Healing (Damaged Sequal)

A Date with Johnny

        After what happened on Halloween I decided to stay sober. Only drinking on special occasions and probably not trying to get wasted. Thanksgiving is coming, but I have another date to get through. This time it’s with Johnny.

        I’m still having some problems with Johnny and I think it’s about time to lay it down on him. He is very dominating and it has caused me to not like him. Just because I have been putting up with it doesn’t mean I will forever. 

        I’ve been conflicted about this date with him especially with the way he’s treating me. He told me that I would actually need a formal dress. I am avoiding asking Jaime to go shopping with me because how much money we spent last time. But I would never expect the visit we would have.

        We were eating breakfast that morning. I had prepared a multitude of plain, blueberry, and chocolate chip pancakes with strawberries on the side with a multitude of syrups and whipped cream.

        It was actually a silent morning. I was suppose to have a day with David, but today he said he just couldn’t today because he had some things to do. So my day was freed up. 

        After breakfast I cleaned up while everyone dispersed to do whatever they needed to do. 

        I was in the kitchen hand washing dishes when the kitchen door opened.

        “Hey, girl,” I smiled to myself and turned around.

        “Auntie Belle,” I said.

        “How are you?” She asked me

        “I’m fine,” I said.

        “Just fine?” She asked.

        “Yes. What are you doing here?” I asked.

        “Do I have to have a reason to see my nieces, nephews and brothers?” She asked back.

        “Depends,” I said. “But since you're here, would you come shopping with me today? I have to find a formal dress for my date with Johnny,” I said.

        “Yes, I’ll be here a few days anyway.”

        “Great, we'll leave as soon as I am ready,” I said looking down at my pajamas.

        “Great,” she said. I’m going to bug Joshua while you do that,” she chuckled as she left the kitchen. I chuckled as well. 

        I finished the dishes and went upstairs to change. It’s not too cold to wear shorts. So I went with a mini, black, jean skirt, thermal leggings, a bra, and a thick, light pink sweater over a white tank top. I brushed my hair watching my curls bounce back. I put on eyeliner, mascara, and pink lip gloss. I grabbed my black coat, the one that buttons up. I put on my black, bear paw boots. I grabbed my purse, black hat and gloves. Then made my way to dad’s room.

         Uncle Josh and dad have been spending a lot of time together. Especially now that we know that we will end up being summoned to the family estate.

        I knocked on the door. I heard someone stomp to the door and met a fuming father. I knew then that she had succeeded in pissing off both brothers. 

        “Auntie Annabelle, get your ass out here so we can go,” I yelled into the room. 

        “Where are you going?” Dad asked.

        “We’re going shopping for me. I got another date, but I need a formal dress. I don’t need to go on a shopping spree, so I asked auntie Belle to accompany me,” I explained.

        “Well, I know you can take care of yourself, but please just be careful.” I smiled because he was going all dad mode on me. I love it though. 

        Belle peaked through and slid under dad’s arm quickly and backed away.

        “She really did it this time, huh?” I asked dad. He just nodded his head. I shook mine because I knew just how the situation is. “Alright we’ll, love you, and see you later,” I said, waving and walking down the hall.

        I was driving and as we were driving we started to talk.

        “You really know how to get on their nerves,” I said.

        “I should. I’m the annoying younger sister,” she said. “You really are not even close to fine either girl,” she said. I sighed.

        “Yeah, I have to deal with Johnny right now,” I said, frowning.

        “What did he do?” She asked.

        “He’s becoming dominant over me. I’ve held back and just let it be, but after this date he does or says anything dominating then I’m going to have a nice chat with him,” I said.

        “Do you know why he’s this way?” She asked me.

        “Unfortunately, I do. He has some issues that have stemmed from his past. He’s just afraid, but I’m equally as afraid,” I said.

        “Afraid to make the same mistake?” She asked. I nodded. 

