"It might help if you describe to us what style you're looking for," the female representative explained, "That way, we can find a selection of dresses you can try on. If you dislike the style, we can always try something different."
"Something not so white," I tried to express myself, "Do you have anything red or black? Or both?"
The female representative made an uncomfortable smile, "I can have a look to see what we have."
Once she left, I stopped my fake smile and looked at the champagne; I could use a drink.
"Jeez," Tanya expressed, "Black? Do you think anywhere will carry that type of dress?"
"I don't care," I scoffed. I caved; I needed a drink. I began pouring a glass.
"What are you doing?!" Tanya rushed and pulled the glass from my grasp, "You're pregnant!"
I covered my face. If only I could express how unhappy I was about this, but if I did, she'd convince me to run here and now, and I wouldn't hesitate to follow.
"Then add a ton of ice and fill most of it with water! I need something!" I cried softly.
Tanya sat beside me but didn't give me the glass, "Is this what you want, Ivy?"
Not in the slightest. The dark voice within me came once more.
"I never liked white," I evaded, "Look at how pale I am already. White makes me look dingy and dull because I'm pale but not vibrant like white."
Tanya thought momentarily, "Okay, but why the drink?"
"You know why," I choked back my tears and put on my best face.
Tanya paused, lost in thought. I sat there quietly, letting her process everything. I know her; she's more than worried for me and tries not to show it. The last thing I could handle was her showing it. It would break me. Once she moved, I saw her grab a handful of ice from the ice bucket housing the champagne bottle, followed by pouring her water into the glass to top it off. Even though hesitant, she gave me the glass.
"Thank you," I hushed.
I took a small sip, and it felt like heaven as the light burn rolled down my throat. I missed this. If it weren't for Zeus, I wouldn't have to be in the situation I'm in now.
"We couldn't find anything black for bridal, only prom," the female representative cautioned before bringing in several white dresses, "These are all Pnina Tornai."
I looked at the gowns and couldn't be more unhappy. They were beautiful, from the long satin trains and white lace corsetted mesh bodice to the sewn-in crystals—or were those diamonds? Still, none made me happy. I tried on two white ballgowns and refused to leave the dressing room. I looked like a giant marshmallow. Though I wasn't necessarily showing in my stomach, I was getting thicker. My breasts and hips were growing, and I was only five months along.
The following two were cute mermaids with sweetheart necklines. They were stunning gowns; they just weren't stunning on me.
"None of these? None at all?" the female asked.
"I'm sorry," I apologized, "I just don't like them."
"You said no red and black, right?" I questioned.
"Correct," she verified.
"How about something custom?" Tanya interrupted, peeking her head into my dressing room.
"I-I can check the back to see if I any designers here," she replied.
"The designer of the gowns you just showed me, please," I added.
She gave a nod before exiting the dressing room as Tanya entered.
"You've been in here so long I was starting to get worried," she said, "What's going on? She must have brought you several dresses."
"I tried them on and hated them. I looked transparent," I confessed.
Tanya began combing through the dresses that I had tried on. "Forty thousand dollars?!" she exclaimed, looking at the price.
"I don't care about the price," I sighed, "If I'm going to get married, I'm wearing the dress I want—not some souped-up version of me."
Tanya grinned, "Good, you shouldn't ask for anything less."
"Hello? Miss Ivy?" the female opened the door, "I have Miss Pnina Tornai."
"Hello, ladies," Pnina greeted, "I heard you were thinking of making a custom dress?"
"Yes," Tanya and I nodded in confirmation.
"Okay," she sighed, sitting beside me with a sketchpad in the empty chair.
"What were we thinking?"
"How much does a custom gown cost?" I asked.
"Upwards of sixty to seventy thousand," she answered, "It depends on how much fabric and crystals we use. Or if you want feathers, we can add those as well."
My jaw dropped in shock. That much for a wedding dress?
"I spoke to your fiance right before coming in, and he told me you have an unlimited budget," she added, "So why don't we get started? What are you looking for?"
I sat back in awe. He said whatever I wanted, which made sense since he was rich. He was trying hard to sway me.
"Miss Ivy?" Pnina said.
"Sorry," I shook my head while standing and walking towards the assortment of dresses I already had in my room, "I love the mermaid look. I like how it accentuates my lower half. I also like the mesh bone corset with the built-in padding."
"Square cut, sweetheart, aline?" she asked.
"I'm sorry?" I chuckled.
"The neckline, dear?" she clarified with a giggle.
"My bad. If possible, I'd like an off-shoulder with these draping straps. I don't mind crystals, just not so much that I look like a disco ball," I answered.
"The dress you're describing is hanging up right there," Pnina pointed out.
"True, but I want the shade to be deep red and the overlay to be black lace," I specified, "No white."
"No white?" she repeated.
"Correct," I confirmed.
Within a matter of seconds, she began scribbling her pencil across the pad
"Alright, how about this?" she asked while turning her sketch to me.
It was perfect, exactly what I wanted.
"It's a very vampire, gothic style, but elegant and stunning as well," she boasted, "Perhaps we can add an elegant cape to go with it to accentuate your long, gorgeous hair."
"It's stunning," I admitted, "I love it. Can you make a bridesmaid dress similar? Only have it be flared and above the knee?"
"Certainly," she said while quickly sketching a dress for Tanya.
"She's my maid of honor, so I want her to look stunning," I said.
"I am?!" Tanya gleed.
"Of course, I don't have any other female friends."