Sarah & Allison Magic
Part II
Sarah's mom knocked on the bedroom door, "Ladies. If you're going to church with us, you need to get moving. Breakfast is in 10 minutes." When she didn't get a response, she knocked again, "Girls, are you up?"
"We're up, Mom. We'll be right there." Turning to Allison, "Morning, love. Did you sleep well?"
"Passably. There seemed to be something lying atop me part of the night."
Sarah wriggled, "Something or someone?"
Allison scrunched up her face like she was thinking, "No, I'm pretty sure it was something."
"Oh, you," and punched her in the arm. Sarah reached down and pulled Allison up. They were showered and seated at the table just in time.
Sarah's dad turned to Allison, "Are you ready for your dance lessons?"
"Yes, sir. It should be interesting. I never learned ballroom dancing when I was littler."
"Sarah will start you out and if there is enough time, I will finish you up tonight. If not, I'll do it tomorrow."
Sarah's mom chimed in, "He's a very good dancer. I love to show him off. I wish I could get him to take me dancing more. I love to show him off." Changing the subject, "We're leaving at 10:30. You'll be ready?"
"No problem."
When they got back, Sarah's mom told the girls, "Go start on your homework while I get dinner ready. I'll let you know when it's time to set the table."
"Yes'm." The girls went upstairs and fell to their work with a passion. When Sarah's mom called them down to set the table, they were almost done. Dinner was pot roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, and cherry pie à la mode.
"Very delicious, Momster!"
"I agree, Dr. Black."
"Thank you, ladies. Is your homework done?"
"Just about. It shouldn't take long."
"Then put your dishes in the sink and get busy. Bring it down when you're finished so I can check it."
"Thanks, Mom." The girls ran back to Sarah's room and tore into their remaining homework. About an hour later, they brought down their work. Sarah's mom checked it and pronounced it good.
Sarah picked up the top CD of the stack her dad had laid out for her and put it in the stereo. A familiar Strauss Concerto started playing. "Listen to the music, feel the tempo. 1-2-3, 2-2-3. 1-2-3, 2-2-3." They just stood there for a minute or two. "This is the basic box step, forward, side, together." Sarah demonstrated the step for Allison; step forward, to the side, together, step back, to the side, together. Allison stood beside her and mimicked the steps.
"Now the basic closed position. I'll be the leader for now. You rest your right hand in my left. My right hand goes by your left shoulder blade. Your left hand goes on my right shoulder. This isn't salsa dancing, so there is a little space between us. Makes it less likely we'll step on each other's toes. Don't listen to the music for now, just follow my lead. My first step is forward, yours is back. Then to my right, your left, and together.
They practiced the box step, with and without the music. After changing the music, they swapped leader and follower roles several times. Sarah's dad came in and watched. He danced with Sarah and showed her turns and twirls. Then he danced with Allison and showed her the same things. "My Lady Allison, you and Lady Sarah are amazing. One would think you had been dancing for years. You will do fine at the Gala."
Both girls beamed at the praise, "Thank you, gallant sir. A teacher with such excellent skills as yours makes it easy to learn. We would be most ecstatic to reserve a dance for you."
"My thanks to you, lovely ladies. I'm looking forward to it. If you require further lessons, you have but to speak." He bowed deeply, like the girls had seen in Shakespeare In Love.
"Rest assured, gentle sir, we will. The girls giggled at how they were talking and tried to imitate the curtsey they'd seen in the movie. They practiced a little more until it was time for Allison to go home. It was time for dinner and she still had to finish her weekend chores.
Allison and Sarah continued to practice after school and whenever Sarah's dad got home in time. On Friday, they laid out what they would pack for the trip the next day.
Early Saturday morning, a black stretch limousine pulled up in front of Allison's house. The driver got out and opened the passenger door. Sarah bounced out, "I'll get her," and ran up the steps.
Allison's mom answered the door. "Morning, Mrs. White. Is Allison ready?"
"Ready?! She's been parked on the couch, looking out the window, since sunrise. When the limo pulled up, she ran upstairs to get her things." Turning her head, she called out, "Allison, hurry up."
