All Kinds of Wrong

Stacey Jones woke up to the same familiar sound of her alarm blaring in her ear. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet dangling in the air. Another cursed day, she thought to herself. She got dressed in the same worn-out jeans and faded t-shirt she wore every day. First things first, she needed to get breakfast ready for her bedridden sister, Emma. Stacey's heart ached as she thought about Emma's condition, but she pushed the emotions aside. She had no time for sentimentality, not today, not ever. As she made her way to the kitchen, she heard her mom stirring in her room. Stacey quickened her pace, knowing she had to get out of the house before her mom woke up. Their relationship was strained, and she wouldn't want to incur her wrath so it's better she stayed out of sight. Stacey's mom, Mandy still resented her for the accident that caused the death of her father and her brother. It was her fault, and there was not a single day that passed that she never felt guilty. And her mom wasn't making things easier for her. With Emma's breakfast ready, Stacey headed to her room to help her get settled for the day. Emma's eyes lit up as Stacey entered, a faint smile on her lips. "Hey, sis" Stacey said, trying to sound cheerful. "How are you feeling today?" Emma's voice was barely above a whisper. "I'm okay, Stacey. Just tired." Stacey's heart broke, but she kept her emotions in check. She had to be strong for Emma. "Okay, well, I've got to go to work now. But I'll be back soon, okay?" Emma nodded, and Stacey gave her a quick kiss on the forehead before rushing out the door. Her first job of the day was at Regina's coffee shop. Stacey had worked there for years, and it was her favorite job. Regina was like a sister to her, always looking out for her and offering a listening ear. As Stacey arrived at the coffee shop, she noticed something was off. The lights were on, but the shop was eerily quiet. She pushed open the door and called out, "Regina? Are you here?" There was no response. Stacey's heart started racing as she made her way to the back of the shop. That's when she saw Regina, sprawled out on the floor, unconscious. Stacey's world came crashing down around her. She rushed to Regina's side, shaking her awake. "Regina! Oh my god, Regina!" Stacey rushed Regina to the hospital, her heart racing with worry. At the hospital, the doctors confirmed that Regina had suffered a minor stroke due to exhaustion. "Regina, I'm so sorry this happened. I should have been here earlier." Regina winced in pain. "It's not your fault, Stace. I'm just glad you're here now." The doctor returned and checked on Regina before speaking "You're lucky to have made it through this without any major complications. However, I must stress that you need complete bed rest for the next few weeks to ensure a full recovery." Regina nodded weakly, still looking pale. "I understand, Doctor." The doctor nodded. "Good. We've prescribed some medication to help manage your blood pressure and prevent another episode. Make sure to take them exactly as directed." Stacey nodded, taking the prescription from the doctor. "I'll make sure she takes them, Doctor." After clearing the hospital bills, Stacey helped Regina settle into the car for the ride home. As they arrived, Stacey assisted Regina out of the car and into the house, getting her settled into bed. Regina smiled weakly as Stacey fluffed her pillows. "Thanks, Stace. I really do not know what I'd do without you." Stacey smiled back. "You'll never have to find out, Gina. Now, get some rest. I'll take care of everything." She said and turned to leave but Regina grasped her hand. "Stace, I need a favor. I was supposed to attend the annual charity gala tonight, and I really can't miss it. Please, go in my stead." Stacey hesitated. "Regina, I’m not really sure.. I'm not exactly the gala type." Regina smiled weakly. "Nonsense, you'll be perfect. And I have just the dress for you." Regina's eyes sparkled as she stood up with Stacey's help and pulled out a stunning midnight blue dinner dress from her closet. "Try it on, Stace. It'll be perfect." Stacey gasped as she saw her reflection in the mirror after Regina gave her a complete makeover, transforming her completely. "I look so beautiful. For a second I almost couldn’t recognize myself." Stacey said with a chuckle, staring at her reflection. Regina beamed. "You look gorgeous Stace, now go knock 'em dead. You can go with my car." Stacey was still hesitant, but after much persistence from Regina, she was ready to go. As Stacey entered the grand hall, all eyes fell upon her like a synchronized gaze. Gasps echoed from every corner of the room, and whispers spread like wildfire. "Who is she?" "Where did she come from?" "She's breathtaking!" Stacey, who wasn't used to such attention, felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. She tried to find a safe corner to blend into, but it seemed impossible. Every step she took, every move she made, was met with admiring glances and curious stares. Just then, a woman approached her with a warm smile. The woman's elegance was palpable, her skin glowing with an ethereal light that seemed to emanate from within. Her steps were gracious and her movements fluid. "Oh my goodness, you're even prettier in person." The woman said, her voice like honey. "Come with me, darling." Stacey felt a gentle tug on her arm as the woman pulled her along. She was led to a gathering of people, the center of attention once again. The woman announced. "Tyrrell dear, you lying man, I thought you said your fiancée was out of the country? She's right here."