Not fifty yards from where she had been somewhat brusquely evicted, she saw another cleaner, and went in.
The clerk, obviously of Chinese origin, took the dress from her, and checked it out.
What you would like to do with it, Miss? he asked politely.
Mary sighed with relief. A friendly face.
Id like to dye it bright green. Emerald-green to be precise.
The clerk nodded. Tomorrow after 10, he said.
A worrying pang squeezed Marys heart. Are you sure you wont ruin it?
The clerk nodded again. Youll pay nothing unless you are completely satisfied with the results.
Thats not exactly what I wanted to hear, she thought, hesitant.
***
She was on her way back to campus, when her cell-phone rang.
She answered, and smiled on hearing Roberts voice.
Happy birthday honey! he said. Have you received the dress?
Oh! Marys cheeks blushed in embarrassment. Yes. Sorry, I didnt call!
How do you like it?
Its magnificent! Mary admitted. How did you deliver it? Click of the fingers?
Exactly, sweetheart! I did not want anyone disturbing your beauty sleep.
Agh, you are considerate. What time will I see you?
There was a pause.
Hi Robert? Are you still there?
Yes, Im still here. Look, this is why I called you, my little lamb. I have a lot of things to finish. Im afraid until the party, I wont be able to get any time off to see you.
Oh, Mary mumbled, feeling a bitter taste into her mouth.
But Ill keep in touch with you, my heart.
Okay, she smiled, thinking; Maybe its for the best. What would have I done if he had asked me to show him the dress?
***
Mary went to the dry-cleaning store, and handed over the receipt.
The clerk with an expression of indifference took out something green, and put it on the counter.
Mary looked down and froze with shock; it was a ghastly verdant rag, which didnt even appear as a dress.
You can have your money back, the worker said calmly.
Choking, like a fish without water, Mary tried to inhale in vain; her legs went weak.
I said, get out, you blasphemous monster! The mighty voice thundered.
She looked at the clerk again, but to her horror, it was Robert.
He stared at her as he had before, a few times. This gaze always made her blood curdle, as if she faced a tiger, preparing to make his mortal attack.
Thanks for ruining my gift, he uttered with such menace that Mary fell to the floor as if she had roped down dead.
***
Covered from head to toe in a cold sweat, she sat up in bed, startled, and pressed her hand to her chest, trying to get her palpitations under control.
My God, she almost cried. What have I done? What was I thinking about?
She looked at her clock.
Its five in the morning, she mumbled, falling back on the pillow. Just a nightmare, thank God! Oh, dear Lord, dont let it happen! She pressed her palms to her cheeks.
Mary was not able to go back to sleep, the images of a disfigured gown were implanted in her subconscious and she could not rid herself of the flashing nightmare scenario.
She knew, what could help her to regain her self-control.
Reverting to type, she went to the gym, and worked out until the time arrived to go and cope with her dress-related Fate.
***
Moving like a somnambulist, she neared the counter, and passed the receipt over. With her teeth chattering, Mary stared at the rack full of plastic bags with clothes. Her eyes ran over everything on display, but she didnt spot a green one. Her legs couldnt hold her up properly, and the girl leaned on the counter almost fainting with the terror of waiting.
The clerk put something in front of her. In her state of mind, Mary didnt understand at first. She gasped, made an effort, and took the gown.
Dizzily bright green, the dress looked like it was made with real emeralds!
Mary carefully checked the whole garment. Not even the tiniest imperfection could be found! The shiny fabric shimmered brilliantly, and all Marys worries had immediately disappeared. She laughed with happiness, and pressed the gown to her chest.
Do you like it? the clerk asked, smiling at her reaction.
Its wonderful! Mary mumbled, hastily taking out her wallet. Usually thrifty, that day she left generous tips, and rushed home.
***
When she dashed out the elevator, she collided with Father Frank.
Sorry, she murmured, showing a drunk smile.
Mister Noirson called me about the party you are going to attend, the priest said, and the girl gazed at him. Its a very important event. For the first time youll present our team all by yourself. Come to my office, Ill give you the promotional material.
Right now? Mary wanted to try on the dress first.
No, dear, when you have time, of course. The priest nodded.
***
In the apartment, Mary literally jumped out of her clothes, and with a broad smile, hastily put the dress on.
She sucked in a deep breath, patted the fabric against her thighs and tummy and looked in the mirror.
Hah! she said, satisfied. Its much better!
She noticed that her color of choice showed her as less the innocent one and more the sexy young woman. It affected her likewise.
When she turned, she resembled a magic lizard. She was a goddess, but a goddess of lust. She loosened her hair and the gold mane made her look like a Nereid or mermaid.
She twirled and pirouetted enjoying the feel of her wonderful frock, so smooth and swishy against her body, so complimentary to her figure, so reflective of her joie de vivre as a young woman in love with a rich powerful sweet man like Robert. She was flushed, blushing and extremely sensitive when she finally took a breather.
Wow! Mary enjoyed the result of her experiment. Watch out, party! Here I come!
Keeping her eyes on her reflection, she took the phone, and dialed the number.
Yes? She heard Roberts reserved voice and hazarded a guess.
Are you busy? Mary closed her eyes, desperate for her instincts to be completely wrong.
Im in the middle of a conference, he answered. Is everything all right?
Yes, sorry! Take care! Mary quickly hang up, disappointed not to be able to share her excitement.
***
In the accessories store another wonder was waiting for Mary.
This time she surprised herself.
She could not choose the pumps! She liked them all. Never in her life had she experienced the choice of such fabulous footwear; so comfortable, light and soft!
I cant even feel them, Mary mumbled, trying on the next pair. My Goodness! Its like Im barefoot! I bet I could even prance wearing them! But which ones should I take? Im not a centipede, for Gods sake!
The pile of the shoes on the floor became bigger, and bigger. Mary wanted to cry.
You can take a few pairs, the worker finally offered.
This phrase sobered Mary up. Ashamed and amazed about herself, she chose the three pairs that she liked the most, and left the store.
***
As Farther Frank requested, Mary went to his office, and over the course of two hours, they discussed and browsed the orphanages promotional material.
Mary took a pack of brochures, and leafed through them. She adored the design.