The Lily's Splendor

Chapter 8

Before going into the house, I went to the bush and took out the basket before sitting down on the warm sand and digging into Jacques’s famous croissant sandwiches. As I quietly ate, I basked in the setting sun and its bright displays of red and orange hues.

He said that I was a Mystical Water Lily, I thought, pondering on his words. I’ve never heard of such a creature. Perhaps when I went inside I could Google it.

When I was finished with my sandwich, I put my trash back into the basket, sad that I was full and couldn’t polish off that slice of German chocolate cake that was neatly wrapped in a plate. I got up and dusted off my legs before grasping the handle of the basket and making the trek back to the house just as the sun disappeared.

“Just in time for dinner.” Jacques’s voice sang from the kitchen where lovely aromas floated out. I cringed, still full from the sandwich.

“Can I have it tomorrow for lunch instead?” I asked as I entered the kitchen and placed the basket on the counter. Jacques looked up from a boiling pot.

“Are you telling me that after spending the whole day at the beach swimming that you aren’t hungry?” Jacques crossed his arms over his chest as he gave me a concerned look. That made me realize just how right he was. I wasn’t hungry at all, or tired for that matter.

“Alright, I’ll admit that I just ate the sandwich that you made for me, which is why I am full. But I am honestly not very hungry,” I said. Jacques scrutinized me for a while, as if he was trying to figure out something.

“Do you take off your necklace when you go into the water?” he finally asked. His question startled me, completely catching me off-guard.

“Why?” I asked cautiously. Then I realized that I hadn’t put my necklace back on. I was still holding it.

“Because you don’t have to in case you were worried that the salt water would be too hard on the charm.” Jacques spoke conversationally but his eyes said more that he wasn’t going to reveal.

“Oh, okay. Thanks for letting me know.” I made a move to leave but his hand covered my arm to detain me.

“Are you doing okay?” he asked. I sighed. “Yes. I’m doing fine.”

“Okay. If you ever get hungry, I’ll leave a warm plate for you here along with your slice of cake.” Jacques simply said before turning back around to stir the contents inside the pot that was on the stove. I scurried out of there until I was in my bedroom with the door closed.

Does Jacques know something? He is acting pretty strangely . . . I sat down on the edge of my bed. I checked my cell-phone on my nightstand and saw that I had a missed call from my grandmother. Pressing the ‘send’ button, I waited for her to pick up.

“Kyra! How are you doing?” her voice sang out. I could hear background conversations and music. She must be at the fashion show.

“I’m doing fine. How about you? Sounds like you’re at the fashion show.”

“Yes, I am. I had to change one of the model’s dress wear because she just couldn’t pull it off. As a matter of fact dear, I was wondering if you could wear it since you seem to be the only one who just might be able to pull it off.”

“You want me to fly out there?” I asked with disbelief.

“No no, of course not dear. That would just be silly. But when I get back I would like you to accompany me to this shoot and I want you to model the dress while pictures are taken for my portfolio and magazines. Will you do that for me?” her voice held hope and persuasion. I sighed.

“How long will this take?” I hadn’t forgotten my meeting with Henry tomorrow. I wanted to spend more time with him and perhaps he could even tell me more about this Mystical Water Lily business.

“Probably just the morning. Then you and I can go out for lunch,” she said with excitement. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings, especially after all that she has done in taking me in. And I knew that the ocean would always be there . . . and Henry.

“Okay. Sure. So when would you like to do this?”

“How about tomorrow morning? I’ll be coming home late tonight.”

Great, I will have to miss my date with Henry. Perhaps I can see him the next day.

“Won’t you be tired?” I tried.

“Oh don’t worry about me. That is why we have coffee. And I can always nap when we get back, but I really want to get these pictures done soon so other designers won’t put my gowns on the wrong models.” she said with annoyance.

“Okay grandma. Tomorrow morning it is.” I laughed.

“Be ready by 8 o’clock. Don’t worry about hair and makeup. Like you need any.” she muttered.

“Sure.” I said.

“Good night dear. Love you.”

“Love you too.” I said before hanging up. “Guess I better go to bed.” I said to myself as I set the alarm for 7 a.m. before heading to the bathroom for a quick shower and then getting ready for bed. My “googling” will have to wait.

~*~~*~*~~*~*~~*~

“I just know that you will wear the dress perfectly.” My grandmother clasped her hands together as we walked down the sidewalk to the studio where my pictures would be taken.

“I hope so. You know I have never modeled before.” I stuffed my hands in my jean pockets.