Sarah leaned in, "Get a move on, girlfriend. We got places to go, people to see, things to do."
Allison clattered down the steps like a herd of elephants, carrying her backpack, dress bag, shoe bag, make-up case, and suitcase.
Sarah smiled, "So, not tongue-tied from all the excitement?"
"No!" Allison stopped by the door and bussed her mom on the cheek, "Bye, Mom. Thanks for letting me go."
"You're welcome, darling. Remember. Have fun and take lots of pictures. Be sure you thank Sarah's mom and dad for putting up with you this weekend." She kissed Allison on the forehead and lips.
"Mooooom!"
Sarah picked up the suitcase, "Let me carry this or we'll never get out of here."
Allison rolled her eyes, "Aren't we Little Miss Hurry-up, all of a sudden."
Sarah's grin lit up the room, "You bet. I wanna see how long it takes room service to get to the suite."
The driver was standing beside the open trunk as the girls came down the walk. He put the bags in first and laid the dress bag on top. He opened the door and handed the girls in.
The limo pulled and headed for the hotel. Both girls recognized landmarks along the way from their previous trip. Allison turned to Sarah's parents, "Mr. Black, I thought you were driving?"
"You're right, Allison. That was the original plan. But then I realized that I was arriving with three of the most beautiful women in the world on my arm. The only way I could pay proper homage to my escorts was with the ultimate chariot. That's when I changed my plans."
All three women beamed. Allison continued, "Cool. I've never ridden in a limo before, but I definitely want to do it again. We're still staying overnight?"
"Yes, darling. That part hasn't changed. We probably would've had to dress before leaving if we didn't stay. The Gala will be over late and by the time we've gotten home, it would've been very late. This way we're not in a hurry and we can enjoy ourselves."
"Very cool." Allison glanced over at Sarah, who hadn't responded. Her forehead was pressed against the glass, eyes wide open, taking in all the sights. She turned to look at Allison and clutched her hand. It was a special day for both girls and neither wanted to miss a second of it.
The limo swept up the flower-lined hotel driveway. Ribbons, flags, and banners announced the night's upcoming event. A liveried greeter bowed, opened the door, and helped the ladies out while a bellman and the driver loaded the bags onto a cart. The greeter smiled and bowed again, holding the door open while the bellman swept them into the lobby to the front desk. The girls glanced back and saw a Mercedes and BMW arrive as the limo pulled away. They were swarmed by parking attendants and bellmen. The hotel was bustling with guests and organizers arriving for the Gala.
"Good morning, sir, and ladies. How may I help you?"
"And a great good morning to you too, sir. I believe you have a reservation for Black, the Presidential Suite." Turning to the ladies, "I asked for the Honeymoon Suite, but it had long been booked, of course," and winked, grinning.
"Of course, Mr. Black. Welcome back. Would you sign this for me, please?" Handing the bellman a sleeve of keycards, "The Presidential Suite for Mr. Black, and his party."
"Yes, sir. If you and the ladies will follow me, Mr. Black?"
"Lead the way, young man. We're in your very capable hands."
The girls had seen the main floor but hadn't gone up in the elevators when they were here before. They gawked out the glass walls, pointing at different sights, and taking pictures. They got off one floor below the penthouse and turned left. A short way down the hall, they stopped in front of a double door. The plaque on the door read Presidential Suite. The bellman slipped a keycard in the lock, opened the door, and let the Blacks and Allison precede him.
One wall of the main room was all glass. Everyone went over to look out at the sights. You could see the park next door and the lake in the center. A plasma TV hung on the facing wall. A seven foot leather sofa was flanked by a love seat, tables, and a plush Queen Anne chair, with a glass coffee table in the center.
The bellman showed them the master bedroom. The master bath had a Jacuzzi, and shower large enough for three people, with a door to the master bedroom and the hall. The other bedroom was a little smaller. It's bathroom had only a one-person shower. Of course the girls took the smaller bedroom. They showed the bellman which bags went in which room.
