Back When We Were Beautiful

Story word count 677

Norma stepped from the shower, her eyes averted from the long mirror on the back of the bathroom door. In the bedroom her clothes were laid out on the bed, ready for the big day.

“Tracy’s getting married today, Alf,” she spoke in a conversational tone to her dead husband as she dried herself. “How she would have loved you to be here to see her marry Sam. You were always her favourite grandparent.”

She slipped off the green-spotted, shower cap, which was keeping her new hairdo in place, before rubbing moisturiser all over her flabby arms and legs.

“Yes, I know what you’re thinking, Alf.” She smiled as she heard his voice in her head, jokingly asking if they sold the cream by the bucket full these days.

“Do you remember our wedding day?” she carried on with the one-sided conversation. “It rained all day. I think it was supposed to be bad luck, but we were okay, weren’t we, love?”

At last, Norma chanced a look in the mirror. Her new blue skirt and jacket and black shoes with just a little heel made her look slimmer, hid her bulges, she thought.

“What do you think, Alf?” she did a little twirl, along with a gasp when her hip gave a twinge.

“You look beautiful, but be careful, old girl. Don’t trip and break your neck in those shoes.” She thought she heard him say.



Norma’s daughter, Alison, the mother of the bride, was on the phone.“Are you ready, Mother? You’re coming with me in the wedding car. We’ll pick you up in half an hour.”

“Yes, I’m ready. How’s Tracy holding up? Is she nervous?”

“She looks radiant. She’s so excited. It’s been crazy at the house this morning, with hairdressers and beauticians getting the bride and bridesmaids ready. I’ll be pleased to leave her to her dad. Pete’s more nervous about walking the bride down the aisle than she is.”

“I’m sure he is. Do you remember how nervous your dad was on your wedding day?”

“We’ll miss him today, Mum.” Alison said.



The wedding went well, as most weddings do. Norma shed a few tears in church as she watched her youngest granddaughter say her vows, gazing into her young man’s eyes with love.

After the speeches, the toasts, and the ceremonial cutting of the cake, Norma began to tire. The music was loud, songs she wasn’t familiar with, and suddenly she felt old and out of date.

“Not much like the music they played at our wedding, hey, darling?” She heard Alf whisper in her ear.

“Are you okay, Mrs Lawson?”

Norma was jolted back to reality and looked up at the tall young man hovering over her.

“Oh, yes, thank you. I was reminiscing. I’m afraid that’s what we oldies tend to do.” She smiled before asking, “You’re Sam’s brother, aren’t you? I’m sorry I’ve forgotten your name.”

“John,” he replied before sitting down next to her.

“Of course, I’m sorry. Names don’t seem to stick, these days.”

“You looked as if you might be ready to leave. It is noisy, isn’t it?”

“Yes, I was thinking it was past my bed time. But I need to wait until my daughter can take me home.”

“That’s fine, Mrs Lawson, my wife and I will take you. We were leaving soon anyway. ”

Norma went to say her goodbyes and let her daughter know how she was to get home. She hugged the bride and whispered in her ear how much she loved her before leaving the venue.


John and his wife, Sally, walked Norma up to her front door.

“Do you live alone, now Mrs Lawson?”

“Oh, please, call me, Norma.” she said fumbling with the key. “Yes, I’ve been alone since Alf died, almost a year ago now. You’ve been so kind. Please come in and have a drink.” She smiled and said, “We’ll toast the happy couple in peace.”


While Norma went to get the champagne and wine glasses, Sally wandered around the living room, gazing at all the framed photographs jostling for space on every surface.

“Wow, Norma, you have so many photographs of your family.”

“I have so many memories, dear. That’s all I have nowadays.” Norma smiled wistfully, before handing her a photograph of a film star looking couple. They were dancing and gazing into each other’s eyes. “That’s when we were beautiful.” She gave an embarrassed laugh. “But I guess you had to be there,” she said.