“Yes, I know that. But you are probably a natural. It runs in your blood.” she said with dignity.

“Of course, how could I forget?” I mumbled as I remembered that she had professionally modeled and still does sometimes. My mother had also modeled before having me.

I opened the clear glass door and held it for my grandmother to pass through first before shutting it behind us.

“Charlyze, welcome!” a cheery secretary with a short bob cut said as she lightly shoved against her desk, pushing her chair back to get up.

“Good morning Emily. This is my granddaughter Kyra.” My grandmother said as she looked at me with a genuine smile and sparkling eyes.

“Hello.” I said, shaking her hand.

“Beauty must run in the family.” Emily complemented before gesturing for us to follow her to the backrooms.

“The dress arrived early this morning along with the shoes,” Emily assured her.

“Good.” My grandmother said just as a young man appeared from an office and grinned. He was dressed in trousers with his white shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows while his jet black hair was gelled back and spiked to one side.

“Charlyze! My darling!” the young man said as he air kissed my grandmother’s cheeks before turning to me. “Is this the angel that will save us?” he asked, his sky-blue eyes glimmering with animosity.

“Yes. Kyra, this is Dimitri Floyd.” she made the introductions. I felt my eyes go wide as I shook his hand.

“Yes, I am that designer. Though nothing can compare to your grandmother, the Queen of all designers.” Dimitri winked. “Well, shall we get started?” he rubbed his hands together.

“Of course. Come with me, Kyra,” Emily said.

“That’s alright Emily. I will help her.” my grandmother shooed Emily away as she looked at me.

“I’ll get those lattes ready for you.” Dimitri said, before disappearing down the hall.

“Make mine a double,” my grandmother hollered before turning to me. “Come dear. Let’s get you dressed.” I followed her to a huge fitting room with dressing screens and a small stage in the center surrounded by mirrors. On the opposite wall there were windows facing the outside of a café and boutiques.

“Is this dress design new?” I asked as she gently pushed me to sit on the stool in front of a dressing mirror.

“Yes. It would have been revealed at that fashion show but I had to put my foot down when they had put it on this model who clearly couldn’t wear it.” she said with disgust as she unclipped my hair and let it tumble around and past my shoulders, softly landing just above my waist.

“I didn’t bring my make-up bag.” I said when I noticed that there was none on the counter.

“No need. I want a fresh look. And why on earth do you even have make-up?” my grandmother asked as her eyes locked on my reflection. I meekly shrugged.

“I guess to be that ordinary teen with a make-up bag.” I admitted.

“But you aren’t ordinary,” she said softly. My eyes snapped up to meet hers.

“What do you mean by that?” I asked in a low voice. Her eyes cleared and she looked at me with a smile.

“Just that you are special.” she ruffled my hair before walking behind the dressing screen and unzipping something.

“Come dear,” she summoned. I got up and went to her, though her words and expression were constantly replaying in my mind and had my curiosity peak. Perhaps she knows something? I wondered. My mind went blank when I saw my grandmother pull out golden satin from the dress bag before holding it out. The deep ‘V’ neckline ended at the waist before falling down in a silk pool. The shoulder sleeves flared out as it fell behind the neckline like wings, leaving the back exposed.

“It’s beautiful.” I breathed as my fingers ran down the soft and sensual material.

“It will be more beautiful on you,” she said as she hung it on a hook before opening another bag and pulling out a shoe box that contained matching stiletto shoes.

“Uh . . . if I put those on, I will just keel over.” I said, though I did admire their design.

“Nonsense.” My grandmother batted a hand before placing her hands on her hips while pointedly staring at me.

“What?” I asked.

“Do you expect to wear my dress over that?” she eyed my t-shirt, faded jeans, and old sneakers.

“Oh. Sorry.” I quickly whipped off my shoes before taking off my shirt and jeans.

“Here.” My grandmother held out the dress for me to step into, pulling the shoulder straps over my shoulders before stepping back and setting the shoes in front of me. Holding onto her shoulder, I slipped my feet into the shoes which made me instantly two inches taller. I was about to look into the mirror when my grandmother clamped her hands over my eyes.

“No no. I’ll lead you to the stage so we can all see how right I was,” she said with triumph. “Don’t worry, I won’t let you fall.” she promised as she held on to one of my arms while her other hand stayed clasped over my eyes as she led me to the stage.

“Now take a small step up. There you go.” My grandmother directed me until I knew I was standing on the rise. “Wait, don’t look yet.” she said before calling out for Dimitri.

“I’m coming! I’m coming!” he said in a rush, as if he was jogging, not wanting to keep my grandmother waiting.

