Yearning for Love

Stunned on spot

Caroline stood before the mirror in her purple gown and slight makeup of just eyepencil and some powder. She’d rolled around in her gown for a while, admiring her simplicity and originality.

“You look breathtaking.” Millie complimented as she walked in to get the trash.

“This was my sister’s idea. She advised me to dress simply.”

“It’s thoughtful advice, Caroline. But….” Millie wasn’t satisfied with the look. “You will be in a luxurious event with red carpet, magazine a gossip, news channels. Your husband is a big man, Caroline. You can’t go like this.”

Caroline sat on her bed devastated.

“I went through the entire week thinking this outfit would be a good idea. I hadn’t thought of a plan B.”

“Well, you can still go through it though. I just don’t believe Andrew will be happy to see you in it. You should try to improve your relationship with him, not break it. I wouldn’t blame your sister, but she’s not giving you the best ideas.”

Caroline was heartbroken. She’d stared at her watch and grumbled. The party would start in 3 hours time.

“We can still go shopping for an outfit now. It would be a rush though….”

“There won’t be a need for that because Andrew foresaw all this and made arrangements for you.” Andrew’s fashion designer said, walking in with some make-up artists and her apprentice. Caroline was surprised at the large number of workers that walked in. One of his guys walked in with a large cloth parcel while the other walked in with jewelries and a tiara.

“What have you done to your face? We have to get that off.” The makeup artist insisted, sitting Caroline before the mirror.

“When did Andrew do all this?” Caroline asked in shock. A young apprentice knelt before her legs and placed her bare feet on a wooden platform, before trimming her toe nails.

“Andrew is always ready.” The fashion designer assured her with a smile.

***

Millie smiled, feeling overwhelmed by what had occurred before walking out. Caroline hadn’t noticed her leaving.

“Hello Andrew.” Millie called to him, as she walked down the stairs with the trash bag.

“Are they there yet? Are they getting her ready? Did she take off that gown?”

“Yes, she is getting ready. Everything is under control. You have done great work again. I am proud of you, Andrew.” She said with pride.

“You know I always get things done before hand….”

“Yes, I know. You consider her in your plans, don’t you? You could have chosen to ignore her anyway.”

“Millie, not this again. You know I couldn’t let her go in just any outfit. This is a mere graduation party.”

“I should have thought,” Millie hissed in disappointment. “Where are you anyway? You ought to go with her.”

“Sorry. I have an important engagement to attend to. I asked Raphel to drop her off when she is ready.”

“So, you won’t leave your work to take her with you?”

“No, I can’t. Tell them to be quick with their preparations.”

At the end of that, he had hung up. Millie wasn’t surprised. She’d stared at the stairway for a while before walking towards the kitchen.

***

Caroline wasn’t given a break, nor had she any control over how much she was pushed around. The makeup artist turned her face to different directions of her ring light, trying to get the perfect tone. Her feet weren’t allowed at ease, as the pediatrician tried getting her toe nails painted. Her hair was bonded in parts by the make-up artist, hoping to have her hair up in case her outfit was to be worn. Caroline could swear that a lot had happened and she had no other choice but to play along. The fashion designer stared at his time each time, hoping they did not arrive at the venue late.

Since the make-up artist took her time, paying attention to details, and blending a thousand times, the make-up took longer than expected.

Her outfit was still in its parcel and yet to be reviewed. She couldn’t guess what Andrew had instructed the designer to make for her at that moment.

“Did Andrew give you any specific design?” She asked the slim man, who’d sat relaxing on her husband’s sofa with crossed legs.

“No. He told me to help you with one myself.” The guy responded. “Do not worry. I met your mother-in-law and chose the right design for you.”

The makeup artist finished up as the beautician continued with her nails. The glittering pink color would have been eye-blinding, due to its radiance.

“Alright. Let’s get you into your outfit. We’re running late. Sarah, get me the hair piece. Precious, get me her the jewel.” He’d instructed her to take his stance. He had walked steadily towards the black case used on the outfit and opened it carefully.

Caroline’s mouth dropped open at the sight of the dress in the mirror. It was a long silver gown with diamond embroidery. The gown had no hands and seemed low enough for her breast to peek out. The diamond glittered under the white light and she’d assumed that it was meant for a princess.

“I am sorry but this party wasn’t my personal occasion.” She explained, hoping to clear out any misunderstanding.

“Does it have to be?” The designer asked, helping her up.

“This outfit will get me lots of attention.”

“Then let it. Outshine the rest with your slay, that’s if the world is watching. I guarantee you that no one gives a damn about anyone.” The designer advised before asking her to dress in the outfit. She reluctantly did.

***

“I thought you said you would bring your wife. Where is she?” One of Andrew’s co worker asked, 30 minutes into the ceremony. 70% of guests were already present at the ceremony, greeting each other and flaunting their outfits. Andrew frowned at the lateness of his wife.

“She is running late due to some tasks she has.” He said in defense, staring at his wrist watch.

“You will need to make an announcement soon. You booked a spot at the stage you know.” The guy offered him a tap before leaving.

Andrew couldn’t wait anymore. He’d called her on her cellphone smiling at the guests while trying to hide his dissatisfaction. She hadn’t responded.

“I hope she is fine.” He wondered, feeling concerned.

“Hey!” One of his close female friends named Jummy, walked up to him with a glass of drink. She’d offered it to him. “You’re just standing here and staring at your phone. Are you okay?”

Andrew nodded and took a gulp of the drink.

“I am waiting for someone.”

“Who?”

Before he could respond, the guests had turned their focus to the door, ignoring whatever the MC said on the stage. The entrance of someone seemed to have distracted them from the ongoing event. Both Jummy and Andrew walked towards the door entrance, wondering why everyone murmured about someone walking in. To his surprise he’d seen Caroline walk in, in the most beautiful outfit he had ever seen. He could swear he had never seen her look like that before. He was so stunned and could barely speak.