Speak To Me
Chapter 87 –

(Gabriella)

"You are Gabriella Kensington, isn't that correct?" Janice asked again, much more rudely this time.

I couldn't help but let my mouth fall open as I struggled to speak.

"That's the mute freak mom, it has to be her." Aviana whispered to Janice loudly..not even trying to be discreet about it.

I peeked over at Teresa, her face hardening as she glared at this woman standing before me..but the moment she looked at me..my stomach dropped. Teresa looked at me with empathy, her hand sliding to my back in a comforting motion as a feeling of helplessness started to rise.

Then I glanced around me..the sneers I usually saw when being around Regina's crowd filled Janice and her daughter's faces when I balled my hand into a fist.

No..not this time...I'm not going to let them see me as some burden that was cast upon my family. Some homewrecker's daughter who ruined that facade of a perfectly good marriage Regina had painted..no..I was not Gabriella Kensington any longer. I was not that weak mute girl whom they could look down on..I was stronger now.

"S-Sinclair..I-I am G-Gabriella S-Sinclair." I stated proudly, my back straightening as I swear Janice and Aviana's mouths dropped open. They were dumbfounded and the fact that I spoke seemed to leave them speechless..wow..that felt good.

I turned to Teresa and smiled softly.

"Sh-shall we?" I asked, my arm tightening around hers as she nodded once before smiling back brightly.

"Let's go replace you a dress, my beautiful daughter-in-law." She added, and Alice stepped around the two women who seemed to be frozen in place while we walked past them with our heads held high.

Before reaching the door to our private room, Alice stopped momentarily while turning slightly and looking back toward Janice and her daughter.

"Oh, and ladies..I'm sorry but we seem to be all booked up, you might want to try another store." She said firmly, making Janice snap out of that trance.

"B-booked up? For how long?!" She gasped.

"Indefinitely." Alice stated before turning back around and walking into the private room she had for us.

I watched as Janice's face paled and I couldn't help but smile softly..I'm not usually one for revenge..but wow was that sweet.

"I'm guessing those used to be friends of Regina?" Teresa asked as we went towards the couch Alice had led us to.

I nodded my head and watched as Teresa rolled her eyes. It was kind of funny to see her do that.

"Of course they were..I know a lot of women like that...and sadly their daughters turn out just like them." She grumbled.

"And then I have to deal with them." Alice chimed in, causing Teresa to laugh.

"Well, at least not those two anymore." Alice added, and I felt a little bad..did I just cause her to lose two customers?

Alice must've seen my guilt because she quickly waved her hands in the air dismissively.

"Oh, don't worry darling, I have wanted an excuse to kick those two out of my store for years..you have done me a favor." She added, making me let out a breath of relief.

"Now..let's forget all about that and get you two some dresses." Alice clapped her hands and quickly pulled out a clothing rack from behind a silk curtain that must've been the area to get dressed in.

My eyes widened in surprise as I viewed the beautiful gowns that hung elegantly from the rack.

There were all different types..some seemed to be made of soft silks that flowed to the floor, and others were covered in sequins sparkling beneath the lights.

"Well, shall we?" Teresa asked excitedly as I nodded my head and went to look closer at the dresses.

At first..I began trying on my usual style..ones that were modest and in shades of soft pastels..but I wasn't feeling it this time. That seemed so boring for some reason.

Even though Teresa said I looked gorgeous in every single dress..I didn't feel like they really fit me anymore..well, the new me.

Then my eyes began to wander, being drawn to a deep red gown that had a corset bodice with gorgeous silk fabric that flowed down to the ground beautifully. "Would you like to try it on?" Alice asked, following where my gaze had landed.

I nodded my head, watching as she pulled the dress off the rack and brought it to the changing room.

The moment I put this dress on..wow..I was truly speechless.

I looked in the mirror..the deep red was so vibrant against my creamy white skin. And the way it hugged my rapidly growing curves...I felt sexy. Like..really really sexy.

For a moment I hesitated, wondering if Jamie would get upset if I wore this..but then I took a deep breath and smiled at myself before walking out.

It's not like my boobs were on full display...it just hugged my body perfectly and showed off my figure.

I stepped out of the dressing room, hearing a loud gasp as Teresa practically ran to my side.

"Gabriella, you look stunning!" She gushed, looking me up and down before taking my hand and turning me.

"Jamie is going to have a heart attack.." She muttered, making me giggle as I nodded my head in agreement..yeah..he just might.

I had never worn anything like this out.

Teresa studied me for a moment as her eyes sparkled with excitement before she turned to Alice.

"This is it. We will take it." She declared, making me blink up at her in surprise.

"Th-thank you." I whispered, feeling my emotions rushing out in full force as tears sprung to my eyes.

"Aww, beautiful girl..come here sweetie." Teresa pulled me into a hug, her arms circling me tight as I cried against her.

"It's okay..I know it's hard to keep it in." She laughed gently, making me nod as I pulled back and stared up at her. I felt her wipe away my tears as my heart melted even more. This outburst wasn't all from those pregnancy hormones..I won't lie..

Coming here with Teresa, honestly, it was so touching and heartwarming because for a moment..I get to experience what it would be like to have a mom..

A real mom who cares for me and just wants to be by my side.

That's another thing I have to be thankful to my husband for..he has brought me something I had always been lacking..a mother.

"Come on, why don't we go get some pizza..there is an amazing place right down the block." Teresa added, making me stop crying as the mention of food perked me right up instantly. "C-can I g-get cheesy b-bread too?" I asked while sniffling and wiping my cheeks.

"Yes...you can get all the cheesy bread you can eat..my pregnant daughter can get whatever she wants." Teresa added, and those words took me back a little as tears started falling yet again. Well..despite all of the crying..I think today turned out pretty dang good.

Now..how am I going to convince Jamie to let me wear this dress? That will be a challenge all on its own..that's for sure.