When he was done unloading the bags, he handed Mr. Black the sleeve of keycards. "Is there anything else I can do for you, Mr. Black?"
"Not right now, son. What's your name, by the way?"
"Thomas, sir."
"Will you be on duty tomorrow morning, Thomas?"
"Yes, sir."
"Why don't you check with us about noon? We should be ready to go by then. I'll call the desk if we're ready early."
"Very good, Mr. Black. I hope you and the ladies have a good time at the Gala."
"Thomas, I believe that's a foregone conclusion. Thank you for your excellent service and we'll see you tomorrow." He handed Thomas a healthy tip and shook his hand.
Sarah's mom told the girls to get their gowns hung up first, and then they could unpack the rest of their stuff. Of course, the girls took the smaller of the two bedrooms. They got their gowns out, checked them, and fell to the rest. Allison noticed a suitcase Sarah had not touched yet.
"What's in this one, munchkin," picking it up.
"Just you never mind, Miss Nosy. It's a surprise for later, after the Gala."
"Yes, ma'am." Just then, there was a knock on the door, "Come in."
Sarah's mom came in, "How're you doing, girls? All settled in?"
"Everything's fine, Mom."
"Why don't you come into the main room? We're going to order room service for lunch. We have hair appointments at 1 o'clock."
"Be right there, Momster." The girls spent a couple of minutes kissing before joining Sarah's mom and dad. They were looking at the room service menu. After making their choices, they sat and chatted while they waited.
Sarah's dad looked pensive, "Girls, I want to say something to you. I have to admit that I wasn't sure about your relationship at first. It was a bit of a surprise. Your mother and I talked about it at length. I wondered if it was a reaction to the problems you were having with Don."
Sarah interrupted, "Dad, it wasn't..."
Her dad continued, "I know that now, sweetie. We decided that as long as you were happy and your grades weren't suffering, we wouldn't stand in your way."
Allison broke in, "I appreciate that, Mr. Black. I do love your daughter and I've gotten as much from our relationship as I hope she has."
Sarah smiled, "I have, and I do."
"I have watched you treat each other with love, dignity, and respect. That's something people twice your age never learn. You celebrate when things go right, and comfort each other when they don't. You two are committed to each other. We totally support your relationship."
"I know, Dad. We appreciate it."
"There will be people there tonight who don't. A few who might even get angry. I don't want you to worry about them. I don't want you to worry about anything tonight except having fun. Dance together. Dance with me. I might even get the Mayor to dance with you. If anyone hassles you, come find one of us. OK?"
"OK." At that moment, there was a knock on the door. "I'll get it. It must be room service." She checked the keyhole and opened the door to let Thomas in pushing a loaded cart. "Thomas, isn't room service a little outside your normal bailiwick?"
"It is, but since we're so busy, I told them to let me know if you called. That way you wouldn't have to wait."
"Thanks. Push it over by the couch, please." Thomas set up the cart and left, closing the door behind him.
While the four of them ate, they discussed the schedule for the afternoon. The three ladies had hair appointments at the salon at 1 o'clock. After that, the girls were free until about five. Sarah's mom wanted them back at that time to start getting ready. Sarah's dad was going to get a haircut himself. They would leave for the Gala about 7:30. "Be sure you take a keycard with you when you leave."
The hair salon was busy, but didn't appear rushed. The hostess approached, "Welcome, Dr. Black. Right on time, as usual. This way please."
"Seems like you've got your hands full, Vanessa? You've met my daughter, Sarah, and this is her friend, Allison."
"Same thing every year. Welcome, ladies." Stopping beside a chair, "Dr. Black, this is Sally. She will take care of you today. Sarah, Cathy will do your hair. Allison, Kathy will do yours. Manicures and pedicures all around, too."
The stylists started by having everyone describe the gown they would be wearing tonight. Sally described a couple of styles that she thought would be very pretty. The first step was a shampoo. Back in the chairs, the manicurists began their work.
