Page 31 of Crystal Iris
I reply,THANK YOU VERY MUCH, sorry for the loaded favor.
She replies immediately:No worries, you are welcome.
I start going through the pictures right away, zooming in and out. They’re heavy on text, and I regret having to read on such a small screen. I decide to transfer the images to my computer. On the third page, I see a mention of alchemists. It describes the alteration of properties in an object, and something about the topic sparks my interest. I keep reading about the classic myths of turning matter into gold when I spot the fine print:Physical alchemy relates to the transformation of physical matter, while spiritual alchemy is the art of freeing the spiritual self from inner fear, limiting beliefs, and lack of self-acceptance.I make a note to research more.
There are also photos of the jewelry displayed in the exhibition—delicate and exuberant—but, of course, there aren’t any necklaces that resemble my prism. I’m starting to think mine is a one-of-a-kind pendant. It has to be. Perhaps I hold the only information on it, tucked away on my bedside table, in an envelope.
Ten
“The question is not what you look at, but what you see.” – Henry David Thoreau
It’s the first time I struggle to find something to wear for a formal party. Usually, I’m fine with any pretty dress. Tonight, I feel different—nervous. I’m not sure if Hoyt will be there, but the possibility that he might be is enough. At the same time, I can’t contain my excitement. I’m equally nauseated by what I’m doing to Aaron. He deserves better.
I end up choosing a sparkly silver dress, one I’ve never worn. It has a slit that goes up higher than I’m comfortable with; however tonight, I need to go above average. I’m not sure if I’m the hunter or the prey, only thatit feels good to like what I see in the mirror.I leave my hair down with curls and opt for no jewelry. Tonight, I’m letting my prism show.
“Wow,” Aaron says, appearing at the door, looking charming himself.
“I figured Akira will take over the show if I don’t… step it up,” I tell him.
He smiles. “There isn’t anything Akira can wear that could overshadow you. I need to prepare myself; all eyes will be on you tonight.”
I think about Aaron’s words as the driver pulls up to Akira’splace to pick her up. She looks beautiful in a red dress with a neckline so low, I don’t know how she looks comfortable.
“You look amazing,” she says as we walk in.
“You too. Only you can pull off that kind of dress. I love that for you.”
I’m overthinking my entire outfit. I feel naked when I drop off my coat.
“I’ll see you ladies in a bit,” Aaron says as a friend calls him over.
The building is old but carries its character well. Massive chandeliers illuminate the place. A jazz band plays, and the awards sit in glass cubes on stage. I don’t even know what kind of awards they’re giving out. I’m now aware I know nothing regarding the event.
“Let’s get a drink,” Akira says, eyeing the bartender.
“I don’t normally drink…” I start. She looks at me like I’m speaking a different language. “At these events!” I finish, making a face.
“And why not?”
“Because I’m afraid I’ll say something… I don’t know… I don’t want to embarrass Aaron.”
“Oookay. Don’t worry, I got your back tonight.”
I take a deep breath, steadying myself. Perhaps leaving the prism out in the open was a bad idea.
The bartender is flirting with Akira when she shifts her gaze to me.
She lifts her glass. “To us.”
I chuckle at her memorable words. “To us.”
“Now what?” she asks after taking a sip.
“Now, we wait. If he is here, he’ll come get a drink.”
The band is great. I’m observing them when Lara walks over in a beautiful blue dress. Classier than mine, and way classier than the one Akira is wearing. We look… desperate next to her.
“So glad you guys came, I was starting to think this was going to be a dull event,” she tells us.
