Fort Worth, Texas
Outside, the white sun peaked through the dark gray clouds. The bird outdoor thermometer's dial pointed to 66 degrees Fahrenheit. From the sky, a steady drizzle hit the sidewalk with a da, da, da, da rhythm. It was Friday the last day of December 2021. In the mudroom, by the garage door, the calendar could be seen from several feet away. Written in bright red marker on top of the preprinted New Year’s Eve symbol, NO PLANS.
Alarmingly, the walls in Nicole’s small bungalow seemed to be closing in on her. Bounding into her 2005 red Toyota, Nicole headed West to The Shops at Clearfork. Walking around the mall and window shopping, she needed a break from thinking and overthinking. She needed a diversion.
“If nothing else, the walk around the mall would be good exercise,” Nicole thought to herself.
The shiny Christmas decorations sparkled, and the ambiance of the mall lifted Nicole’s spirits. In appearance, everything was on sale! The store windows were covered with discount signs. As Nicole approached the Neiman Marcus store, a beautiful black Vivietta off-shoulder A-line gown grabbed her attention. Like a moth to light, Nicole was drawn to the dress.
Entering the store, the salesperson greeted Nicole with a warm friendly smile.
Nicole asked, Carol, the salesperson, “May I try on the black off-shoulder dress that's in the window?
“The Chiara Boni La Petite Robe is an exquisite choice!” Carol exclaimed. “The fitting room is to your right. I’ll meet you there with the gown in a few minutes.”
Shyly, Nicole uttered, “Okay!”
In front of the fitting room, Carol presented the gorgeous gown to Nicole. Taking the dress, Nicole entered the first fitting room. She couldn’t believe it. It was like the gown was custom-made for her to fit perfectly.
Stepping out of the fitting room, Nicole looked at herself in all the mirrors. Taking notice, customers' heads turned. Nicole looked stunning.
Enthusiastically, Carol cooed, “You look like a million dollars.”
“Thank you!” replied Nicole.
After relishing the moment, Nicole suddenly became alarmed. She was shocked and amazed looking at the price tag. Before the sales tax, the price was $1090. Instantly, the magic spell ceased. Knowing it was out of her budget; however, it was wonderful to see herself in such a breathtaking gown.
Quickly, returning to the fitting room, Nicole changed into her shirt and jeans and handed the gown back to Carol. Nicole shook her head, No.
Sighing, Nicole weakly whispered, “I can't afford it.”
Leaving Neiman Marcus and walking another lap around the mall, Nicole thought about how lovely she looked in the dress. It was fun and a deviation from her normal routine. Besides, there were no plans, and it was getting late. Returning to her parked car, Nicole decided to go straight home.
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At the beginning of Summer 2022, Nicole juggled three part-time jobs. Keeping track of her schedule, was a job in itself. With so much to do, Nicole constantly prioritized her to-do list. Through it all, Nicole kept a positive attitude. Remembering how she weathered the 2020 COVID pandemic, her termination, and being laid off, she powered through it. She survived the storm. It wasn’t easy, but she considered herself stronger.
Indeed, Nicole’s grateful attitude helped her push through her daily challenges. Her bungalow was two years short of being paid off. Now, Nicole was thankful that she had her home and that she had opted for a fifteen-year mortgage. Watching every penny, Nicole created a budget and adhered to it. However, even perfect planning had no control over external economic forces.
Remembering, two years prior, the world was divided into essential and non-essential workers, and Nicole became ill with a sore throat. On the first day of her illness, Nicole received a Twitter termination notice from her full-time hospitality recruiting position. It didn’t come as a surprise, but it still smarted. The unemployment checks along with the extra Federal money carried her through the rough period. Before the unemployment checks ended, Nicole accepted a sales position with a furniture store.
Unfortunately, a few months later the furniture store closed and she was laid off. Nicole was devastated. Unfortunately, there wouldn’t be unemployment checks. Immediately, she accepted a part-time position at a retail store from 10 AM to 3 PM. The retail position was followed by two other part-time positions. In the evenings, she worked for a janitorial service, and on the weekends, she worked at a call center.
