The following week Ava's mother invited her to go ballgown shopping. Although invited is not truly an accurate depiction. It's more like telling. "Ava, I need you to go gown hunting with me next week. The hospital ball is coming up on Saturday. I have yet to choose a gown." How could Ava say no to that? Shopping, pretty dresses, and her mother... three of her favorite things.
So Monday saw Ava heading to her parent's house, after school. Since Johnny had soccer practice, she would have been spending the afternoon alone anyway. Now she gets to spend it with her mama. When she entered her old childhood home, the triplets instantly greeted her at the door. "Ava! Ava! Ava!"Â They, all three, attached themselves to her legs and wouldn't let go. "We missed you, Ava," Toby told her. Her sisters agreed. They melted her heart and turned her all mushy inside just a little. She hugged and kissed each one.
Then as luck would have it, or maybe it's "unlucky", Chase made his presence known. Coming into the foyer looking unkempt and bedraggled, he asked "Why are you here? Rat Face makes you angry? I'm not surprised. Just looking at his ugly face makes me angry." He said this with a smirk.
Staring at him with repugnance, she explained "If you must know Mama and I are going dress shopping, for her hospital ball. And no. Johnny has not made me angry. And his face is handsome." That was kind of a lie. He had made her a tad angry that morning. She hates when he leaves globs of toothpaste in his sink. It's gross and she's told him about that before. It just makes the sink harder to clean. But he left it anyway this morning. Men!
Chase rolled his eyes. Before he vacated the area, he farted. She held her nose, as it was so putrid she thought she may faint. "You are SO foul! Have you no shame and manners?" she exclaimed. Why did she say that? The answer is no. He has zero shame and zero manners. He has no respect for himself and others.
"My manners went on vacation when I saw it was you," he told her. Then he went upstairs.
Her mother entered with the kid's babysitter Nancy, who was holding a piece of paper. She could hear Linda telling the sitter a few remaining details. Then she left Nancy and walked to the foyer. Ava was still standing there stewing over her ill-mannered brother. Her patience is really being tried today.
Noticing her daughter's annoyed posture and expression, her mother pulled her into a hug. "Hi, Dearest. Let me grab my purse and we'll be on our way." She went to get her purse and returned with it on her shoulder and a paper plate in her hand. "I made banana bread. Thought you might like that for a snack." She handed it to Ava, who smiled widely. Banana bread is one of her favorites. It's also one of the few things her mother can cook well.
They took her mother's car and drove to Beverly Hills. Beverly Hills is so expensive and chic, but Ava knew her mother always goes there for her ball gowns. The hospital ball is one of the few times in the year Linda is pampered and made to look glamorous and pretty. As a child, Ava always loved seeing her mother in fancy dresses.
The hospital ball probably gave her her love of dressing up and sparkles anything with sparkles. Plus when her mother retired the dress to her closet, Ava could take her shoes and gloves and play dress up. Sometimes she'd even try on the dress, which was much too big for her (but it was fun nonetheless).
So Ava said nothing about her thoughts on Beverly Hills and enjoyed the time spent together. On the way, they talked and caught up, which there wasn't much to catch up on. The two of them talk on the phone three or four times a week, ever since they made up.
The vehicle stopped at Allure Gowns. This is Linda's favorite gown store. It's the only one she ever goes to and it's the only one she trusts for her dresses. They've treated her with respect even when Nick was interning and doing night shifts. Even though she may browse at other stores, she always ends up buying her hospital ball dresses from here.
The mother-daughter pair got out and entered the upscale store. They were greeted immediately and began to pull dress after dress from the racks. Linda went to try them on, while Ava sat in one of the chairs outside the fitting room. Her job is to give either a thumbs up or thumbs down for each dress. The majority of the dresses, while pretty on the hanger, were not pretty in person. Many thumbs down were given.
But then, as Ava was flipping through a magazine, her mother stepped out of the dressing and onto the model box. Ava's head lifted. "Oh, Mother! It's gorgeous!" The gold off-shoulder dress, with detailed embroidered flowers all over, fit Linda like a glove. It's fitted at the top, then flows at the waist.
With a boisterous smile and chuckle, her mother stated "I take it this is the one, then." Ava gave her an enthusiastic two thumbs up with a huge smile to match. Linda laughed and went to the dressing room to change. Once she was back in her normal clothes, she handed the sales lady the dress (who took it to the cash register). The minute she stepped out of the dressing room, she told her daughter "Thank you for helping me decide. Now I have a question for you. Indulge me a little."
Those words caused Ava to raise an eyebrow. Usually when she says that it has either two consequences. One is being overindulged and breaking the budget (which is sometimes fun). Or two, something very uncomfortable.
Her mother smiled and asked "I know you're already married but let's pretend you weren't. Let's pretend you're just engaged. If you were wedding planning, what style of dress would you want your bridesmaids to wear? Look around the store and show me."
