Chapter 1: Anticipation

 The sun leaked through the balcony window to lie upon my cheek serving as a harsh reminder that it was in fact May 16, my birthday.  I groaned.  Another dreamless night had been rudely interrupted by the morning’s soft light.

            I stretched myself out across the bed to place myself directly in the middle of the bed inching ever so slightly to James’s side of the bed.  The soft cotton sheets stuck to me as I moved my way across the bed until I was lying perfectly where I wish he was.  He, as usual, was already gone as he always was by the time I woke up during the week.  Hugging the large pillow on his side of the bed, I took in his sweet aroma that was imbedded into the fabric.  As I brought it in closer to me, I felt a small item slide down off the pillow falling onto the mattress below.

            I peeked my eyes open to see a carefully wrapped box and a golden envelope with my name on it lying on the bed.  With my arms wrapped tightly around his pillow, I glanced between the two gifts trying to decide which special surprise to open first. 

The box. I smiled as I thought to myself. 

My fingers traced along the shiny paper as I tried to guess what could possibly be under the beautiful wrapping.  I swiftly tore through the golden paper to reveal a small black box.  As I slowly lifted its lid, I was almost fearful to see what was inside. 

A key? I thought to myself.  What could this key be for?   A car?   No. Anything but that not yet released Italian sports car he is always talking about.  Besides, he would drive it more than me.

I released my grip on the pillow as I sat up in shock and slight irritation of this mysterious gift.  Puzzled, I reached for the envelope opening it quickly to expose the explanation for the gift.  Inside was a letter written in his perfect handwriting.

Ellie,

Good morning, darling.  If I know you the way I do, I am sure you have just opened one of your many gifts you’ll get today.  So, I am sure you are confused and curious as to what exactly this key will be used for.  I’ll put out your worries quickly and say that it is not a key for any Italian sports car.  However, do not go looking for its source.  Its purpose is for later, so please do not go running around to find the answer to the mystery key. 

As you already know, Stacie will be arriving soon to take you on your annual birthday shopping trip.  Please try to enjoy yourself because we both know how much she truly looks forward to this special time you have together.  She is constantly saying that I keep you all to myself, and she never gets to spend time with you.  Be as carefree and relaxed as possible.   It is your day, so enjoy it to the fullest. 

I cannot wait until I come to pick you up this evening.  My hope is this will be one night you will never forget.  Happy Birthday Ellie!

I love you always and forever,

         James

My eyes read over “a night you will never forget” a few more times causing me to forget all about the key.  I smiled and wrapped my arms around his pillow again setting down the letter.  Butterflies instantly consumed my stomach almost to the point that I could not breathe.  Looking at the bedside clock, I regained my breath and realized that I had to begin getting ready for Stacie.

Stacie was James’s little sister, who had become my best friend.  She was about my height with gorgeous strawberry-blonde hair.  Her face was perfect and almost angel-like.  She looked a lot like James, but she hated being compared to big brother.  Stacie was never afraid to speak her mind especially when it came to someone’s wardrobe.  Her demeanor was more bubbly than pop, and she was constantly dancing on air. Being apart of the Cormac family allowed her to be as carefree as possible, she was able to change her major every time she experienced something new, until she finally settled on a psychology major.  Since she had chosen that major, she has analyzed the behavior of everyone we have come in contact with

A rapid tapping on the front door halted my advance toward the closet causing me to change my course to the front door.  I arrived to the door immediately opening the door with a smile.  However, my smile soon faded when I realized that the person at the door was not Stacie.  On the contrary, it was the same messenger that would bring me various gifts from James usually the night after one of our fights.  This time he wasn’t here in his usual garb because this was not a normal visit; the messenger was oddly well-dressed and was pushing a large silver cart of some kind.  He looked uncomfortable in his all-white suit.

I gave him a faint smile as I moved out of his way.  “Come in.”  I welcomed as I opened the door wider.

He nodded slightly and moved past me slowly.  I sighed as I turned to close the door, but a laugh caused my heart to nearly stop as I turned to become face to face with Stacie.

“Good morning, birthday girl!”  Stacie said happily skipping past me into the apartment.

“Morning.” I managed to mumble.

