Philophobia

2

              After lunch, we walk to Threads and Needles - Tailor Co. The owner, Mr. Waxler, wasn't my typical tailor, but since Alois was higher class, he could afford the sure luxury of
choosing. As we opened the door, a little bell rang above our heads. As it rang, a short man with white hair looked up from his sewing machine.

"Ah, Alois! My favorite customer, please come in." He stands to greet us.

"Mr. Waxler, how good it is to see you! I have a dire situation with a man who cannot dress himself appropriately for such an occasion. Can you help?" Alois pushes me slightly, and I introduce myself.

"Hello, sir. I am Victor Salouese. It's a pleasure to meet you." I reach my hand out to him. He shakes my hand and smiles.

"My, a pleasure it is to meet you sir! Your father, our priest, is renowned for his amazing work in this town. He and your Mother - Cecilia was it? - were amazing exorcists and vampire hunters back in the day-"

Alois coughs loudly, leaning against a pillar near the front of the entrance.

"Oh, yes. Ahem. Your fabrics sir, have you chosen them?" He cups his hands together.

My head was a little fuzzy after hearing my mother's name, so I was slightly startled by his question. 

"Oh. No sir, forgive me."

"That's just alright. Follow me and I'll show you our selection." Mr. Waxler was quite short, and used a cane to walk, so he was slower than most people. Alois and I followed him through the shop, taking small steps so not to be too close behind him.

He leads us the entrance of a backroom, where racks upon racks, miles of yards of beautiful fabrics stood. Some were imported silks, beaming reds and yellows. Others handmade here in town by our own artists. Alois didn't have any reaction other than a slight smile, looking around the room from where we stood. I, never having been here before, had my mouth agape, not able to take in the sheer amount of yards of fabrics here in front of me. It was as if the room was bigger than the shop itself.

"Now, being the priests son, I would assume you would like a humble yet handsome design. I have this amazing black-"

"No! No, Mr. Waxler. Color will do amazingly this time round." Alois interrupts, grabbing my shoulder.

"Actually, black is-" Alois squeezes my shoulder harder. I got the hint. "Color it is." I say through my teeth.

"As you wish." Mr. Waxler walks further into the room, looking down every aisle as we follow close behind him. He mumbles to himself every so often, walking into aisles then quickly leaving them.

I whisper behind me, "I thought it was my choice, Alois." I was clearly upset.

He didn't respond, but I knew he was grinning ear to ear. I rolled my eyes and continued on.

"Yes! How about this, Victor? A scarlet red matches your complexion amazingly."

I cringe, thinking of the unwanted attention I might get for wearing such a color. I muster a polite smile. "I'm sorry. Maybe something.. Darker? How about um.. Blue?" I say with hesitation. It was the only color that came to mind.

"A blue.. A blue.. Hmm.." He wonders down the aisles again. "How about this one?"

I walk over to him, and smile genuinely this time.

"I like this one, yes. Would you also happen to have gold accents for it?"

He smiles at me, and walks over to another aisle as I follow close behind. He holds up the most brilliant gold I had ever seen. "Yes, perfect. Thank you so much."