Glimmers

by Barbara Brooke

  “Hopefully, we’ll see you again, soon. Have a nice day,” Hilary says, smiling.

  I thank her and reach for the bag.

  ~ * * * ~

  Just as I’m driving home, Hailey calls. I debate whether or not I want to answer. I’d love to tell her just how I feel about how she uses me all the time!

  Probably best if I ignore the phone. It beeps, and I know I have a message from my sister. I don’t care. I’m not going to listen to it.

  Let’s face it; I’m curious by nature, so it doesn’t take long for me to listen. “Hello there, sis! I just want to know how the ring fits. I can’t wait to see you later! Call me!” Hailey says cheerfully.

  I delete her message and flip the phone around in my hand. If I’m being honest here, I don’t want to return her call, but I dial her number anyway. After all, she is my sister.

  Hailey answers on the first ring, “Hey there, Paige! How are you doing?”

  After hearing her pleasant tone, I’m even more annoyed. “What do you need for me to do, now? Run another meaningless errand for the bride?”

  “Whoa, take a chill pill. What happened in the jewelry store? Was Hilary rude to you or something?” inquires Hailey, and I am almost fooled by the sound of her innocent tone…not today.

  “I think you’re up to something,” I say bluntly.

  “Fine, you caught me. I mean, I hate to even ask this of you, but since the boutique is so close to the jewelry store, is there any chance you could do another tiny favor for me? I need to have my dress fitted one more time. Could you please go by there and do this one last thing for me, pretty please?”

  “Why should I?”

  “Paige, your taste in fashion is exquisite. After all, you were the one who picked out my dress, in the first place.”

  “Yeah, that’s kind of strange. Don’t you think? I mean, shouldn’t you have picked out your own wedding dress?”

  “Paige, don’t be ridiculous. You’re so good at shopping, and I trust you completely . . . with my life. Besides, you’re the best big sister I could ever hope for,” she says, and I soften.

  “Fine,” I say and realize that yes, I am a sucker.

  “Thanks. And how did the ring fit?”

  “Fine.”

  “Great, thanks again! Bye!” she trills and hangs up.

  Eleven

  I am so confused. Why am I doing this? I mean, why am I driving all the way over to the bridal shop, just to try on a dress she probably won’t even wear? If I’m being honest here, I am so disgusted with Hailey, I don’t think I should bother going.

  I can’t believe I am doing this for her. Abruptly, I leave my minivan and stomp off toward the storefront, ready to storm through . . . . That’s strange. I hadn’t noticed before just how charming the windows are. In fact, the etchings in the glass resemble my favorite fairytale castle. Hmm, how nice.

  When I push open the doors, I hear sweet bells chime—welcoming me. There's a stunning chandelier dangling over my head, with crystals cascading down like water droplets. A little farther up ahead, a larger version of the same fixture hangs above the center of the circular room. I love it in here.

  The walls are painted a powder blue and glossy white mannequins are strategically positioned around the area. Each one showcases a lovely gown: most are bright white, but a few resemble candlelight. I am surrounded by silk, chiffon, tulle, satin, and lace. Some gowns sparkle, while others shimmer with pearls. I feel like someone should wave a wand over my head, sprinkle glitter into my hair, and whisper a charm…may all of my wishes come true.

  From a few feet away, a lady smiles before coming over to greet me. I’ve seen her many times. She is always so nice and patient when tackling everything Hailey throws at her, like sending me to try on the bridal dress.

  “Hi, I’m here to be fitted for Hailey Smith’s wedding dress,” I offer.

  “Why Hailey, you look remarkably like your sister Paige,” the woman says pleasantly, but with an undertone of sarcasm.

  “I know. Hailey couldn’t make it, so I’m here instead. Will that be all right?”

  “The bride would be better, but under the circumstances the maid of honor will have to do,” the woman says and her lips curve up into a resigned smile.

  She leads me to a dressing room at the back of the store. And there is Hailey’s dress. Its design is elegantly simple and drapes straight to the floor. I reach for the gown and am immediately aware of how soft the white fabric is.