“Well that is no way to start a birthday!”  She flashed me a smile as she moved across the room.  “You should be dancing and singing around.  You should be excited to have survived another year!” She giggled. 

“Sure.” I said rolling my eyes.

She ignored me as she moved across to the table and sat down.  “Mmhmm. This smells absolutely delicious.  James must really want us to have enough energy to accomplish today’s birthday activities.  Look at all of this food!”  She said her eyes wide with hunger.

“Who says you get any of this?”  I asked smugly sitting down in the chair across from her.

“Well, at least I am dressed.  Look at yourself.  You are a mess.  I surely hope you are not going out in that today.”  Stacie said shooting me a glare.

“I was thinking about it.”  I replied sarcastically.

She rolled her eyes and shook her head.  The messenger was smiling as he set out the rest of the food.  I assumed he was amused by our bickering.  He now looked happy and comfortable, which allowed me to relax and smile.

“That’s everything, miss.  Would you like me to pour either of you some orange juice?”  The messenger asked softly.

I sat there looking up at him in shock.  In the past few months of delivering packages to me from James, he had not once muttered one syllable to me.  It was always the same routine.  I would open the door, and he would hand me the package and a pen to sign a document saying that I had received the package.  He would swiftly take back his form and pen nod then walk away.

I soon realized that I must have been staring at him strangely because he was looking down at me in confusion and almost fear.  I quickly composed myself and smiled uncomfortably as if the last few moments had not happened.  Thankfully, Stacie’s cheerful voice was the first to break the awkward silence.

“Yes, that would be lovely.”  Stacie replied gratefully.

He poured us our drinks and reached into his back pocket and retrieved a small golden envelope.  I smiled and excitement filled me as I assumed that this envelope was for me.  He smiled but turned to Stacie and handed her the envelope.  She nodded to the messenger and he smiled.  After cleaning up some of the plates, he bowed, thanked us, and walked quickly out the door.  After eating some of my eggs, I looked up to see Stacie reading her letter intently with a smile that filled her small face.  She shook her head and began to giggle.

“What is it?”  I questioned a bit curious.

“Nothing, really.  It was James being James.  He was telling me to behave myself and make sure you had an enjoyable time shopping with me today.  He said to not make you my personal Barbie doll.  Ridiculous, I think.  Of course, he also added that I must use my personal credit card if I planned on buying anything at all today.  It’s like he doesn’t trust me at all.”  She rolled her eyes and bent down to place the envelope carefully in her purse.

“What James doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” I said smugly twirling the shiny credit card around in my fingers.  “Besides, it is my birthday, and he told me to enjoy it to the fullest.  I believe that your treating yourself to a few things on his behalf would make my birthday perfect.”

We laughed together at our plotting against James.  We then proceeded to talk about the day’s activities while finishing our breakfast.  I could see the intense excitement on Stacie’s face as she told me her ideas for today.  When I was through eating, I left the table to finish getting ready because I could see that Stacie was trying so hard to be patient as she bounced in her seat. 

“I’ll be ready soon.” I called behind me as I ran quickly up the steps.

“Take your time!” She called back, but I could tell by her tone that she was becoming very impatient.

I was soon at the closet rifling through my clothes trying to quickly to come up with an outfit.  As my fingers ran through my shirts, I finally came across the perfect shirt.  I slid into my favorite silver and black t-shirt and layered it with a black cropped jacket.  I grabbed my favorite pair of jeans, but there was one more piece of my outfit that I needed t figure out.

Shoes? I thought to myself looking at my options

Over the couple of years of know Stacie, I had acquired more pairs of shoes then I had realized.  Scanning my probable options given my outfit, I finally made it between two pairs.  A black pair of Converse or a black pair of ballet flats.  My body reacted before my mind had figured out which one to choose.  Knowing Stacie would never approve of my Converse, I decided to be a bit rebellious.  It was my birthday after all.  I laced up my shoes, grabbed my purse off of the bed, and hurried down the steps to return to Stacie.

“Ready!” I exclaimed with a smug smile.

Stacie smiled as she got up from the table.  She immediately began to examine my outfit from head to foot.  Finally, she reached my shoes and her smile faded as she shook her head.

