Mum took the dress to the living room where her sewing machine was always set up and began cutting.
‘But, Mum, your dress?’
‘Oh, pet, I haven’t worn this in years. I doubt if I ever will again, not with my hips after two kids and my penchant for cream horns.’
An hour later, Mum had taken the dress up to knee length and brought it in a couple of inches at the waist. I pulled off my jumper and jeans and pulled the dress over my vest.
It was a perfect fit. ‘How did you do that, without me trying it on with pins and all that?’
‘I know your size. Look at that, with that purple necklace of mine and a little bangle you will look lovely.’
I had a pair of black ankle boots that Mum had bought me for going out into town with my friends just before we moved here, but since I had spent the summer in flip-flops and most of the winter in wellies, I had barely worn them. Would they be the sort of footwear that was acceptable for a New Year’s dinner at Saxby House? I had no idea. But they were my only option.
Now Mum had gone to so much effort with the dress, I felt even worse that they were all staying in whilst I was invited for dinner, so I helped Mum tidy up the lounge and prepped some broccoli to go with their stew.
By five forty-five I was in the dress, wearing Mum’s jewellery, the boots with tights, and Mum had put my hair up in a French plait and sprayed the life out of it with some of her hairspray.
I went to the mirror in the hallway. I thought I might get a moment on my own, to admire myself in the dress, but everyone followed me. Mum had done such a good job in a short space of time. I looked and felt grown-up. I felt as though I would fit in just fine at the dinner tonight.
Dad stood in the lounge looking me up and down, shaking his head. ‘I can’t believe this is my daughter. You look stunning. Absolutely stunning. Doesn’t she, Hunter?’
Hunter grunted and looked up from the TV for a moment. Then nodded. And went back to watching Scooby Doo.
‘I won’t kiss you – I don’t want to ruin your look. Now do you need me to walk you over there?’ Dad reached over and we squeezed hands.
‘No, no thank you.’ I went to the hall and pulled on my black parka coat – it was pretty chilly out.
‘Bye, everyone,’ I said and Mum and Dad chorused a goodbye.
‘Ooh, hold on,’ Mum shouted and ran into the kitchen. She came back with a tray of Ferrero Rocher. ‘I have these left over from Christmas. You should never turn up to dinner empty-handed.’
I took the box of chocolates, waved at the door and head out into the chilly evening.
My stomach was doing somersaults as I walked up the back doorsteps of the main house. What would everyone think? Was this dress good enough to be accepted as one of them? Would Caitlin be pleased with my outfit choice? What would Chuck think? Before I left the cottage, I was confident with my dress choice, but now I began to doubt myself all over again.
With a hundred thoughts whirring in my head, I entered through the back porch, which was now permanently closed against the harsh winter air.
As soon as I arrived in the hallway, I could hear a cacophony of sounds, from plates and saucepans clattering to Caitlin’s twin brothers screaming upstairs and adults laughing. Then the smells hit my nostrils and I was taken back by the exotic unfamiliar scents. Judith came bustling out of the kitchen on my left; her hands full of small plates, she was dining room bound.
‘Oh my goodness, Sasha, I barely recognised you – you look absolutely cracking.’ She scurried on ahead, red-faced and perspiring. I felt all squirmy and my cheeks grew hot from her compliment. I took my coat off and hung it up in the hallway and headed straight for the drawing room where I could see a few people were gathered. It was a sea of shimmering dresses and suits and dicky bows. I was hit by a wall of perfumes and aftershaves mingled with fresh firewood burning. People were gathered in small groups of two or three, and everyone seemed to have a glass of champagne in their hand. The huge Christmas tree stood proudly in the corner of the room, the fairy lights twinkling gracefully.
Chuck was the first to turn around and when he did, he looked visibly shocked. His jaw dropped open. I realised he was impressed with what I was wearing and I liked what he was wearing too. He had on a dark grey suit and a white shirt, and on his feet were a pair of black-and-white brogues. His hair was combed back with some sort of product in it. He was the only male not in black tie.
‘Sasha!’ His eyes were wide as he strode confidently over to where I stood rooted to the spot, unable to take his eyes off me. I felt hot, uncomfortable and excited all at once. Then Chuck did something that threw me completely; he lifted my hand and brought it to his mouth, where he kissed it lightly before lowering it back to my side again.
I let out a small giggle, and as I did, I saw Caitlin appear at the doorway to the drawing room, where she