  I can’t wait to try it on, but not for Hailey’s sake.

  It fits perfectly. Actually, it looks great! I grin while twirling slightly from side-to-side. I don’t normally wear strapless tops, but this looks nice. Maybe I should buy a strapless dress for myself. I could play princess with my daughter!

  I am seriously considering my purchase, when the sales assistant interrupts, “I guess Hailey’s a lucky bride, after all. This dress won’t need a thing altered.”

  “Well, the dress is stunning. I’m sure Hailey will look beautiful on her big day.” I look in the mirror and swirl—swish, swish.

  You know, I bet after Hailey cancels her wedding I could talk her into giving me this dress . . . just a thought.

  ~ * * * ~

  Just after dinner, I eagerly open a bottle of cabernet. It’s red and smooth and pours easily into my glass. After all, Hailey will be here any minute, and I am wrecked. What am I going to say to her? I’m not entirely certain Julian even exists. What I "saw" and "felt" can't possibly be true. I mean, this is my problem, not hers . . . or is it? I’m so confused. I’ll just focus on cleaning up dinner dishes and push Hailey out of my mind.

  From the hall, I hear Elliott rattle some plates together. He rounds the corner and places them into the sink. He leans against the center island and crosses his arms tightly to his chest. He stares at me for another second before finally asking, “What’s going on with you, Paige? I’m really beginning to worry. First, you’re cooking these fantastic meals, and now you look different, good, but different. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. I just don’t understand the reason.”

  “So I’m wearing my hair down. It’s not a big deal. I want to look good for my husband. Is there anything wrong with that?” I ask, while drying my hands on a dishtowel, and in the sexiest way I can manage, fling it back on the counter.

  “That’s what I’m talking about,” he says, as I am sauntering in his direction. I pause and tilt my head so my hair caresses my shoulder. I run my hands up his chest and wrap them around his neck. His embrace tightens and his mouth is mere inches away from mine. I can barely hear him whisper, “Why don’t you cancel on Hailey?”

  “Ewww Mom, Dad do you mind? I have company here,” Liam declares as he and his new girlfriend, Maggie, prance through the kitchen.

  Wait a minute, are they holding hands? They’re giggling about something Liam has just whispered into her long blonde hair. She looks at him adoringly before leaving the room. Puppy love, I remember it well.

  Elliott and I grin, while slowly moving apart, and I return to my left-over food, packing it in plastic containers. I’m feeling kind of tingly and giddy. Wait a minute, would that be because of the wine or my husband? Not that I don’t still adore Elliott, I do. I guess after having two children, our love life went from spicy to lightly-seasoned.

  I submerge my hands back into the sink and watch the water stream down and over the dirty dishes, bubbles dancing and bobbing along. How calming.

  Elliott is watching me. I don’t even have to turn around to know he is looking back and forth between my almost empty wineglass and the back of my head.

  “I’ll agree to drop this for now, as long as you promise to let me help you,” he says.

  “All right, but please stop worrying. I’m sure I’m just out of sorts. You know, wedding stress and all,” I say, searching under the sink for an S.O.S. pad.

  “Except this isn’t your wedding. It’s Hailey’s. You shouldn’t be stressed over your sister’s
wedding.”

  “You have a good point there, but you know how much I’ve been helping her. She needs me. Now, where is it? It’s a mess under here; I really must get rid of some of this stuff.”

  “What are you looking for?”

  “I’m looking for something to get this bit of food off the casserole dish,” I reply, shoving bottles of cleaner around the cabinet. “Ah, here it is.”

  I lather up my S.O.S. pad and scour the edges of a pan.

  Elliott approaches me from behind and wraps his arms playfully around my body, squeezing me tight. I feel immobilized! After all, my hands are covered in soapy bubbles! I need to rinse my hands before I can hug him . . . except, maybe I don’t have to. Strange, I find I am able to stop doing dishes and relax into his chest, bubbles and all.

  “This is nice, you’re not pushing me away to dry your hands,” he says, nibbling on my neck and making me laugh.