An interesting indulgence indeed. This is how Ava found herself walking around, yet another dress store, looking at bridal things. She indulged her mother and lost herself in the world of bridal things. Searching through rack after rack, she pushed dresses to the side, until something caught her eye. Something did happen to catch her eye. A simple knee-length, Â A-line, chiffon dress. What stood out the most is the one-shoulder detail and the pleating at the bust area and waist.
Holding up the dress, Ava said "This." She ran the chiffon through her fingers. "If I were planning a wedding, I'd want my girls to wear this. Which there would only be two of them, Rachel and Dawn." Starting out the school year, she had four friends. Now she has two. Two that she didn't expect. She's blessed to have two best friends (that she trusts), where some people only have one.
Her mother took the dress from her hand and looked it over. It is as if she were memorizing something. "I think this is pretty. Is there a color that you would have had it in?" She pushed her daughter to answer.
A wistful look came across Ava's face. "Well, yes. If I could have had a wedding, I would have loved this in a peachy, blush, beige tone. I think a peachy blush color would be so pretty for the summertime."
Her mother agreed, then asked "What about shoes? What kind of shoes would you have had them wear?"
Looking at the dress, and then at a display of shoes, Ava considered her answer. "I think a really simple champagne, gold color, short-heeled sandal would be perfect," she stated. She saw her mother nod. All this wedding dreaming made Ava have a feeling of longing well up in her. She knew it would happen the minute she began browsing for bridesmaid dresses. But she pushed it down, deep, deep, down inside her spirit. There's too much to think about to dwell on things that can never be.
With a pat to the arm, her mother paid for the hospital ball gown. Ava ran her fingers over the bridesmaid's dress one last time. Then she went to stand by the entrance. When her mom met her, and her back was turned to walk out of the store, she failed to notice a particular bridesmaid dress being taken to the register.
As the week wore on, everyone at West Valley High was excited and all atwitter over the prom. The theme for this year's Junior/Senior Prom is An Enchanted Garden Party. Of course, the guys gave it two big thumbs down. "It's all for the chicks," Johnny articulated. He earned a pinch to the side from Ava. His friends agreed but stayed quiet as not to offend the ladies in their company.
By Friday many couples at school had broken up or gotten together. Tommy asked, "Why is it that every year prom either breaks people apart or puts them together?"
Putting his arm around his friend, Dutch stated "Hold on let me overthink this shit for you." He posed, looking deep in thought before he answered "Because Man, why do you want to spend money on flowers for a girl who may not be your forever?" He refuses to shove out the money on some chick if he doesn't have to. Which is one of the reasons why he is currently dateless. But that's OK.
Johnny laughed but said feeling all too proud "I've got all of you losers beat. I'm married, which means I'm neither breaking up nor getting together. I'm done."
Shaking his head, Dutch disagreed. "No. No. No. You may be done my friend, but I'm just sitting here on the corner of awesome and bombdiggity. I don't need some chick. I have myself. And if by some miracle my perfect babe falls into my lap, then so be it. But she'd literally have to fall in my lap." Tommy high-fived him. Only Dutch can pull off the I don't care attitude, about girls, and have them flocking to him at the same time.
He's received many longing looks from dateless chicks all this week. He smiles and nods, then walks right on by. That was Friday. By Saturday afternoon, the babes were ringing his home phone off the hook, which made his mother frustrated. He had to resort to the answer of "Let me call you right back." In Dutch translation that means "Enjoy the rest of your day and your prom."
His mother, Annie, was disappointed in her son. But then he's just like his father was. She knows one day some girl is going to catch her son off guard. And she'll knock him upside the head to bring him back down to reality.
Since both Ava and her mother had fancy parties to attend that evening, Linda arranged a mother-daughter day for them. It started with an eleven o'clock spa appointment at Just Relax Oasis Day Spa. After an unexpected and thoughtful breakfast at a local diner, Johnny dropped her off at the spa. Her mother had booked hot stone massages, manicures, and pedicures. They were waxed and plucked to perfection. By the time the duo left, they were feeling really good and really pampered.
From there they went to Mia Bella and let Javier work his magic. While one was getting their hair done, the other was getting makeup applied. Linda opted for an elegant updo. Her hairstyle took the most time as he pinned and pinned and pinned, so it wouldn't fly away. Ava, on the other hand, kept her hair down in loose curls. It was gathered from the front, with only a little volume on top, twisted half up and half down. When Javier had completed her hair and whirled the chair around, Ava loved it. Johnny will die and that's a very good thing. She wants to leave him speechless.
A little after four, both ladies left the salon looking fabulous. Linda drove them back to her house in the hills. Earlier in the week, Johnny suggested to Ava "You and your mom should just get ready together. You both have these fancy things to get dressed up for. So why don't you get ready at your old house and I'll pick you up. It can be like a real date like we would do if we weren't married."
