by Ralph Smith
In a voice filled with awe, she asked, “Is that the city? It’s enormous. I’ve never seen such tall buildings.”
“Yes it is. Actually it isn’t very large, compared to some.”
“Really? I can’t even imagine.” She said, her voice distant as she tried to soak it all in.
As they approached the city the traffic started to build, and David could see Aurora looking back and forth as businesses and homes began to sprout up along the highway. It was a beautiful sunny day, and there were a lot of people out, going about their daily lives. She was startled when a big rig passed them, and the Jeep swayed a little from the wind.
“I don’t see any horses. Do all these people use carriages like this to get around?”
“For the most part we only use horses on the farms.” David said, “It’s too dangerous for them to be around all these vehicles. That’s something to remember when we’re walking around the city. Not all drivers are safe.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Here’s our exit. The bridal shop is just up ahead.”
Aurora was looking closely to see if she could spot it. As they turned the corner she didn’t have to look hard. There on the right, on the bottom floor of a big building, she saw it. There was one window after another of female mannequins, wearing wedding gowns standing with male ones wearing suits. Above the door was a sign that said ‘Rene’s Wedding Boutique’. David was fortunate enough to find a parking spot in front, and pulled the car to a stop.
Aurora sat frozen, staring at the windows. David waited a few minutes then asked, “Would you like to go inside?”
“I’ve never seen anything so splendid in my life. Am I really going to get one of those dresses?”
David placed a hand on her arm, and said gently “any one you like.”
“Are you going to wear clothes like that too?”
“If I don’t, I think my mother and Aunt Molly will kill me.” He said with a slight chuckle.
She smiled, and said, “Yes I’m ready.”
David got out of the car, and went around to get her. She was still looking transfixed by the displays in the windows. They walked into the shop, barely noticing the people making their way up, and down the streets. The moment they entered the door a woman came bustling over.
“Good morning, how are you today? I’m Gwen. May I help you?”
David said with a smile “Yes, Gwen. My fiancé needs a wedding dress, and I need to get a tuxedo. We’re getting married tomorrow, so is there any way we can get the alterations done today?”
“You’re in luck. We’re a little slow this week so it shouldn’t be a problem, but there is an express fee.”
“That’s fine.”
Gwen smiled broadly. She worked on commission, so she was happy to see it would be an easy sale. Then she asked, “Do you have a budget?”
Aurora gave David a look of uncertainty. She had never had any money of her own, and she imagined these dresses had to be terribly expensive.
David said in a kind, but firm tone “she can have any dress she wants. I only ask that you please make sure it’s ready today.”
Aurora took David’s arm and gave him an affectionate look. Gwen almost jumped with excitement, and said, “You can count on it.” Then she turned, and waved to one of her coworkers, and another young lady came over.
“Yes Gwen.”
“Stephanie, this young man needs a tux and needs it altered today. Can you please help him while I take his bride back to pick out a dress?”
Aurora looked at David, and asked, “Aren’t you coming with me?”
“It’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her dress before the wedding.”
Aurora looking a little concerned said, “But I want to make sure I get one you like.”
Gwen stepped in and said, “Don’t you worry about a thing dear. You’ll be irresistible when we finish.”
David smiled at her, and said, “I’m sure I’ll love whatever you pick out. Go, and have fun. I’ll be waiting for you when you’re finished.”
Gwen took Aurora’s arm, and began to lead her away. Stephanie grabbed David to do the same. For an instant, Aurora flashed a look at the young girl touching the man she loved. Then she saw the expression on his face as he watched her walk off. He only had eyes for her, and his warm encouraging smile lifted her heart.
“So, dear, what’s your name?”
"Aurora."
“Aurora, that’s one nice young man you have there.” Gwen said, “What’s his name?”
“David. And yes he is.” She said regaining her smile.
Gwen was an expert at reading people, and noticing the little things, which is what made her so adept at her job. “Don’t worry about Stephanie. She’s a good girl, and besides your David couldn’t keep his eyes off of you. Every woman should be so lucky.”
