The Able Sisters

Chapter 17

As the New Year rang in, Sable diligently practiced her sewing, dedicating hours to it as Mabel took her daily naps. Her claws began to move in that same, familiar way again and all the sounds around her were replaced by a humming sewing machine.

It was piece after piece. None were perfect enough for Sable's liking, but she had definitely improved. Most of her clothing was wearable, and some of it might even be able to be sold.

She remembered the first perfect shirt she made. She had finished patching the blue cloth together and was amazed with the results. She held it up and grinned, almost sad that she would be planning to sell it, but even more amazed that she had finally done something right.

Sable's eyes always fell to a picture of her parents in the corner of the sewing machine. She'd glance at it every now and then, hoping that they would be proud of her. 

In a way, Sable was almost relieved Label was gone. Nothing was stopping her from following her dream now of reopening the shop. Soon, they'd have a steady source of income again, and they'd be more involved in their community after shadowing themselves for so long.

Sometimes, Sable would give Mabel a few lessons. They were small and easy-to-understand and free of very sharp needles for fear Mabel would hurt herself. Nevertheless, Sable hoped she would be able to see Mabel play a big role in the shop one day. 

Sable could sew and sew all day, but she had trouble communicating well with others. She'd always been shy, and Label had been there to help with that, but now Label was gone and Sable had to grow on her own.

I wonder what she's up to, Sable thought. Most of the time she told herself not to think of her older sister that had run off, but she couldn't help but wonder if Label made it okay, if she was thriving or living on the street, starving.

There had been a few times Sable considered maybe going after her, but bus tickets were expensive, especially to the city, and she didn't want to waste money only to find out Label was fine and didn't want to come home.

All these thoughts ran through Sable's head as she sewed one afternoon. The sun was shining today while snow still covered the ground. Sable couldn't wait until spring. She was sick of the cold air and found she could work better in a warmer climate.

Thud, thud, came a sound on the stairs.

Sable turned her head to see Mabel coming downstairs. The blue hedgehog was clutching a blanket as she walked toward Sable.

"You should finish sleeping," Sable told her.

"I'm not tired," Mabel replied. "I want to see you work."

"Okay, but only for a little bit. Then, we need to go visit Mayor Tortimer," she explained. Mabel nodded and sat on a stool next to Sable. 

"What are you making?" Mabel asked.

"A hat," Sable explained, sewing together pink threads. Mabel sat quietly and watched intently. She had not spoken of Label again, but Sable knew her younger sister was probably still unsure when Label would return.

Once the shop opens, Sable promised. Then I'll tell her all or at least give her a better understanding of all of this.

"Done!" Sable explained at last, lifting up the beanie. She placed it on top of Mabel's small head and watched as her sister giggled. Mabel lifted it off her head and set it back down on the table.

"Go get your coat on and we'll go to Town Hall," Sable told her.

Mabel nodded and ran back up the stairs. Sable grabbed her coat from the chair and slipped it on her. Mabel was back down in no time with her coat, and the two locked up shop to head out to Town Hall.

"No more picking fruit?" Mabel asked as they walked along the path. Her eyes were glued to the white trees that glistened with red apples.

Sable laughed. "Not when we open the shop."

Mabel nodded and clutched her sister's hand as they walked toward the looming town hall. Sable stepped inside out of the cold. The room was quiet. Pelly stood at the front desk organizing letters while Mayor Tortimer seemed to be "working" with his eyes closed in the back.

Pelly's eyes widened at the sight of the sisters. "Oh, good afternoon. I must admit, I was hoping to see all three of you."

Sable gulped. "Label is gone."

Pelly sighed. "I know. I wish I had known she didn't like the job. I could've found her a new one."

"I think it was more than that," Sable told her.

"Well, what can I help you girls with?"

"I actually wanted to speak to Mayor Tortimer...if he doesn't mind us waking him up from his nap."

"His nap?" Pelly spun around and slammed her wing down on Tortimer's desk. "Sir! You're supposed to be working."

"Wha--uh--ah!" he said, glancing at Sable and Mabel. "The Able sisters! What can I do for you two?"

"Can we talk in your office?" Sable asked.

Tortimer shrugged and beckoned them through. Mabel still clutched tightly to her sister's hand as they entered his office. He shut the door and took a seat, glancing at both of them.

"Now, what can I do for you?" he asked. "I can't lend you money if that's--"

"We want to reopen the shop," Sable interrupted him.

Tortimer raised an eyebrow. "Open back up the shop, eh? Do you think you're prepared for that?"

Sable nodded. "We have some items that were never sold, and I've been improving my sewing skills. I think it'd be great to have the tailor shop open again."

Tortimer laughed. "I agree. Well, if you think you're up to it, I can't stop you. I can make an announcement to the town. We could even have our own opening ceremony."

Sable smiled. "That would be great. The more customers, the better. There's just one thing."

"What's that?" Tortimer asked.

"I want to change the name of the shop."

"To what?"

"The Able Sisters," she told him.

"Well, I can see about getting a new sign for you, then," Tortimer explained. "As my gift to you. When do you plan to open?"

"Soon. I can give you an exact date a little later," Sable promised.

Tortimer smiled and nodded. "Let me know when you're ready. I'm glad the shop will be reopening. I see a lot of potential in you, Sable."

She grinned and nodded, thrilled her dream was coming true.