Seeing her come up on stage actually brings a tear to my eyes. She looks absolutely beautiful. She’s wearing a bright blue formal dress patterned with purple hummingbirds. The flowing skirt falls into the pattern of vines and leaves in mixed colors while the hummingbirds dance across her bodice.
I helped her pick it out. No more beige, white or black if I have anything to say about it. She’s a gorgeous woman and she should be proud of it.
“Let’s not forget our other guest of honor, the budding model taking the world by storm, Roxanne Leeton!”
Now there are some cheers as well as some clapping, but I duck down low. They can’t make me go up there.
“Where is she? Roxy, if you don’t move that tiny butt I’m coming in after you!”
The crowd laughs, but I keep my head down.
“Here she is!” A blonde woman grabs my shoulder and shoves me forward. Crap, it’s one of the other models.
“Get up there!” She scolds. “It’s your big moment!”
I just stand there in a state of shock as the crowd parts. Just when I think it can’t get any worse, they swivel the spotlight on to me. I can’t swallow all of a sudden. Everyone’s looking at me!
Then flashes begin to appear in the crowd. People are taking my photo. Of course they are. Then I see the small glowing red light nearby and I know I’m being filmed.
I could scream when the feed is suddenly projected on the wall and there I am. They really make sure the guys in the back can see me, don’t they?
“Come on up here, Roxy!” Lisa yells. “Everyone take a look at that gown! This my friends is a Roxy Lee original! Within a few months these designs will be available for sale!”
Holy what? I didn’t know about that! All I knew was that I picked fabric and played around with it for awhile and some chick good with a needle spun me out a dress.
It’s bright red silk, so crisp it has that iridescent quality. The red sheath hugs me tight, low and straight across the chest and high up on the thigh. Against the bright red background, the over gown of black cobweb patterned mesh flows with long full sleeves and flowing skirt, medieval meets modern.
Helen stands next to Lisa, laughing as they hug on stage. She beckons to me and I start walking, almost running.
I’m not scared to go anywhere my baby can go.
I can move pretty fast now that I’ve decided I’m never wearing heels again. I chose super shiny punk boots that lace right up to the thighs to go with my little creation. Everyone decided spiking my hair out with red and black extensions was a great idea as well.
I don’t recognize the woman running up the stairs to embrace Helen and Lisa. The change happened too fast. It was like I just woke up one morning and the world had rearranged itself around me.
It doesn’t matter. None of it matters.
My hand meets Helen’s and we kiss, right there on stage. Lisa mentions the up and coming wedding and I wave my ring for the cheers of the crowd.
While Lisa talks about our artistic talent and creative vision, Helen and I cuddle close, ignoring the world. The room might be full of noise but right here, just between us is a wealth of silence. It’s only there that two souls can truly understand each other.
Lisa winds down and we take a couple of steps away from the podium. Helen twists a loose strand of hair next to my cheek and I stretch up to kiss her.
As I come down from my tip toes, Helen looks behind me and her face falls. It’s so sudden and tragic I think the ceiling must be falling in. When I turn around, I see only a small group of people. An older woman and man with a younger pair.
When the older man steps forward and the light hits his ashy blonde hair, it looks familiar to me. The woman by his side in a very proper high-necked dress has eyes that flash green even at this distance.
That’s when I realize who it must be.
Helen’s family.
Thirty-Five
Helen
Minute by minute, this night has just keeps taking me higher.
I was so nervous in this dress, but Roxy wouldn’t hear a word of protest. She said it was perfect for me and after several arguments, I had no choice but to agree. It’s the sort of thing I’ve always wanted to wear but never had the courage.