        “I miss the old Johnny. After I came back he wasn’t like this. We went back to our old routine. We were fine, but a couple weeks in he started to change. It was a slow, but noticeable change. He started to be really possessive and when it was his day to hang out, he would start telling me what to do. Sometimes it was more like ‘come here’ or ‘sit on my lap’. But then it increased. He would slowly start telling me how to basically live my life. It’s come to the point where I can’t take it anymore. He really actually didn’t ask me on this date. He was telling me, and I really should not have agreed without a fight.” Regret filled my voice as I told her this.

        “For the girl who had so much pain you have come a long way, but I guess this is your mistake. And you have to fix this mistake before it before things become even worse.” I feel like I was talking to myself right now. 

        “I know and I will.” The talking became less serious and I talked to her about my two year away. I filled her in on the stuff that had happened since I’ve been back.

        We finally made it to the mall. Unlike Jaime, Auntie Belle was an in and out type of person. 

        We went straight into the mall and we were looking into every clothing store. But I couldn’t find what I was looking for. We were about to go to the food court for lunch When we were about to go by a*****e. In the window was an elegant silver dress. It was long with a slit on the right side. You know Belle’s dress in Beauty and the Beast? Well it had the same sleeves that went all the way around the top of the dress. 

        I grabbed Auntie Belle's arm. She looked at me confused until I pointed to the dress in the window. 

        “Is that the dress you want?” She asked me.

        “That’s the dress. I have a pair of goddess heels to match,” I whispered.

        “Alright,” she said and we both walked into the shop and I realized it was one of those little bit of everything in the shop. So, we went to the counter.

        “Hello, How can I help you today?” The woman behind the register asked. She had gray hair tied up in a curly bun. Her golden brown eyes shined with happiness. She wore a brown sweater and a pair of blue jeans, and some white Adidas. Her wrinkles told me she was an older woman.

        “Yes, I would like to inquire about the dress in the window,” I said.

        “You sure you want that dress?” She asked.

        “Yes,” I said with a smile. “Is there something wrong with the dress?” I asked.

        “Oh, no there is nothing wrong with it, but we have had this dress for a while. It’s been in the window since we opened about twenty years ago. Everybody who came in didn’t even look at that dress,” she said walking over to the manikin wearing the dress. She pulled it off.

        “Would you like to try it on, sweetie?” She asked.

        “Yes,” I said, feeling excited about trying it on. She led me to a little dressing room. I went in with the dress. I stripped including my bra. I slipped the dress on and it fit perfectly. It touched my toes. Then I was pulled into a vision.

        I was now sitting in front of a vanity table. The mirror was oval shaped and my items lay across the top of the surface. I looked into light green eyes. My hair was a red, wild mess pulled back into a bun with a couple strands falling down the side of my face. Lips as red as roses and blush as pink as a baby’s blanket. I was wearing the silver dress. 

        A man came into the room.

        “Darling, we are going to be late to the event if we do not leave soon,” he said to me in an english accent.

        “I know, I just need to make sure I’m perfect. I do not need Mrs. Garande making a fool of me again,” I said with the same accent. 

        “My love, my beautiful wife, you are perfect anyway you dress yourself.” He came behind me laying his hands on the tops of my arms. My husband had a halo of golden blonde hair and the deepest blue eyes I’ve ever seen. His pink, plump lips pulled back showing the whitest teeth I have ever seen.

        “You flatter me too much, but I love it. Let us go. I am ready,” I said. She didn’t die that night, but she ended up dying and her daughter did not want to keep the dress, so it was passed around until it was in the hands of the store owner. The previous owner gave it to her.

        “All I ask is you sell this to the customer who looks at this dress and immediately knows they want it.” I was pulled back to reality.

        I felt the dress hug my midsection going over the hump that is my ass and made a waterfall effect behind me. I knew I wanted it from the window, but now I had to have it. I left the dressing room. The two women looked at me in awe. 

        “I can see why you spent time in there for a bit checking yourself out,” Auntie Belle said.

        “Wait right here,” the store owner said, walking away and came back carrying a light blue, silk shawl. She wrapped it around me and I grabbed onto it. She smiled after I tucked each end under my arms.

