Glass Skin

16

Rushing around the darkened space, Fleurette gathered as many books, and heavy objects in her arms as possible. Erik, who was sitting legs outstretched reading on the bed looked over the top and watched her curiously. She seemed to look rather frantic in her actions. Lifting the book back up, he turned the page and let out a quiet sigh. "What are you doing?" He asked, the rushing footsteps stopped suddenly.

"Oh, erm," came the mumbled response as he lowered the book again and looked at her. Fleurette ran a hand through her hair and drummed her fingers on her head thoughtfully. "Work?"

"Work?" He repeated, "Work?" He repeated and questioned.

Fleurette side stepped and gestured with one hand to the mannequin which was standing behind her and now on top of some of the books. Erik hadn't noticed it before which meant that she had only just managed to bring it down. On the mannequin sat a simple long white shift, this was the under layer of Fleurette's dress for the show. Picking up a small box she opened it and knelt down. Leaning up on the bed, Erik could see her pull out cotton and thread and some pins.

Moving slowly he walked over, he threw the book on the bed and stopped behind her cross armed. "What are you doing?" He asked again, Fleurette shot him a look from over her shoulder, she had numerous pins balanced between her lips. "Work?" He smirked, her eyes narrowed, he knelt down slowly and pulled the pins gently from her lips. "What's wrong?"

"It's too long. I am not sure if you've noticed, but I'm not the tallest person in the world. The previous owner of this dress was rather tall; it drags on the floor when I wear it. This is bad because it snags on the boarding of the floor, it'll ruin if this keeps happening." Fleurette paused. "Even if I wear shoes with a heel, it still drags. So, therefore, it needs altering."

"And you've just realised this now?" Erik asked, Fleurette looked sadly down at the floor.

"Yes!" She exclaimed after seconds of silence. "The show is tomorrow and there's no way-"

Erik sighed and took the cotton and thread, and even more of the pins from her hands and from her lap. She just gave him a puzzled look, he rolled his eyes upwards, she still looked puzzled. Inclining his head, Erik ended up frowning when Fleurette still looked slightly lost. "Get in it." He said bluntly, soon finding her slight oblivious moment a little too annoying for his liking.

"Why?"

Slapping a hand to his forehead, Erik ran it down his face, pinching the bridge of his nose he let out a long sigh. "Because I will help you."

"You know how to sew?" Fleurette pointed at him awkwardly, Erik's eyes narrowed slowly and pushed her hand gently away.

"Your point?"

"No, no, nothing...just..." Fleurette trailed off slowly.

"Do you want my help? Or would you rather continue frantically doing it yourself?"

"I'd very much like your help," she smiled and patted him on the hand. "Thank you."

"Perhaps you should thank me once we're finished." Erik stated. Regardless of when the best time to give a thank you was, he still received a quick peck on the cheek before she jumped up and snatched the shift from the mannequin.

Running a hand through his hair, he quickly sorted through the pins and waited for her to return. Rolling up his sleeves, he looked up as Fleurette picked up a small stool and placed it down in front of him. She gently nudged the mannequin away and stood up onto the piece of furniture. "May I ask you something?"

"You will even if I say no." Erik said simply.

"How are you so creative?" Frowning lightly at her question he looked up at her. Fleurette merely smiled down at him. It was a simple question really, to her; she hadn't ever met someone who seemed rather endless in the arts, she could probably say something obscure, and Erik would know how to do it.