Alexa Chapter 36: London Calling, Part 2
My head was pounding for the second day in a row as I awoke from Jenny
cuddling into me. I laid there and tried to force myself back to sleep,
but it became a lost cause. No matter how much I wished I could drift
back into the land of the Sandman, both my alcohol soaked brain and other
more pressing matters urged me to get up. After stumbling into the
bathroom to take care of the morning rituals and search for some aspirin,
I made my way to the small kitchen and I was surprised to find Nikki
there. "What are you doing up?" I asked.
"Couldn't sleep. Dream woke me up and then I heard you. Figured I would
get up," Nikki told me as she produced a bottle of aspirin and handed
them over with a forced smile. "I thought you might need these," she
said with a smile. "Especially with how much you drank last night."
"Me? What about you?" I asked with a giggle. We both agree that we had
a lot to drink the night before. It was a fun night; Jenny and I had
finally made it to an Angel Party plus Katie was there to experience it
with us. As Nikki put the kettle on, I realized this might be the chance
I was looking for to get Nikki alone, so I could ask her about surgery.
"Um, Nikki? Is there a place nearby where we could, um, go talk?" I felt
so small as I asked this of my friend. Nikki must have noticed something
was up. She smiled and said there was a coffee shop nearby where we
could go. I said that sounded great and moved off to grab something to
change into. I found a pair of leggings, my running shoes and my Man
City hoodie. I grabbed my Viking hat and went back out into the living
room to wait for Nikki. Jenny heard me as I came back out. She looked
up at me.
"Everything alright babe?" she asked as well as her own hangover would
allow her to. I bent over and gave her a kiss.
"Everything is fine. Nikki and I are going to get some coffee and talk,"
I say trying to sound as convincing as possible, but I don't think it
worked very well. Jenny got a stricken look on her face.
"You OK?" she asked with all the love a hungover college girl could. I
smiled down at her and nodded. It must have been enough to ease her mind
because she smiled up at me before laying back down. We exited the flat
and I felt like I was back home! There was snow and it was chilly.
Nikki groaned about the weather as the two of us trudged the block to the
small coffee shop. After getting our coffees, found a quiet corner with
two comfortable chairs. As we tried to get situated, I noticed that
Nikki wouldn't stop looking at me. I tried to look away but was finally
forced to look at Nikki when she asked me the same question that Jenny
had. Was I that obvious?
"Something is clearly on your mind Alexa" Nikki said as she took a sip of
her coffee. I attempted to avoid the gaze of my friend as we sat there.
"Hey, come on, this is me. You can't think there is anything that will
shock me. Is it Jenny? Are you two having problems?" That instantly
broke me out of my nervousness.
"God, no!" I practically shouted, breaking the quiet of the Sunday
morning setting. I leaned in and whispered, "It's about surgery." I
said. The smile Nikki had was one of a sister.
"Oh, is that all," Nikki said with a laugh, I think attempting to
alleviate my stress. "If it was Jenny we might have had to have do some
serious talking. What do you want to know?"
"Did you have any concerns over it? Like this was not the right thing or
that you were going to lose something or how it would affect Sarah.
Or..," The nervousness had broken and now I was blurting out questions
faster than Nikki could address them.
"Slow down Alexa. I will tell you what ever you want to know, now let's
see, did I wonder if it was the right thing to do? A bit," Nikki said.
"I had been on hormones for four years when I went in, so I was well on
my way to becoming a woman. The surgery just made my body match what my
mind thought."
"What about what people saw? Did you think you would be looked at as
some boy who had butchered themselves?" I asked. Nikki paused.
"I don't know if I had ever thought about what others might perceive.
Those who knew 'Nick' might, but I think I know what you are getting at.
But don't worry what people see. This is for you. Not for Jenny, not for
your family, not for Katie but for you. I was lucky that I got the
support from Sarah and my parents and friends that made it much easier.
And I know Jenny will be there for you. It's you that is nervous about
her, right?" Nikki asked.
I could only nod at first. "Yeah, that really is the biggest concern. I
mean things are wonderful between us, but part of me still goes back to
our arguments before I started on the hormones. She tells me she will
support me what ever I do, but I still feel like I am cheating her," I
say.
Nikki laughed. "I think you told me about this song and dance before.
Are we in a time machine? Is it 2017? Listen Lex, you have been through
this discussion before and she still asked you to marry her. I am
guessing that things have changed and that concerns you. It happens.
You will find a way, don't worry. Jenny loves you more than anything.
Not only can you see that when you two around each other, but she told me
as much,"
I think a 747 could have flown into my mouth at that moment. I sat there
and stared at Nikki. 'You two have talked?" I asked more shocked than
anything. Nikki smiled and nodded.
"Do you think she would not call over here looking for advice? Of
course, she did, and we were more than willing to help. We care about
both of you and we will be there to help in any way that we can. Jenny
was mostly concerned about what was going on with you and what you were
thinking. She called one day when you were at Debbie's and we had a long
talk, the three of us. She loves you and will do anything for you Alexa.
Speaking of people who will do anything for you, we should get back and
see what is going on with the others."
I felt better for just sitting down with Nikki and talking to her. I
still hadn't made up my mind, but it helped knowing that people who had
gone through it before had the same concerns I was having now. As we
were walking back, I asked Nikki one more question. "How much did it
hurt?"
"Oh god! It was terrible! But it was a good pain. The worst part was
not just the recovery from the surgery, but the dilating. The first few
times I just about jumped through the roof, I don't think I have ever
cried that much. But slowly it became easier and after a time, it became
more, Um, natural" Nikki said with a giggle. It took me a minute before
I understood what she meant. I blushed a bit before she kidded me. "Since
when did you become such a prude, Miss Quinn?" Nikki leaned in and
whispered to me "Do you want to know a secret?" I nodded "Sarah got her
own dilation kit. Made for some interesting mornings." The two of us
kept giggling over that all the way into the flat, where we found our
other halves.
"What's with you two?" Jenny asked as I sat down. I told her nothing as
Nikki and I shared another quick giggle. Nikki than spoke up.
"We were just talking about surgery, that's all. Alexa had some
questions. And I hope I helped her" Nikki said. She stressed the next
part, though I think when she was finished she sort of regretted it.
"And I told her how having the support of someone who cares about you
helps. I told her that I couldn't have done it with out Sarah and how
much we shared as I recovered." I giggled at the line, but Sarah didn't.
She shot Nikki a death stare and quickly moved out of the room. "Sarah,
wait!" Nikki called out as she chased her wife into the bedroom. A very
concerned Jenny looked at me and asked me what Nikki was talking about.
I told her I would tell her later. Katie sat there sipping on her coffee
the whole time taking in everything.
We had nothing really planned for today other than a dinner at Sarah's
mother's this evening, which was good considering the conditions. Jenny
announced she was going to take a shower and I decided to see if I could
figure out a breakfast for everyone. Katie followed me into the kitchen.