Sarah decided on a Greek style with Henna highlights in her hair. After Cathy had finished drying her hair and putting in the highlights, she gave Sarah a trim. The manicurist started on the other hand. Pinned up, a slim, wisp of hair was left loose to frame Sarah's face
Allison wanted a loose braid with white highlights in her blonde hair. Worn over her covered shoulder, it would emphasize her skin color. The manicurist started on the pedicure. When Kathy got to the end of the braid, she asked Allison if she had a clip she wanted to use to secure the ends. Allison admitted she didn't. Sarah's mom handed Kathy a box containing a gold clip with ivory inlay. "I can't accept it, Dr. Black. It's too beautiful."
Sarah broke in, "Let me borrow it occasionally and I think I can smooth it over," winking. Her mom smiled and Allison blushed.
As they left the salon, Sarah's mom turned to the girls, "I'm going back to the suite. Remember to be back about five."
"We will, Mom." Sarah and Allison had too much nervous energy to just sit around the suite. They headed for the shops. Sarah had a surprise lined up for Allison. "Can we go in the jewelry shop for a moment? I want to look at something for Mom."
"No problem, runchkin."
Sarah punched her lightly on the arm, "Don't make me blush."
"You got it, sunshine."
When they entered Mailor's, the same woman who'd helped them before approached. "Good afternoon, Marsha."
"Good afternoon, Ms. Black. How are you today?"
"Good. Is that item I called you about ready?"
"Of course."
Allison piped up, "What are you two talking about?"
Sarah led her over to the counter, "I want you to model it. Close your eyes and keep them closed until I tell you."
"OK, sunshine. No funny business, though."
"No promises," as she took one of Allison's earrings off. Sarah replaced it with one Marsha handed her. She did the same thing to the other ear. "Feel any difference?"
"No."
"Ready to look?"
"Yes."
"OK. On the count of three. 1-2-3."
Allison opened her eyes and saw the pearl earrings, "Ohmygawd!!! They're beautiful. Your mom will love them." She turned her head to each side to look at the earrings. "I wish I had a pair like them to go with Mom's necklace."
Sarah looked a little sheepish, "Surprise. I played a small trick on you." Allison looked at her. "The earrings are not for my Mom. They're for you."
Allison's eyes got real big, "You're kidding?"
"No. I wanted to get you a special Valentine's Day present and asked my mom. She talked to your mom and they suggested the earrings. You'd already asked to borrow your mom's pearl necklace and they thought it would complete your ensemble."
"Thank you so much, love. And thank you, Marsha. They're most beautiful."
"You're quite welcome, Ms. White." She handed Sarah the earring box, "I put her other earrings in the box. I assume you'll be wearing them out. Dr. Black has already taken care of bill."
"You bet."
"It's always a pleasure to help you ladies. Come back again."
"Thank you too, Marsha. I can see why Mom brings her business to you." The girls walked out hand in hand.
Allison turned to Sarah and kissed her on the forehead, each eye, the nose, and the lips. "I will thank you properly later. Let's stop in the restaurant and see how our dessert is doing." They passed by the Grand Ballroom and watched some of the final decorations go up. Some of the staff were perched precariously on ladders, hanging the last of the streamers and balloons. The tables were already covered in bright, white tablecloths. Crystal glassware, silver flatware, and china plates awaited tonight's diners. It was obvious that the staff was as nervous and excited as the girls were.
The hostess approached them as they passed through the door into the Park 75 Restaurant. "Good afternoon, ladies. How may I help you today?"
"Good afternoon to you. Is John, the waiter, available? If he is, we'd like to speak to him for a moment."
"I'll check. May I tell him what it's in reference to?"
"Of course. Tell him 'Lover's Delight'. He'll know what it's about."
The hostess looked unsure, but went to find John. A minute later, she returned with John following her. "Ladies, how are you today? Are you here for dinner?"
"Not today, John. Maybe another time. We're here for the Gala tonight and just killing some time."
"I hope you have fun tonight." He turned to the hostess, "These are the ladies responsible for our Lover's Delight dessert."
"How is it doing?"
