12. The Fairy Godmothers
the fairy godmothers
Deirdre
M y phone buzzes on my desk, tugging me from my thoughts. A notification appears on the screen.
I swipe up, opening the group chat with my best friends, Alora and Skye. Photos of a vibrant lavender gown, one that I can only assume Alora created, leave me stunned. It’s gorgeous, and she never ceases to amaze me.
Lo
Shipping it tomorrow. You’ll have it by the end of the week.
Alora Hannon lives, eats, and breathes style.
She’s a fashion director for Delphine Bloom—a world-famous bridal designer—but loves to sew and upcycle thrifted finds in her spare time.
I happen to be lucky enough to be her muse, even though we’re thousands of miles apart.
That woman knows my measurements better than I do.
My smile widens as I admire the photos again, imagining myself in this gown.
Since I no longer attend my family’s lavish parties, I’m not sure where I’d wear this dress. But gift giving is her love language, and I know better than to decline a present. Thankfully, wearing Alora’s designs make it impossible to not see the beauty in every curve.
I’d be lying if I said I never experienced any insecurities about my body, because I’m human. Lawrence would make snide comments about my appearance toward the end of our relationship. And while he didn’t say anything I hadn’t heard before, that was one of many reasons I decided to leave him.
I always struggled with my weight, but it was never something my family gave me a hard time about. The kids at school were another story, which led to Regina and Darius getting into fistfights for me.
By the time I went to high school, my dad got me into boxing with Regina and her friend, Audrey. Then I began fighting my own battles, literally and figuratively. While I may not be a killer, I’m not against throwing well-deserved punches.
Skye Daddy
Goddamn, Lo. This is gorgeous!
Make me something next! Please?
I met Skye a few years ago at the LaGuardia airport. I had a layover and grabbed a coffee. When I found her sitting in the café, reading a Lilith Keene book I love, I went over to strike up a conversation. I hadn’t expected to leave with a potential friend, but I did.
We were only yapping about books, and I felt like I’d known her for years. We followed each other on Picturegram and kept in touch. Fast forward to now, she’s one of my best friends.
I invited her to brunch once when she was in town to meet Lo, who welcomed her with open arms and adopted her into our friend group.
It’s always been difficult to date with a family like mine. Finding genuine friendships are a similar struggle, but I am fortunate to have found them.
After admiring the photos for a moment more, I type a response.
I have nowhere to wear this dress, Lo.
Lo
Girl. You better find an excuse.
Skye Daddy
Somebody’s got a birthday coming up!
Lo
Throw a birthday party in that big ass house of yours!
I don’t have friends here to invite to a party.
And you know how much I don’t like company.
Skye Daddy
You could go on a date! Have you checked your SoulBlend profile lately?
Lo
Your back could use a good cracking, if you ask me.
I’d rather take my chances with a chiropractor.
The only one who needs a good cracking is you, Mother Goose.
Lo
I am a Silly Goose, thank you very much.
I’ll only be a Mother Goose if any of this damn IVF works.
She follows with the fingers crossed emoji. Alora is at a point in her life where she would like to have a child on her own. I fully support her, but she learned the hard way that the adoption process as a single woman is a wash.
Her endometriosis makes conceiving extremely difficult. IVF treatments aren’t cheap but are her best option if she’d like to do this alone. She started them within the past year, and while they can be taxing, she hasn’t given up hope.
It’s likely that I may need to try IVF to become a mother someday, so I appreciate how transparent she’s been about her journey to motherhood. My PCOS comes with many challenges and infertility issues are unfortunately one of them.
I’d love to have a family of my own someday, but I try to keep that dream in the back of my mind. If I have anything to say about it, I’d like my children to be able to choose whether they’d like to be involved in the mob or not.
Though I’d rather my hypothetical children not live a life of crime.
Skye Daddy
Oh, it’s going to work! Manifesting it.
Lo
Anyways, the dress is coming this week and you better find somewhere to wear it.
Fine. I promise I’ll find a reason to wear it.
Lo
I miss you two!
I hope our schedules align soon.
Skye Daddy
Even if they don’t, I got unlimited PTO.
Say the word and I’ll hop on a flight!
We’re long overdue for a girls’ night. I miss you guys so much! We’ll make it work.
Lo
Get some rest and let’s FaceTime this week. Love youuu!
Skye Daddy
Sounds good to me. Love y'all!
Looking forward to it. I love you too!