As I was digging around looking for some food, Katie spoke up. "Nikki
was talking about Sarah helping with dilation, wasn't she?" I turned and
looked at Katie with what I could imagine was a horrified look and asked
how she would know about that. "I have done some reading you dolt. I
want to be able to help. And I will admit, I hope I am not living with
you guys when you start that," Katie said with a smile "I can only
imagine what you two will be like as the dilation becomes more normal"
she said with a wicked grin. I couldn't help but be embarrassed about my
sister's comment. Mostly because after hearing about Snikki, I knew
Katie was dead on in her thinking.
The smells of the food brought the Phillip-Thomas' out of their room and
soon all of us were enjoying a simple but filling breakfast. We sat
around trying to figure out what to do with ourselves for the rest of the
day. We threw out lots of ideas, but most of them were shot down due to
the weather. No one really wanted to head out, and Sarah joked about how
we should have gone somewhere warm. Jenny was fighting the cold a bit
and pulled herself away to go grab a sweat shirt. She disappeared into
the bedroom as we went through a few more options and talked about the
previous night. It was then Jenny's voice rang out, "Hey Sarah? What's
all this? Lex get in here." I saw Sarah and Nikki give each other a
funny look as I moved quickly to the bedroom, Katie on my heels.
"Wow! What IS all this?" I asked as Sarah and Nikki came into the room
and found us three roommates standing in front a wardrobe, stuffed full
of dresses.
"Those are some of the dresses I have designed over the years. These are
the ones that were especially for Nikki." Sarah and Nikki both had a bit
of a guilty look on their faces. Sarah continued. "When I first started
designing, I had an On-Line store and Nikki was my model." Jenny and I
shared a giggle while a wide-eyed Katie began going through the designs.
We looked back at the dresses. It only took a moment, and Jenny and I
proved her father right because we looked at each other with huge grins
on our faces. We both turned and looked at our hosts.
"Can we model some?" we both asked, causing those two to laugh and nod.
We both let out a squeal. Katie began to laugh at my and Jenny's
excitement as we began to dig through the wardrobe a little more
earnestly. Katie did join in and soon comments like 'this is gorgeous"
and "I am trying this one on first" were heard. It wasn't long before
Nikki and Sarah joined us in choosing some of these beautiful creations
to try on. One of the dresses I wanted to try on was a multi-colored
organza dress. I noticed a smile creep across Nikki's face as she took
in the dress I was holding up. She looked over at Sarah, who shared a
similar smile with her wife. "Is there something funny?" I asked.
'That is a, um, special dress. Sarah made it for me for my sixteenth
birthday". I watch Sarah and Nikki link hands in their special way.
Jenny saw it too and rested her head on my shoulder as we watched two
people who may have been more in love with each other than the two of us.
At that moment I made a snap decision.
"I want to see it" I said. Nikki told me to go ahead. I stretched out
my hand towards Nikki and shook my head. "Not on me, on you" I said with
a smile. I saw Nikki reach up and wipe a tear before taking the dress
from my outstretched hand.
The rest of the afternoon turned into s dress up time. Even the least
girliest of us, Katie, was getting into it. At one point, Sarah thought
we should do some proper modeling. She disappeared into another a closet
near the door and came out with a camera and a tripod. Nikki directed
Katie and I to move the sofa to the side and for Jenny to move the table.
She returned from the bedroom with a large sheet that she tacked up to
one of the walls. Sarah set up the camera and Nikki began giving orders.
"OK Jenny, your first, get over here." Nikki then began barking orders.
"Toss that hair back blondie. Throw that chest out. Pretend that it is
Alexa on the other side of the camera." Katie and I began to giggle as
Sarah shot away.
After Katie took her turn playing the model, it was my turn. I was
nervous as I took my spot. Nikki told me to relax, but I couldn't.
Jenny saw I was having troubles and came over. She took me by the hands
and stared me in the eyes. "Don't be scared babe. You do this for me all
the time. Relax. Don't think about the camera." I nodded but the fear
was still there. Nikki stood there for a moment and then grabbed her
phone. Soon, there was some music playing and Nikki told me to get into
it, and I did. Nikki kept up her coaching and I began striking the poses
I had only seen in magazines. Jenny stood behind Sarah and gave me some
instructions too. As I was beginning to tire, Jenny spoke up again.
"Now let's get the pros out there. Sarah, you are first." Sarah tried
to beg off, but Jenny would have none of it. Katie took control of the
camera and soon was giving instructions to Sarah on what to do,
I found myself standing next to Nikki, watching as Sarah was posing like
a supermodel "You know this is what we used to do when the weather was
bad when we were younger" she confided in me. I told her that this had
been very special. I thanked her with a hug and Nikki told me anytime.
That is when she decided to tease me. "Now I have pictures to show
Joshua and you can start working for Heavenly Talent." I warned her if
she did I would get her. Just as I was getting ready to playfully get
her, Jenny broke in and told Nikki it was her turn. Nikki smiled big and
stuck her tongue out at me as the true pro took her place as Katie
continued to snap away. Before we knew it all five of us were collapsed
on the sofa and chairs around the room, exhausted but all commenting on
what fun we had.
We spent the rest of the afternoon just laughing and talking. I had
never felt so comfortable with a group of people that I did with these
four people. Sarah looked at her phone and realized we needed to get
moving. We reluctantly put Sarah's wonderful creations away and got
changed to head to Sarah's mother's for dinner. When Jenny and I were
over here last fall, we never found the time to meet Beverly, something
which I was still paying for with Debs. Debbie had met Beverly when she
was an undergrad and had become a mentor to my counselor. We pulled up
to what would be like any other house in the Minneapolis suburbs and
piled out the car and made out way to the door. Sarah led us in and
called out to her mother that we had arrived. A middle-aged woman with
dark hair came from another room, wiping he hands with a towel. Two
things hit me right away. One, there was no doubt that it was Sarah's
mother and two, something told me we were in a bit of trouble.
"You four are late," Sarah's mother said to us. I wasn't real sure if
she was joking or not. Katie worked hard at surpassing a giggle while
the rest of us stared at each other. The 'dry' British sense of humor had
me a bit of kilter. No one said anything as we stared at each other with
nervous looks. I finally stepped up, mostly out of sheer Catholic guilt.
"We are sorry about that Dr. Phillips," I said. "We had a pretty busy
schedule last time and it was our fault, mine and Jenny's, we didn't get
a chance to meet. I am Alexa." I said and turned towards my two
roommates. "This is my fianc?e Jenny and our roommate, Katie. It is a
pleasure to finally meet you. Between Sarah, Nikki and Debs, I feel I
know you already," I stated as polite as possible. I looked over at
Sarah and Nikki as I felt Jenny's hand grip mine a little harder. I
didn't realize she was so nervous. Beverly eyed us up and then spoke.