“I suppose you are.” She sighed.  Clearly disappointed in my choice of shoes, Stacie held herself back from intervening and changed the subject.  “We should be going then.”  She finally said still staring at my shoes.

Stacie insisted that we only take the elevator to the second floor, so we could walk down the large spiral staircase that descended to the lobby of my building.  Walking through the lobby, I received several “Happy Birthday” greetings, which were obviously rehearsed by James’s doing seeing as I did not know one person who spoke to me throughout the lobby.  However, there was one greeting that I truly enjoyed.

“Happy Birthday, Miss Ellie!”  Frank exclaimed with a smile gleaming on his face.

Frank was the doorman of my apartment building.  He was a tall, older gentleman with white hair that stuck out underneath his green doorman’s hat.  He was always polite and could make me smile despite the mood I was in.

“Thank You, Frank!” I answered politely.

“You look dashing today Frank.  Did you do something new with your hair?”  Stacie asked flirtatiously.

“No,” he blushed, “it is very nice to see you as well, Miss Stacie.” 
            Stacie flashed him a smile as she drug me by my elbow out the door to reveal my first surprise. 

“A limo?”  I asked praying that it wasn’t really for us.

“Of course silly! What did you think we were going to take, a taxi?”  She teased.  “This is the perfect way to travel on your birthday.  No worries.  It is completely hands free, so my undivided attention will be completely on you! Plus, we get drinks and snacks in the back of this car.”

I sighed and slid in through the door the driver had just opened nearly hitting my head on the roof of it.  Stacie followed behind me into the back much more gracefully.  It was quite spacious much more room than what I had thought.  I leaned my head back on the seat and sunk into the comfortable warm leather seat.

“Where to first?” I asked sitting straight again to look at her.

“My personal present to you! But, you will just have to wait because it is a surprise.”  She turned her attention away from me for a moment.  “Driver, we are ready to go now.

“I cannot wait to hear about tonight! I hear it is going to be quite a memorable birthday for you.  You will have to call me tomorrow and tell me everything!”

“I will; I promise.  Do you know what he has planned for me?”  I pestered.

“A little bit but not everything.  He doesn’t trust me not to tell you what he has planned, so he only gave me the basics.  However, I do know that you are going to love it! That is all I am saying otherwise I know I will tell you everything I know.  Oh! Thank goodness we’re here! The trip went a bit faster than I expected.”  She smiled and slid out the now open door before I could respond. 

I sat there for a second thinking over what she said.  She looked back in through the door with annoyed eyes at my slowness.  I smiled and stepped out of the limousine to see a large tan building.  I looked up at the oversized glass doors in front of me.  Just above the doors was Aurora written in large golden letters.

Aurora.  I thought to myself recognizing the name.  It did not take me long to realize this was the day spa Stacie was continuously telling me about.

A calming sensation overwhelmed as I walked through the large glass doors.  I was stopped dead in my tracks.  The spa was gorgeous.  Filled with sound of several fountains and waterfalls, the walls of the spa were cream with a gold trim, and the floors were a white marble with a golden brown trim.  Above me was a grand, gold chandelier.  I was in awe of the colors that were projected onto the ceiling by the crystals of the chandelier.  I stared at the colors, taking in the smells of the incense and the sounds of the fountains.

Unlike me, Stacie wasted no time to admire the beauty of the spa and walked straight to the front desk to check us in.  I barely noticed that she had skipped back to stand beside me.  She mocked my posture by tilting her head back and stared at the ceiling.

“What are you looking at?”  Stacie asked in a low whisper.

“I’m in awe, but I probably look ridiculous, don’t I?”  I replied.

“That, you do.”  She laughed carelessly.

“It is so beautiful and relaxing.  I couldn’t help but stare at the chandelier.”  I continued ignoring her laughter.  “The colors coming off of it is breathtaking.  I’m in awe.  I hate to be repetitive, but it’s true.  I am in true awe.  This place is gorgeous.”

“As much as I would love to stand here all day, I think it would be best if we continued to our massages.  I’m sure it will be just as relaxing.”  She said dangling a small golden key in front of my eyes.  “Shall we?”