Loving the idea, Ava phoned her mother to ask. Of course, she said yes and squealed with delight. Which is how the whole spa and salon day came about in the first place. As soon as Linda parked in the driveway, Ava expressed her concern. "If Chase does anything to ruin my dress, my hair, anything... So help me mother, he's burnt toast."
Giving her daughter a look of understanding, Linda tried to assure her. "I've already told your father to keep him in check. Your dad knows how important this is."
Ava nodded and said, "I hope so." Then she exited the car carrying her dress bag and tote (loaded with accessories, perfume, shoes, and other such items). Immediately she took her things and put them on the bed, in her old bedroom. After that, she went downstairs and relaxed. There were almost two hours before Johnny picked her up, to go to dinner with their friends.
She passed the time chatting away with her father and spending some time with the triplets. They just had to show her the pictures they drew in Pre-K. Ava told them they were the best pictures she'd ever seen, even though they were rather interesting. Vera's was a garden of butterflies, but the butterflies looked like fat blobs. Clara had drawn a picture of dolphins swimming in the ocean. Her dolphins were ovals with triangles on top. And Toby, well Toby tried to draw The Ghostbusters. It was nothing but squiggly lines. Poor Toby.
At five-twenty Ava went upstairs to start changing. Nervous butterflies filled her stomach and the excitement grew within her. Not having seen Johnny all day, she can't wait! When they see each other again, she'll be looking fancy schmancy.
With eager fingers, she unzipped the dress bag. Suddenly a hand flew to her mouth and horror overcame her. Running out of the room and yelling "Daddy!!!! Mama!!!!" her feet flew downstairs. Her parents rushed to meet her. Too upset for words, she tried. "He ruined it!!!" Her breathing became heavy and difficult, with shuddering breaths. Tears were trying to stay at bay.
Nick spoke first. "Precious, what are you talking about?" Instinctively he knew Chase had done something.
While Linda was embracing their daughter, Ava explained. "My dress!!! It's ruined!!! Come see. What am I going to do?" All three went upstairs to look. They entered the room and saw the prom dress cut up. Nick left the room to go find his son. This is the last straw with him.
After the initial shock left, Linda addressed the situation. "Alright, this is terrible. It's just awful as awful can be. Now all is not lost. Let's go to my closet and find one of my old dresses. There just has to be something that can work. And we'll touch up your makeup. You cannot let your brother ruin this night for you." Feeling extremely enraged at her son, she tugged Ava by the hand and down the hall into the master bedroom.
Forlorn and dispirited, Ava began going through her mother's old dresses. It's a total destruction of property. She hates her brother so much right now. "This SO sucks!" That just has to be said out loud. She thumbed through ball gowns and cocktail dresses. Everything was much too fancy for prom. Wanting to lay down on the floor and cry, she huffed out a breath. Then she was filled with rage and she decided not to let her brother win. He would not destroy her. So, she looked through the garments again and chose a short, black, cocktail dress.
Even though this is not the dress she had bought, it's actually OK. It's still strapless with a sweetheart neckline. It's still fitted in the bust and has a skirt attached to the bottom. The only difference is this dress is all sequined at the top, with sequin accents around the two crinoline layers of the skirt. The other thing is it has a butt bow (that will be promptly removed) and the dress is all black. With the removal of the butt bow, the dress is rather cute.
Her mother had brought her tote bag and accessories into the bedroom, while she had been examining all of the dresses. Linda saw the one she chose. "I think that it will suit you perfectly. Hand it here to me and I'll unstitch the bow. You go touch up your eye makeup, in the meantime."
Ava followed her mother's instructions. In her parent's bathroom, she borrowed eyeshadow and mascara to touch her eyes up with. The whole time she plotted ways to get her brother back. Returning to the bedroom, she grabbed pantyhose and put them on. As soon as Linda handed her the dress, she stepped into it and her mom zipped it up. Then came the accessories and shoes. Turning around to face her mother, she asked "How do I look?"
Smiling a brilliant smile, she gave two thumbs up. "But don't take my word for it. Come see for yourself." She made Ava go stand in front of the full-length mirror, inside the spacious walk-in closet.
Closing her eyes, Ava did not want to see. Not at all really. This has the potential to be a disaster. If she hates it then she'll have to just make do. And it's really hard to make do with an ugly prom dress. Her mom prompted her to open her eyes. She did, caught sight of her image in the mirror, and gasped.
"It's even better than I expected," she stated with a surprised voice. Twirling around, she realized she loves the swish of the skirt. Plus without the bow, the dress looks almost as good as the destroyed one. No one will ever know that this was a backup.
Turning to her mother, she acknowledged her with a huge hug. "Thank you, Mama." She kissed her mama's cheek, who kissed hers back. And just like that, the mood in the house was changed.