"That was well stated Alexa, but I have been pre-warned that you may try
kissing up a bit." She said and slowly a grin broke through "I know what
you four were doing last time. I remember being young once." I felt the
ice was broken as Beverly came and shook our hands and led us to the
sofas in the living room and the five of us sat while Beverly took a
chair. As we were getting situated I got the strange feeling that I was
beginning a session. I tried to let it pass, but I must have given off
some sort of vibe because I realized that my four comrades were all
giving me an odd look. After some light conversation, Beverly excused
herself, as she was going to check on dinner. "Nikki, can you give me a
hand for a second?" Beverly called out on the way to the kitchen. As
soon as Beverly was out of the room, Jenny began in on me.
"You OK, babe?" she asked as she rubbed my arm. I nodded, mostly because
I didn't know what else to do. I could see by the look that Jenny was
concerned.
"I feel like I am almost in a session. I am nervous about what I am
going to say and how I act." I rested my head on Jenny's shoulder. I
felt Jenny move her arm around me and pull me in.
"I understand what you are saying Alexa. Mum has that effect on people."
Sarah said. "Even me." That admission seemed to ease my nerves a bit.
It must have been noticeable, because as Nikki reentered the living room,
I could see the concern on her face lessen. "Dinner is ready girlies"
Nikki announced, and we followed her to the dinning room. The meal was a
classic English Sunday roast, complete with roast potatoes, carrots.
Green beans and Yorkshire pudding. The meal was almost exactly what was
standard fare at the Quinn household of my youth, except for the
Yorkshire pudding. Sarah teased her mother a bit about going all out.
"Well I wanted to make sure you girls had at least one decent meal this
week. Plus, your friends should experience some proper English food, not
just takeaway Curry." We confirmed Beverly's fears of our recent diet as
we giggled away. Nikki did inform her mother-in-law that we had had a
decent breakfast this morning, which I think surprised Beverly, but she
scrambled well. "Oh, that is right. Alexa is a cook and has been giving
lessons to Debbie. What was it last time? Mexican? Maybe you can teach
these two something," Beverly said as she looked over at her daughter and
daughter-in-law. I figured this was a chance for Beverly to see the true
me.
"Well maybe Sarah can learn, but Nikki is a lost cause. I've seen
pictures of her cooking." Of course, everyone laughed, except for Nikki.
Even Beverly smiled, and with that little comment everyone seemed to
relax me a bit more. Jenny helped Sarah clear the table while Beverly
began to grill Katie and I a bit about life in Minnesota. Now it was
time for the true Katie to shine. Katie went on a bit about how
interesting life had been since I had become Alexa and since Jenny and I
had been together. "They are a handful, but I am sure you would
understand that," Katie said as she stared at Nikki. Nikki discreetly
stuck her tongue out at Katie, which got her laughing. It brought a
smile to my face to see how well these two were getting along. Jenny and
Sarah returned, and the conversation became a bit more at ease. Beverly
was still asking about me and Jenny but also was interested in our plans
for the week. We did get a minor 'motherly' lecturing about behaving
ourselves this week.
We didn't stay very late as Beverly said she had some files she wanted to
review before tomorrow. We said our good byes and began making our way
to back to the flat. We decided we would take a one-night break and lay
low. "Pretty exciting for a bunch of college girls on spring break."
Jenny laughed as she cuddled into me and I watched Nikki cuddle into
Sarah. We watched a movie on Netflix before calling it a night. Jenny
had already called it a night, falling asleep in my arms. As the rest of
us sat and chatted and half watched the movie I realized how happy I was
and what a great family I had. I carried Jenny to the air mattress and
cuddled in with her.
I awoke Monday morning to my preferred alarm clock. The light kisses on
my cheek and neck were the best possible way to wake up. I opened my
eyes and drank in the beauty that was Jenny. The million-watt smile that
may be the greatest thing in the world greeted me. "Good morning" she
whispered, before returning to the kisses. And soon Jenny was pulling me
closer and moving the kisses from my neck and planting them on my lips.
After a few minutes those kisses, and caresses became more passionate. I
tried to admonish my fianc?e as my excitement level rose. "Jenny" I
whispered. "We can't do anything. Katie is right there."
"But Lex, I want to make love with the most beautiful woman in the
world," she said. I was now official putty in Jennifer's hands. I would
do what ever she wanted. I tried to think of where we could go. It was
then it hit me. Regretfully I tore myself away from Jenny and stood up.
The disappointment in her eyes soon disappeared as I reached down. "Come
on Jen. Let's go work on our water conversation." The excitement and
lust instantly returned, and we quickly scampered off to the bathroom.
Twenty minutes later the two of us returned to the living room holding
hands, damp hair and love in our eyes. That joy was interrupted by a
voice with a British accent.
"Did you save us any hot water?" Nikki asked with a knowing smile on her
face. Rather than try and shoot back at her like I normally would, Jenny
and I blushed and cuddled into each other as we plopped down on the sofa
next to Katie. Katie looked over at Nikki and told our hostess she owed
her two drinks tonight. "I knew they couldn't control themselves," Katie
said with a grin that marked victory. But I didn't care how much teasing
we got, I was holding the most beautiful woman in the world and she loved
me.
Sarah emerged from the kitchen with some coffee and we sat back while she
began to inform us what the plan was for the day. Today was to be
Jenny's fitting, which meant that I had to leave. "Lauren and Ophelia
will be over about 10:30 so that means you three have until then to get
organized, but I will allow you some time to allow the water heater to
refill." Sarah said with a teasing smile. Jenny and I said nothing but
giggled and held each other a little tighter. We enjoyed the coffee and
allowed Sarah and Jenny to throw out ideas on what we should do with
Katie today. Katie added a few things she wanted to see as well. Sarah
thought the hot water had regenerated enough for Katie to take a shower
while Jenny and I went to go get changed. Sarah told Jenny not to get to
dressed up. "Don't worry Sarah, I figured not. I am just going to help
make Lex look frumpy," she said with a giggle while I told her there was
no way that was going to happen, and I began tickling her. We fell on
Snikki's bed laughing away. "I love you Jen" I told her as I looked up.
For the first time that I can remember she gave me an answer that just
about put me over the top.
"You don't know how wonderful that is to hear." I began to tear up at
her response. "I wake up every day and I can't believe I am with you and
that won't change. Ever." She kissed me one more time. "Now you must get
up, so I can make you look ugly. That will take A LOT of work!" She
began digging through our clothes but stopping with a sigh. "I can't do
it. Nothing we have will make you look bad!' I gigged at my fianc? and
took over. I pulled on a pair of jeans and a pink and white striped
sweater before slipping on a pair of knee high black boots and sliding
into my black leather jacket. Jenny's face lit up. "Perfect" she said
before sharing one more kiss.
