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Finally, a moment alone. Time to ponder. When was the last time she had been in the dressing room alone? Six years ago. Yeah that's about right. Five and a half years ago she experienced what would become the rest of her life. The rest of her life until this moment. She bought her wedding dress at a discount store. There the dressing room was one giant communal room. All the brides-to be tried their dresses on in front of God, bridesmaids and everyones mother. Never again did she have a dressing room to herself...until today!

She pauses and looks in the mirror. She sees herself fully. Nothing blocks her view. Her body has changed. Her belly was more like jelly, less like the six-pack she so fondly remembered. At first the shock was so strong, she holds her breath and has to sit down on the tiny corner bench. It feels strange to have time. Time to look at herself, time to ponder. She stands again, faces the mirror. Almost with surprise she notices her bra and panties don't match. That's odd. That was never the case before. Mm, she makes a mental note to match her underwear. Why? She's not sure, but she vaguely remembers it being of great importance six years ago.

She slips on the black dress. No, it's too clingy. It details every bump. Next, the white dress. When exactly did her boobs get so big. It's cute. She turns to look at the back. No way. Apparently her butt is growing in proportion to her boobs. Finally after trying on nine outfits, the tenth is made for her. A beige and blue halter dress with a slim skirt, made of silk and cotton. It accentuates all the pluses and seems to diminish the minuses. Perfect!

Now for the clean up. Funny she never thought it would take so long to hang everything back up. She hasn't done this in a while either. She usually has help with her or just leaves the dressing room a mess. Really who would blame her? Most sales associates are more than happy to clean up after her. Especially if it means she's leaving. She pays for her dress quickly and heads out.

As much as she has enjoyed this outing, she can't shake the feeling that she has forgotten something. As she heads for the parking lot, she checks her purse, it's there. Her keys, yep, there they are. Then she does what any creature of habit does. She reaches for her childrens hands. Not there. This wonderful day was brought to her by a loving, wonderful babysitter. Still, she grabs her cell phone. She's changed her mind. She doesn't want to have lunch alone. She'll be stopping by to get the kids. Her four beautiful children, ages 5, 4, 3 and 1 1/2.

Learn more about this author, Alida Chacon.
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