The Dress on the Wall
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2018 Melanie Brown

Daniel should get a haircut

 

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“Thanks Ms. Williams.” said Mrs. Knowles the woman who owned Wanda’s Boutique. Mom loved to shop at this little Mom and Pop store…well. maybe just a Mom store. I think her husband died several years ago, though I don’t remember ever seeing him at the store. Anyway, it seemed almost every Saturday afternoon Mom would come in for something.

While waiting for Mom to complete her purchase, I was standing near the counter and looking at this rather stunning dress hung on the wall. Not that I’m into dresses or anything but it dominated the wall. You couldn’t help but look at it. It had never been there before.

Mom put her hand on my shoulder. “Okay, honey. I’m done. Let’s go.”

As I turned away from the dress on the wall, Mrs. Knowles smiled at me. “You like that dress, don’t you?”

I shrugged. As a sixteen year old boy, what do I know about dresses? Like I said, it dominated the wall by the cash register. You couldn’t help but look at it. And then factor in the annoyance that Mrs. Knowles had always just assumed I was a girl. Mom had advised me not to correct her as it would just embarrass the nice old lady and make her feel uncomfortable. I just think she liked the idea of having a daughter even if temporarily. And whenever I complained about people confusing me with a girl, she’d always say that maybe if I’d get a haircut, people wouldn’t make that mistake. That usually ended the conversation.

I smiled at Mrs. Knowles. “Yes. It’s beautiful.” I really hoped she wasn’t trying to “plus sell” the dress to Mom. More often than not, Mom would walk out of the store with something she hadn’t intended to buy. When I’d ask Mom why she kept going there knowing she was going to buy more than she wanted, she’d always reply that she loved the store and she loved the clothes there. And that she felt comfortable there, like she was visiting a favorite aunt.

Mrs. Knowles beamed, looking wistfully at the dress. “It is indeed. The most gorgeous dress in the store. A special dress for a special girl. But it isn’t for sale.” She came out of her reverie to smile again at Mom. “Thanks again for stopping by, Ms. Williams. And your beautiful daughter.”

Mom tugged playfully on my hair to get my attention. “Let’s go pull your father out of the hardware store.”

As we exited the store, I asked, “Mom. Why don’t you just tell her I’m not your daughter? You always told me to tell the truth.”

Mom looked down slightly at me. I was still shorter than her which pissed me off. My brother at fourteen was already taller than Dad. “You’re right, Daniel. You should always tell the truth. But sometimes, it’s best to withhold the truth. Wanda would be mortified if she learned that she’d been calling you a girl incorrectly all this time. It doesn’t hurt you and she’s happy to see a mother and daughter shopping in her store. From what I understand from talking to a close friend of hers, she has failing health along with some painful arthritis, but she won’t retire.”

As we walked across the busy street to the strip mall where the hardware store was I asked, “Does she have any family to take care of her?”

Mom took my hand to hurry me across the street as the light was about to change. “Her friend told me she has a son who wants her to sell the store and move out to Tucson where he lives. She has one grandson around seventeen. But she has too many emotional ties to that store to sell it. Oh. The barber shop doesn’t look busy. Want to go?”

I tugged my hand from her grasp and frowned. “No, Mom.”

*          *          *

Several weeks later, in a break from tradition, Mom sent me to Wanda’s Boutique by myself. She had to go with Dad to another store to check something out. She had ordered a blouse and some lingerie over the phone and it just needed to be picked up. I tried to argue with her that the last thing I needed in my life was to walk out with a Wanda’s Boutique shopping bag with a blouse and bra in it. She said I had time to get a haircut. I sighed and headed across the street.

Mrs. Knowles looked up from a magazine and smiled as a bell sound alerted her to me entering the store.

“Well hello, Miss Williams! It’s good to see you.” She smiled broadly at me. “Here to pick up your mother’s order?”

I walked up to the counter and smiled back at her. “Yes, ma’am.” I couldn’t help but look over at the wall. Sounding surprised, I said, “Oh. The dress is gone.”

Mrs. Knowles looked wistfully at the now blank spot on the wall. “That dress is going to a very special young lady.”

I took the bag of Mom’s purchase from the counter. Trying to be nice, I smiled again at Mrs. Knowles. “I’m sure it’ll make her very happy.”

Mrs. Knowles grinned wide. “Oh I know it will.” She reached back behind the counter and pulled out a box. “Here. This is for you. A very special young lady. I’ve included a matching clutch and shoes. I’m good at guessing sizes.”