After a few seconds of no response from me, she grabbed my elbow and drug me across the lobby through a small golden door that led into a room filled with doors.  I followed to a door that had Cormac spelled in gold script on the door.  Inside were a small couch and two small chairs.  In the corner was a small glass table with a vase filled with roses on top of it.  There was a knock at the door, and Stacie was handed two robes and two pairs of slippers.  She handed me one of the robes and place the one pair of slippers on the floor by my feet; she smiled and walked back to the other corner.

I walked over to the flowers and smelled the sweet aroma.  I sighed, but I saw a small card sticking out of the roses.  I reached down and removed the card.

Ellie,

Enjoy your morning of rest and relaxation with Stacie.  I love you.

         James

            I smiled at note the as I slipped into my robe.  All I could picture was his smooth, perfect face, and I sighed.  I stared and was mesmerized by overwhelming beauty of the roses.  Stacie was at my side chattering about the schedule of the day.  I stared deeply into the deep crimson roses missing every word that she spoke.  I was too mesmerized.

            “Ellie? Ellie, are you even listening to me?”  She questioned obviously annoyed at my ignoring her.

            “Uh?”  I murmured.  “Oh! Oh, I’m so sorry.  What were saying?”

            “I suppose it wasn’t that important.  We should be going anyway.  Are you ready?”

            “Yes.”  I replied.

            She smiled and turned to go back out a different door.  We walked down a long golden hallway filled with doors and paintings until we stopped in front of a small golden door.  She opened the door and we moved in to the dimly lit room.

            It was covered in candles, and the room was filled with the sweetest aroma.  It was a mix between lavender and vanilla; it was overwhelming.  I was instantly relaxed.  We spread ourselves out onto the two massage tables that were in the middle of the room, and we both sighed simultaneously.  This caused us to laugh and sigh again.  The masseuses entered the room and turned on a small CD player that was on a shelf in the corner.  I recognized the soft melodic beginning.

            The song was “At Last” by Etta James, my favorite song.  I smiled and thought of my mother.  I had grown up listening to all kinds of music: Rock, Opera, Classical, Blues, Country, and Jazz.  My mother was a singer, and my father was a musician, so music was second nature in my house.  There was never a time the house wasn’t filled with Mozart or The Beatles, it didn’t matter, the house was always filled with music; I had become a fan of the Blues Era, especially Etta James.  Music was my life, and it was the only way to calm and relax me.   

            “I specifically asked them to add this song to play list of songs, and I also suggested many of my favorite songs as well.  I didn’t think you would mind.”  She stated proudly.

            “Thank you!”  I smiled.  “And, I don’t care what other music is on it.  You know me.”

            “That, I do.”

            “So, do you know what James has planned for me this evening?”  I managed to ask through the intense pressure being applied by the masseuse.  My hope was that if Stacie was relaxed enough she might let some information about the night slip since she was not known for being the best secret keeper.

            “Well, I don’t know all of the details, but I know enough.  He has planned the usual birthday activities, dinner and so on with a few unique twists.  And, the addition of a special surprise!  I just cannot wait until I hear about your reaction when he goes d…”  She stopped abruptly and turned her head toward me.

            “What?”  I gasped.

            “You are good.  When James told me you were sneaky, I didn’t realize he meant that you were this good.  You are sly, Elliana Alexander.  I do believe that I have said a bit too much.  No more of this sneakiness!”  She put her fingers to her lips and turned away from me. 

            I closed my eyes silently in defeat.  What could it possibly be?  I wondered.  When he does what?  I gasped my eyes wide.  Could this really happen tonight?  Could this be the end of the fairy tale where the lonely princess finally gets to keep her prince?

            Unfortunately, my hopes were numbered.  My life never had resembled a fairy tale at least in the “Happily Ever After” department.  I lost my parents in car accident when I was seven years old.  After that, I lived with my parents’ best friends who were always a second set of parents to me, and they loved me more than anything.  But, the fairy tale decided I was too happy again, and then two weeks after I turned eighteenth my foster parents were killed in a mysterious plane accident.  That was when I learned an important lesson.  I learned to never hold onto too much of what I could easily lose, especially the people I loved most.

