Stratemeyer Shorts

Fashion Show

Alice Roy rushed around the studio, helping get the dresses ready for the models and all the accessories they would need to go with each dress. Her two closest friends, Marion Webb and Bella Roberts, were helping her gather everything and making sure the fashion show ran smoothly. Bella's mother, Millie Roberts, was a flurry of activity as she directed people to and fro, even pausing from time to time to help with a dress or an accessory. Alice enjoyed watching her work. It was obvious fashion was Millie's passion. Bella shared some of that enthusiasm as she rushed to and fro, getting items with a knowing stride. Alice and Marion had to take a break near the end of the show. However, while Marion went off towards the break room, Alice took Bella aside.

"Will you be alright?"

Bella nodded with an excited grin. "Oh, just peachy! You go ahead and take your break, the show's almost over anyway. You're going to help clean up afterwards."

Alice chuckled. "Oh alright. But if you do need any help in the meantime, just holler."

"Oh don't worry, Mom is more than likely to let you know." The two laughed before separating. Millie Roberts was known to have a voice that carried, and a presence that demanded respect and immediate action. Alice joined Marion in the break room, she was already helping herself to coffee and a croissant.

"Man, fashion is such hard work!"

"And tennis isn't?"

Marion scoffed. "At least I don't have to worry about which necklace has to go to which dress or to make sure the color scheme is right. Tennis is hard physically, fashion is hard . . ."

"Mentally?" asked Alice with a twinkle in her blue eyes.

Marion rolled her eyes. "I was going to say more like visually, but that works, I guess." Alice chuckled as Marion took a bite. There was a moment's silence as Alice got herself coffee and a croissant. "So," continued Marion, "what do you think now that you've officially gotten your first taste of the fashion world?"

Alice let out a little huff. "That I'm glad I'm not a model. I'm better off behind the scenes."

"With that in mind, do you think you have a chance of working for Mrs. Roberts?"

Alice shrugged. "It's a possibility, but I'm not holding my breath. Besides, Mrs. Roberts would want me to work for her for a full year, and I can't do that. I'm going to America for the spring semester, after all."

Marion set her coffee down on the table. "Oh yes, speaking of, have you found out who's your host family?"

Alice shook her head. "Not a clue, and I don't think they're going to let me know until November at the earliest."

"But you at least know where you're going now?"

Alice nodded vigorously. "Yes! A little town in Illinois called River Heights. Well, I wouldn't exactly say it's tiny, it's much larger than that, but it's not as large as Chicago or Paris. I'll be glad for something different."

Marion nodded. "I hear you. I just hope you can take a real break from mysteries and take loads of photos."

Alice laughed. "I'll try, with being in a new place and going to school, I might not have the time, much less remember!"

Marion wagged her finger. "You'd better remember, at least to take those pictures. You're not going to America without letting Bella and me see some of the things you see."

Alice snickered. "I promise, I promise, don't you worry your pretty little head about it."

Marion scoffed. "It's not my pretty little head you have to worry about, though I will go to America take my own pictures if you don't."

Alice let out a laugh at that. "Alright, alright, I get it! I will do my very best to remember!" She then smiled wistfully. "Though I do wish you and Bella were coming with me. It would be so much more fun with the two of you there, and a little less lonely."

"Oh I'm sure you'll be making friends the first week you're there . . . unless your host family isn't the greatest, in which case we will get out there and beat them up for you."

Alice put her arm around Marion. "I would really appreciate that, but I'm sure the people working in the exchange student program will make sure I'm paired with a good family."

"Oh they'd better, I'll beat them up too."

"Marion, Alice!" Bella burst into the room, panting. "Come quick! I need your help! Mom's selling several of the dresses and needs our help!"

Alice placed the rest of her croissant and coffee on the table. "Coming!" Marion merely moaned before following her friends out. There was a whirlwind of activity as they helped Millie with selling dresses and cleaning up. But later that night, before Alice drifted off to sleep, she began to wonder about a few things. What would her host family be like? Would they know a little French? Would they want to learn? Would her English be good enough by the time she got there? And what about the rest of River Heights? Would her classmates be accepting of her? Alice finally quieted the myriad of questions and fell asleep instantly. She would have to wait until January to get the answers, so for now, all she had to do was prepare.

(Alice Roy and Marion Webb are the French names for Nancy Drew and George Fayne. Bess's name is still Bess in French, I changed it to Bella so it's a little less confusing. She's not the only one, Ned's name is still the same, however instead of Dave and Burt, we have Daniel and Bob. That being said, I don't think I will have the guys be a part of this series, I do want Alice to be somewhat different from Nancy, so I guess the guys have got to go. Don't worry, if you're wishing for some love interests, I have a few fellows in mind for these ladies . . . it's just that they live in Canada. ;P)