Nick came into the room and saw his daughter. He smiled at her and gave her a hug. "Ava you look lovely." He kissed her cheek. Then he reported to her "Your brother is paying you for the ruined dress. Let me know how much it cost. Also, he's coming to your house next weekend. I made it clear that since he ruined your dress, I'm ruining his Saturday. He will be yours and Johnny's to do with whatever you see fit... yard work, or whatever cleaning is needed. Put him to work."
The possibilities are endless! Ava began forming plans. "Oh, he will be made to work. Don't you worry Daddy! When he gets home, he'll be so tired he won't bother either of you." She's going to have Johnny help her with this. The outcome of this ruined dress is even better than she anticipated. It's high time her brother learned his lesson and stopped bothering her.
Just then the doorbell rang, and Nick left to answer it. Her mother turned to her and stated "Stay here for six minutes, then come down. That will give me time to grab the camera." She exited the room to go get it.
Watching the clock, Ava counted the minutes. At exactly six minutes past, she walked out and down the stairs. Johnny stood at the bottom, looking handsome in his tux. Ironically his tuxedo looks even better with this dress, than the previous one. When he had shown it to her, she had doubts about the black piped ruffle detailing on the shirt. Now seeing it on him, complete with the black bow tie and black suit, she loves it.
Another thing she loves is the expression on his face. He looks stunned, in a good way. Knowing how he's never one to be at a loss for words, it gives her self-esteem a little boost. When she reached the bottom, of the stairs, Johnny held out the corsage container. She knew he was nervous cause his hands shook a little, as he took it out and placed it on her wrist. Her mother was snapping pictures like crazy the whole time and made them pose for a million pictures.
Before they left, she babbled out to her parents that she'd be by tomorrow to get her things and return the dress. This comment made her husband raise an eyebrow and give her a questioning look. At that moment her brother had the audacity to come to see them off. Looking him straight in the eyes, she commented "Brother, brother, brother. What a wicked web you weave. But don't worry, Johnny and I will take care of you." She smiled sweetly at him, winked at her parents, then left with her husband.
At the car, he couldn't wait another minute. He pulled her into him and kissed her. Then he smiled as he rested his forehead on hers. What was a horrific dress nightmare, is shaping up to be a wonderful evening. Once they sat in his car, he turned to her and exclaimed "You look so beautiful." He was quiet, and as an afterthought, he couldn't resist saying "And hot." They both chuckled.
Taking her hand in his own, he spoke quietly with tender emotion. "The sight of you made my missing you forgotten. You left me speechless, which doesn't happen often." He kissed her again. As he began driving out of the driveway, and onto the street, he asked "What was that with your brother?"
So with a sigh of frustration, Ava explained the situation to him as well as the punishment. Johnny could not believe his ears. Livid. He's livid at The Skunk for doing that to his wife. But Ava soothed him and told him "It's OK. Besides this dress is just as nice and now we get Chase for a whole day as his punishment. Weren't you saying the other week that some of the overgrown brush in the back needed clearing out?"
Johnny could see where she was going with this. "Yeah, I did. I also recall needing the gutters cleaned and a fresh coat of paint on the fence, as well as on the dock in the back. And didn't you want the front garden replanted?"Â They both laughed and began talking over what needed to be done. By the time they met their friends, for pre-prom dinner, a whole list of things was drawn up.
The dinner was great. Sure there were questions from her girlfriends about her dress. But she explained it with care. Her friends actually told her they liked this one better than the original one. Then at prom, she noticed two other girls wearing the exact same dress she had purchased, to begin with. As she looked at those two copies Ava realized something. Sometimes not getting what you want is the best thing to happen. While she loved her original dress, this one is so much better. It's the dress she needed. Plus the added bonus of serving her brother's punishment is icing on the cake. Life has a way of turning things around at the unexpected moment if you just keep pressing on. With that in mind, she danced the night away in Johnny's loving arms.
**Author's Note**
I want to apologize for not updating sooner. I experienced a bit of writer's block with this chapter. But now that I'm past it, I should be updating on time. I just needed to move past this one chapter.
Below you'll find links to see Ava's prom "dresses" and Johnny's Tux. Just copy and paste into your browser.
Ruined prom dress (such a shame, it was pretty)Â https://www.vintagevixen.com/products/size-2-strapless-cocktail-dress-gunne-sax-magenta-pink-satin-black-lace-saloon-girl-style-gown-xs-boned-bodice-full-skirt-bust-31-5
New prom dress https://www.etsy.com/listing/1146041239/1980s-prom-dress-small-to-medium-vintage
Johnny's tux https://www.etonline.com/awards/oscars/211442_ryan_gosling_rocks_80s_prom_tux_at_the_oscars_goes_solo_without_eva_mendes