章節 7: Realization

"Val you here?"

Mallory shouted as she tossed her shoes off at the door before slamming it shut. Valerie, rather shocked by her sister's unusual disposition, came running fully expecting the worst but was met by Mallory already pulling out her wig with her face bright red.

"What's wrong sis?"

"Oh this fucking bitch ughhhhh!"

"So guessing it didn't go well?'

"Well she pretty dragged me all around before eventually having me settle on the same fucking dress from the start."

"Huh?"

"She kept blabbering about oh my comfort then she fucking get all close and personal whispering such nonsense to me"

"Okays please continue."

"Then after all that she had the nerve to get all sulky with me and rush off leaving me completely clueless. I don't understand her at all"

Despite the frustration scrawled across Mallory's face and tone Valerie replied with soft giggles. Initially Mallory didn't notice as she continued her rant for a little while longer but once she was recollecting her breath she couldn't help but look a bit annoyed at Valerie upon seeing her reaction.

"What's so funny Val?"

"Honestly this is the first time I have seen you this riled up in a really long time. Okay let's start this over before you pop a blood vessel but this time take a deep breath and relax"

With a sigh Mallory followed her sister's instructions and over a soothing cup of tea Mallory more calmly went over the details of the day. Valerie was happy to sit and silently listen to her sister's story with unimpeded attention. Upon finishing Valerie couldn't stop a small smile from crawling across her lips.

"Alrighty Lory, I need you to answer these questions truthfully and please take a moment to think about the answers."

"Sure thing Val but I don't know what you are getting at?"

"Don't worry about it. Okay first question is do you think Stella is out to get you?'

"I don't think so but she is definitely utilizing her resources and the situation to give herself the upper hand."

"Sounds reasonable. Has Stella ever purposely made you uncomfortable? important word being purposely."

"Yes so many times!"

"What were those times?"

"Well the knowing who I am thing and the dress thing and the whispering thing. Umm ..."

"Lory would you rather her keep the information of your identity being known to her a secret?"

"No. I kinda appreciated it in all honesty. Definitely a bit shook initially but now I feel a bit more at ease."

"Good now second we both know your style right?"

"Yeah I guess."

"Did you really truly like anything you tried on before the suit?"

"Honestly everything felt a bit odd."

"You dum dum. All this time Stella was trying to get you more comfortable and ease the whole situation and you just kept on making it more difficult."

"Okay then explain the whisper thing."

"That one might require more information but more importantly why did it freak you out?"

"Cause I was there as Lorelai and she wanted to expose in front of everyone?"

"Mallory ever think the reason this girl chose you is because of Mallory and not because of Lorelai?"

"Huh?"

"It is fine sis I think you should just go get changed. I will order something for dinner if that is fine with you?"

"Wait, now I am more confused. Also some Chinese takeout would be so yummy right now."

"Sounds good!"

A bewildered mess Mallory headed off into her room to get all cozy and comfy all the while trying to forget about the messy state of her thoughts about Stella and focus elsewhere. Through Valerie's amazing distracting skills Mallory quickly changed focus as the pair just happily wasted the night away with some delicious food and subpar television shows.

Eventually Mallory slowly returned to her normal routine as the days to the charity event rolled ever closer. Stella had not made any attempt to contact her since the day of the shopping trip and this made Mallory a bit anxious. Thanks to Valerie she was able to maintain her head until the day before the event.

"Stella to confirm the event is tomorrow?" texted Mallory the night before the time she was given.

However Mallory didn't get a response that night causing her to erupt into a frenzy of swear words. She began to wonder if this was all for naught. The idea that her connection from Stella made a small part of Mallory cry out in agony. Whether she would admit the way Stella made her feel was a whole other issue.

That anxiety filled night came and went without a wink of sleep until the very early hours of the following morning. It wasn't until the beeping of her alarm at noon that woke the sleeping dragon. Her fingers immediately scrambled to check her phone for a reply from Stella.

"Yes, the charity event is tonight. I wrote out the instructions to everything and slipped it into the bag with your attire."

With a sigh of relief Mallory scrambled out of bed and searched through her wardrobe for the bag from her shopping trip. Upon dumping it's contents on her bed she found a large sizable box and a note.

Dear Mallory,

I wanted you to know that our little shopping trip probably meant a lot more to me than it did you. From our first meeting to our last you were delightful. However I would rather be friends with Mallory than Lorelai. I have to deal with enough masks on a daily basis and would much rather deal with the delightfully genuine Mallory.

I would like to formally invite Mallory to be my date to this event. I perfectly understand the nature of our relationship but I rather have this be said than to continue playing this game. Furthermore I am not specifically asking you out on date for if you do want to keep this a business arrangement I am happy to do so but I would love for Mallory to be my hired girlfriend.

PS~ You have to go back to the store to pick up your outfit because that box is empty lol :). It is fully paid for accessories included.

Hope to see you there

Stella ❤