I stared in horror at the box. Inside was that dress she obviously loved. It hadn’t been for sale. And she was giving it to me?!

I stammered. “I… I can’t accept that dress, Mrs. Knowles. That dress means so much to you. You should give it to a more deserving girl.”

Mrs. Knowles pushed the box across the counter top closer to me. “There isn’t a more deserving young lady, Miss Williams. I’ve watched you over the last few years shopping here with your mother. It’s so obvious she loves her little girl so much. You having this dress will make me so happy. Please take it. I know you will look just gorgeous wearing it.” She pushed the box towards me again. “Please. Make an old woman happy.” I saw tears in her eyes. I’m sure it’s an old sales trick. I couldn’t say no to her now.

Meekly, I asked, “How much is it?”

Mrs. Knowles laughed. “It’s a gift, my dear. I really want you to have it.”

I slid the box under my arm and picked up the shopping bag. “I don’t know what to say, Mrs. Knowles.” How am I going to hide this from Dad? He’ll go ballistic. He’s already pissed I couldn’t meet the height and weight requirements for any of the sports teams at school. And what is Mom going to say? Maybe I’ll actually say yes to a haircut.

Mrs. Knowles smiled at me. “Just enjoy the dress and look gorgeous in it.”

I smiled at her and shook the box under my arm. “Thank you, Mrs. Knowles. This is already my favorite dress.” It’s my only dress…

She smiled as I turned to exit the store.

*          *          *

“Thanks, Mom for saying that dress is yours. Dad didn’t even look at it.” It was sitting on my bed next to the open dress box.

Mom smirked. “Your father doesn’t know anything about women’s clothes.” She was holding the dress up in front of her. It was little too small for her. She smiled as she swished back and forth. The dress was too short to flare out though. She put the dress down on my bed and picked up the shoes. “These are really cute and they look like they’ll fit you.”

“What are we going to do with it, Mom?” I asked as she put the shoes back in the box.

Mom laughed. “We’ll hang it in your closet with your other dresses, of course.”

I frowned. “Mom! That’s not funny.”

“I’m just playing with you.” Mom giggled. “I guess for now, keep it in the box and slide it under your bed for now. It’s too bad because it is such a gorgeous dress. Do you want to try it on?”

I glared at Mom. “No.”

Mom chuckled. “I didn’t think so.” Mom’s cell phone that she’d left in her bedroom started ringing. “I’ll be right back.”

When she left, I slid my hands down the soft, silky fabric of the dress. I picked up one of the shoes. Mom had called it a strappy sandal with something like a three inch heel. How do people walk in those things? I picked up the small bag that was the same color as the dress. She had called it a clutch, but it just looked like a small purse. I opened it hoping there might be some money in it. It was empty except for a “Inspected by 47” tag.

Mom came back in the room. She was crying and had a dark streak running down her cheek. She was silent for a moment. Finally she looked over at me. “That was Emily. She was a good friend of Mrs. Knowles son. Mrs. Knowles had a severe stroke. She’s in the hospital and they’re not sure if they were able to get to her in time.”

I couldn’t stop a tear from forming as my eyes watered. I felt suddenly ashamed. I touched the dress. She was in pain and thought of my happiness. I had a tear hanging on the end of my nose and I wiped it away.

*          *          *

“Come on, Daniel. This won’t kill you,” said Mom trying to herd me into her bathroom. “They don’t think she’ll make it through the day. It’s like her last request.”

“But I don’t want to wear a dress,” I whined as I stood in my underwear in my parents bathroom.

Mom scowled at me. “Mrs. Knowles wants to see you in that dress. She asked to see you in that dress. She’s probably going to die today so it’s not going to hurt you to honor her request.”

Exasperated I sighed. “Okay. But why do I have to wear make-up and nail polish too?” Mom had done my nails before starting the make-up so they’d dry in time.

Mom started sorting through her cosmetics on the bathroom counter. “It’ll help make you look like the beautiful girl she expects to see. Now hold still.”

Mom fussed with my face for over half an hour. I hated every second of it. I can say with conviction that I hate make-up. She made up my eyes the way she said most teen girls wear it these days. I hated actually feeling my eye lashes. I never gave lashes a thought and now I felt them every time I blinked. I hated the smell and taste of lipstick. How do girls stand this stuff?

Mindful of nails and make-up, Mom carefully slid the dress over my head and fastened the back. She pulled my hair back in a loose pony tail and tied it with a white bow. Thankfully it wasn’t a huge bow that you see cheerleaders wear. I stepped into my shoes and Mom fastened them.