We returned to the living room, where I could see my two bridesmaids were
getting anxious to get going. "Come on Alexa let's go! Katie is anxious
to get out of here," Nikki said and stood up. She looked at me kind of
funny and then over at Jenny. "Nice jacket Alexa, isn't that yours Jen?"
My reply was not very nice and got Sarah laughing. "That is so nice of
you to lend Alexa your jacket Jenny" Sarah quipped. Before I could say
something mean, there was a knock on the door. Nikki opened the door for
Lauren and we were promptly told to leave. Nikki and I both exchanged
kisses with our better halves and we went out the door. Katie, Nikki and
I found ourselves standing on the street realizing we had not finalized
any plans. Nikki stepped up at that point
"I figured we could go do some shopping or something, but you might get
in trouble if you do that without Jenny, so do you want to go over to
Heavenly Talent? Then maybe on to the coffee shop?" Nikki asked. Katie
was game for anything, so we got into Nikki's car and started to work our
way to Nikki's place of employment. I let Katie take the front seat, so
she could see everything. And completely out of character she mouthed a
thanks to me as she buckled in and we took off. Katie spent most of the
drive asking Nikki about things we passed. I tried to throw myself into
the conversation but was basically ignored. Now I knew how it felt to be
the third wheel. I will admit I was curious as to how these two would
get along during this trip, but I realized I had nothing to worry about.
I also realized I had two wonderful sisters.
Nikki led us in to the offices of Heavenly Talent, and both Katie and I
became a bit star struck, even though I had been there before. Here were
two small town girls in the offices of one of the biggest modeling
agencies in the world. And the next moment made it even more surreal.
"Hey, Alexa, Katie what brings you two by?" Jamie asked. Katie looked
over, mouth agape, at me before turning to look at the model who came up
to us and talked to us like old friends. "Where is Jenny, Alexa?" Jamie
teased me.
"It's her fitting day" Nikki informed her mentor. "I had to grab my
iPad, so I figured a quick tour would be fun." Jamie nodded and told us
to have fun and started to walk away. I looked at Nikki quick before
turning and calling out to the supermodel who was walking away.
"Hey Jamie? Do you have a second?" The woman who had become something of
an inspiration to me turned and smiled. "Sure, follow me." Jamie said
with a smile that rivaled Jenny's. I could see her make eye contact with
Nikki and nodded. Nikki led Katie off to the inner portions of the
offices while I followed Jamie into a different part of the building. We
entered a lounge area, probably the break room and led me over to a couch
and comfy chair that sat next to the window. Jamie sat down and
straightened the skirt on her simple but elegant business suit as I tried
to control my nerves as I sat on the couch. Jamie was the first to
speak.
"So, Alexa, what can I do for you?" she asked. The smile that had graced
so many ads looked at me now, but this time it was the smile of a friend.
It kind of threw me for a minute, but I gathered myself.
Looking around to make sure we were alone, I began. "I wanted to ask you
about your surgery. You see my counselor brought it up and it has me
doing a lot of thinking. Did, um did you think you needed to have the
surgery?"
Jamie took a moment to answer. "For myself, yes. You must remember I
was already out in the public eye. But I wanted it. How about you? Dou
you want it?" I told her I did but I was worried about Jenny. Jamie
laughed at that. "I don't think you have to worry about Jenny. She will
be there for you no matter what. I can tell by the way she looks at you.
However, you must want to do it for yourself. Remember that. I didn't
have my surgery for anyone but me. The same as Nikki and the same is
true for Paige and Jessica."
"I do want it. And deep down I know Jenny will support me, like Stuart
must have been a great support to you." Jamie laughed at that.
"I wasn't with Stuart at that point, but it did make me see something new
in him. And I was there for him as he went through his. We actually were
engaged two days before his first surgery. You will be lucky to have
that support and love. I do need to get going, I have a meeting. But
anytime I can help, just pop me a message" Jamie said as we stood up and
exchanged hugs. I watched as the model left the lounge and I let her
words sink in. I had now talked with two people who had undergone SRS,
and both had same the same thing. I needed to do it for myself. I
didn't get a chance to ponder my own thoughts longer as my two 'sisters'
came into the lounge.
"Did you and Jamie have a nice talk?" Katie asked. I nodded. "Good
because I'm hungry, lets go get something to eat." I rolled my eyes at
Katie's comment. "There is a shock" I said as Nikki said she knew the
perfect spot. It wasn't far away so we left the car and walked the
couple of blocks to the coffee shop that Heavenly Talent had opened.
Nikki had told me all about it and I was excited to go, not because
Joshua had purchased it, but because of the manager who greeted us as we
walked in.
"Sorry that we couldn't head up yesterday," Natalie said as we exchanged
hugs. I told it sucked but that was what happens. Plus, it just gives
us a reason to come over next season. We talked with Natalie a bit about
married life and apologized that we couldn't make it. "It looked like
fun, and what Nikki could remember it sounded like fun." I got a little
kick in the shins from Nikki over that line. Lunch was great, and the
time spent with Natalie was as fun as always. We did a little window
shopping on our walk back and stop in a few shops to look some more. As
we looked around, an inspiration hit me.
"Text Sarah, tell her to invite everyone she can think of over," I said.
"And I will teach you how to properly cook Mrs. Phillips-Thomas. I'll
teach you to make a nice romantic meal for Sarah," I said. We became a
trio on a mission as Nikki took us to a grocery store and I went into
full Chef mode, which really got Nikki laughing. After getting
everything, we needed and returning to the apartment, we found that all
Snikki's gang was there, even Ophelia who had ditched her husband. We
let Sarah and Katie play hostess, as I told Jenny that we had work to do
and pulled her and Nikki into the small kitchen and began the cooking
lesson. It was cramped but the fact that Nikki was willing to learn made
it seem larger. Nikki laughed as I ordered the two of them around,
especially when I was ordering Jenny. "Is she always like this in the
kitchen?" Nikki asked my fianc?e. Jenny told her this was nothing,
indicating that there were times I could be real demanding. I playfully
told Jenny to quick talking and to get cutting. Following making up for
my faux pas, we went back to the lesson.
The meal was enjoyed by all the girlies. We sat around after the
champagne chicken, brown rice and steamed vegetable and enjoyed the wine.
The three of us Americans felt more part of the group then we had even on
Friday night when we felt we were completely accepted. It was like one
big happy family. I couldn't help but tear up a bit and Jenny noticed it
and pulled me in. The smile she flashed was the one that always made me
feel loved, but when Sarah leaned over and said welcome to the gang and
announced our inclusion into the full group had I never felt more
accepted in my life.
It was my turn on Tuesday to wake Jenny in the way she had awoken me.