“What is it?” he said when he came into the room. Then I heard him gasp.

“Can I open my eyes now?” I asked, not being able to take the suspense any longer.

“Definitely,” my grandmother said. Opening my eyes, I gazed at the reflections in the three mirrors all set at different angles. The dress was beyond describing. The color went perfectly with my skin tone and my hair; my long hair that waved from the twist I had put it in was like an exotic waterfall. I could feel the ends of it brush my bare back.

“Charlyze . . . you were right. She is our savior.” Dimitri said in awe as he gazed at me.“Let me get the photographer.” he rushed back out.

“Oh grandma, this is such a privilege. Thank you for letting me model. I am so glad I said yes!” I slightly turned this way and that until my eyes caught my necklace. “Oh dear.” my hand went up to clutch my neck.

“What is it?” my grandmother took a step forward, eyes tinted with worry.

“Did you want me to take off my necklace for the photos?” I asked, watching her closely for any reaction. She only blinked before meeting her eyes with mine. “It doesn’t clash with my dress.” she finally said. Her eyes were thoughtful as she watched me.

“I think I rather not have it on with your dress,” I said before unclasping it and stepping down to place it on top of my clothes. When I turned around, I found my grandmother staring at me as if she was waiting for something to happen.

“Do I have to stand up on that thing?” I gestured to the stand.

“No.” my grandmother said before clearing her throat.

“And here she is.” Dimitri’s voice sang out as he walked back in with a photographer and a crew following close behind.

“Chebella!” the obviously Italian photographer said before taking my hand in his and planting a kiss. I smiled at him, careful to keep whatever I had, tempered down. I still needed to learn so much about myself. I somehow trusted Henry to help me find out.

Looking up, I was taken aback to find his eyes watching me from the window along with a petite girl and another guy.

“Henry?” I asked in a mere whisper as I took hesitant steps towards him. The petite girl next to him furrowed her eyebrows as she looked up at Henry and seemed to ask him something along with the other guy. Henry paid them no attention as his eyes held my gaze. I couldn’t look away from him. He was here, in human form. He was dressed in a simple t-shirt that I recognized from the day we first met, along with a pair of blue jeans and sneakers.

I hope he isn’t mad that I didn’t show up to our meeting.

“Looks like we need to call security,” Dimitri said as he took note of our audience.

“No!” I turned to him. All of the workers paused along with my grandmother, who stared at me with a raised brow, waiting for an explanation.

“They aren’t doing anything,” I meekly said.

“Well, they left now.” Dimitri put his cell-phone back in his pocket before barking out orders to the photographer and the rest of his crew. I turned back to the window and saw that Dimitri’s words were true. They were gone.

~*~~*~*~~*~*~~*~

“Who was that hot chic?” Maddox asked as they walked to their favorite café. “Hey!” Maddox rubbed his shoulder where Henry had landed a punch.

“Show some respect,” Henry said before walking ahead of them. He heard Lilly’s light footsteps catching up to him.

“She seemed to know you. Who is she?” Lilly asked.

“She’s no-one,” Henry said firmly.

“Please. I saw the way you were looking at her. It’s the same way the mermaids look at you except they don’t drool.” Lilly said. Henry chuckled as he placed an arm around his sister’s shoulders and squeezed.

“So, since you have just admitted that you don’t know her, that means I can use my charms on her?” Maddox asked once he came up to Henry’s other side.

“Madd!” Lilly scolded him as he opened the door to the café. Henry was taken aback when a rush of jealousy surged through him like powerful currents.

“By the look on his face, I guess I shouldn’t. Besides, this is the first girl to ever catch his fancy, so I won’t interfere in this miracle.” Maddox said with a grin.

“Keep dreaming. I’ll probably remain a bachelor for the rest of my life.” Henry said with an easy smile as they sat down in a booth towards the back. Now he knew why Kyra had been late. She had a modeling shoot and obviously forgot to mention it.

“I highly doubt it,” Lilly studied the menu which they knew by heart.

“Why are you reading that when you know you’re going to order your usual.” Maddox shook his head as he leaned back in his seat.

“Just checking if there’s anything new,” she said defensively.

“Let her be.” Henry said as he ruffled his sister’s hair.

“Don’t forget not to do that at school. Or else I won’t ever get a boyfriend.”

“Good.” Henry said before ducking his head when Lilly took a swipe at him.

“What do you mean good? Henry, we need new punching bags.” Maddox laughed out loud at Lilly’s facial expression. They all quieted when the waitress came over to take their usual order.