Chapter Text
The sky is cloudy and grey. Beneath the sky lies the big green lawn of the manor. Rows and rows of white chairs stretch out across the green lawn and neatly trimmed hedges border the grassy area. Tall marble statues and pots of red roses adorn the grass and silk ribbons are tied meticulously on the chairs. In front of the rows and rows of chairs there is an alter complete with a gilded archway smothered in flowers and ribbons. Brightly plumed peacocks strut about between the rows of chairs, silent and proud. A slight breeze blows, stirring the ribbons and disturbing the flowers. Rose petals float slowly to the ground under the clouded sky.
The girl stands at the window looking out. Behind her a woman paces frantically around the room, the sharp clicking of her high heels on the mahogany floors echoing through the room. Aside from the mirror in the center, the large room is unfurnished, and the grey light shining through the window makes it feel cold and empty.
“Astoria, dear come here” said the woman.The girl turns slowly away from the window and walks across the smooth floor to where the woman is standing arms outstretched.
“We really must do something about this hair. It was done only a half hour ago and it is already in disarray!”
Even with the woman wearing heels the girl stands much taller. She bends down, lowering her eyes, and lets the woman fix her hair. When the woman gives a satisfied sigh she straightens up.
“Doesn’t the dress look beautiful dear?” the woman asks. “You look like a princess. Do you feel like one? Goodness knows that’s how I felt on my day eighteen years ago”
The girl turns to look at her reflection in the mirror. Her dress is long and fitted and graceful. The sleek skirt flares out at her ankles and the bodice and neck are adorned with crystals and embroidery. On her neck is a heavy diamond necklace and matching earrings hang from her ears. Her long golden hair is pinned up off her neck and her green eyes are layer with make-up. She looks beautiful. She frowns.
“I liked the other dress. The one made out of the green lace. This one is too much. It makes my shoulders look too broad.”
“Green? Nonsense Astoria, everyone knows you need to wear white today.”
The girl rubs the heavy rouge on her cheeks.
“They put too much on my skin. It doesn’t feel right.”
“Stop being so silly. You look fine.”
The girl looks out the window as the woman kneels to adjust the hem of the dress. Outside the sky is still grey.
“He doesn’t even know who I am does he?”
“Of course he does.”
“No he doesn’t. He doesn’t know me at all.”
“That will all change dear. People grow.”
“Will he grow to love me?”
“Of course he will.”
“No. He won’t.”
The woman raises her head and exhales. She looks at the girl.
“I’m sorry Astoria.”
“This isn’t what I wanted Mom.”
“I know. But you need this. We need this. Please Astoria?” She takes the girl’s face in her hands. Her short fingers are tipped with red nail polish. Her palm is cold on the girl’s cheek.
“Can you be perfect today?”
The girl nods.
“That’s my girl.”
Her mother’s lipstick red lips curl into a smile. She kisses her daughter’s cheeks and gathers her things and walks out of the room. She leaves the girl standing by herself, gazing out the window.