            But this has to be it.  I began to think happily again.  What else could it possibly be?  I bit my lip as my stomach was immediately filled with butterflies.

            “Really?”  I asked in a low whisper.

            She turned her head back to me.  She rolled her eyes and winked.  I blushed with excitement in response to her silent answer.  She smiled again and turned her head away before she could reveal any other secrets, my sign that would all I would be finding out.  I smiled, closed my eyes, and truly began to relax.

            The pressure from the masseuses vanished as the last song ended.  I heard one of them say something—I assumed it was Swedish—that was followed by a grateful response from Stacie in the same language.  I smiled in utter confusion.  I wrapped the sheet around myself and turned for the first time to see the two masseuses.  Both of them were slight, pale women, whose arms looked like they could break off at any second.  I sat there in shock.

            How could such small people cause so much pain?  I thought.

            The two women smiled and bowed then swiftly exited the room.  I leaned my head back and let out a long sigh. 

            “That was absolutely amazing.  I don’t believe if I have ever felt so relaxed.  They are great at what they do despite their size.  I wasn’t expecting that when I turned around.”  I laughed.

            “They are incredible.  I always feel so relaxed.”  She gleamed. 

            She glanced over to the small clock that sat by the CD player and gasped.  “Is that really the time! We better get going.  We are meeting my mother for lunch before we go shopping today.”  She stated as she slipped into her robe.

            I mocked actions and was at her heels as we rushed back to our private changing room.  I slipped back into my clothes and grabbed my roses before running behind Stacie back through the lobby to the limo.  We chatted mindlessly on our way to the restaurant.

            In no time at all, we arrived to Lakeside Terrace Restaurant, but it was soon very apparent we were late when Stacie jumped out before the limo had fully stopped.  I followed quickly after her through the crowds of people in the front of the restaurant.  Stacie marched her way up to the hostess at the front. 

            “We are meeting someone.  The reservation should be under Cormac.”  Stacie stated lively. 

            “Ah, yes,” replied the hostess, “the other two people in your party have already been seated.  If you will follow me please.”  She motioned past herself and we followed behind her.

            I was slightly confused; I hadn’t realized we were meeting someone other than Ava, Stacie’s mom, for lunch.  However, I could tell by Stacie’s expression that she was confused as well.  We followed the hostess in silence to the outside patio when the succulent breeze from the San Francisco Harbor hit me as we turned the corner allowing me to get my first glance at our mystery guest.

            It was James and Stacie’s older sister, Adalyn.  She was sitting beside her mother and the resemblance between the two of them was remarkable.  There was no doubt that Adalyn was Ava’s daughter.  It was like looking at twins.  They were both slender with dark brunette hair.  Their faces were soft with deep brown eyes.  However, there was only one difference that separated the two women.  Adalyn was a foot taller than her mother, a trait that she had obviously gotten from her father.

            “Addie!”  Stacie squealed running past the hostess to her sister.  She hugged her before Adalyn had a chance to get up from her chair.

            “I thought you were still in Africa.”  I stated following behind Stacie to give Addie a hug.  Adalyn had been my dorm advisor my freshman year at college, but she had been traveling the world with her husband since then.

            “We returned last night.”  She hugged me then returned to her seat.  “We are planning to go to Greece next, but enough about my boring life.  How have you been, Ellie?”  Her voice rang perfectly as I remembered.

            “Your brother has taken excellent care of me with some fashion and social help from Stacie, of course.”  I winked at Stacie.

            “Anyway,” Stacie interjected.  “We are going shopping this afternoon to get her an outfit for tonight.  Adalyn, you must come with us!  Lord knows I’ll need help with this one!”  She pointed at me and giggled.

            “Thanks.”  I rolled my eyes.  “But, Stacie is right.  You really should come with us.  Ava, I would love it if you came with us too.  It would make my birthday more special being able to spend it with the people I love most.”

            “You don’t have to ask me twice!”  Adalyn chimed.

            I looked over to Ava.

            She smiled wearily.  “I would love nothing more than to go shopping with you, but I’m afraid I should be heading back to the hospital.  A hospital director’s work is never done.”  She sighed over a low beeping.  “Actually, I’m afraid I’ll have to cut this lunch short.  Lunch will be on your father and me today so order whatever your hearts desire.  Oh! I almost forgot.  Ellie, you and James are still coming to the house for dinner tomorrow, correct?”

