The Girl In The Suit

Gemma

When Anne and I get out of school after our final exam of the pres, we head to Blueberries for hot chocolate. We have a whole week next week to ourselves for midterm. Freddie is going to be taking us to the Jumplanes in Limerick on the Tuesday, because we're all children inside. He definitely has a crush on Míchaél. He doesn't have to tell us at all.

We sit at our table with our drinks and we laugh and chat. I don't want to rush things with her, but I'm looking forward to the day when we're official.

"So, Alison is just completely cool?", I ask.

"Yeah, surprisingly. My parents don't know though. I think Alison fancies you more than I do."

I choke on a marshmallow. She laughs at me.

"I'm just messing with ya, she's straight.", she says, taking a sip of hot chocolate.

I had a tiny crush on Alison for around a month when I first moved in. 12 year old me would be devastated hearing that.

We finish our drinks and head back to her house. When we get there, Alison says that she needs to talk to Anne in private, so I whip out my phone and scroll through Facebook. I see an advertisement for a disco in Cahir. I smile.

When Anne comes back, I stand up.

"Wanna go downtown? I have a surprise for you.", I say to her.

"OK, I'll just let Alison know.", she says.

"Ali, we're just heading downtown!", she calls.

"OK, be back before 8!"

We head out the door. We walk for a minute before she speaks.

"Uh, where are we going?"

I smile and take her hand. "You'll see."

A few minutes later, we're in the town square and just outside the Susza clothing shop.

"Uh, what are we doing here?", she says with a chuckle.

I smile, take out my phone and show her the ad.

"There's a disco tomorrow, and you need a suit for it.", I say with a smile.

She gapes at me. She then hugs me.

"Oh my God, really?", she says, separating. "The only reason I didn't go to these things is because I had no friends."

"Well, you have me now, and in a few minutes, you'll have a rockin suit."

She smiles at me. "You're amazing."

I smile back and pat her shoulder. We then walk in.

"Hey, wassup, Welch!"

Its a girl who works there, Cliona. She's often given me last-minute outfits for free. Its great having a friend I'm a clothing shop.

"Hey, C! This is Anne, you know, Alison's sister?", I say to her.

"Oh, Alison O Brien! I was 2 years ahead of her, we were best friends!", Cliona says. She shakes her hand.

"Oh, yeah!", she says.

I smile at them.

"So,", Cliona starts, "where's the disco? We just got in these lovely outf-"

"Actually, I'm looking for something for Anne. What suits do you have?"

She smiles at us. "They're back here. Want a look?"

Anne and I look at each other. "OK!"

We go back and Cliona shows us the suits. Anne tries on a blue suit with a sparkly blue shirt underneath. Cliona and I talk while she's in the dressing room.

"So, how's your parents?", she asks.

I bite my lip, I sigh and I say, "Fine."

"And Freddie? Míchaél has been hanging with him a lot lately."

"He's good, yeah. He's Freddie, he's always good. He's bringing us tomorrow, and Alison's collecting us."

"Where is it?"

"Cahir. The best ones are there."

"I loved those ones."

Just then, Anne comes out with the suit on. We turn to look at her. She looks fantastic. I'm lost for words.

"So, how is it?", she asks shyly.

I smile at her. "Beautiful."

"I think you've found what you're looking for.", Cliona says.

"Aw, thanks, guys. I love it too.", she says. She doesn't stop smiling. She's always at her happiest when she's in the suit.

"So, are we taking it?", I ask.

"Definitely. How much is it, Cliona?"

"€60."

"Fuck. I won't take it." The disappointment is written on her face.

"But,", starts Cliona, "you're taking that bad boy home for free. Its on me, kid."

She gapes at her, and admittedly, so do I. She always does it for me, but the suit is so beautiful it shocks me.

"Are you sure?", she asks.

"Of course."

"OK. But I'll pay you back next wee-"

"Don't bother. You're a friend. I don't charge friends. Don't worry about it."

We look at each other and smile.

"You have a suit, Anne.", I say with a smile.

"Thanks so much, guys.", she says.

We leave the shop, suit in Anne's hands.