Welcome To Canterlot High
Short Stories!
6.Stylish & I Know It Pt. 1:
The Engines & Girls had decided to branch off after Thomas' friends from Sodor arrived in Canterlot High. Before leaving, Rarity took quick measurements of Thomas' friends, using measuring tape to determine the midriff, chest, and arms and leg length. Rarity was inspired to patch up a new line of clothing for Thomas' friends upon seeing them in their current attire, which she passionately felt needed her own touch of glamour to really stand out in their world.
James couldn't agree more, as he felt the clothes he's wearing paled in comparison to his brightly colored red paint. So, he approached Rarity and asked her if she could fix up a new outfit that'll make him look as splendid as his engine appearance, to which Rarity happily agreed. Getting a good idea on what each of them like, she already had plenty of ideas and was overly eager to get started on stitching as soon as possible.
After verifying all the measurements needed, James accompanied Rarity on her errand and made their way across town to a market street on their way to a local fabric store. Much like all the other Engines, James was surprised by how different this world was. If he's going to fit in amongst the people, he thought the best way to do so was to fashion himself a new attire. As opposed to his current outfit; consisting a red leather jacket with a black zipper hoodie, white on the inside of the hood and a yellow number five patched on both upper arms. A red partially untucked t-shirt, red pants with a gold belt and black running shoes. Despite what Rarity said about wearing what embraces the best of you, both her and James were still eager to experiment with different clothing.
"So, James, Darling," Rarity said. "Any ideas on what you'd like your new outfit to include?"
James examined himself.
"Well, I would like to be red still."
"Done," She said, cheerfully.
He looked over his appearance again with even more inspiration.
"And shiny,"
"Done."
"Oh. And splendid, that's the most important feature."
"Way a head of you," She winked.
"Oh. How about something that'll gleam against the sunlight and draw all eyes on me."
"Done, done and done!" she said in a singsong voice.
"Great! If you can do that," James said, "then I have the upmost trust you'll make me the perfect outfit to really stand out in this city."
"Well of course, darling. I have just the thing that's sure to accumulate all necessities! I promise to whip up the most glamorous, most show stopping couture the male fashion industry has ever bare witnessed."
James was now overly excited.
"I knew I made the right choice in asking you to make me look splendid."
"You won't be disappointed!" Rarity giggled and hopped with excitement. "I cannot wait to get started! I'm simply filled with an abundance of ideas!"
As Rarity and James kept walking down the sidewalk, the two stopped in their tracks to find a sad man holding a broken hat in his hand. The rim of this hat was torn off. Concerned, Rarity approached the sad man.
"What's the matter?" She asked.
"Well, I bought this hat for my fiancée. But the rim seems to have torn off."
"Good heavens!" Rarity gasped, then examined the hat. "Well, no wonder it fell apart. The fabric, stitching and lining are amateurish at best. This simply will not do."
Rarity then goes through her backpack and pulls out an older but fancier sun hat. James didn't know what she was doing, and neither did the man at first, until she hands him the hat.
"Here you go, Sir. This hat is of much higher quality and prone to actually stay stitched together longer than any of those cheap ones. Not to mention it'll make your fiancée look absolutely fabulous!"
"Wow. It's perfect! Thank you very much, Miss."
The man walked away as Rarity kindly waves back at him. The two friends then continued to their walk to the fabric store.
"What was that?" James asked.
"What was what?"
"You just gave him your hat? Just like that?"
"Yes?" Rarity said, almost confused.
"Well, wasn't that yours?"
"It's called being generous, James. Don't you know what that is?"
"Of course, I do. I just never understood why so many people have to act that way. Even Edward keeps telling me I need to be more generous."
"Maybe Edward knows what he's talking about. You see, being generous not only opens opportunities for everyone around you, but for yourself as well!"
James crossed his arms. "I doubt it."
Rarity wanted to be cross, but instead remained firm to her point.
"You asked me to stitch up some new clothes for you and I accepted. And now, not only are you and your friends getting new outfits, I get to expand my haute couture on male fashion, which is an area I'm rather rusty at and keen on improving."
James raised his brow, still not getting the point.
"Well, don't you see, James? This results in each of us getting what we desire."
"I'm happy that you're making me a new outfit, Rarity. But, how do I get anything in return if all I do is just give and give?"