Aurora blushed “I feel like the luckiest woman in the world.”
Gwen satisfied now that Aurora would not be distracted said, “How about we get you something to drink, and start trying on some dresses?”
“That sounds nice. Thank you.”
They walked into a bright white room with several mannequins wearing a variety of different styles of dresses. There was a platform surrounded by mirrors on 3 sides. It would allow someone trying on a dress, to see themself all the way around. Across from the platform was a plush couch, and behind the couch were several doors. A young woman was in the room primping the dresses on the mannequins.
“Sharon, would you please bring Aurora here something to drink? What would you like, dear?”
“Some water would be nice thank you.”
“Water, please, Sharon.”
“Do you like sparkling or regular water miss?” Sharon asked Aurora.
Aurora, not quite sure what sparkling water was, said, “Regular please.”
Gwen led her over to the dresses, and said, “Now, dear, you look at these, and tell me which ones you think you’d like best so we can find a place to start.”
Aurora walked back and forth studying each of the dresses. Some were enormous with billowing fabric, and she immediately passed them by. Others had so much lace they were too busy for her taste. She suddenly found herself standing in front of one dress made of the whitest fabric she had ever seen. It appeared to shimmer slightly as she looked at it. It had a small V neckline that would allow the cross David’s father had given her to show. The sleeves were narrow with a slight flair at the end forming a shape like a lily. The dress ran all the way to the floor with a slit running up the right side to above the knee. The way it tapered in from the shoulders to the waist was gentle, and graceful. She found her hand reaching out to touch it in slow motion.
“Go ahead, dear. You can touch it.” Gwen said. Aurora jumped a little. She hadn’t even realized Gwen was hovering there behind her.
She touched the dress, and it was so smooth and soft she could hardly believe it. “This is magnificent. I’ve never seen such beautiful fabric before.”
“Yes that’s a truly special dress. Not any woman could wear it, but with your figure it would look lovely. Would you like to see more like this one?”
“No, this is the one I want.”
“How about you try it on, just to make sure you don’t change your mind.” Gwen said, “Sharon, can you please come give me a hand with this?”
The two ladies carefully removed the dress from the mannequin, and Sharon escorted Aurora to the dressing room. “I’ll go check on your young man dear, and come right back.”
Inside the dressing room, there was a screen, and Sharon said, “You can change behind here, and I’ll be waiting to help get the dress on if you need it.”
"You’re very kind."
“Oh, it’s my pleasure. I have admired that dress for a long time. I think you’ll look wonderful wearing it.”
Aurora quickly slipped off her clothes then stepped into the dress. The smooth fabric caressed her skin as she pulled it up aro
und her. After slipping her arms into the sleeves, she reached back for the zipper, but was nervous about damaging the dress. In a meek voice, she called out “Sharon, are you still there?”
“Yes, do you need any help?”
“I’m having a little trouble fastening the back.”
Sharon immediately stepped behind the curtain with her, and said, “That’s no trouble. Let me help you.” Sharon pulled the zipper up drawing the loose fabric close around her.
“Thank you, I was afraid I’d damage the dress. I’m not familiar with those fasteners.”
Sharon said a little confused “you mean zippers?”
“Is that what they’re called? I have a small one on my pants, but I could see that one.”
Sharon said in a kind voice “it’s all set now. Turn around, and let me see you,” Aurora turned to face her, and Sharon gave her a big smile. “Oh, yes. This dress was made for you. Come outside to the mirror and see for yourself.”
Aurora, beaming with excitement walked out with Sharon, who was holding the bottom of the dress off the floor for her. She made her way to the platform trying not to look at herself yet. She was nervous about how she was going to look. She carefully climbed up onto the platform, and closed her eyes gathering her courage. Sharon primped the dress at the bottom as she had been doing with the mannequins when they walked in.
