Part VII: Time Warp 2000’s – Now: Special Delivery: #4 (Chapter 100)
December 31, 2001, 6:03 p.m.
I’m
feeling long and slinky as I study my sylph nakedness in front of the mirror.
Candy
smiles back at me; after all, we are mirror images of each other, I right-handed,
she left-handed.
Perhaps
split milliseconds from being conjoined, sharing a brain, heart, liver or –
–
Kidneys?
–
Pancreas?
I
gel my pixie hair into impossible spikes.
Who
says the mother of the bride can’t be sexy and alluring – daring?
I
slip into the size eight royal blue dress with spaghetti straps, sequins,
plunging neckline, mid-thigh hem.
No
bra, no slip. Just bikini briefs.
Silver,
glistening pantyhose.
A
teardrop necklace with sapphires, diamonds, and rubies.
A
year ago, such an ensemble would have been impossible, but the decision to lose
weight and get into shape had little to do with my looks. I’m 51, after all, at
an age when aspirations of physical beauty should recede into the background,
replaced with concerns about health and vitality.
Still,
I can’t help but feel saucy and young.
Why
not enjoy the fruits of my labor?
Nicole
won’t mind if I steal a little of her limelight...I earned it, after all – although,
in many ways, I have my twin to thank for my metamorphosis.
As
I’m about to leave the bedroom, a flash of turquoise catches my eye. An old
bracelet, threaded with turquoise and coral stones of different sizes and
shapes, lay on the dresser.
The
shade does not match my outfit – I slip it on, anyway.
Tonight’s the night.