When she was done, she stood back and giggled. “Oh my God, honey! You are adorable! Absolutely gorgeous! Bill. Come here and look at your new daughter!”

As Dad come down the hall, he said, “Stop calling him that. I don’t like the idea of my son… Holy Shit!” His eyes went wide as they fell on me. “She looks just like you when we met in high school!”

My brother stepped in the room and laughed. “I always knew you were a twink.”

Mom gave my brother a dismissive wave. “Stop it. She’s a beautiful young woman. I could get used to having a daughter for a change.”

I felt my face turning various shades of red as I felt horrendously humiliated. “Can you guys stop, please?”

Mom checked the time on her phone. “We need to go. Danielle, don’t forget your clutch.”

I folded my arms. “It’s Daniel, Mom.”

Mom took my hand and pulled. “For the next few hours, you’re Danielle.” Holding my hand, she led me from the room.

As I started to sit in the car, Mom said, “Remember to smooth your skirt under you as you sit. And when we get there. keep your knees together when you sit in a chair.”

I frowned. “This is embarrassing.”

Mom smiled at me and patted my leg. “You’re adorable.”

We sped off towards the hospital.

Even though we didn’t see anyone I knew, I was as embarrassed as hell, despite my adorableness as we walked through the hospital. Mom had already learned that she was in ICU. Her son was waiting for us as the hospital only allowed family members in ICU unless escorted.

I was shocked when we entered her small room in the ICU. Mrs. Knowles had hoses in her nose, an IV bag hanging behind her, a urine bag hung under the bed and all kinds of equipment hooked up to her. I was struck by the thought on how sad it was that her last moments of life would be in this terrible room instead of her own home or even her beloved store. I actually held Mom closer to me after I saw Mrs. Knowles lying in the hospital bed.

Mrs. Knowles son introduced Mom and I to his own son. He was a tall, well muscled all America sports type that I’m sure Dad wished I was.

Her face lit up when she saw us enter her room. I could barely hear her. “Hey sweetie. Thank you so much for coming. Oh my! Just look at you. You are stunning in that dress! Every bit as beautiful as your mother.” She looked over at Mom. “You must be very proud to have such a beautiful and well mannered young lady as your daughter.”

Sniffling, Mom said, “I am. I’m very proud of the young woman she’s become.”

Mrs. Knowles beckoned me. She made it obvious she wanted a hug. I stepped in close to her and trying not to knock anything loose, reached to get a hug from her. She held my hand. “You have brightened my day.” She looked me up and down. “You are the perfect girl for that dress.”

I lowered my eyes. “Thank you.”

Her eyes sparkling, she said, “I have a request. I know it sounds strange. All I ask is that you indulge this old woman for a few minutes.”

I knitted my brown. “What is the request?”

She lowered her voice and motioned I lean in. Speaking so no one would hear, she said, “Your mother told me not long ago when I asked about it, nosey woman that I am, that you haven’t had your first kiss from a boy.” This was very true. I don’t want to kiss boys. And in honesty, I haven’t kissed a girl yet either.

She continued after a brief coughing spell, “I would love for you to stand at the foot of my bed and receive a kiss from my very handsome grandson. I know this is hardly a romantic setting, but could you please do this for me? It’s all I ask. He’s already agreed to do it.” I’m sure he has if he’s like most guys I know.

I looked at Mrs. Knowles and then back at Mom who smiled weakly and nodded. Apparently this had been arranged beforehand. I looked at Mrs. Knowles’ earnest face and sighed. How could I not grant what will be her final request. It was a strange thing to ask for, but as Mom would say, it wasn’t going to kill me.

I smiled at her. “Of course, Mrs. Knowles. I’d be happy to.” I don’t think her smile could have been any wider.

I stepped to the end of the bed. Her grandson stepped up to me and took both my hands. He smiled at me and whispered, “You’re beautiful.” I looked away for a moment feeling a blush coming on.

Mrs. Knowles son stood next to her holding up his phone to get a video recording of the event. How wonderful. Then I noticed Mom doing the same thing. If she loads this to social media, I’m going to scream.

I turned to look up at the boy facing me. I had to admit, he was handsome and obviously athletic. He was taller than me, even with me wearing high heels. He bent his head down, I closed my eyes and parted my lips and the next thing I knew his lips were pressed against mine. This wasn’t just a peck like I expected. This was a long, soft, romantic kiss. Despite my objections to kissing a boy, a chill flushed through me. I leaned into his kiss. He squeezed my hands gently as he kissed me. I’ll never admit it, but his kiss was wonderful.