When she had stopped arranging the extra length of fabric Sharon said, “you can open your eyes now.”
Aurora stood there for a moment taking steadying breaths when Gwen walked into the room. “Oh my Lord!” Gwen exclaimed when she saw Aurora standing there.
Aurora held her eyes shut tightly, and asked, “What’s wrong? Do I look terrible?”
Gwen in a suddenly gentle voice said, “on the contrary. You look like an angel.”
Aurora opened her eyes and looked in the mirror. She stared at herself and saw staring back at her a woman. The dress gently caressed her showing off her figure in a way she had never seen before. She had never thought of herself as pretty and here she was looking elegant, and like a lady. Staring at her reflection, she saw tears running down her face.
“Sharon, can you please grab some tissues? Aurora, it’s all right, a lot of women cry when they put their wedding dress on for the first time” Gwen said.
Aurora nodded, and Sharon handed her some tissues “here wipe your eyes. You don’t want to stain your new dress.”
Aurora nodded again as she wiped away her tears. “Do you want to try on any other dresses?”
“Oh no I like this one. I’ve never had anything so beautiful to wear before.”
“I just spoke to that young man of yours, and I imagine this may just be the beginning for you, dear. Sharon, would you mind asking Stella to come in so we can get her to pin it up for the adjustments?” Turning back to Aurora, she said, “We’ll have our seamstress take care of your fitting.”
In moments, Sharon was back with Stella. She was an older stout woman who looked a little harried. With a pin pad, chalk, and cloth measuring tape, her slight frown, glasses, and random hairs sticking out at odd places gave her a stern no nonsense look. She tugged here and there on the dress, stuck pins in a few places, pulled the extra fabric up off of the floor, and had Aurora put on some shoes. “That ought to do it dear. When’s your wedding?”
“They’re getting married tomorrow. Stella how quickly can you get it done? These are VIP customers.” Then she winked at Aurora.
Stella said with a sigh “you’re in luck dear. I just finished another dress when Sharon came to get me, and since you need so few changes I can do it right now. I should be done in a few hours.”
“Perfect. Have they given you her fiancé’s tux yet?”
“Oh is that his? It just came back a few minutes ago. Mary is working on it now, she should be done before me.”
“Excellent. Stella you’re the best.”
“Yes, yes no need to flatter me, but let’s get her out of this dress so I can get started.”
They hurried Aurora back to the dressing room and helped her out of the dress. She changed back into her clothes, and when she was finished Gwen was outside the room waiting for her.
“I was thinking. Should we take a look at some shoes to match your dress?”
“Oh I suppose so. I don’t have any.”
“Not to worry we have just what you need.”
As they reached the door to leave, Aurora turned to Sharon, and said, “thank you so very much for your kindness.”
“You’re welcome, I’ll be here when you come back to check the fit.”
Gwen led Aurora to another room. When they entered she could see, along one wall, beautiful glass shelves arranged against a mirrored background. The shelves displayed a dizzying amount of shoes. Some with long, pointy heels, wide flat heels, open toes, closed toes, short tall, all of them looking decidedly impractical. Aurora thought that probably didn’t matter since she wasn’t planning on traipsing through the woods on their wedding day. She stood there speechless, having no idea where to start.
“It can be a little overwhelming, but I’ll help you narrow it down, dear. Let’s see, your young man isn’t that much taller than you. I don’t think you want a heel that’s too tall. It’s fall, so probably not an open toe. Do you know what size you wear dear?”
Aurora looked at her blankly, and said, “No I don’t suppose I do.”
“Not to worry. I have an eye for that. Here is a pair of stockings to use while we try them on.” She handed Aurora some small, sheer stockings that just covered her foot up to the ankle when she put them on. Gwen had walked over to the wall looking at the shoes, periodically reached into a cabinet underneath and pulled out a box. Once she had 4 boxes picked out she came back to Aurora, and said, “Here we go. Let’s try these on.”