The warm feelings I had from the night before had me feeling that I
wanted to share my love with my better half. Though we were stopped by
forces outside of our control. "Knock it off you two, lets go and see
more of London." Katie admonished us. We giggled and started to get
organized, including waking up our hosts who seemed to be moving a little
slow this morning. The five of us gathered for morning coffee, ideas
were tossed out. Sarah asked if we would mind if Jacinta came along with
us, as she was feeling a bit lonely. Before either Jenny or I could say
anything, Katie spoke up. "Of course she can! The more the merrier!
Besides then I will have some one to hang with and not be the fifth
wheel." With that settled, we began getting ready.
Just as we were finishing getting dressed, Jacinta showed up and we made
our way out the door. "This will be fun!" Jacinta said. "I don't get to
show many people London," Katie said she could be the tour guide, since
it would probably be the two of them. "The other four will be wandering
off doing some couple things." Katie stood their all proud while Jenny
and I responded with a not so subtle finger. The three Brits thought it
was hilarious the way the three of us communicated. "I am used to it
girls. These two think they are so smart." And while Katie was joking,
I was looking forward to some time with just Jenny as we roamed the
streets of London.
And that is just what we did. When we exited the Underground station,
Jenny and I stood in awe at all the shops that surrounded us. We looked
at each other and let out a little squeal. Katie shook her head and
Snikki laughed. Jacinta seemed a bit confused, until Katie grabbed her
phone and made a mock call to Jenny's father. "Marty, I am sorry for the
damage done to your credit card. It was my idea to go to Piccadilly
Circus." Jacinta understood at that point. And while Jenny and I should
have been mad, we were more embarrassed. Mostly because we knew that
Katie was right. We took off, hand in hand, and began one of our
favourite activities. We were warned to be good by Snikki and Katie, but
we found it hard. But we were successful for the most part. The most
fun we had was when we went into a hat shop. We tried on several
different hats. Some with wide brims, some with no brims. There were
half veils, full veils and face coverings that would be appropriate if
you were a beekeeper. We laughed and giggled. We talked in funny voices
and were just simply girls. Not proper young women, but silly young
girls having fun. I don't know the last time I had such silly fun.
We went back out and continued our shopping trip and the common sound was
laughter. We tried to talk Jacinta into buying some seven-inch heels
with a two-inch platform. "You could hook up with some basketball
player" Katie teased her. When Jacinta informed her not many around here.
"We will have to find you one then when you come over".
After 6 hours of shopping we decided to head back to the flat. Jacinta
had decided to head back to her own flat and see what her BFF was doing.
We exchanged hugs and departed the train for the walk to Snikki's. Just
as we were entering the flat, I received a text. "Come meet us at
Rachel's pub. Snikki knows where it is." The text was from Jessica, a
woman we had met the previous summer and who had defended Jenny and I to
a couple of old bittys on a flight down to Florida. We met her and her
partner after we got to Orlando and things began to fall in place.
Jessica and Paige were both flight attendants, based here in London.
They were engaged, both were transgender, and both were friends with the
Angels and Out of Heaven! We spent one fun night at Margaritaville and a
friendship grew. We considered them both to be very good friends and they
had introduced us to a larger group of people, ones that made me feel as
comfortable as Nikki and Sarah ever have.
I informed Sarah and Nikki about the invite and asked where Jessica was
talking about. Both Sarah and Nikki knew exactly where it was, and they
were all for it. "That place is fun and has some decent food. I will
text the rest of girlies and see if they want to meet us" Sarah said as
she reached for her phone and began typing. I watched as an evil smile
came over her wife's face as she also reached for her phone and began
typing out a message. Jenny tried to ask what was up. "Nothing" Nikki
said as the grin on her face grew and became a bit more devious. Jenny
and I looked at each other and began to wonder what was going on while
Katie began to giggle.
"Should we change?" Katie asked, and was told no. Sarah said it is just
a pub not some trendy club. Nikki giggled and said she would remember to
tell Rachel that. The rest of Snikki's gang replied that would meet us
there. We called a cab and decided that we would open a bottle of wine
while we waited. As we settled in, I began to quiz Sarah and Nikki a bit
about the pub. They said it was typical pub, a little larger than most.
The occasionally had performers, but nothing crazy. We had finished the
bottle of wine and started into the second one when the taxi finally
arrived. We poured ourselves in and continued chatting. For the
umpteenth time this week I felt as natural as possible. I leaned in and
kissed Jenny. When asked why, I told her because I wanted to, and I
snuggled in to my partner's arms.
We were all glad that we finally arrived at the pub, as we were all
getting a bit thirsty. The quiet bar was turned on its ear as we entered
laughing and saw our friends at a group of tables. The squeals and
shrieks were natural. Jenny and I rushed the table and were met by
Jessica and Paige. I reached the Baltimore Blondeshell, as I jokingly
called her, first. Just like with Nikki and Sarah it was amazing how
close we had gotten to these two after only meeting a few times. "I see
you have recovered" Jessica joked with me. I reminded her that at least
the Vikings had made it, before I switched places with Jenny and hugged
Paige. This was the one person I wanted to talk to the most. Paige was
scheduled to have her surgery in a few weeks, and I wanted to get some of
her thoughts, but now was not the time.
Katie appeared, and we began to introduce her to Jessica and Paige.
Jessica then began going around and introducing the various women around
the table "This is Sophie Connelly, Amy Harris and Hayley Fisher. They
are three of the victims of Soixante-Trois. They call themselves Team
Ash. They are the rookies with this group," Jessica said with a giggle,
which earned her a laugh from everyone at the table. She then moved on
to the two women who sat close together holding hands. "This is Amelie
Mason and the one sitting next to her is Natalie's sister Ellen," My
smile faded a bit as I heard the name, but that was nothing next to the
transformation that occurred next to me. I turned and watched as Jenny
morphed into the person I met freshman year.
"Masson? Any relation Antoine?" Jenny asked as she began to eye up
Amelie. Amelie returned the look and said yes. It was like the
beginning of a heavyweight fight with the two fighters trying to stare
each other down. Jenny though seemed to back down a bit and let a smile
come through. "Can't hold your parents against you. If we did, I would
be in some serious trouble thanks to my mother," Amelie smiled at that
and the two shook hands. That seemed to break the bit of tension that
had built up. Katie and I shook hands with the two before Jenny and I
shared hugs with Zoe and Natalie, who we had seen yesterday. It was then
our turn to introduce ourselves and Katie to everyone. And just like
every time we have been around this larger group, we were accepted in
with open arms. Jessica did cause some fun when she questioned Katie's
sanity, for living with us.
I slid in between Paige and Jenny and the general chatter began all
around the table. Nikki and Sarah returned with some drinks and the
laughing and gossiping soon dominated the sound of the bar. Lauren,
Katie, Jacinta and much to our surprise Ophelia showed up shortly after
that and the sound of the group took further control of the bar. Jacinta
joked long time, no see. "Just as I walk in the door I get the text."