"That's just how generosity works, darling. You never know what you may get in return. Being generous will open wonders, and fill you with so much energy!"
Rarity then walks ahead and cheerfully breaks out into song out of nowhere, surprising James a little.
Rarity: "Generosity, what you do to me,"
"In this huge, bustling community."
[The two looked around at the busy streets, the eye-catching stores, and people walking by and paying no notice. Rarity takes James by the arms and guided him down the sidewalk. James wasn't into it though and continued pouting as they walked.]
"Where there's always opportunity,"
"To do the friendly thing."
[Then, James' stomach began grumbling. Noticing this, Rarity finds a hot dog stand, bought one with ketchup and mustard, and gave it to James. Curious, he took a whiff his hot dog then goes for a bite.]
"If someone's grouchy, pay no mind."
"Surprise instead with something kind."
[Before he could eat his hot dog, Rarity tucked a piece of cloth under his shirt's collar. Taking a bite after feeling bashful, James felt an explosion of flavors pop in his mouth. This was the best treat he could ever taste. He couldn't help but smile, much to Rarity's amusement. James then forced himself to mask this knowing it would prove her point.]
"Lo and behold, you may just find,"
"A smile is what you bring."
[Rarity and James finally arrived at a fabric shop. James finished eating his hot dog as they walked up the counter where a clerk named Royal Pin kindly greeted them.]
"Hello, Rarity!" Royal Pin said. "Picking up the usual?"
"Actually, I would like a surplus of differentiating fabric ranging from your finest materials."
"Coming right up," Royal Pin beckons two other employees standing by to fetch Rarity's fabric. "So, what's the occasion?"
"I'm about to create a unique line of fashion for my new friend James and his friends."
"Ohh. Sounds exciting." Royal Pin looks to James, "You're in good hands, pal. Rarity certainly has a keen eye for fashion."
Rarity's fabric arrives as the two employees placed boxes and bags on the counter. She pays for her fabric then handed James some boxes to carry, much to his disinterest. James held onto six piles of fabric filled boxes stacked on top of one another while Rarity hung three rows of bags over both arms. Rarity then handed Royal Pin a few extra dollars.
"Some gratuity for all the trouble."
"How kind. Good luck, Rarity! Not like you'll need it."
[The two leave the store, with Rarity bursting through the doors and proudly continuing her song, occasionally twirling and waving her arms out in the air.]
Rarity: "Generosity, I'm here to show all that I can give."
"Generosity, my goal to set the bar."
"Just sit back and watch how I live."
[Twirling back to see a man entering the fabric store, Rarity approached the entrance and held the door open for him.]
"After you," Rarity offered.
The man tipped his hat, "Why, thank you."
Feeling extra generous, she took out her scarf, approached a shivering woman by a crosswalk and wraps it around her neck.
"Please, take mine."
"Wow, okay!"
All James could do was roll his eyes as he continued exerting and steadying the stack of fabric boxes.
[Rarity and James continue their venture through the market streets now on their way to a supply store to pick up tools needed to assemble the outfits.]
Rarity: "Some may say, Rarity,"
"Don't be so big-hearted and bold."
[Rarity sheepishly hugged herself as they walk pass people rudely paying no notice and passing by as if they expected them to move away. The two stopped for a moment when Rarity stands with her back hand pressed against her forehead with more frustrated people walking along.]
"Treating strangers like they're friends."
"This town's too big and cold."
[Reaching their next destination, Rarity noticed a man dropping and scattering his news paper on the ground. The man angrily shakes his fist to the air as the wind sweeps it away. Feeling bad for him, Rarity spotted a news stand and walked over to it.]
Rarity: "But this is how I play my cards."
"I'm not about to fold."
[She bought a news paper and went to hand it over to the man. At first not knowing how to react, the man then smiled along with a beaming Rarity.]
"Where I see a frown, I go to town."
"Call me the smile patrol."
[While Rarity's inside a supply store, James waited outside by the doors with the fabric boxes. Tired and frustrated, James placed the boxes down and crossed his arms.]
James: "Generosity, such a foolish thing."
"It's always them and we or us."
[Thinking it over while still pouting to himself, James realized he doesn't need to complain about who's being generous to who. Like Rarity told him, he was still getting what he wanted either way. His grimace didn't matter all that much for her acts of generosity towards people they randomly came across didn't really affect him in the slightest.]
