A Gift of Three(17)

Aida’s dress was a different style entirely, a body hugging creation that clung to her curves and showed off her figure. The material was a darker, richer hue of blue that perfectly set off her golden eyes. Her hair was left loose, tumbling down in thick, brown waves. The dress managed to look modest and unbelievably sexy all at once—gone was the battle-strong Aida I knew, and in her place was a complete temptress.

“Wow, Aida!” I exclaimed, taking in her appearance.

“I know.” She grinned. “I second Vita, you’re a genius, Corrine.”

I took my turn in the mirror, and was just as pleased with the results as my friends were. My dress was shorter than theirs, showing off my main asset—long legs, which kind of made up for my lack of bust and curves. It was a strapless, rich crimson chiffon-type creation that had a tight bodice, with multiple layers of skirt exploding beneath, almost like a ballet dancer’s tutu. It was incredible. My hair was worn loose too, trailing straight down my back—it had been so long since my last haircut, it almost reached my butt.

“Do you think I should do something with this?” I picked up a clump of my hair.

Vita, Aida and Corrine all shook their heads.

“No,” Corrine insisted, “you look perfect.”

We all hugged Corrine, and then it was time for us to change back into our boring day-wear, go home and pack. We’d be staying overnight in Sherus’ palace—another aspect of the event I was looking forward to, especially as the three of us would all be sharing a room.

“Remember to keep the dresses on a hanger before you leave,” Corrine commanded us. We all nodded dutifully, all of us clinging to the fabrics like we never wanted to be parted from them.

We left Corrine’s home and got ready to go our separate ways.

“See you in two hours?” I asked the girls.

“Don’t be late!” Aida said.

Huh. Fat chance of that.





Field





My bags were already packed for tonight’s trip to the In-Between, my suit hanging in my parents’ house. I strode swiftly to Maura’s treehouse. Maura had meant to meet me earlier this afternoon so we could wrap the gift we’d chosen for Sherus and Nuriya’s child, but she’d never showed. I assumed that she’d just forgotten, but still, even that was unusual for her.

I arrived at their front door, and knocked. I could hear Orlando and Regan inside, though I wasn’t sure why the former was here. Normally it would be only Regan to come round and get ready with Maura for a special occasion, since her daughters liked to be left to themselves.

Orlando opened the door and cleared his throat while standing back from the threshold.

“Hey, Field.” A slight color rose in his cheeks, and he ran a finger across the inside of his shirt collar. By the state of his dress I could see that he was in the middle of getting ready. His dark eyes didn’t quite meet mine.

“Sorry to bother you. Maura in?” I asked, not really understanding why he was behaving so awkwardly. I knew Orlando too well for him to be treating me like a stranger.

“Yeah, she’s in her room… Do you want a drink?” he asked.

I shook my head. “Just want to see Maura. We need to be leaving soon anyway, right?” I asked.

He nodded, and then led me into the kitchen, the front door still wide open. I stared after him in puzzled bemusement, and shut the door myself. I made my way to Maura’s room, at the back of the house, and quietly rapped my knuckles on the door.

“Maura?” I asked.

The door was flung open. Within an instant, Maura had flung herself in my arms, squeezing me tight, her face buried against my chest.

“You smell so good,” she said, her voice muffled. I hugged her back, my hands trailing through her dark brown hair, a smile on my face. I didn’t know what had gotten into the siblings, but they sure were behaving oddly. I held Maura gently, waiting for her to release me.

“Are you okay?” I asked, after she didn’t move.

She nodded her head, burrowing into the crook of my neck. I glanced around her room, noticing that she hadn’t packed. The bag she usually traveled with was still on top of the wardrobe, untouched.

“Aren’t you feeling well?” I pressed. This time I pushed her gently away from me so that I could see her expression. She looked flustered.

“I’m fine,” she breathed. Her eyes closed for a moment, and then she took a deep breath, standing back from me, leaving me standing by the door. She looked everywhere but at me, and a kick of sickness jolted through my stomach. I’d seen this expression on her face before—the last time we broke up after an argument—but never quite as flustered as now. Something was very off.