        “Now it’s perfect,” Auntie Belle said. I went back in to look in the mirror and the shine of the silver and the blue silk went well with each other, also bringing out some silver I never even thought I had in my eyes. And my curly hair fell over and made it look like a waterfall running down my back.

        “Can I ask what the price for this dress is?” I asked her curiously.

        “About five hundred dollars,” she said.

        “This dress is older than you think. You wouldn’t be able to find a dress like this anywhere now. I will give you five thousand for the dress,” I said. She looked shocked. But shook her head no.

        “It’s alright hun just five hundred will do,” she said.

        “Miss…” I was about to ask.

        “It’s Mildred, Honey,” she said.

        “Mildred, I want to tell you that I’m not negotiating the price. If this dress had sold long ago I would still be looking for a dress for my date in a few days. I would have probably left this mall disappointed. So, I am giving you five thousand for the dress. When I saw it in the window I knew I had to have it. When I put it on I confirmed that I now need this dress. I would take the money as my gratitude for you having the dress,” I smiled at her. Aunt Belle stood by with a smile.

        “I would take it if I were you. This girl is being honest about what she’s saying,” the lady thought for a moment.

        “Okay, but you can take the shawl free of charge. That is non negotiable,” she said with a triumphant smile.

        “Okay,” I agreed. I went back into the dressing room and changed back into my clothes. I brought the dress to the counter and paid for the dress. She told me to take care of the dress as she wrapped it in a box and stuck it into a large paper bag. 

        We left the store and headed out of the mall. We went to a pizza place and ordered a large, deep dish meat lovers pizza. We ate lunch and then headed home.

        “So, let me guess. You tried on the dress and had a vision.”

        “Wow, how’d you know?” I asked her.

        “‘This dress is older than you think,’” she quoted me.

        “Okay, you got me. It was a good vision and I know now this dress was saved for me. I hope Jaime can work her magic on me. That girl should just get a job in fashion. I know it’s not ideal for our way of life, but she’s super talented. If she were a professional, I would hire her for her time,” I said.

        “I agree. Given Jaime has her flaws, but she also has her strengths as well,” she said.

        “Did Jaime send you the video from Halloween?” I asked and Aunt Belle smirked.

        “Yeah, I was pretty horrified, but the look on the men's faces made me laugh hard. I nearly peed myself, also your rambling was hilarious too.” Dear god or moon goddess save me, I prayed.

        “So, a little birdie told me you have a man in your life,” She smiled softly. She is totally smitten.

        “I met him three years ago. My dad, your grandfather, set it up. We met multiple times before I realized that I hit the jackpot with this one. We’ve been together for three years, and I also came here with some good news. You’ll hear it when my man shows up. His name is Flint Morrisan,” she said shyly.

        “Someone is definitely in love. I hope to be a bridesmaid at your wedding,” I said.

        “Why not the maid of honor?” she asked.

        “Well, I would think your older sister Anilise would be. She has helped you through thick and thin. She deserves it and I don’t want that responsibility. I have too much on my plate as it is. You know the prophecy and all.” She laughed with me. I drove in silence and finally we pulled up at the house.

        “So when does this man plan to show up and what is his favorite food? I’d like to specially prepare this dinner for the man who will make my aunt happy for eternity,” I said smiling.

        She told me he would be here in five days. They would stay for another week so we could get to know him. So right now I’m with Jaime showing off the dress. I even put on the goddess heeled boots. She had to plan my perfect look.

        “That dress is totally perfect,” she gushed as I twirled. “I was planning a different look, but I’m going to stick with the silver and cats eyes. I will pull your hair halfway back like Belle from Beauty and the Beast. I will leave the rest of your curly hair to fall. For your lips though is going to be kind of hard. I was thinking of making your lips the color of a pink rose. Hang on,” she said getting up and leaving the room. She came back with the pink lipstick and a light yellow lipstick. She painted half with the pink and half with the yellow. She stared at my lips fighting the internal battle of which one looks better.