"But so long as I can get my way,"
"Then there's no need to make a fuss!"
"All set!" Rarity exclaimed, happily.
[James and Rarity, now in high spirits, make their way to the Carousel Boutique where Rarity works. Despite not seeing eye to eye, both were still very happy and excited to get started on assembling James' clothes, as they frolicked down the sidewalk until they reach the Boutique.]
Rarity: "Generosity, my way to show all that I can do!"
"Generosity, you are the key!"
"Never fear, I'm here just for you!"
[Rarity finished her song once they stop outside the doors. And with all said and done, they enter the Boutique, carefully steadying their boxes and bags through the entrance doors.]
"Just for you!"
The two bring in and store their fabric boxes and bags in Rarity's workspace. It was trouble getting them up to the second floor, but James managed well despite how tired he was. Being a person was way more exhausting then being an engine so far, another trait he took an immediate disliking to among other things about his human appearance. Next, Rarity left to get dressed in her work uniform. A bored James simply sat and waited while she was getting ready, until finally she shows up again.
"Ta-da!"
Rarity stood in front of a surprised James, standing up from his seat to get a better look.
Her uniform consisted of a dress with the top being plain black and the skirt being pink with a bubbly design. Four rows of pink pearls wrap around her top and held together by three blue gems on the left shoulder. She wore light blue leggings also with bubbly designs and blue gems bedazzled randomly throughout as well as thick, high heeled shoes with a pink ribbon at the heel. A barrette with three blue gems, pink strings shaped like a butterfly, and a pink fluffy feather topped off the whole ensemble.
She twirled on her heels for show then posed with her pinkie inches away from her grinning mouth.
"Oh, my, Rarity," He said, speechless. "You look splendid!"
Rarity giggled. "I wasn't fond of its original appearance when I first volunteered. So, with Prim Hemline's permission, I took the liberty of bedazzling it myself. What do you think?"
"It's amazing. If this is the kind of handy work I can expect from you, then my new outfit is sure to be the most splendid out of all in this town."
"Well now, let's not get a head of ourselves, dear. I know I'm good but,"
Rarity was cut off by a sharp voice. "Miss Rarity."
Her and James look back and see a woman approaching them. The woman had pale, grayish cerise eyes, short, pale amaranth hair, and indigo grey skin. She wore a ruffled, high collar blouse, a blue jacket, purple pants and pink high heeled shoes.
"P-Prim Hemline!" Rarity stuttered with a nervous smile.
Prim stood firmly in front of them and spoke with a sophisticated tone.
"I would like to speak to you about something important, something that will require your immediate acquiescence."
"Why of course," Rarity said, relaxing a little.
Prim Hemline then noticed James. She cleared her throat and hid her arms behind her back then raised a chin.
"Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?"
"Oh, uh, yes. James, this is my boss Prim Hemline. Miss Hemline, this is James."
"Hello, ma'am," James said, politely.
"Good day. And to what do you owe the pleasure?"
"Huh?"
Rarity imputed. "James is going to model a new line of clothing I'm designing, Miss Hemline."
"I don't suppose you mean the lineup I expect you to present at the Carousel's Défilé De Mode?"
She stuttered again, clutching her head and repeating Defile De Mode through nervous inhales and exhales.
"What does that mean?" James asked, confused.
Arms behind her back, Prim paced back and forth about the workspace as she explains.
"Canterlot City's top fashion journalists will be visiting our boutique tomorrow evening for a fashion runway show. I ask that all my interns present their work as a display for the skills they've developed and to showcase Carousel Boutique's latest fashion du jour."
"You want me to showcase my lineup?!" Rarity said, half excited and nervous.
Prim stops in front of Rarity. "Indeed. Though I do expect something more in line with our target demographic, Miss Rarity. Whatever you and your, err friend, had intentionally planned shall not be permitted on the show."
Rarity looks back at James, knowing fully she wouldn't have time to make his clothing and prepare for the fashion showcase. James could sense the same dread and became just as worried. None of them knew what to do. Then, after shaking off her anxiety, Rarity came up with an idea. She tried convincing Prim Hemline to let her display the lineup of male clothing she originally had planned to make for James. Rarity went into detail and justification as to why reaching out to other customers will benefit the store.
"I'm sure Carousel's Défilé De Mode will be a grant opportunity to appeal to other demographics," Rarity pitched. "Imagine how many more clients the store could bring in."
