Page 64 of The Girl I Once Loved

“Okay, that’s enough,” I say once I start getting dizzy.

I’d be absolutely mortified if I fainted in the changing room of this high-end couture shop. When we first went to pick out our dresses in that dainty cute boutique back in Thatcher’s Bay, I had no idea that it was linked to such a prestigious store on the east coast. When we entered the shop earlier, I had to do a double take, thinking we must have been in the wrong place, since there was no way Daisy could possibly afford to have her wedding dress made here. But then I quickly remembered who she was getting married to—Derrick Monroe, one of the heirs to the Monroe billion-dollar fortune. Once that realization kicked in, my anxiety settled somewhat. I guess I should be happy that all we had to do was take the ferry to Falmouth for the last fitting and not a plane to Paris. I’m sure if Daisy hadn’t insisted on using a designer from our quaint little island, Derrick would have been more than happy to charter a private plane to fly us across the pond for our dresses.

But then again, Daisy was never one to want for much—her pride made sure of that.

Still, I am happy she’s allowed herself to enjoy some of the perks that marrying into wealth provides. This dress alone must cost a pretty penny. The soft cream-colored material perfectly hugs my body in a way that is to be expected from a hefty price tag. Daisy did a good job in picking such an elegant dress.

In all honesty, I wasn’t sure how my sister envisioned her wedding to be, since it wasn’t until very recently that I discovered that getting married was even on her radar, but I’m mildly surprised she took the sophisticated-elegant route. But then again, I shouldn’t be shocked with anything Daisy does anymore. Like a box of chocolates, you never know what to expect from her. It’s one of her most endearing qualities.

“What do you think, Mom? Doesn’t Sky look breathtaking?” Daisy continues to praise.

My mother looks me over again, with the same affectionate smile stitched to her lips.

“She really does. Absolutely beautiful,” she says, and I can see by the overcome emotion in her eyes that she means it.

“Thank you,” I smile gratefully.

When Daisy told me a few days back that she decided to make our last fitting day, a mother-daughter extravaganza, I was a little apprehensive to say the least. My relationship with my mother hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing as of late, but all in all, today has been lovely.

We started off going to our favorite brunch café near the park, the same one Mom used to take us when we were but knee high and stayed there for hours just reminiscing about the good old days when our little family consisted only of the three of us. I had forgotten how close we three had been when Daisy and I were growing up. And somewhere along the line, I also forgot how many sacrifices my mother had made to save enough money to do these little types of surprises like take us to brunch just to put a smile on our faces.

Looking back now, not once did I hear my mother stress or complain about money, nor did I ever feel less than compared to the other kids at school just because I lived in a one-income home. Somehow, Mom always made sure we had the essentials, and most importantly, that we felt supported and loved.

Of course, after Mom married Curt and we moved to Thatcher’s Bay, our dynamics did shift somewhat, but even when she was living in her honeymoon bubble, I knew my mother loved me with all her heart. That there was nothing she wouldn’t do to ensure my happiness. It pains me to see how far we’ve drifted away from each other, but after today, my heart begins to cling to the ribbons of hope that maybe there is time for us to find our way back to each other.

Having had enough of being on exhibit, I step off the small circle pedestal and walk over to my sister, pulling her up from her seat.

“Enough of Mom and I doing a fashion show for you. Now it’s your turn. I’m dying to see how your dress will look on you after the finishing touches.”

Daisy’s blue eyes sparkle as she offers me a small nod.

“Okay.”

She lets one of the attendees lead her back into the changing room, while my mother and I wait for her, drinking champagne, compliments from the groom.

“The dress really is lovely on you, Skylar,” my mother says after a long bout of silence.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” she retorts, defeated, as if wanting to strike up a conversation with me, but not finding the right words to do it.

I chew on my lower lip, wondering if it’s wise to broach any subject with my mother. In all fairness, today has been so amazing, I would hate to spoil it in any way. Especially if it will only bring up old resentments.

Still, there are a few questions I’d like some answers to, especially the one concerning my mother and Noah’s unexpected comradery. Seeing as my mother and I are rarely in the same room alone together, now is as good a time as any to bring the subject up. I just have to ease into it without causing a fight.

Daisy would not be happy with me if I ruined such an important day with my pettiness.

“It’s been nice being back home,” I say, splitting the awkward silence in half.

“It’s been nice having you here,” my mother retorts with a shy smile.

“It’s amazing how everything is exactly the same and yet different.”

“Different?” She arches a curious brow. “How so?”

“Well, for one, I’ve noticed that you and Noah are now on good terms. If I remember correctly, that wasn’t always the case.”

“Hmm,” she hums non-committedly, giving me absolutely nothing in return.

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