Page 29 of Butterfly Effect

“Why are we even here, you don’t even want to get married.” I shift from one white dress to the next.

“When I change my mind, I want to be prepared.” Bambi takes longer to look at dresses, examining them but I don’t see anything special. White is white is white.

“For a divorce?”

“Are you always so negative and moody or just when your swimmer friend walks you to the car like a gentleman? Or are you upset he gave you orgasms, and you are greedy for more?” This is hilarious for her, not a bit for me.

“Why don’t we look around for the best funeral home, then we can pick out caskets, much more our style.” I laugh, but Bambi stops and walks out of the store without saying a word to me.

She is almost back to the car when I catch up to her.

“Hey! Wait, Bambi! What happened?”

“Could you take one thing serious in your life, Alyeska? I mean Jesus, why can’t we go in there and act like responsible adults for once?” Her frustration is shocking.

“In the Mormon store?” Those wedding dresses were made to keep secrets hidden, if you know what I mean.

“Shut up! I’m mad at you, don’t be funny right now.” Bambi, my sweet best friend. I lean against the car next to her.

“Do you want to go check out the antique store? I am sure we could find some old dress with values and standards.” I rub her shoulders and she shakes her head. “I’m sorry, Bam, I was being insensitive.”

“It’s okay. I forgive you. But I am telling Julian I would have picked one out if you weren’t being rude.” She would throw me under the bus.

“Not cool, but I will take it. If we can use his card to buy ice cream on the way home.” I put out my pinky and she hooks hers.

“Deal.”

Bambi and I walk into this small corner store. This time, the woman here matches my strange energy and while we are pointing out our favorite portraits of frog heads on people’s bodies, Bambi finds her pearl.

“This is it.” She is tearing up and I have to stare at the statue of a man with moose antlers.

“That’s great, let’s get it and go!” Still massaging the moose’s mustache. Beautiful talent here.

“Aly, look at me, look at the dress.” Bambi knows what she is doing and that is not fair.

I spin and start moving forward, first finding the bottom and I am already amazed. A little bit more and she is a princess. Higher and higher, there my cousin is, holding the dress tight to her chest and hugging it.

Her eyes sparkle and I blink so many times mine do to. Bambi spins and I love how happy she is; I love how happy she gets to be.

“It’s perfect, Bam.” I reach over to touch the material and it feels silky, every bit royal and angelic.

“Really?” She is waiting for me to give my approval.

“It’s absolutely, one thousand percent you.” I hug her and we start cheering; even the lady who owns the shop joins in on our celebration.

Plus, she has shoes matching the dress. Today may not be everyone’s fairytale, but when we leave the shop, my cousin and I are soaring on clouds.

Not only did she find her wedding dress, but I made a new friend even if she is forty years older than me, and I might have a part-time job. Also, I totally got one of those frog pictures for Aladden; I think it will help with his habits.

Now I get to thinking, I may not be taking this as serious as I need to. I guess I will have to pull out those pamphlets I stuffed in my closet when I got out of that place. There were steps involved, I clearly remember steps. How many steps isn’t my strong suit.

“Oh, what do you think Julian is going to say? Do you think he will start crying? I bet he will, he seems like an emotional man.” We arrive at my favorite store of all, the grocery store.

“I’m not going to tell him.” Bambi says it and I stare at her. “Not yet, at least; we aren’t ready.”

“Right, and I am not ready to have Lad get on his knees and beg him for another night alone with me.” She is so ridiculous; I grab a cart and hop on as we cruise down the aisle.

“Speaking of not ready, you are invited to a dinner party at Julian’s parents’ house. Surprise!” Bambi is smiling, but she can’t be serious.

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