We apologized, and the new arrivals looked for seats Due to the number of
people a couple of more tables were pulled up to form a larger massive
table. We tried not to be loud, but it was inevitable. The manager of
the bar came up and began joking with us to keep it down. Paige
introduced the manager as a former co-worker, Rachel. Jessica joked that
she and Katie could probably compare notes as they were both with
overgrown kids named Danny. Rachel reminded her friend that she was
engaged to her Danny. "Katie wishes she was engaged to hers" I commented
which was quickly followed by an "Oww! No kicking!" The group began
laughing at me, all except for Jenny who rolled her eyes and asked if
Katie and I needed to be separated.
The drink flowed well and the noise level increased. And the group
dynamic changed a bit. Team ASH decided to head out, as they all had
flights tomorrow and didn't want to get too crazy. I really enjoyed
talking to them, but the one girl Sophie seemed to have something
distracting her. They were replaced by two surprise guests. "Look at
this group." Jamie said as she and Charlotte stood there. Jenny was the
one who became the most excited to see the two Angels and rushed over.
She asked what they were doing here, and Charlotte informed them they had
heard that there was a midweek girls' gathering so they decided to come
down. "Besides our PA took holiday so we aren't able to work without her
ordering us around" Jamie said teasingly. Nikki responded to her mentor
with a stuck-out tongue and a giggle. The two models joined the group
and the excitement seemed to grow. Paige excused herself and I saw this
as my chance to talk with her. I excused myself as well. After we both
completed our tasks and had left the restroom I asked her if she had a
minute. She told me sure and she led me to a quiet booth.
"Something on your mind Alexa? Not having issues with all of this are
you?" Paige asked. I told her no it wasn't that. "Is it Jenny?" she
asked. I laughed and told her no. "Good." She said as she starred at
me. I couldn't find the right way to ease in to the questions I had
about SRS. And me being, well me, I just blurted it out.
"Are you scared about surgery?" I asked with almost pleading in my voice.
Paige started giggling at first before stopping. She was quiet for a
moment and stared at something on the wall behind before turning to me.
"A little. I mean it is a lot to go through, a lot of pain and the
recovery takes forever. But the fact that this what I have wanted my
whole life makes it easier to prepare for," she said with a smile. I
asked her if she had thought of not doing it. She told me no. "I don't
know if I could live a life like Natalie, switching between the two
sides. I want this. But do you know what the best part will be? I will
have Jessica there with me to support me and care for me and love me,
just like I will be there for her when she has hers. Just like Jenny will
be there for you. I know I could go through it all on my own but to have
Jess will make it so much easier. Are you thinking about surgery Alexa?
I nodded.
"My counselor brought it up. To be honest, I hadn't thought about it in
a long time. I always thought it was the path I was going down but had
never really contemplated everything I would have to go through. I admit
I am a bit nervous about it, mostly for Jenny." Paige cleared her throat
and looked me straight in the eye. "You are crazy if you think you will
scare her away. The looks she gives you today are the same she was
giving you back in Florida. That girl loves you and will do anything for
you. I wouldn't worry about her. You have to want to do this for
yourself." And she reached over and hugged me. I thanked her for her
advice and she told me it was no problem. "That's what friends are for."
She said, and we exchanged another hug. Her words seemed to increase my
resolve about my decision as did the smile I received from Jenny as we
returned to the table. I realized that Paige was right, the smile has
never changed. It was the same smile that Jenny had flashed me a
thousand times a day. A smile of love. Paige noticed it too. She
elbowed me in the ribs a bit and pointed out how right she had been.
Zoe and Natalie were the next to leave. Zoe said that even though the
typical Wednesday class was canceled, she still had young ones to teach,
besides Zoe and Natalie were honeymooners and as the alcohol began to
flow a little more so did their affection. Jenny and I both gave them
hugs goodbye. As is common with groups like this, the chat combinations
tend to change and after the Renou-Briggs had departed, Jenny and I found
us with our original hosts. I don't know if it was just how much fun we
were having or if it was the alcohol, but soon Nikki and I were singing
along to the songs being played over the pub's sound system. The girls
at the table began cheering the two of us on, especially Jamie and
Charlotte as we began to get into it a bit. Jenny and Sarah joined in a
bit. The next song played put our talents on full displayed. 'Oooh Baby
do you know what that's worth...' came from the sound systems and
squeals came up from the assembled group as did the chants for the four
of us to sing along. We were all feeling no pain and gladly joined in
with the Out of Heaven recording. When the song finished this incredible
group of women cheered us on. We took our bows and curtseys and thanked
them all. Jenny and Nikki blew kisses to the group. As everyone was
settling down, we heard applause from behind us and then a comment.
"There they go again," I heard from a familiar voice and turned to see
Stephanie saying something to Kayla. The short blonde singer stepped up
the teasing. "Do you think we can file suit against them for stealing
our song?" she asked her band mate before more giggling began.
"What are you two doing here?" I asked. 'I figured you were resting up?"
The two singers shook their head.
"We are here as a favor to the management," they said, and we looked
around and noticed that the crowd in the pub had grown a bit. We wondered
what was going on and before we could ask an announcement was made over
the pub's sound system. I looked down at Steph and she had a huge smile.
We turned and noticed Rachel standing on a small stage in the corner of
the bar. "Thank you all for coming to our special karaoke contest. This
week we have two celebrity judges." I shot a look at Steph and Kayla as
soon as this was announced. Both had smiles on their faces as they
slowly got up. Kayla's was her typical sweet, slightly seductive smile,
but Steph's was different. It was a smile you would see on some bad guy
in a James Bond movie and it was directed at the four of us. I turned
and looked at Jenny and then over at Snikki as Rachel continued with her
announcements. "From Out of Heaven, please welcome Kayla Ford and
Stephanie Abbott!" The pair walked to the stage followed by cheers.
I awoke the next morning to Katie kicking my feet and rushing to the
bathroom. The next sound I heard was a sound I did not want to hear, and
one that started to make me feel queasy. I think I was still drunk as I
laid on the air mattress. The only good thing was that I was cuddled up
next to Jenny. Other than that, I could tell this was going to be a
rough morning. My head was spinning, my tummy churning, and I had the
worst taste in my mouth. If I had needed to get up to follow Katie's
lead, I doubt I would be able to. I tried to close my eyes, but the
pounding of my head made that even hurt. I heard Katie come back and
flop down on the couch and asking a higher power to kill her. I couldn't
help but giggle before stopping due to pain. Jenny stirred and admonished
our roommate for being so loud. Then asking if she could have God take
her out of her misery as well. I felt other needs begin to make their
presence known, and I struggled to get off the air mattress, collapsing
back a few times before the urgency of those matters took control.
I returned to the living room blurry eyed. That is when I noticed it.