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October 28, 2022
Buzzing, like a swarm of bees. The buzzing was loud and became louder. As the drone approached Nicole’s front door, her neighbor’s American Foxhounds howled. The noise frightened Nicole. In fact, it sounded like her home was under attack.
With her mouth open in astonishment, Nicole watched the drone drop a box on her front porch.
“What on earth!” Nicole exclaimed.
Waiting a few minutes, Nicole cautiously retrieved the box. Once inside the bungalow, the wind slammed the door shut. Nicole jumped.
“What a way to start the day!” she muttered to herself.
From the entrance shelf, Nicole picked up a box cutter. As she opened the box, questions flowed through her mind. Who would be sending her a package? What could it be? Why would they use a drone to deliver the box?
Carefully, Nicole opened the box and removed the white tissue paper. Nicole couldn’t believe her eyes. There in front of her was the Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Vivietta off-shoulder A-line gown. At the bottom of the box, Nicole reached for the gold envelope with her name printed on it.
Opening the envelope and retrieving the note, she read the typed message.
Dearest Nicole,
Please accept the dress and my invitation to the Fort Worth Margarita Ball. Your ticket to the ball is enclosed.
A limo will pick you up on the 11th of November 2022 at 7:00 PM and transport you to the venue.
Until then.
Your Admirer
Speechless, Nicole rubbed her eyes and re-read the note. She wondered who the mysterious admirer was. How did he know about the gown?
“This has to be a mistake or a dream,” she thought.
Reminding her to pick up a few groceries after her evening shift with the janitorial service, Nicole’s cell phone pinged.
Then, Nicole’s watch chimed another reminder that it was time to leave for work at the retail store. It was going to be a long day and a long two weeks until her blind date.
Slowly, as the days passed, Nicole thought and thought some more as to who her mysterious admirer could be.
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November 11, 2022
Excitedly, Nicole pampered herself as she prepared for the Fort Worth Margarita Ball. After taking a long bubble bath, she wrapped herself in her favorite fluffy robe and did her hair and nails. At six-thirty, she dressed for the evening. She wondered. How could it be? The gorgeous gown looked better now than when she tried it on at the Neiman Marcus store on the 31st of last year.
Right at 7 PM, the limo waited outside her front door. The driver opened the door for Nicole. She graciously seated herself in the back of the limousine. While jazz music enveloped her, Nicole relaxed in the luxury and enjoyed the thirty-minute ride. The limo stopped in front of the Worthington Renaissance Hotel in downtown Fort Worth.
After stopping, the driver opened the door for Nicole to exit the limo. As Nicole scooted to the edge of the seat sliding both legs out at the same time, Dr. Harris, extended his hand.
Dr. Harris declared, “You look amazing!”
Nicole smiled.
About the Creator
Babs Iverson
Barbara J Iversen, also known as Babs Iverson, lives in Texas and loves her grandkids to the moon and back. After writing one story, she found that writing has many benefits especially during a pandemic and a Texas-size Arctic Blast.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
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Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
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Niche topic & fresh perspectives
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Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
Comments (13)
What a charming piece! I love your writing style Babs! Very well done! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Gosh, this was soooo adorable! Loved this story!
Awww... Love it! Beautifully written.
Sweet story. I really enjoyed the exposition with Nicole’s backstory, and who doesn’t like a happy ending. Good job!
Always nice when good people get rewarded. Lovely story
Aw Babs this was so thoughtful and sweet ❤️
Great story and good luck in the challenge
Lovely~
What a sweet story
What a wonderful feel good story. I really love your clean uncluttered writing style. Easy to read and understand yet filled with just enough detail to give us a great story.
Dreams do come true. Nice one Babs.
Dr McDreamy eh? Glad you entered the fray 🥰
Very nicely done.