Chapter 24 - A dress to remember.

The last few days had gone by in a blurry haze for Amelia. First it was the shocking realisation that her parents lied to her. Then it wasn't so shocking anymore when she remembered the kind of people they were. They had always been selfish and vain and it was how they were. They were never going to change.

The Charity ball drew closer and closer and Amelia had to find a dress as quick as possible. She had been helping Xavier with the planning as much as she could, but with only two days to the event, the only thing she realised she had not gotten was a dress. Especially with the fact that Daphne was going to be attending, Amelia was ready to use everything she had in her power to outdo Daphne.

She knew it was petty, but she also felt she deserved the spotlight. So with only two days left to get her gown, Amelia was more than determined to get the right fit.
She had begged Nana to accompany her to shop for dresses but she claimed she was too tired to go out. Amelia on the other hand didn't want to leave Nana out of the planning like Xavier was doing, so she felt it appropriate to bring the boutique to the house.

Amelia learned quickly that in Cali and in an area such as Atherton that was exclusively for the rich, there was a lot that money and a few phonecalls could do.  So with the help of Xavier, she had called  three of the best boutiques in California and asked them to send some of their best dresses. All she had to do was send them her dress measurements and they were all rushing to get to her. Each of them willing to impress her with whatever dress they were bringing to them. She had given all three of them different styles and requirements as she was willing to explore and play with colours.

"Here Nana! I brought you your camomile tea."

Amelia said as she gently carried the tray towards Nana who was gently sitting in the living room. Amelia had taken to serving her anytime it was just the two of them in the house, Xavier was always away on business. Nana was a very fun and refreshing company to be with.

"Thank you! You're a darling." She cooed as she picked up the teacup from the tray.

"Hnmmmm. Don't you just love camomile tea?"

Nana asked as she looked up at Amelia.

Amelia shrugged.

"I'm kind of a coffee person."

"Oh! You young kids! I've always found tea to be more refreshing."

"Well, you can't jazz it up like coffee. I mean, there's the lattes, frapuccinos, cappuccinos, espressos and all that new stuff only coffee can do."

"Doesn't quite beat the simplicity of tea. Seat with me Amelia."

Nana urged and Amelia sat next to the woman with a smile.

"I'm old. Very old..."

She chuckled slowly.

"And sometimes, it's not unusual when old people are mistaken for invalids. I mean, there's a lot now that I can't do myself."

"Nana, you're not an invalid."

Amelia protested and Nana raised her hand.

"I know a lot of things. A lot of things that I've chosen not to talk about. But I must tell you a few things Amelia."

"Yes Nana?"

Amelia asked expectantly.

"Love can bloom in the most unexpected places."

The old woman said and Amelia furrowed her eyebrows.

"I don't quite get what you mean Nana."

Nana patted Amelia's shoulder.

"I know my grandson. He loves me fiercely and he will do anything to make me happy, even if it means denying himself his own happiness. And I can understand where that love comes from. He lost his parents, they were all so close, so close. And suddenly he had all these responsibilities that weren't there before..."

"He showed me he was strong, but I knew he was drowning under all that weight. I wished I could help him, but I was only a burden and I still am. And instead of me to relieve him of a bit of  stress, I told him what I wished for and he pursued it."

There was a long pause as Nana sighed and stared into space for a long time.

"I know you and Xavier are in an arranged marriage. I knew it from the very first moment."

After the bombshell dropped, Amelia felt her heart drop to her feet. Her mouth hung wide as she studied the old woman. Nana slowly turned to Amelia.

"That's why I said, Love can bloom in even the most unexpected places, just like how a flower can grow from cracks in cement. I can see it blooming already."

"Nana! I didn't mean to.... It was never my intention..."

Nana smiled.

"He's happy. That's all that matters. And I know you try to hide it, but he makes you happy too."

"Take care of him for me." Nana said as she held Amelia's hands in hers.

"Now, Like I said, I am way too old for this dress show. I'll be in my room resting."

"Oh! Are you sure Nana?" Amelia asked as she helped Nana stand up.

"Yes, yes! I guess you can show me your final pick later. You will won't you?"

"Oh! I definitely will."


The stylists all arrived at the same time. The help provided Amelia with a clear space for them and they all came with an array of clothes on hangers. Amelia didn't mind the audience as most of the help came out to watch. She even decided to Skype Molly and Ruby.

"So! Let's get this show on the road. Is that red I see? I want Mia to try that first"

Molly commented as she pointed to a red dress on the hanger that was beside Amelia.

"Don't you think red is too predicable? Besides is it a black tie event?"

Ruby asked and Amelia shrugged as she checked the invitation she had left lying on the couch.

"It says charity ball. And you're right, it is a black tie event."

"Would you like to try the red dress now?"

One of the stylist said as she held up the red poofy dress and Amelia nodded.

"Okay! So let's go and try it out!"

Molly called out from Amelia's laptop as Amelia went into the nearest guest room with the stylist and her laptop.

"It's definitely puffier than I expected. I think it makes me look childish. What do you think?"

Amelia frowned as she swirled in the luxurious dark red lace ball gown with intricate beadings and tulle for the full ruffled skirt.

"I agree. We should be going for a more mature and sophisticated look. Some thing that'll beat Daphne right out of her own game."

Ruby said and Amelia rolled her eyes.

"How am I going to beat a celebrity who is used to dressing fancy for red carpet events?"

Molly shrugged.

"Simple, we check out her style. And I have done my homework on this guys. Daphne Steele loves bold and revealing outfits. So she will most likely be wearing a Marconi outfits with numerous cut outs. She sells sexual appeal. So you can guarantee that all eyes will be on her."

Amelia raised her eyebrows.

"Molly, you actually researched her style?"

Ruby asked and Molly nodded with growing enthusiasm.

"I know right! I wish I took my job as serious as I took the research. But, the bottom line is, you have to wow people with elegance. You can't compete with Daphne's sexual appeal when she has her boobs and butt hanging out but you can definitely make a pretty good statement."

Molly added and the stylist nodded in reply.

"True. A great dress doesn't have to be revealing. It just has to be a show stopper."

The stylist added.

"Yea, that's alright. I think I'm going to try black now. I think it's much more elegant."

Ruby rolled her eyes.

"I spotted a white dress in the collection. Or is it silver? It definitely will look better. Too many people will be going for black."

"Okay, white or silver it is."

Amelia replied.

After a few more trials with different colours, Amelia and her friends finally found a dress that stunned all of them to silence. It was silver. And it was perfect.

It was a classy sequinned mermaid evening gown that fell all around her in soft waves.

"Ohh! This is certainly a show stopper dress. You look so matured in it!"

Ruby screamed happily and Amelia nodded as she checked herself out in the large vanity mirror in her room

"I really like it too. It's perfect."

She thought as she smoothed her hand over the glittering fabric. It made her look elegant and older and it was so pretty that it was delicate, the dress looked like it had been spun from silver and the stars in the sky and Amelia was positive it was going to glow even more in the night.

She was ready.