"Very well. Seems to be very popular with the Honeymoon Suite. Is there anything I can do for you?"
Sarah piped up, "Dinner will be late. Can we get a couple of salads to go, please?"
"I think we can arrange that. Let me check with Chef Patricia to be sure."
John came back a moment later, "She said to give them whatever they wanted. Follow me ladies." He handed them some containers, "You may graze the Fruit and Salad Bar to your heart's content, on the house. Just let me know when you're done and I'll walk you out."
"Thanks, John. We will. And please extends out thanks to Chef Patricia." Sarah and Allison made up four containers of various choices so Sarah's mom and dad could have some, if they wanted."
John put the containers in a bag and walked with the girls to the Hostess' desk. "Thanks again, ladies. Come back soon."
"We'll try. Thanks, John." It was time to go back to the suite, so they went up in the elevator.
Sarah's mom and dad were cuddled up on the couch. "We're back and we brought food."
Sarah's mom sat up and started to reply, "Where...," when she saw Allison's earrings. "Oh, Allison. They are very pretty. How do you like them?"
"Very much. Thank you, Dr. Black, and you too, Mr. Black."
"It's our pleasure, Allison. Now where did you say you got the food?" Allison told them how they'd stopped by the restaurant to see how their dessert was doing. Then they'd asked for a couple of salads to go because the Gala dinner would be late. They got them on the house, too."
"And how did you get a dessert on the menu?" Allison told the story of their last visit and how restaurant asked if they could put their dessert on the menu.
"And what's in this infamous concoction?"
"Nothing much. Just chocolate cake, topped with chocolate ice cream, chocolate shavings, chocolate syrup, and chocolate whipped cream topped with chocolate sprinkles, along the side."
"I agree. Very decadent. And what did you call it?"
"Lover's Delight."
"Very interesting." Sarah's dad filed the information away for another day. "Sarah, how did you get Allison into the jewelry store?" Sarah had fun telling how she'd gotten Allison to model the earrings, thinking they were for her mom.
"Very inventive, darling," Sarah's mom continued. "Allison, now your mom has something to borrow from you."
Allison's eyes brightened, "That's right. Cool."
"Do you guys want to get in the big shower first, or let us go? Vanessa sent along some shower caps to protect her work."
"You can go ahead, mom. We're gonna chill for a few minutes." Sarah's mom and dad got up and went into their bedroom. There was a door into the bathroom from there. Sarah pulled Allison up, "Let's get ready."
The girls went into their room and got undressed for their shower. They started kissing while they waited; lips, ears, shoulders, throats, nipples, necks, bellybuttons, mons. There was a knock on the door, "Yea?"
Sarah's mom cracked the door but didn't come in, "We're done. Remember to wear your shower caps."
"Thanks, Mom. We will."
The girls got in the shower and soaped each other up. Each one made sure the other's various nooks and crannies were clean and soap free. The girls dried each other with a big, warm towel, put on terry robes and started on their make-up. Sarah's mom checked on them a couple of times and even made a suggestion or two. "When you get your gowns on, join us so we can take pictures."
"Sure, Mom. A few minutes."
The girls donned their gowns and shoes. Sarah helped Allison with her mom's pearl necklace. Combined with the earrings, it was a spectacular sight. Pulling on their gloves, they stood side-by-side in the mirror. "Look out world. Two hot babes on display."
"Yea."
Sarah's mom and dad saw the girls come out of their room. Sarah's dad grabbed his chest in mock pain and collapsed onto the sofa, crying out, "I can die happy now. I have seen the three most beautiful visions in the universe."
"Daaaad!"
"I'm serious. We must preserve these sights for future generations." He took three pictures of the three ladies, with each one in the middle. Allison took a picture of Sarah and her parents. Sarah's mom took pictures of the two girls and her husband. Sarah's dad gathered the three ladies on his arms, "Shall we go conquer the world?"
"Yes."
They saw Thomas on the way down and asked him to take a picture of the four of them. The entrance to the Grand Ballroom was festooned with red and white streamers and balloons.
[top of page]
© 2004 Donal