Ivy and Gloria slowly made their way through the frozen countryside of Harwinton Connecticut. “Where is your coat Ivy? It’s winter for heaven’s sake!” Ivy rubbed her arms, wondering if frostbite was starting to set in. “I didn’t even know it snowed here Gloria, I’ve only ever visited during the summer. You could’ve warned me!” Gloria laughed, “Don’t worry about it Ivy leaf, I’ve got so many clothes boxed up back home, I’m sure we’ll find you something.” Ivy chuckled then said, “Sounds perfect, vintage clothing is totally in right now.” Gloria glared over at Ivy then playfully slapped her leg, “What is that supposed to mean?” Ivy laughed again, and then looked out the window at the wintery landscape. The snow covered ground sparkled in the frosty sunlight, it really was one of the most gorgeous sites Ivy had ever be held.
They finally drove up to Gloria’s tiny farm. The old yellow farmhouse was nestled peacefully within a snow laden valley. Close by sat an ancient barn painted bright red. “It’s been so long since I’ve been here Aunt Gloria,” Ivy said as she jumped out of her aunt’s truck and carefully made her way to the front door. “Too long,” Gloria said opening the door. “Oh my,” Ivy exclaimed as a rush of pine assailed her. A huge Christmas tree took up most of the living room. Holly and pine boughs were piled on the mantel of the fireplace, which housed a roaring fire. As Ivy came through the door something brushed the top of her head, she looked up and found a small bundle of mistletoe hanging from the ceiling. “I haven’t decorated for Christmas in ages; I suppose that I got a little carried away.” She looked around sheepishly. “When Robert died five years ago I didn’t have anyone to decorate the house for, so I didn’t.” Her eyes turned glassy as she remembered the past, then she shook herself out of her revelry and smiled. “I wanted to make this Christmas special.” Ivy felt her conscience twinge painfully. With her busy life, Ivy had not even made it to Connecticut for her Uncle Robert’s funeral. With no children of her own, Gloria must have spent a lonely last five years. Ivy turned to Gloria and then hugged her fiercely, “I’m sorry Gloria, I should have made the time to come and see you, to be with you.” Gloria waved her off, “Nonsense! I couldn’t be more proud of you Ivy. Besides, I have so much planned these next few weeks; there will be no time for regrets!”
The next morning, Ivy found herself more appropriately attired and headed toward the small town of Harwinton. When Ivy asked why they were going into town, Gloria only smiled slyly and said, “You’ll see.” They pulled up to a small shop with a huge window that displayed a couple of magnificent old fashioned ball gowns. The vinyl sign draped above the door proclaimed, “HARWINTON CHRISTMAS BALL GOWNS” Ivy shot a questioning look to Gloria, “What is this about?” Gloria opened her door then innocently smiled at Ivy, “We, my dear, are being fitted for our Christmas ball gowns today!” Ivy followed her aunt into the store, “Oh, of course our Christmas ball gowns. What was I thinking?”
A small squat woman immediately came out from behind the counter at the sound of the bell on the door, “Gloria, you’re right on time.” She made a beeline for Ivy when she spotted her. “This must be your niece. My, isn’t she gorgeous! That hair and those eyes! I think I have the perfect gown for her Gloria, she will look absolutely stunning!” In her excitement she nearly pulled Ivy’s arm from the socket as she led her to the fitting room. Gloria followed the pair, “Ivy this is Peg McConnell, she is an old friend, and the ball gown maker here.” Peg sat Ivy down on a small stool and ordered her to undress, then she pulled a catalog from a nearby shelf. She began to shuffle through the pages then passed the book to Gloria when she found the one she was looking for. “Look at this one, don’t you think it is perfect. The way the neckline would frame her face…I think this is the one Gloria!” They both looked over at Ivy, who was still sitting on the stool, a look of confusion on her face. “The sleeves…” Gloria began, but Ivy cut her off. “Excuse me ladies, but would one of you be so kind to explain what is going on here?” Peg looked over at Gloria, “You didn’t tell her about the ball?” Before Gloria could answer Peg was off again. “The Harwinton Christmas Ball is one of our oldest traditions. It was started when our town was incorporated back in 1737. Every Christmas Eve we have a formal ball, complete with gowns, live orchestra, and dance cards. We even have etiquette classes for first-timers.” Ivy could see the anxiety written all over Gloria’s face, so she quickly donned a smile. “I’ve always wondered what it would be like to go to a real ball.” Relief washed over Gloria’s features and Ivy instantly started feeling better. She had taken down some of LA’s top lawyers; she could handle a few dances in a ridiculously large ball gown. “Well Peg why don’t you show me what you had in mind.”
Outside, a group of shoppers noisily made their way down the street. One of the young men stopped when he recognized a truck parked at the curb. “Hey Caleb,” he called to another man in the group, “do you know whose truck this is?” Caleb glanced at the truck as he continued down the street, “Nope, no idea.” The man peered into the dress shop window, hoping to catch a glimpse of the woman he had met at the airport the day before, but the shop seemed to be deserted. He considered waiting by the truck, but then he remembered his friends heading down the street and ran to catch up.
to be continued....
1 comments:
Jenn, i love reading your stuff!
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