr. Alexander told me I had to take a cool shower, no more than ten minutes, and with a shower cap on. It will keep my hair better. I broke a record with my five-minute shower. Thankfully I had the foresight to shave yesterday morning. I put on a yellow 'Burg appropriate' sundress with flip flops. I arrive at my parents' house at five to eight. I'm early, so I can't be yelled at, or so I thought.
"Stephanie, get in here. You need to clean up the dishes in the sink so I can help Valerie get ready." I head into the kitchen after placing my dress on the hook on the closet door, only to see my grandmother has the kitchen cleaned already.
"This will keep you out of the line of fire a little longer." She tells me conspiratorially.
We talk a little, then the doorbell rings. I quickly answer it to find Mr. Alexander standing on the porch with three other women, who I assume are his assistants.
"Good morning, Miss Stephanie. I see you followed my instructions. Your hair will be perfect today. Josie will be assisting me by styling your hair and Mrs. Mazur's hair. I'll be working on your mother and Miss Valerie. Sheila and Carol will be taking care of the make-up. Now, where can we set up?"
I lead him to the living room, where my mother instructed me to escort them. I watch as they set up their equipment, in awe of the make-up case Sheila and Carol had.
"Mrs. Mazur, what a pleasure. Are you ready for us to fix your hair?"
"Yes, Mr. Alexander. I'll step into my dress, so no need to worry about messing the 'do."
"Good idea." Josie starts setting my grandmother's hair when Mom and Val make their appearance.
My mother sits down while Mr. Alexander expertly twists her hair into an elaborate updo. He places jewel clips in her hair. Then, he turns to Val. "Oh, dear. You didn't listen to me and took a hot shower, huh?"
"How'd you know?"
"Your hair is frizzy. I'll try to tame it, but I may not be able to. If not, I'll have to put your hair up instead of you wearing your hair down."
She settles in the chair, and he gets straight to work. Two minutes later, Josie finished with my grandmother. "Stephanie, please come here. Mrs. Plum said that you are wearing your hair half-up and half-down, with this jeweled clip holding the hair back. Is that correct?"
"Yes," I respond.
"You did a great job on your hair last night and this morning. Not a hint of curl anywhere, nor is there any frizz."
"Thank you," I reply as she quickly makes work of my hair. When the hair is done, it's time for my makeup application, which is light, as per my mother's demands. At this point, I don't care. I just have to get through one more day with my family, then I'll be free of them, back in Miami, via Newark, New Jersey.
Once I am deemed made up, I go to my room to put on my dress. I strip down to my panties, putting on the pantyhose I'm forced to wear before stepping into my dress. It has a side zipper with an eye hook on top, so I don't need anyone to help me put it on. I glance in the full-length mirror, loving my silhouette that the dress gives me, thanks to Abuela's expert tailoring. I put on my kitten heels to begin my descent. Let the craziness begin.