Nightingale

Chapter 19

The next day was Tuesday, and unlike most Tuesdays, Fable was actually distracted by something other than her obsession with Mr Hudson. She had in mind that the school concert was taking place on Friday night, and she desperately needed to find a show stopping ball gown. Fable was shocked at how negligent she had become lately. Normally, she would have planned this dress weeks in advance, but she was far too preoccupied with finding the sexy dress instead. Oops, she thought to herself, light heartedly. She would need to go shopping immediately after school! There was so little time and she needed to look like a radiant queen on Friday night. She needed Mr Hudson to be in awe of her...

Fable decided not to invite Christie and Lucia after school, because Christie was acting like a massive jerk all day. The whole situation with Richie was escalating dramatically, and she didn't want a part in it. All she knew was Richie's new girlfriend was tweeting pointedly about Christie and it was getting nasty. Christie was definitely the sort of friend who would take her anger out on you if she felt like it, and Fable had been on the receiving end of her bad temper on several occasions. She knew Christie would be green with envy if she saw her looking beautiful in a ball gown, and thought better of risking the invitation.

Fable waved at Mr Hudson as she left the Literature class at four o'clock, but she couldn't linger, because it was the end of the day, and she needed to raid every dress boutique in town before they closed for the evening. She rushed out of the building and got on the next bus into town. Fable walked the winding cobble roads for about twenty minutes, searching frantically for a formal dress shop. It was getting dark again, and the old-style lanterns were now glowing dimly in the streets. Eventually, she came before a pastel blue painted shop front. Its name was written in gold italics above: Serendipity. Quite ironic, smiled Fable to herself. It looked Tudor-style quaint, with old muntin windows which were decorated splendidly with stained glass roses. Through the window, she could see several elegant dresses displayed under the bright light of a chandelier which was dripping with glass diamonds. Perfect, she thought, as she opened the door and entered the warmth of the interior.

Fable was greeted quickly by a tall, slender woman, who shook her hand with vigour and called herself Rebecca. She had to stoop slightly to reach Fable's height, as she was only in school shoes and not stiletto heels. Her strong flowery perfume tickled Fable's nose and made her want to sneeze.

"Welcome, welcome" said Rebecca with a white-toothed grin and shining eyes, "What sort of dress are you looking for today? Can I help you find what you are looking for, sweetheart?"

Fable was not used to such pushiness, but was glad nonetheless. She needed some expert advice.

"Hi. I need a ballgown. Preferably one which will trail slightly on the ground." said Fable, considering for the first time what this dress might look like.

"Perfect, darling. We have plenty of full length gowns. What's the event, sweetie?" Rebecca beamed, while clasping her hands together enthusiastically.

"The annual Bainscliffe charity concert" said Fable, looking a little smug, "I'm the solo singer".

"Wow, honey! Congratulations! Then you're going to need an extra special dress. Let me show you some of our best ones. I will select a few which I think will suit your complexion" said Rebecca excitedly.

Fable planted herself neatly on a small, plum loveseat, and watched eagerly as Rebecca combed through an array of colourful, sparkling ballgowns. Fable gasped as she pulled out a silvery blue dress which reminded her of something out of a fairytale.

"This one is VERY 'princessy'," said Rebecca with a wide smile, "You would look gorgeous, honey. I think you should try it on right away."

Fable agreed, and Rebecca lead her to a backroom which had a huge wall sized mirror, and purple and gold embossed wallpaper around it. Fable concealed herself behind a matching divider which was patterned with golden leaves and branches. Rebecca carefully handed her the dress with both hands, and advised her to call her back in once she had mostly got the dress on, and she would help with the lacing at the back. Fable slowly struggled her way into the huge dress, and eventually Rebecca came to offer assistance. When the corset had sealed her in, Fable was guided to the mirror...

"Wow!" exclaimed Fable, her eyes opening wide. "The first dress I try on, and it's perfect! Thank you so much."

Rebecca gave her a hearty smile in the mirror, and spread the skirt out so Fable could fully inspect the intricate white lace pattern on the train. It had frosted lace vines, leaves, flowers and to Fable's surprise, small birds perched upon delicate, little branches. The dress had a lovely A line, and off shoulder sleeves which cascaded down the length of her arms in a transparent silk. Fable lifted her hair up to take abetter look at the back. The corset was laced up elegantly with a silver ribbon which sparkled under the light; it sucked her waist in beautifully and accentuated the volume of the skirt. Without a doubt, she looked like a magical, ice princess. Rebecca brought her closer to the mirror.

"I don't think I need to say anything, really, do I? This dress speaks for itself. It's one of a kind. You will be the envy of the school, darling. Look at how it brings out the colour in your eyes. Simply wonderful." gushed Rebecca. "Are you interested in buying this one, sweetie?"

Fable nodded her head passionately. "Oh yes, this is the one. Can I reserve it until tomorrow, please?" asked Fable, who definitely didn't have the funds to pay for this dress.

"Yes, absolutely. It is six hundred pounds, sweetie."

"Okay. No problem, my mum will be back tomorrow to make the purchase." said Fable. She knew her mum would be too proud to say no.

"Great." smiled Rebecca, "I'll just need to take her name and number then."

Fable left the shop feeling elated. Everything was going so well. Mr Hudson would never forget her in this dress. She would be emblazoned in his memory forever...