A Doll Story

So, since it's my birthday, I've decided to keep up with my tradition of posting something for you guys. but since LLT is....unavailable, I figured I could post a little something that puff & I have been working on. It's very near & dear to our hearts & is really adorable & appropriate for the occasion. Don't worry, we didn't forget about love pink or Natasha. In fact, we have some pretty nice things in store for that. But those are still in the oven. So for right now, enjoy this little cupcake. Bon appetit! xo

It was just after dawn & the store had not yet open, but the shuffling of feet could be heard from the storage room. It was a big day! The new shipment had arrived. Workers in candy cane striped vests carried the boxes out to the front of the store, preparing their big display. It was the moment all little girls had been waiting for. After an hour of strategic stacking, the workers stood back, admiring their work. Streamers had been strewn, banners had been hung & confetti reflected light from the morning sun all around. After the final balloon was affixed to the top of the pyramid, the manager checked her wrist watch. Only a few more minutes until the store would be open. The sound of motors running could already be heard in the parking lot. The manager then removed the keys from her pocket, ready to unlock the sliding glass doors. Little girls in pink dresses were lined up, ready to get their hands in the prize.

Three, two, one & they were off. Little girls & their mothers, teenagers, fathers who looked simply lost in the sea of pink were all there for that one special girl; BARBIE.

The hours passed & the boxes dwindled. Almost none were left when a small child with curly brown hair walked in, holding her mother’s hand. Her mother had just gotten off work at the local diner & wanted to bring her daughter to get the doll. With barely being able to put food on the table, purchasing a $20 Barbie doll was kind of expensive. But it was the child’s 5^th birthday & it was the only thing she had talked about for months. So, feeling guilty that she wasn’t able to throw her a party & she only had very little toys to play with, most of them thrifted or given to her by neighbors, she wanted her child to have it. Only, when they got to the store, there were no more left on the display. The woman ran up to the store worker, frantically asking for the doll.

“Please…it’s her birthday!”

The woman looked down, feeling little fingers squeeze her hand.

“It’s ok momma. Let’s go home.”

The manager, feeling such pity for the girl, told them to stay put as she searched the stock room. High & low she looked & found empty box after empty box. It was no use, Barbie was gone. With her head hung low, she headed for the sales floor.

Just as she was about to leave the stock room, she noticed something pink & shiny out the corner of her eye. The manager looked over to see a bright pink metallic box, covered by some of the packing plastic from earlier that day. She picked it up, smiling as she held it in her hands. It was the last one.

She rushed out to the sales floor, catching just in time, heading for the door. She placed the box in the little girls hands, her heart melting as the child hugged it to her chest. She skipped over to the register, handing the cashier the doll for purchase. He rang it up & handed it back. Her mother reached in her purse & looked inside her wallet. There would be no money left. She took all the money she had, even counting her spare change to pay the $22.80 for the doll, but she didn’t care. Her daughter’s happiness was all that mattered. Once the cashier handed the woman her receipt, the little girl hugged her mother’s legs tightly, thanking her over & over. The woman kneeled down, kissing the girl on her forehead & stroking her hair.

“Come on sweetie. Let’s go home.”

They joined hands again & headed for the door.

“Excuse me, miss?” the young man from behind the counter called just before they made their exit.

He jogged over to the display, grabbing a handful of left over confetti & tossed it into a gift bag. He took the last few balloons from the display & tied them to the bag as well & handed them to the girl.  She looked up at him, confused.

“There’s birthday magic in there. Its rrrreeeeeaaaaaaally powerful. Don't use it all in one place.”

They all watched as her cheeks turned rosy, her eyes lighting up with possibilities.

“Thank you, sir.” She said sweetly.

“You're welcome. You take care of Barbie & I promise she’ll be your best friend.”

She nodded her head, as strongly as she could.

“I promise.”

Her mother was touched, mouthing the words ‘thank you’ before turning & heading out the door. The little girl walked alongside her mother, ready to make the long walk back home, not once complaining even though she was very tired & her stomach was not full. When they walked into their humble home, they were both exhausted. The child could barely keep her eyes open, but she needed her doll. As patiently as she could, she waited until after a small dinner, a cupcake they shared & a bath to finally have the doll in her hands. Lying in her small, wooden bed, she snuggled with her new found friend.

“I’ll call you Nicki.” She said softly.

Her mother kissed the little girl & Nicki, before leaving the room & shutting the door behind her.  

“Goodnight, Nicki.” The little girl said to the doll. Her eyes fluttering closed & her mind drifting off to dreamland, she could have almost sworn she heard the doll say goodnight too.