        “Okay, the pink rose wins,” she said smiling. “Do you mind if I practice the look before going with the final product?” she asked. I nodded. She ran back to her room to get her makeup kit and I sat in my computer chair after cleaning off the lipstick.

        She came back and pulled my hair back. She started off with a foundation first. She put a cream coloured foundation. Making my skin look smooth and creamy like fresh milk. Then she started with eyeshadow. She used a white to my eyebrows and then gray. She created the cat's eyes after and then used something shiny. It looked like a liquid, but it was kind of thick. Like a syrup. She put on a thin layer, but it was enough to make it look silver. She had to use a light gray eyeshadow. Then she added the lipstick. She looked at the final product with a smile. Meaning it was perfect. I looked in the mirror. I can see why she chose the pink rose color. It brought a splash of color to the silver.

        She cleaned off my face and I changed into my pajamas. Tomorrow couldn’t come fast enough.

        I regret thinking that. Johnny was getting on my nerves with his dominating ways. So, I told him that I would be ready by five and went to Jaime’s room and hung out until she told me to shower. I showered, shaved, washed my face and brushed my teeth. 

        I met her in my room. I dried my body and changed into the dress and shoes. My toenails and fingernails the color of a pink rose. I sat in the chair and she started. She blow dried my hair and pulled it back. Did my makeup like we practiced. She let my hair down and put my hair halfway up. She created a bun out of it and sprayed with hairspray. It only took an hour and I wrapped the shawl around me and made my way down stairs. Everyone was going to be out for the night. So no one was here and Jaime was going to go to a friend's place because she had promised them something. I can’t remember. 

        I was standing before Johnny who had pulled his hair back into a tight bun. His eyes glistened as they landed on me. I became shy. He was dressed in a black tux. He looked sexy, and all of my anger drained away.

        “You look lovely,” he said, taking my right hand and kissing my knuckles. 

        “You look quite dashing,” I said in my best english accent.

        “Why thank you m’lady,” he said smiling.

        “Are you going to tell me where we are going?” I asked him sweetly.

        “I guess I can’t hide it any longer. We are going to a party. He’s actually a normal human. He’s quite rich. The party is for their anniversary. They have been married for five years now,” he said as he walked me out the door and into his black BMW. 

        “That sounds wonderful,” I said softly. He drove and silence ensued. It took an hour to get there. At least we were not going to Chicago. He drove up to a tall, black, fancy gate. A man dressed in a formal uniform asked for an invitation. He pulled it out of his coat and showed the man. The man peaked in and smiled.

         “Your plus one?” he asked politely.

        “Yes, my date for tonight,” Johnny replied.

        “Well, enjoy your evening,” he said and the gate opened for us. We pulled up to the door. They have valet. Johnny ran around handing the keys to the valet and helped me out of the car. I wrapped my right arm under his and held his bicep. 

        He led me up the purple carpeting and we went through the door. The room was bigger and had pillars lining around the main area. Like it was a ballroom with a very large gold and crystal chandelier. You could hear the sounds of violins, bases, flutes and a piano. 

        Tables lined the outside of the dance floor with white table cloths and a candelabra in the middle. Very fine china set on the tables and real silver utensils. It wasn’t actually bright and there was more candle light to set the mood.

        We walked down a set of stairs and was met with a young couple. A young man with short black hair and dark green eyes wearing a tux. He was taller than me by five inches, but Johnny towered over him. The woman next to him had brown hair and dark brown eyes. She wore makeup and had created a smokey eye and red lipstick. She wore a short black dress that clung to her every curve and went above her knees. Her dress was strapless. She wore six inch, black pumps. 

        “Johnny, I never thought you would come. It’s good to see you. And who might your date be?” He asked.

        “Her name is Jessica. Jessica, this is my friend Eric, and his wife Olivia. Eric, Olivia this is Jessica Stone.” He introduced us politely. I shook hands with the both of them.

        “It’s a pleasure to meet you, and happy anniversary,” I said.