            “We wouldn’t miss it!”  I replied knowing that this was not an ordinary dinner; however, it was a surprise celebration for my birthday.  James has already spoiled the surprise, but I believe I was a good actress.

            “Splendid.  I’ve heard from some sources that you have quite the evening ahead of you.  I cannot wait to hear about it and to see what he has gotten you.”  She smiled as she gracefully got out of her chair.  She walked over and kissed my head.  “Happy Birthday, Elliana!”  She continued around the table to Adalyn then Stacie before leaving.

            She smiled and waved as she maneuvered through the maze of tables.  She continued to look back at us until she was out of eyesight.

            I turned to Adalyn.  “How was Africa?  You must tell me everything!”

            She smiled.  “It was extraordinary! It was a completely different world; it was without a doubt the best experience of my life.  The safari zoos here in America are incomparable to the true African wildlife.  Not even Disney’s Animal Kingdom holds a candle to the African landscape that I saw when I was there.  The grasslands were gorgeous especially during sunsets.  The colors of the sky without any distraction of city life or building to obstruct your view of it were unimaginable.  It provided the most romantic setting.  But, the best part was interacting with the animals.  Emery and I rode on elephants through a small village, and I had the opportunity to pet a lion while I was there.”

            “A lion!”  I cut her off nearly spitting my drink out.  “A lion? Weren’t you scared?”

            She laughed at my curiosity.  “Don’t you know me at all?  Of course I wasn’t afraid.  They may be larger than your everyday house cat, but in truth they are really just small kittens at heart.  They are gentle and soft; I wanted to bring one back with me, but Emery believed it wouldn’t be the best idea because we travel often, and it would be hard to leave it behind.”  We all laughed together. 

            Although I felt a bit foolish, Adalyn had always been fearless.  There hadn’t been a time when I saw fear in her eyes, and she was always up for a new challenge.

            “The markets in Africa are incredible.  I was in awe of the craftsmanship of these people in every village that we visited.  Actually, I brought both of you back some gifts.  Ellie, I bought your gift from a small village in Congo.  Stacie, I bought your gift from a Tuareg woman while we were traveling through Mali.  I could never make up my mind when picking out your gifts.  I could tell that Emery was getting annoyed with my indecisiveness, but I wanted to make sure that I got you both the perfect gift.  Being the man he is Emery suggested we get the gifts from the airport gift shop.  Men are ridiculous!  Here they are.”  She explained as she pulled out two gifts from a tan purse and handed them across the table to us.             

            Stacie and I looked down at our gifts then at each other in attempt to decide who should open her gift first.

            “Don’t just sit there! Open them!”  Adalyn said anxiously her eyes wide with excitement.

            Stacie and I looked at each other again then began to tear through the wrapping of our gifts.  I slid off the wrapping to reveal a long, half-moon shaped, and wooden box.  On the lid of the box was a small turtle that was carved in the middle of the lid.  The wood was smooth as I traced along the carvings of the box.  Adalyn had picked out the perfect gift for me.  I looked across the table to Stacie who was inspecting her gift with a smile from ear to ear.  She was holding a small silver bracelet that had a large turquoise stone in the middle.

            “Do you like them?”  Adalyn asked.

            “Thank you!  I love it!”  Stacie and I answered simultaneously.

            “These carvings are so intricate.  It is unbelievable.”  I said while tracing my finger along the turtle on the lid.

            “The turtle on the lid symbolizes Mother Nature.  The box is called a Tukula box and was made by a man in the Kuba tribe.  The Tukula box was made to hold Tukula, which is a reddish powder made from the bark of a tree that is considered an expensive cosmetic, but I thought you could use it as a jewelry box.”

            “This box is beautiful.  It is the perfect gift!”  I set the box down to lean over the table to give Adalyn a hug.

            “I look good in African jewelry.”  Stacie said admiring the bracelet as it sparkled perfectly on her soft ivory skin.