  “Who knew I was capable of something so spontaneous.”

  “Spontaneous, sounds interesting. What’d I miss?” inquires Hailey, rounding the corner. “Oh, am I interrupting a moment?”

  “Don’t worry about it. You didn’t interrupt anything we can’t pick up again later,” Elliott says and releases me.

  “We’ll just have to see about that,” I say, as he swiftly hugs Hailey and leaves the room.

  “So Liam has himself a little girlfriend? I just met her in the hall. She’s a cutie,” Hailey says, peering over to my empty glass of wine and sticking out her lower lip. “I’m hurt. You started without me. And here I brought this bottle for us to share.”

  “Hailey, the way I feel tonight, I may need to open that one too.”

  “Rough day?” she asks and reaches into the cupboard for a glass.

  “You have no idea.”

  “Well then, let me help you,” she says and pours red nectar into both our glasses.

  “Thanks,” I say and watch as Hailey starts looking around the kitchen with her nose in the air.

  “It smells yummy in here! Oh, did you hire a personal chef for tonight? What’s the occasion?” she asks, still sniffing about.

  “Funny one, but no. It may surprise you to hear, I am quite an accomplish cook. Don’t look so shocked,” I say. “There’s plenty of food left. Or let me guess, you probably ate something on your way over, as usual.”

  “Yes, I did. No offense, but you’re not exactly the best cook,” she says, dragging a stool up to the counter top. “But, that smells so good I may actually have to try it.”

  “All right, and then you will have to eat your words,” I say and pull out the containers of food.

  “Paige, I really appreciate your helping me with all of the wedding plans. I hope it hasn’t been too much of a burden,” she pauses, looking almost sad. “I can’t believe how strenuous it is to plan a wedding.”

  “Well, you know how I like to shop,” I say. “I hope you’re happy with everything on the big day. I mean, I hope you aren’t just going along with what I want for you. Just trying to do what is sensible. By the way, aren’t you curious about your ring?”

  “Of course, I am! Where is it?”

  “Here,” I say, handing her the powder blue bag.

  “Great, I’ll try it on in a bit,” Hailey says and shovels some food into her mouth.

  Another glass of wine down, and I am still watching Hailey scarf food. She won’t look me in the eyes or even speak, for that matter.

  After clearing her second heaping plate of leftovers, we make ourselves comfortable in the living room. This is uncomfortable. I’m still not sure what to say to her about my latest vision. This is more difficult than I had imagined. I mean, we’re close. Normally I can discuss just about anything with her, but how am I supposed to ask her if she’s having an affair? I guess I could hint around and try to have her 'fess up.

  Finally, I come up with something to say, “The strangest thing happened to me today, and I’m not sure how to shake it off.”

  “You are acting a little different. What happened?” Hailey inquires.

  “Well, you can’t get upset by what you hear. Okay?”

  “You can’t upset me that easily. Let me have it,” she says, swirling wine around in her glass.

  “I’m just wondering . . . that is, something has recently come to my attention,” I pause, feeling a lot like a chicken.

  “What? Come on, spit it out.”

  The wine in her glass is swirling around a bit too high for my liking, and it’s going to spill on my floor. Is she as nervous as I am? I take another sip of liquid courage and fill my lungs with fresh air. Suddenly, I know exactly how to find out if she is having an affair.

  “Um, I met someone recently. He said you knew each other. His name was Julian,” I say in a garbled mess of words. She’ll never buy it. I’m terrible at lying.

  Now, I’m familiar with the phrase, ‘white as a ghost.’ Except, I’ve never seen someone's color fade like that, as if her very life is being drained.

  “I do know him. He’s one of my most recent clients. I’m designing the interiors for his restaurant,” she responds and looks away, as if trying to connect the dots.

  She basically just confirmed I’m on to something here, but how much of my vision is true. I’m actually pretty good at this detective work. I’ll find out the truth, yet.

  I’m considering what to say next, tapping my fingers on my knee. When finally, I come up with, “He’s a very good looking guy, and the girl he was with was nice.”