The first pair she pulled out had a square toe, and large clunky heel; Aurora didn’t even try it on before she said, “no thank you I don’t like that one.”
Gwen pulled out the next pair; it had a tall, pointy heel. Aurora shook her head wondering how anyone could stand in something like that. The third pair was better. The toe was pointed, and the heel was thicker. Aurora wasn’t thrilled about it but tried it on. The shoe was amazingly comfortable as she stood up. The leather sides came up around her foot and drew a straight line across the top giving the appearance of a rectangle.
“What do you think of that one?”
“It is very comfortable, but I’m just not sure I like it.”
“Well I did save the best for last. I always like you to have something to compare it to.”
She pulled the last pair out of the box. The toe was rounded, and the inside of the shoe matched the shape. The heel was short but wide so she wouldn’t have to worry about tipping over. As she slipped it on, the soft, supple leather gently hugged the sides of her feet just above the heel line. She could just see where her toes started on the inner curve, and the inside cushion felt like standing on a silk pillow.
Aurora smiled at her, and said, “Yes, these will do nicely.”
Gwen smiled back “I thought so too. Now, if you put your boots back on we can go find your young man.”
Gwen put the shoes back in the box and made some notations in a ledger. Then she stood by the doorway smiling as Aurora came over. Aurora let out a little sigh as she and Gwen headed out into the hallway. “Is everything all right dear?”
“Oh yes. It’s just that where I come from… I’ve never seen such luxury. I feel guilty. I’ve been thinking about the many people I know that are struggling to get by.”
Gwen in a kind voice, with an insight that surprised Aurora said, “The Lord blesses us all in different ways. It’s what we do with those blessings that defines who we are.”
“You’re right I hadn’t thought of it that way.”
Gwen took her arm, and led her to the front “I hope you’re happy with everything today?”
Aurora turned, and gave Gwen a hug “oh yes, very happy.
Thank you so much Gwen.”
Gwen flustered by the sudden show of affection said, “You’re welcome. I just hope that I helped make your day a little more special.”
“You have.”
Up ahead they saw David waiting patiently, and the minute they came into view he turned to face them. From across the room she saw him burst into a big smile, and she smiled broadly back at him. She felt the urge to run, but managed to contain herself.
David started walking towards her, and in a matter of moments they were face to face, and he pulled her into a hug, slightly lifting her off of her feet. She held onto him tightly, totally lost in his embrace.
“I missed you.”
“I missed you too.”
“Did you enjoy yourself?”
“Oh yes, Gwen and the others were just lovely.”
David let go of Aurora and gave Gwen a hug too. “Thank you, Gwen, for taking good care of her.”
“The two of you. If every customer that walked through theses doors was such a pleasure to deal with, my job would be a whole lot easier.”
“We’ll come back this afternoon, to pick them up.”
They turned, and both said goodbye. “I realized while I was waiting for you that this was the longest we’ve been apart since we met.”
“Except for that dreadful tower” Aurora said suddenly quiet.
“Yes, I suppose so, but that’s behind us.” David said brightly as they got into the car.
Aurora gave him a small smile, and said, “Yes, thankfully, but I feel guilty.”
David asked in a concerned voice “Why?”
“You spent lavishly on me, and all those people we left behind were struggling to survive.” Aurora said softly.
"I see," said David “I have something that might help.” He reached down and started the car.
“Please don’t think badly of me. I’m so excited about our wedding, and I had a wonderful time today.”
“I would never think badly of you, and I understand what you’re feeling. I have been very blessed in my life to live comfortably. I used to feel guilty about having more than others. Then I came to understand that it if we’re good stewards of what we’re given, then we’re better able to help those who need it. As for all the people we left behind, the Lord is watching over them. He delivered the city into their hands so they could reclaim their food, and not starve during the winter. When the spring comes they will be ready to rebuild their lives. They have seen first-hand the Lord’s love for them, and that is something that so many people in this world are blinded too. They may have more comforts here, but the people of Roktah have received a far greater gift.”