"That's good news," Wendell said. "I'm happy for you."
"Where's Prudence? I want to tell her too."
"She's inside the store." Samantha released him and bolted into Designs by Suzie. Wendell followed her inside, wishing he really could feel happy for Samantha. He'd known this day was coming, but he'd never prepared for it.
Now Samantha would find out her real identity and leave Eternity forever. He wouldn't ever see her again. He wouldn't have the chance to tell her how much he'd come to care about her in the last couple years, not as a friend, but as something more. Every night before he fell asleep he saw her face and imagined what it would be like to kiss her full brown lips. He would never get the chance now.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Samantha knocking on a wooden door. "Prudence, are you all right in there? It's me, Samantha. I have wonderful news. I'm going to find out who I am. Can you believe it?"
"That's wonderful," Prudence said through the door. She stifled a sob by putting the T-shirt to her mouth. She knew she should be happy for Samantha, but she couldn't help worrying about what she would do now. If Samantha found a new home, Prudence wouldn't have anyone. She would be as lonely as before Samantha had arrived in Eternity. "I'm happy for you."
"Is something wrong, Prudence? Do you need any help?"
"I'm fine. I'll be out in a minute." Prudence took off her jacket and then the turquoise maternity dress. She slipped on the mint green T-shirt, which fit over her stomach with plenty of room to spare. Then she held up the blue jeans, marveling at the crinkled material in the waistband that could stretch taut to fit her.
Despite the new clothes, in the mirror Prudence still saw a fat girl looking back at her. She would never be skinny or pretty and once Samantha found out her past, Prudence would be alone too. I should be happy for her, Prudence thought. Jealousy and selfishness are terrible sins. She wiped the tears from her eyes and tried to smile. She would thank Suzie for these clothes and she would be happy for Samantha.
She opened the door and turned so Samantha and Suzie could see how the clothes fit. Both of them gushed with compliments at the same time. "You look so lovely," Suzie said. "I should take a picture of you for my catalog."
"You're beautiful," Samantha said.
Prudence thanked Suzie and Samantha. She started for the door, but Suzie called for her to stop. She darted into the changing room and returned with Prudence's jacket. "I wouldn't want you to catch death of cold out there," Suzie said. She examined the jacket for a moment. "This is a lovely coat. Where did you get it?"