        “Thank you, and the pleasure is ours,” Eric replied. He sounded quite nice.

        “Johnny, she is quite the vision. She’s more beautiful than the last girl you brought around,” Olivia replied. I knew she was jealous, but I also knew she wasn’t lying. I had a nice chat with Charlie about Johnny. Charlie was willing to tell me that he had been with a couple of girls in the sixty years they were both alive. Though they didn’t last and I have this feeling I know why.

        “Olivia, please, not in front of our guest. If he wanted to share this information he would have,” Eric said.

        “It’s alright, I’m sure I’m not the first woman to be with him, and I’m okay with that,” I said with a smile. They both seemed to be relieved. I looked up at Johnny smiling, but Johnny didn’t seem too happy at my reply. I looked back at the happy couple.

        “Well, I will talk to you later, Eric. I would like to have a dance with my lovely date,” he excused us. He brought me out to the floor, and we danced for a while. I followed him around, champagne flute in hand as he was socializing with everyone and introducing me. I stayed quiet, as I had nothing to talk about. I still didn’t like being at places like this. I was very uncomfortable. Later Olivia and Eric approached us.

        “May I borrow your date, while you have a chat?” She asked. He didn’t like the idea, but I am my own person.

        “You don’t need his permission. Let’s go,” I said and we walked out to the balcony.

        “You looked really uncomfortable there. So I had to save you,” she said.

        “Thank you. I’m not used to being around the rich. I’ve never been to a party like this, but I just don’t know how to socialize with people. Unless I really know you,” I said.

        “I have to ask. Do you know about his dominating personality?” She asked me. I pressed my lips together.

        “Unfortunately, that's what I have been dealing with. I will confront him when he decides to start with his s**t,” I said.

        “Yeah. Eric had told me that two girls Johnny dated when they were in their teens, had left him. Not at the same time though. They both said to Eric that he was dominating their lives in the literal sense. So they left him. I’m telling you to be careful about him,” she said with concern.

        “Don’t worry. I can handle him. I have taken self defense classes,” I said. She breathed a sigh of relief.

        “That’s good. Well, dinner will be served momentarily. Let’s go back inside,” she led me back inside. 

        The rest of the night was wonderful, and when we left I had exchanged numbers with Olivia. The drive home, however, was in an uncomfortable silence. Johnny was stewing in anger. I can’t imagine why. 

        When he pulled up at the house he rushed over to my side and dragged me out of the car and up onto the porch. I yanked my arm from his grasp.

        “What is your problem?” I asked him. He glared at me.

        “My problem, is the fact that all night you didn’t say a single word to anyone except for Eric and Olivia and then you left my side with me saying so,” I looked up at him.

        “Well, my problem is that your dominance is becoming a nuisance to me. You are even trying to tell me how to live my life. I haven’t said a word hoping you would stop, but not once have you. I can’t take this anymore. Why are you like this?”

        “Jessica, you are not a child anymore. I’m not going to be as nice as I used to be. I love you and want to be with you, but you can’t see that,” he said.

        “Are you kidding me? I see it everytime I look at you. But as you can see that I’m having my own issues with this.”  

    “Oh boo hoo Jessica, get over it. Let me love you. Let me shower you in gifts and trips and give you everything you deserve, but you won’t let me.” That’s when I saw it. He had no control in his life so he makes it a point to control others.

        “Yes, I know, but I have my own fears just as you have your own issues,” I said. He looked panicked. 

        “I don’t have any issues,” he denied.

        “Johnny you seem to think you need to control everyone else. Why? Because someone took control of your life and didn’t let you have a say. Was it your mom?”

        “We are not going there miss ‘I’m afraid of love’.” he mocked me.

        “I may be afraid of love, and you know exactly why,” I said.

        “Yeah, well he’s paying his crime to you. So just let it go.”

        “I can’t let it go. Do you even understand what that asshole really put me through? Do you? No, I didn't think so mr. ‘I’m a control freak.’” The next thing I know I’m lying on the ground. My face hurts, and my torso hurts.