            Adalyn and I shook our heads and laughed.  Adalyn returned to telling us about her amazing adventures while we ate our bountiful lunch.  I looked about the table to see that the entire surface of the table was filled with different plates of food.  There was not one speck of the white table cloth showing only porcelain plates were visible now. 

            The waiters swooped in and cleared every plate and replaced each one with a dessert plate.  The table was once again filled.  After attacking almost every dessert plate on the table, Adalyn and I decided we could not move.

            “I couldn’t eat another bite.”  I groaned.

            “Agreed.”  Adalyn replied.

            “I think I could have a little bit more.”  Stacie chimed stabbing her fork into a rich chocolate cake.

            “Your stomach is a black hole.”  I joked.

            Adalyn and I laughed as Stacie rolled her eyes.  She closed her eyes while taking one last bite and sighed.  We somehow managed to remove ourselves from our chairs after we’d paid the bill.  Dragging ourselves through the maze of tables, we returned to the limo.  Laughter filled the limo as we discussed how one of the waiters had asked Stacie for her phone number before we left.  She attempted to let him down easily but still gave in and gave him her number.

            “I’m not actually going to go out with him, but a girl cannot have too many friends.  I love Collin, and nothing will ever change that.  Besides, the waiter’s puppy dog expression was too much for me.  I can’t be a cruel person.”  She sighed.

            We continued to laugh at her as we rushed off to our next destination.  Zooming through the city, we headed to a little boutique on the west side of the city.

            Walking into the boutique behind them, I was immediately ambushed with clothes from all directions.  Clothes filled my arms blocking my view of where the next article of clothing would come from next.  When I could no longer hold anymore clothes, I was shoved into the nearest dressing room, and so the fashion show began.

            I began to file through the various clothes that filled the dressing room trying to decide what to try on first.  Sorting the clothes in to piles of what I would feel most comfortable in to what I would be least likely to wear, I finally settled trying on a short dark green dress on first.  I look in the mirror and grimaced.  The dress made me look abnormally pale, but I sighed and moved out of the dressing room.

            “How about this one?”  I asked.

            Thankfully, their expression was similar to the one I had had in the dressing room.  They shook their heads, and I returned to the dressing room.  After trying on just about everything in the dressing room, I sifted through the remaining outfits until I set my eyes upon the perfect dress.

    It was a knee-length lavender silk dress that had a thin white ribbon in the middle of the dress.  The spaghetti straps slipped perfectly over my shoulders and draped the dress perfectly to fit the shape and contour of my body.  The dress flowed out at the bottom, so it would move with me when I spun in front of the mirror.  I stopped and smiled.  I was completely comfortable.

            “Well?”  I asked with a smile on my face.  I spun around placing myself in front of the large mirror. 

            Adalyn and Stacie were quickly out of their chairs and by my side. 

            “That’s the one!”  Stacie exclaimed.

            “You look absolutely stunning.  I don’t know why we didn’t go with purple in the first place because you always look great in it.  James will not be able to take his eyes off you.”  Adalyn added.

            “You really think so?”  I shifted my weight from side to side and smiled.

            “Without a doubt.”  She smiled back at me through the mirror.

            I was pushed back into the dressing room to change back into my clothes.  We bough the dress and were on our way again.  Shoes at one store, jewelry at the next before I treated the girls to manicures and pedicures as our shopping day came to a close.  We laughed and waved at Frank as we walked back into the apartment.

            They rushed me up the stairs to help get me ready for James.  I took a quick shower and came out in my robe to see their faces filled with excitement and anticipation.  They pounced on me like a pack of wild lions on a hurt gazelle.  Tonight, I was their personal life-size Barbie doll.  With each of them on either side of me, I was led in to the bathroom and sat down in front of the mirror and began their fun. 

            In no time at all, my hair was in curlers and Adalyn was starting on my make-up while Stacie prepared my outfit in the bedroom.  When Adalyn was done, she smiled and took me into the bedroom, and I slid the dress on carefully hoping to not mess anything up.  They set me back down, grabbed the blow dryer, and went back to work.  Soon enough, my hair was being let out of the curlers.

            “Finished.”  They announced proudly moving away from the mirrors, so I could see the finished product.

