Belly Literary Universe (part 2)

Camilla's Clothes Part 9: Sizing

Camilla occupied herself with her work. There were plenty of patterns to get out the door - plenty of specific outfits to make - and that was all on top of her usual clientele's demands. Though she tried to hide it, her customers noticed her spiraling energy. Some of them even commented on it. She couldn't help but laugh at her luck. Pregnant women tended to be supportive customers, so even despite her miserable thoughts, she maintained some minimum level of sanity.

For most of the customers that came through her huge sliding door, their needs were readily apparent. With maternal patrons, resizing and tailoring was a common need. As soon as they walked in, Camilla would size them up for what needed to be done. It made the business easy when she could offer exactly what service they needed and wanted. So when Rachel wandered into the shop with her tight red shirt leaving half her belly exposed, it was clear just how much weight she had put on and how her measurements would need to change. Her belly looked almost twice as big around as their first meeting. She was pushing past full term twins size into triplets size. Her other features had expanded as well. She was pleased to see the red shirt she made for her had held to her growth as well as she planned.

"Hey Darling, what can I do for you?" Camilla asked as she put down the fabric she'd been folding.

Rachel wobbled across the store to her. Her round cheeks were red from the trip inside. "I was thinking about having you make something for me."

Camilla forced a smile. "That thing should stretch quite a bit more."

"No it's not that. I love the shirt! No, I'm looking for something else. A few other outfits. Something formal, something a bit more modest too - as much as I hate that. I drew up a few simple plans. Do you think you can pull them off?"

Camilla leafed through the hasty sketches. They were anatomically imperfect, but the idea of them was clear enough. She nodded. "I think i can manage that. Come on, let's get you to the back so I can get you measured again."

***

In the back of the converted sawmill, Rachel undressed without hesitation, tossing her clothes over the privacy wall without thought. Camilla suspected she came up with the outfits just for some exhibitionist desire to be measured again, but she didn't dare say a word. She and Cozca had paid her a lot, so reservations were locked away safe in the back of her mind.

The only sound was the creaking of the building in the wind and Camilla's pencil scratches on the papers Rachel gave her.

"What's wrong?" Rachel asked.

"Hmm?" Camilla grunted.

"Something's up with you. Come on, you've seen my fat ass naked, share something with me. Part of my job is making sure clients are happy. I know when things aren't right," She said as she pulled her pants back up and struggled to button them under her cumbersome belly.

Camilla faked a smile toward the paper and slapped the pencil down lightly. "You're right. It's dumb to try and hide it. You know all about what's wrong with me, apparently. I'm going to be able to have a baby soon..." She blushed and turned around, leaning against the table with arms crossed tight. "But I don't have anyone to do it with. I can't even get people to call me back or show up to dates. I think my desperation shows through. They just feel it I guess..."

"Oh honey." Rachel frowned and spread her arms offering a hug.

Camilla stared for a moment. Finally she sighed and walked forward and embraced her.

Rachel gave good, warm, comforting soft hugs.

Rachel pulled away. "Listen. Cozca can help."

Camilla scoffed. "You have a dating service for desperate older women?"

"You wouldn't be far off, but that's still a pending project. I do know someone who is helpful in that regard. I can put you in touch. If you're interested. I doubt you'll find a better matchmaker anywhere."

Camilla shrugged. "By all means. It's not like I'm having luck on my own."

"Great. I'll have him text you."

***

Camilla didn't think much of Rachel's offer. She went about her day resizing maternity dresses, unpacking pallets of cloth, and packaging clothes to be sold and delivered. At closing time, she locked the shop up, and climbed her stairs up to her loft. The rooms used to be managerial offices, but with some renovation, they became a suspended living space above her business. It was essentially a three bedroom apartment without the burden of troublesome neighbors.

All her furniture had custom made covers to protect them, and to give a coherent style to the rooms. She was good with a needle, thread, and sewing machine, and so it was easy to make things custom for her lifestyle. Just like her choice of living and workspace.

As she snuggled into a cozy chair to read a book on her tablet, her calico cat, Muzi jumped into her lap. Camilla scratched her head. Purs immediately started.

It wasn't much later that her phone buzzed. A text from an unknown number.

"Hi Camilla. Rachel gave me your contact information. She mentioned you had a problem I might be able to help with. I'm the Secret Advisor."

"What kind of a name is that?" She texted back.

"It's to protect my identity. But the more important part is I can find you a mate - a boyfriend - a lover - a husband. I may not be able to find you a soul mate, but I can certainly try."

***