Sitting on the dining table was a trophy. I wondered where that had come
from. I walked over and picked it up. The plate on it said, "First
Place - Out of Heaven Karaoke Contest." Panic began to take over as I
tried to search my memory of last night. I remember watching several
people get up and sing and the group at the table judging them. We
thought some were good and some were very bad. For some reason the song
'Venus' started to play in my head and the nerves began. I raced for my
phone and opened Facebook and noticed a posting from the official Out of
Heaven page.
"Congratulations to the winners of the first ever Out of Heaven Karaoke
Contest! The Fearsome Foursome-Alexa, Jenny, Nikki and Sarah for their
version of 'Venus". Accompanying the post was a film of the four of us
up on stage singing the old Sixties song that Bananarama had redone. Our
movements looked as silly as the ones those three girls had done in their
80's video, though they probably weren't drunk. And if they were, there
is no way they were as drunk as us. I let out a shriek as I watched the
four of us dance and sing and laugh on stage. When were finished the
crowd erupted and just like we had when we were playing around at the
table we blew kisses to the crowd and curtseyed. "Oh god! Oh god!" was
all I could say and kept repeating it as I sat there trying to recall the
previous night.
"What are you yelling about Alexa?" Nikki asked from the bedroom. The
tone of her voice proved that she was not happy with being awoken. I
told her to check Facebook. Next thing I know I heard a similar scream
come from the bedroom. "Nooo!" was the next sound as the realization of
what happened the previous night sank in with Nikki. Then a groan came
out. "Oh god, it's worse Alexa. Go to Steph's Twitter." I followed
Nikki's advice and started to open Twitter on my phone. Jenny must have
gotten there before me. "She has over a thousand likes on it!" My
shoulders sank as the video played out. Sarah and Nikki came stumbling
out of the room and sat cuddled in the chair while I sulked over to my
fianc?e. As I buried my head into Jenny, a clear voice came from the
video as the song ended.
"Thank you, girlies! We will be signing autographs in the back!" Nikki,
Jenny and I began giggling at the announcement Sarah had made on the
recording. I looked over at our host and could see her face was
extremely red as she tried to hide it in Nikki's chest. "We will not
live this one down" Sarah's muffled voice proclaimed as us other three
bandmates began giggling. Sarah pulled her head out and starred at me
and Jenny. "No more drinking with you two" she stated before she broke
out into her own giggle. Just about then her phone started going off.
She got up to retrieve it. We heard her say hello and then "No! You and
Katie will not be allowed on the tour bus." followed by some more
giggling. While Sarah was talking to her former business partner, we
began trying to figure out what had happened.
"I remember saying that we were not going up on stage" was what I added.
Nikki rang in that then she remembered SOMEONE disappearing and returning
with shots of tequila!" Katie groaned on the sofa at the mention of the
Mexican liquor. Jenny tried to deny it, but I knew how she was when she
was on a roll. And so did she. Katie decided it was her turn to enter
the conversation. "I think it was after the second shot was when you
four decided it was time to sing, but there was a line, so you, I mean
Jenny, decided a third shot would be good." As Sarah emerged from the
bedroom, she confirmed everything that had been said, including that
Jenny was the instigator in all of this. Jenny tried to pout, but for
once there was no sympathy from me as my head hurt too much.
I don't know if it was the fact she was being picked on or that she
remembered an earlier conversation. "Is it really 9:15? We have to get
going! We have to go see Little Jenny at dance class." The collective
response from the room was one gigantic groan. Jenny slowly stood,
trying to combat the effects of the previous evening and began urging me
to get up. She then told the other three that we had promised, though
none of us could remember. I obliged and following a quick shared
shower, we turned it over to our hosts and finally to Katie. Within the
hour we were out the door and our way to Krystie Fullerton's School of
Dance. Where we were met almost instantly met by the namesake of the
studio.
"Come to work on your choreography, Venus Girls?" Krystie teased us. I
am sure that behind the oversized sunglasses, Nikki was giving her the
death stare. Sarah asked how she knew already. "I knew last night.
Jamie and Charlotte sent me the video. Don't worry, only all the Angels
and Out of Heaven have seen the video. And Stuart and Mikey and some of
the other boys," Nikki groaned as we made our way towards the dance
studio, followed by Krystie tossing out more names at us. "I think Laura
saw it, so all of her gang. And I am sure Stuart sent it to Ian, so it
is probably a hit in Cardiff." And as annoying as the taunting was, it
was kind of nice as it made us feel like we were part of the larger
family.
And the teasing from an Angel did not stop there, as the joshing
continued from the one Angel we had not yet met, Mary Carter. She like
the others teased us but in the same good-natured fun. She was just as
wonderful as the rest of the Angels and her daughter Natasha was a little
cutie. We stood to the back and watched the toddlers as the went through
Zoe's instructions. As we watched them some more, Sandra came in. She
took one look at us and shook her head. Thankfully she said nothing but
did give the stern motherly look at her oldest daughter and her wife.
As the lesson ended, all the little girls of the dance class ran to their
mother's, except Jenny Thomas who made a beeline for my Jenny. "You
came" she squealed as 'Big' Jenny bent down to hug her. "You are very
good" my Jenny said, "Even better than Alexa." Sandra came over and we
had a little discussion with Sandra before she had to head out.
"So, did you girls have fun last night?" Sandra asked as Katie, Jenny and
I stood there feeling as guilty as ever. Nikki tried to stumble through
an explanation a bit. "Don't worry girls. I understand. You need to
blow off some steam occasionally, just be careful OK?" Nikki nodded at
her mother while Jenny and I tried to get over our embarrassment. Katie
let out a short sigh of relief and leaned back against the wall. Sandra
then turned her attention to my Jenny. "So, tomorrow is the day of the
fitting and the big play date, correct?" We nodded. "I was thinking we
could meet you at Nikki and Sarah's and go for a little outing from
there. Would that work?" Sandra asked 'Big' Jenny, who smiled as wide as
she ever does with me and readily agreed to the plan. The times were
set, and Sandra hugged her two older daughters before collecting her
youngest and heading out.
We said good-bye to Mary, Natasha and Kristina-Leigh as well. We
mentioned how nice it was to finally meet her and how we wished could
have spent so more time with her. "I have the feeling this won't be your
last trip over" Mary said before heading out the door with her daughters.
Zoe came up as her students left and began to tease us a bit as well,
saying how sad she was she had missed our performance and hoped we would
repeat it sometime soon. Sarah had the line of the day. "I think this
band is going to break up. Mostly because I can't handle the day after."
We said goodbye to our friend and returned to the apartment, where the
rest of the day was spent trying to recover. Curling up with Jenny and
just hanging with these three wonderful friends was the best way to get
back to normal. We did not have the motivation to do anything else, not
even cook, so we searched for a pizza place to deliver. It was
interesting to see the different tastes we had in pizza, but it was fun.
We readily tried the other's choices and spent the evening talking and
giggling away. You would think after six days of being together, we
would be sick of each other but that was not the case. What was even
better was how close it seemed that Katie had become with our London
friends.