Finally I took a breath as he pulled away from me. I couldn’t help but smile. I turned to look at Mrs. Knowles. She was grinning from ear to ear. And then her smile faded as her face softened and the light faded from her eyes forever.

The alarms started sounding from the equipment monitoring her.

“No!” I shouted. “Mrs. Knowles! No no! You can’t!” I threw my arms around her as if to hold her life inside her. Her grandson raced to the other side of her and he started to cry.

Mom, crying, said, “Step back Danielle. Let the nurse in.”

The nurse rushed up to her and checked some things. The doctor was rushing into the room. The nurse looked to the room in general. “I’m sorry. She’s gone.”

Crying, I shouted, “No! She can’t! Do something!”

The doctor touched my arm. “I’m sorry miss. She has a DNR order… Do not resuscitate. We have to respect her wishes. I know it’s hard.”

Mrs. Knowles’ son took her hand and said with a cry in his voice, “She’s no longer suffering.”

The grandson put his arms around me and I cried briefly into his shoulder. I found it incomprehensible that she loved me and I barely knew her. And then to watch her die before my eyes. I couldn’t handle it. I just stood there blubbering in her grandson’s shoulder. He pulled my hair back and kissed my forehead.

Mom put her hands on my shoulders and pulled me back. “We should leave them alone. Come Danielle.”

The son said, “Thank you for coming. You have no idea what it meant to her. And thank you for this moment.” He held up his phone.

Mom led me from the room. She took a tissue from her purse and wiped black stained tears from my cheeks. She looked at me. “Oh baby. This is so hard on you.” She kissed my cheek and took my hand and led from the hospital.

*          *          *

I was sitting quietly on my bed in the dark when Mom opened the door to my room. “Honey it’s late. You’re still up?” Mom always had a flair for stating the obvious. She turned on my desk lamp instead of the bright overhead. She sat down next to me on the bed and stroked my hair. “You’re still wearing your dress. And you haven’t washed your face yet.”

I nodded. “For some reason I just didn’t feel like taking it off.”

Mom nodded back at me. “It’s okay. You probably don’t want to sleep in it though and wash your face. Otherwise you’ll smear make-up all over your pillow.”

I sat there a few moments staring at my hands. Still studying my hands, I asked Mom, “Why? Why was it so important to her that I wear this dress and kiss that boy? I don’t get it.”

Mom smiled weakly at me as she fished out her phone from her hip pocket. She handed me the phone after looking for a picture. “This might clear it up some. Her son sent me this picture. He just assumed you were a girl too.”

I took the phone from Mom and stared at the picture for over a minute. “I…I don’t get it. The woman in the picture is obviously a young Mrs. Knowles. But… but that girl. That’s me wearing this same dress!”

Mom put her arm around me. “That’s her daughter Olivia. She was sixteen, just like you, in that picture. She was going to wear that dress to her first dance the next night where she was sure new boyfriend would kiss her for the first time. She never wore the dress to the dance and never got her first kiss. She was killed the next morning in a terrible traffic accident on her way to school. I know it sounds weird, but she wanted to see her daughter finally get her first kiss through you wearing her dress. The resemblance is really amazing.”

“That’s freaky,” I said staring at the picture. “How do we get the dress back to her family. They’ve already left for Arizona.”

Mom smiled at me as she untied the ribbon still holding my pony tail and let my hair fall about my shoulders. “The dress is yours, honey. They wanted you to have it.”

I stared at the picture as Mom grabbed my hair brush from my dresser. I couldn’t believe the picture. The girl looked almost like me. I felt a chill like I was seeing a ghost. Was that her I felt when I was being kissed?

Mom started brushing my hair, which she’d never done before. She said quietly, “Anyway, that was a very nice thing you did for Mrs. Knowles.”

I looked over at Mom. “Looking into her face when she asked me to do that, I’d have to have been a complete asshole to say no to her.”

Mom grinned as she continued to brush. “That’s the good girl I raised.”

I grunted a laugh and sighed. “Monday I’ll get a haircut like you and Dad have been nagging me to.”

Mom stopped brushing for a moment. “I’ll make you deal. You won’t have to get a haircut if I can brush your hair every night.”

It seemed an odd request. I’d overheard some girls at school mention how their mothers seem to take pleasure with brushing and braiding their hair. Mom had a faraway look in her eyes. I looked at her and said softly, “Of course you can, Mom.”

She smiled and leaned over and kissed the top of my hair. “I love my beautiful daughter.”

I smiled and leaned against her. She brushed my hair for a long time.

*          *          *

The End