Page 104 of Dan.
“Do you want to try them on before you leave?” the associate asks, and I confirm that I do, letting her lead me back to the fitting rooms.
Inside the stall, my gaze settles on the stunning light blue dress that shimmers in the light. It’s a perfect match for the pre-wedding party with a fitted bodice that accentuates my curves, and a short, flowing skirt that adds a touch of elegance. As I twirl in front of the mirror, I feel sexy and confident, excited to see what Dan thinks of the dress. The sales assistant walks up to me and compliments my choice, checking the seams and alternations with quick hands, and I can't help but smile in agreement.
Next, I unzip the heavier bag that contains the formal gown for the wedding ceremony. It’s more regal, deep red, and perfectly fitted to my body. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but now I’m positive that the dress is perfectly stunning. It also has a fitted bodice, this time with a deep v neckline, and a full, flowing skirt that trails behind me as I walk. The fabric is luxurious and soft to the touch, and the intricate beading along the neckline and sleeves adds a touch of glamor. I slip the dress on and admire myself in the full-length mirror. The dress fits me like a dream, and I can’t wait to wear it on my brother’s special day.
An errant thought creeps in, my eyes wandering over to the rows and rows of white and ivory dresses. I wonder what kind of dress I will have for my own wedding?
I get lost in the idea, letting the associate check the fit of my second dress, but I’m brought back to reality when I hear my iPhone buzzing. I pick it up, still wearing the heavy red dress, and see that it’s Andries.
Jokingly, I answer by saying, “Don’t tell me you're canceling the wedding.”
Andries chuckles on the other end and says, “No, but I’ve got to tell you something almost as scandalous. You’ll never guess who just moved into Oma’s house.”
“Who?” I ask, feeling intrigued.
“Mom,” he replies, his voice filled with excited surprise. “She just move back into her old bedroom. Are she and dad going through a rough time?”
“Um, yes, that’s the understatement of the century. I think the whole scandal exposing Dad’s involvement isn’t doing their relationship any good.”
My brother takes a deep breath, no doubt trying to process the information. “So she’s attending the wedding, I suppose?” Andries says carefully, as if he barely dares to hope.
I soften my voice. “Mom loves you a lot, Andries. It’s not easy for her to do what she’s doing. She’s proven to you how much she cares about you, even to the detriment of her own marriage.”
There’s a short silence on the other side of the line. “I suppose we can find an empty chair for her at the wedding…” he says, trying to sound lighthearted, but I can hear the emotion in his voice, but I’ll never point that out. I’m just so relieved that my brother and mother are going to make up that almost nothing else matters to me right now.
Just as I’m about to hang up, Andries adds, “El, thank you for everything you've done. You’re the best sister I could have ever dreamed of.”
His compliment catches me so off guard that I’ve got to steady myself. “Oh,” I blurt out, still processing his words. Now I’m the one with tears in my voice. “And you’re the best brother. I’ll see you soon.”
After being unzipped from the dress and having them packed back up and sent to my apartment for me, I head back to work, hoping that my extra-long lunch break won’t be noticed. But, as soon as I sit back down and go to boot up the desktop, my office phone sounds off with the sharp three-buzz ring that indicates the call is coming from inside the building. With a sense of foreboding, I pick up the call and hear my father on the other end of the line.
“Elise, come to my office right away.”
Before I can even respond he’s hung up, and I’m left looking at the receiver, bewildered. He sounds serious, so I quickly knock at the door to announce myself, before entering his office. I find him standing by the window, staring outside with a deep, pensive expression. He has his hands clasped behind his back, and his posture is stiff.
I knock on the doorframe a second time to let him know I’m here, and he simply jerks his head towards the chair on the other side of his desk. After closing the door behind me, I sink down into the expensive leather piece of furniture, never taking my eyes off of him, but my father doesn’t even give me time to speak before he begins his interrogation.
“Did you know your mom left this morning for your grandmother's place with three pieces of luggage?” he asks without even looking at me.
I bite my lip, feeling my stomach sink as I reply, “Yes, Andries told me, actually. He called me earlier today.”
My father turns to me, his eyes searching my face as if he's trying to gauge my reaction. “Remind me again where your brother’s wedding is being held?”
Oh, I know where this is going now.“Um… at Oma’s estate.”
He laughs darkly, leaning back on his chair. “So, your mother is attending the wedding then.”
“Dad––”
“I never thought Julia would betray me like that, but here we are.” There are eons of unsaid emotions behind his tone, but his expression doesn’t change. “Tell me, Elise, how did you manage to convince her?”
“Me? What are you talking about?" I ask, confusion clear in my voice. Sure, I might have pushed Mom in the right direction, but I had no idea she had left home until Andries told me earlier.
“You think I'm stupid enough not to know that you and Johan are the ones behind it?” he asks, his volume rising as he bounces forward. “Why else would you invite your ex over to our home, if not to poison your mother’s mind?”
“Johan has nothing to do with it! That's not why he came!” I protest.
“So, with or without Johan, you forced your mom to call the prosecutor to drop the charges against Roxanne and go after me, huh?” he asks, his eyes piercing into mine. When I don’t answer, he scoffs. “Don’t bother to come back to the office. I don't need traitors around here.”