The Able Sisters

Chapter 18

As the New Year rolled around, Label's bell supply was getting smaller, as were her meals. The money Dr. Frillard had lent her was running low, as were her own funds. 

The city had been run with tourists over the holiday season, though now since were the holidays were over, Label hoped that the stores would need more help and return to normal. 

The sky was bright today, and as Label's shoes thumped against the pavement, she prayed that she would have some success today. The last thing she wanted to do was return to Dr. Shrunk and beg for more money. She hadn't even returned to the Marquee since that first day.

She briefly thought of Sable, wondering how she was getting along in terms of bells. With winter, there were less fish and bugs to catch, and fruit could only bring in so much money.

Bus steam rolled into the street, and Label watched as the yellow bus pulled away. Nostalgia emerged from her, and she thought of her bus drive here. She wondered what it would be like to take the bus back. It might happen if she couldn't get a job somehow.

Animals were already walking around the town plaza with shopping bags in hand, though the morning was young. A light to a shop flicked on beside her.

Label turned, finding herself next to a barber shop. A white, blue, and red pole spun, capturing her attention. She noticed a pink poodle through the window cleaning up with a broom.

Label was hesitant to step inside, but it wouldn't hurt. Perhaps this was a sign.

As Label opened the door, a small golden bell rang. The poodle glanced up, grinning as Label walked in.

"Oh, hello. We've just opened," she said.

"Has this shop always been here?" Label wondered.

The poodle laughed. "No. I just opened in the new year, actually. You're not as blind as you thought."

"Oh, thank goodness," Label replied, wondering how the poodle could read her thoughts like that. Label had passed down the street nearly every day and had never noticed the quaint shop before.

"What can I do for you today? Just a cut? Or maybe a complete makeover!" the poodle exclaimed. She threw up her arms, holding a pair of silver scissors in one paw.

"I'm Label," she said.

"Harriet. Now what can I do for you?"

"Um...I don't need a cut."

"Makeover, then?"

"I was actually wondering if you needed help."

"Help?"

Label cleared her throat. "A-a job?"

"Oh, you're interested in working here? How skilled are you in haircuts?" Harriet wondered.

"Um...not that skilled. I can sew, and I want to be a fashion designer but..."

"Still having a tough time achieving that dream, huh?" Harriet wondered.

Label nodded.

"It was my dream to open a hairstyle salon forever! I understand where you're coming from, hon."

"Can you offer me a job though?" Label wondered. "I don't want to shed my life story on you, but I'm very low on funds for the moment and I don't know how much longer I can afford my apartment."

"You're very young to be living out here alone," Harriet noted. "Where's your family?"

"It's a long story," Label replied, avoiding eye contact with the black, beady eyes of the poodle in front of her.

"Well, you can't cut hair or do makeovers. I suppose I could have you clean up. It would save some time for me," Harriet muttered to herself.

"Would you?" Label gasped.

"How about 100 bells a day."

"J-just 100 bells?" Label wondered.

"I can't offer you that much. I haven't made much of a profit yet," Harriet said apologetically.

"I-I just don't know if I can live off that," Label muttered sadly. "I know it's not your fault, but--" She paused, tears beginning to gather in her eyes.

"Aw, don't cry, hon," Harriet begged. She paused for a moment and scratched the tuff of fur on her head.

"How about this?" she said.

"What?" Label wondered.

"Have you seen the fortune teller's shop nearby?" Harriet asked, her voice dropping down.

"Why are you whispering?"

"I feel like she's watching," Harriet whispered.

"Okay, yeah. What about it?"

"The fortune teller, Katrina, often asks for my help bringing in her odd magical objects or bringing in customers. Sometimes she wants me to sweep her place while she's gone. To tell you the truth, I'm terrified of her. But I know she gets business, so I don't want to cut off ties with her. Now...if you could do the chores for me..."

"Then, what?" Label wondered.

"I might be willing to pay 200 bells per day."

Label's eyes widened. "I accept!"

"Are you sure? She doesn't scare you?"

"For 1400 bells a week! Not at all!" Label exclaimed excitedly.

"Come here at 9:00 am each day," Harriet decided. "You might have to stay a little after closing too to help clean up."

"Understandable. Oh, thank you so much!" Label exclaimed, hugging the poodle tight. Harriet stiffened, a bit taken aback, but then she smiled.

"Anything to bring someone a little closer to their dream," Harriet promised.

"I'll see you tomorrow, then?" Label confirmed.

Harriet nodded.

"Good-bye!" Label called as she stepped outside the stop. She stopped for a second and through her hands up in glee. She would be able to stay in the city after all!