I awoke the next day to my London alarm clock shaking my feet. "Time to
get up you two," Nikki said before moving past. Jenny snuggled into me a
bit as I tried to get my brain working. As the brain began to warm up, I
realized this was the day of the fitting! The fitting of MY wedding
dress! I was still having a hard time believing that this was going to
happen. Before I could even begin to really think about it, Jenny kissed
me and asked me if I was ready. Her smile was as loving as ever. I
nodded as it truly began to sink in. I nodded but my comprehension of
what was about to happen must have shown on my face. Jenny kissed me on
the cheek, "You have nothing to worry about, babe. Sarah will be nothing
but kind," We rose and went through our morning routines. As we waited
for Sandra and little Jenny, my nerves increased and no matter how much
Jenny, Katie and Nikki tried to calm me down I was becoming more of a
wreck. Just as Jenny was leaving she gave me a long hug and a tender
kiss. "Just relax. Enjoy it." The hug helped, but the nerves were
still there as the trio left. As the door closed, Sarah took control.
"Let's get started," she announced. "Lauren and Ophelia will be here
soon. Nikki get the bride-to-be ready." An evil grin came across
Nikki's face and a giggle came from Katie as I was led back to the
bedroom while Sarah began to get things organized. I saw laying on the
bed a white corset, and as much as the thought of Nikki tightening me up
again made me, I had a sense of relief that it wouldn't be Ophelia at the
laces. I was trussed up, with some unfortunate help from my big sister
and was handed a robe. I was led back into the living room where the
small platform that I had stood on back in October was placed. Lauren
and Ophelia, had arrived while I was being tortured by my two sisters and
waited anxiously. A big smile came to Sarah's face as she asked if I was
ready. I nodded, and she produced the garment that I had only ever
dreamed of wearing. I gasped as the wonderful creation came into view.
My heart raced as the eagerness to put the dress on took control. Sarah
noticed it but held me off. I was so excited I thought I was going to
hyperventilate. Ophelia and Lauren stood onto two chairs and held the
dress for me to step into. I allowed the le incredible silk take over my
senses. Ophelia zipped up the back and Lauren helped me on to the stand.
As I stood there shaking, the expressions on the three fashion students
was like that of craftsmen observing what needed to be accomplished.
Sarah, Lauren and Ophelia began to circle me, grabbing bits of the dress.
Lauren playfully admonished me to relax and quit shaking, that it was
making their job harder. Sarah grabbed a chair from the table and stood
on it and began working on the front of it. I would have felt a bit more
self-conscious if it had been either of the other two 'feeling me up' but
Sarah knew my concerns. I had joked in the past that Jenny used me as
her over-sized Barbie when we went shopping, but today I really felt like
one.
As my three designers orbited me making their notes, Nikki caught my eye.
She had a huge smile on her face, and not surprisingly tears in her eyes.
But that was expected. Nikki was like me, a bit emotional. It was
Katie, who was standing next her that got me going. Katie was crying!
It took a lot to get Katie in a weepy mood, but there she was. And like
Nikki, she had a huge smile on her face. "You are gorgeous Alexa" Katie
said in a voice just above a whisper. That got me going, the tear ducts
started to fill But I had still not seen the dress one me, other than
trying to look down at it. I looked at the three women circling me and
asked If I could see the dress yet. Lauren and Sarah blushed a bit as I
brought them out of their technical discussion.
"Pardon us Alexa" Ophelia said as kind as could be. "We do tend to
become a bit insular in our thoughts when looking at our designs. Would
you like to see the dress?" I nodded more than enthusiastically. Sarah
waved at her wife and Katie to bring over the three-sided mirror that sat
in the corner. "Now close your eyes until we get it set" Nikki told me.
I did and could feel my nervousness as I closed my eyes. I could hear
'my sisters' struggling a bit with the mirror and thought I might have an
opportunity to sneak a peek at myself. As I tried to open one eye,
Katie's voice of authority came through and admonished me. I slammed my
eyes shut again. A slight tremor took over as the anticipation to look
took over. I whined for the two to hurry up and was once again
admonished by Katie. Finally, Sarah told me to open my eyes.
What stood before was something like a dream. There was a woman standing
in an incredible white silk creation. Two straps hung off the shoulders
and the front dove to almost perilous depths between the woman's breasts.
The dress clung tightly to the shapely curves of the dress model and then
sprung to a full skirt that barely brushed the floor. I could see my
five friends standing beside the mirror. They all had smiles on their
faces, and three of them were tearing up. That was when I looked at the
face in the mirror and realized the beautiful woman in the mirror was ME!
That was when my own waterworks began. "Oh my god! The dress is
beautiful!"
"The model isn't too bad herself" Nikki said. Katie chimed in "I only
hope I look as good as my little sister when I get married." After all
five women continued to compliment me, and I shared hugs with them, the
session became serious. The questions started flying on my thoughts of
the dress. What I thought of the fit of the bodice, was it too tight
across the hips. I made a joke that I guess I wasn't eating until after
the wedding., which was a mistake. "Don't worry, we can always tighten
the corset a bit." Katie said with a devious grin that was matched by
Nikki.
As the three designers talked some more, a moment of panic came over me,
"What am I going to do the day of the wedding? I can't have these two
trying to adjust it." Sarah told me that it would be fine, but I didn't
believe her. I turned to Lauren and Ophelia. "You two are officially
invited to the wedding, and your husband Ophelia and your boyfriend
Lauren and Katie and Jacinta. All of you. I won't be able to make this
look right!" Katie laughed at my insecurity. Lauren and Ophelia thanked
me but said that wasn't necessary. "No, it is! We will cover your room.
We will get you a deal on a flight, but please come." They both nodded
at my invitation. That's when Sarah told me the truth.
"They have already been invited. Jenny had the exact same melt down as
you. We agreed that they would beg off coming just to tease you a bit."
The grin on the young British woman's face was huge. I think I may have
growled at Sarah a bit as the whole room, besides me, burst into
laughter. They three designers went back to circling me and showing
spots where adjustments could be made to the dress. After what seemed
like mere minutes of standing there as pins and markings were made, I was
told it was time to slip off this marvelous creation. I took on more look
at myself before Katie and Nikki helped me down from the stand and helped
me out of the dress. And as she was helping me down, Katie whispered in
my ear that I really did look beautiful. "You are going to knock 'em
dead at the wedding. Though I might need a new boyfriend because you may
give him a heart attack!"
Katie and Nikki led me back to the bedroom to help me get out of the
corset that I had worn. It was only as I was standing there did I
realize that 2 hours had passed! I guess time flies while you are having
fun. And as I looked back out into the living room, I could see Sarah
and Lauren slipping the dress back into its protective cover an odd
feeling hit me. I felt sad until Nikki reminded I would be wearing it
again soon, but that didn't help. The one thing