            I opened my eyes and immediately began searching to find something wrong: deodorant stain, tag sticking out, make-up on my dress.  But, I found nothing.    I brought my hands to my face and gasped.  Everything was perfect.

             “Thank you.”  I choked out my eyes beginning to well up with tears.  I turned to them and wrapped my arms around them.

            “I know our work is good, but there is no need to ruin it with tears.”  Stacie laughed moving to get a tissue.  She dabbed my tears carefully to not ruin my make-up.

            “I know, but you both made my birthday perfect like a fairy tale.”  I said holding back anymore tears.

            The phone rang causing me to jump.  Adalyn ran to answer it; I leaned slightly in an attempt to hear who she was talking to, but she was out and in the other room.  I turned my attention back to Stacie who was perfecting my hair and make-up until she was satisfied with it.  She took a step back and smiled.  By this time Adalyn had returned to the room, and she stopped and smiled.

            “It’s time.”  She announced.  “James is waiting for you in the lobby.  He wanted to come upstairs to pick you up, but I said I would refuse to let him in.  I then continued to tell him that you needed to make a grand entrance down the staircase in order to give him the full affect of our brilliant work.”  She smiled.

            I couldn’t move.  All of my happiness and excitement drained from my body turning into pure panic and fear.  Many different scenarios began to flow quickly through my mind, but each one had the same painful ending.  Involving me somehow tripping and falling down each step ending with me lying unmoving on the cool marble floor at James’s feet.  The scenarios were horrifying.

            I stared blankly at her.  “What if I fall?  I’ll look like a fool!”  I began to hyperventilate.

            “Honestly Ellie, you are being ridiculous.  You have to be the most graceful person I have ever met.  You will be fine! I promise.”  Stacie said throwing me into a bear hug.

            “Ok.  I trust you.”  I replied, but the horrifying images continued to run through my mind like a never-ending horror movie.

            They grabbed my shawl and purse off of the bed and shoved them into my shaking hands.  Taking a final check on my appearance, they led me out the apartment door and into the elevator to the dreaded second floor. 

            Ding!

            The bell on the elevator rang, and we stepped out onto the second floor.  I thanked them and gave each of them a hug before making my way to the top of the stair case.  I turned back to them and smiled then turned back to look down on the lobby.

            I stood motionless at the top of the staircase searching the crowd of people for James.  Finally, my eyes found him, and I smiled.  I was filled with confidence as stared at him.  His back was turned to me, but he looked stunning in his black suit.  I took a deep breath and took my first step down the stairs.

Reviews

[Courtney]

Oh I just thought of something: is your "Waiting for the Night: A Given Novel" for writers month? Are you going for a word count? If you're striving for those 50,000 words ignore my suggestions for "cutting." I know that NaNoWriMo suggests that you turn off your internal editor but I would recomend that you later (as in after November 30th) that you go over it with a fine tooth comb, there is a lot of potential here. Good Luck (either way :) )

[Courtney]

This is great, but I'm finding a lot of instances or repeat words, and wordy sentences, here are som suggestions to amend them, if they need to be amended at all.

I like the beginning, however the first sentence seems a bit wordy, also I would recommend removing "had been" from your last sentence of the first paragraph. But I *do* love the idea of "soft light" being a "harsh reminder" nicely done.
In the first sentence of the 2nd paragraph cut "of the bed" you say bed twice already in that sentence.
Cut "lying on the bed" in the 3rd paragraph.
I like this: "With my arms wrapped tightly around his pillow, I glanced between the two gifts trying to decide which special surprise to open first" :D
"more bubbly than pop" nice
When you have the "messenger" speak, perhaps you should describe his voice
cut "on his face" where else is a smile?
I like the details of the music, nicely done
"I mocked actions..."?
"She pointed at me and giggled." Stacie is upper crust, she would not point, she would motion or indicate.
Great details of the gifts
"It was a knee-length lavender silk dress that had a thin white ribbon in the middle of the dress." Cut "of the dress"
Great overall, I'll try to read the other chapters soon, I have to admit you have me curious as to what he has planned ;) Thanks

[Stephen Scaggs]

The font you used in the first letter is hard to read, though I do think it's awesome that you changed the font to respond to the actual letter. But I'm no critique. ^_^; Good job.