  Suddenly, Hailey’s face flares red! Yes, I’ve finally managed to get a reaction, except now I feel a twinge of guilt.

  Before I am able to take back what I’ve just said, Hailey blurts, “He was with another woman? When did you say the two of you met?”

  “Just the other day . . . I had lunch with a friend . . . and Julian was there,” I say, and watch as Hailey stomps back and forth. I’m not sure if she wants to scream or cry or perhaps both. Maybe I wouldn’t be such a great detective; this isn’t fun anymore. Actually, I feel terrible. “Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine!” she says with a shudder. She then looks down at her watch. “I’m fine. I probably need to head home.”

  “Is there anything you’d like to tell me?”

  “I don’t want to talk about it,” she says, and I’m about to confess everything, when she snaps, “Where were you? How did you two meet? I mean, why did you two start talking in the first place?”

  “Why do you care so much?”

  “I don’t care about Julian! I’m engaged to Derek, remember!”

  “Ha, that’s never stopped you before.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Let’s see, I recall a pattern in your dating history. You always seem to think the grass is greener and quickly move on to someone else,” I snap.

  “That’s not fair! Derek isn’t a random boyfriend. Have you forgotten he and I are engaged right now?”

  “I'm not the one who has forgotten. I remember every time you send me on another one of your stupid errands! And what exactly do you mean by right now?"

  Hailey looks down towards the floor. She stands up and moves across the room. She reaches for the front door, and I notice her hand shaking.

  “Thanks a lot, Paige. I guess I can always count on you to say it like you see it,” she whispers.

  What have I done? This wasn’t how things were supposed to turn out! That was not what I meant to say! I feel terrible simply looking at her. It’s pretty obvious I didn’t handle this well.

  “Wait a minute!” I holler. Hailey turns around and looks in my direction. “Don’t leave like this. I need to explain.”

  Begrudgingly, she returns to the door and freezes on the front step. There’s an invisible barrier between us.

  “Look, I don’t know why I said those things. Will you please come back inside, so we can talk?” I ask hopefully.

  Without speaking, she skirts around me and sits awkwardly on the edge of a
chair. I sit across from her and restart my story . . . my real story.

  “I didn’t actually meet Julian. I made it up so I could see how you felt about him,” I say and watch as surprise washes over her already confused face.

  “What! I don’t understand. Why would you do that?” she asks, shaking her head.

  How am I supposed to explain what I’ve seen? What I’ve “experienced” through Hailey’s eyes.

  I start by telling her about my visions with Delilah. Although it’s unbelievable, I explain what I saw and heard.

  And then, I describe what I witnessed through my second vision.

  “Paige, you're crazy! That is horrible! How could you do such a thing! Are you actually telling me, you were living inside my head and saw me with Julian?”

  “Actually, I wasn’t literally in your head. I suppose I lived in a memory. Perhaps, it was projected from the ring. I don’t know how it works exactly. I can only speculate,” I explain.

  “That is just weird. I’m not sure what to make of this. First, you feed me a bunch of lies. Second, you attack me for cheating on Derek; which by-the-way I’m not admitting to doing. Third, you inform me you are having visions, one of which involves you flying into my engagement ring and seeing a memory of mine. You have to admit, it sounds pretty farfetched. In fact, how can I be so sure you’re not just making up this story about having visions? For a normally honest person, you are a pretty convincing liar.”

  “Ouch, I guess I deserve that, and I suppose all of this sounds completely unlikely. I’m asking you to open your mind to the possibility I’m telling you the truth. I didn’t want to observe your life. Believe me, I wish I hadn’t. I would rather not know you’re cheating on Derek.”

  “Oh, so, we’re back to accusations again! I thought this was about you and your little mental episodes!” she fires at me.

  “Hey, wait a minute here! I just explained to you, I’m having visions and this is how you react? And whether or not you care to admit you’re having an affair…let’s face it, we both know you are! So just cut the innocent act! I know what I saw!” I fire back. "And for the record, cheating emotionally is even worse than cheating physically."