"Miss Rarity," Prim snapped. "I run a highly sophisticated and prestigious boutique, not some cheap market. And that's not about to change."
"Oh, please, Miss Hemline!" Rarity begged. "I beg of you! Give me this one chance to prove myself. I-I'll even have a back up line on stand by in case of an emergency."
Prim strokes her chin as she looks back at Rarity with her hand enclosed together, pupils glistening, and a large grin on display.
"Very well," Prim said with her chin up. "I will allow you to showcase your new wardrobe; be it male or female."
Rarity grabbed James' hands and squealed happily while hopping up and down. James was just as happy for her despite not fully understanding what they agreed to yet.
"If you surprise me at the show tomorrow then perhaps I shall take up your suggestions and revamp Carousel Boutique's appeal to a wider target market."
"Thank you so much, Miss Hemline!" Rarity said, excitedly. "I promise you won't be disappointed."
Prim Hemline then leaves the two but not before stopping in her place to sharply press the importance further.
"I expect nothing but your absolute best, Miss Rarity. So, don't mess this up!"
"Heh-heh."
Another wash of dread and stress plowed Rarity as Prim Hemline walks back downstairs to the first floor. Rarity waved until she was gone, then walks over to the boxes and bags of fabric and begins unpacking. James goes over and helps her with unpacking, offering to take a heavy load Rarity was struggling with, and places them by her work desk.
"Are we really going to display the clothes your making for me at a big show, Rarity?" James asked.
"That we are. This is a very big deal, James. My work will be presented for all of Canterlot City's top fashion critics to observe and, well, critique." She turned to him. "I don't suppose you'd mind modeling them as well? Seeing as how you'll already be wearing some."
"You want me to show off your clothes in front of the critics?"
"I know this probably wasn't something you were expecting, but, would you be so kind as to do so for me?" She pleaded.
"Sure! If it means showing off your splendid clothing in front of people, then that sounds like the perfect job for me."
Rarity ran up and hugged him. "Ohh! You're too kind."
James returns the gesture then let's go so the two can continue unpacking.
"Now, these critics aren't just regular people, James. They'll be paying extra close attention to every little detail. If we can make this work, we'll be lucky if the entire town gets to see my wardrobe in all its beauty."
"And they'll see me and how splendid I am wearing it!" James imputed excitedly.
She giggled. "This will be a perfect opportunity to not only finally please Miss Hemline, but also work on the clothes for your friends simultaneously."
"So long as you make mine first though, right?"
She shook her head and smirked. "Yes, James. Yours shall be of top priority."
James exhaled in relief. "Then let's not waste any time!"
Rarity takes a seat on her chair and spins around laughing with enthusiasm.
"With your splendour and my savoir faire, we'll be an unstoppable force!" She then holds up a few pictures to James depicting different styles of fashion. "Now, what style would you be fitted to try first? Boho, Dapper, Rockabilly, Avant Garde?"
James examined all the pictures then spoke.
"What I'd like is your most eye catching outfit yet. So desirable that even I can't take my eyes off me."
"Avant Garde it is!"
An hour passes after Rarity started her sewing. She'd alternate from sketching, measuring, comparing fabrics and the stitching needed to assemble her outfits. All the while, Rarity was humming happily to herself as she worked. She loved working on clothes and trying new things, putting her in an extra special mood as she continued modeling James, who stood in a tee pose as Rarity went on with her work. She overlapped different fabrics and took extra measurements, and had him try on different jackets, hats, and shirts that she stitched up in a pinch.
Just then, two girls entered the workspace. Both girls wore violet, severe school uniforms with blazers, plaid skirts, knee high socks and Mary Janes. One girl, sporting a two-tone blue crossed scarf, had greyish brown eyes, violet hair held up in a headband, and pale orchid skin. The other girl, sporting a white-bordered lavender sailor collar with a scarlet tie, had light cyan eyes, pale, light grayish cyan and light opalish hair with a tri-shade hair clip, and light amberish skin.
The purple haired girl held next to no bags or boxes. The sailor collar girl, on the other hand, struggled under the teetering stacks of boxes, which she steadily places on the ground before they could collapse. She had rows of bags hung over her arms as well, which she couldn't catch on time before they finally slip off and fall on the floor, causing fabric materials, tools, and sketch art to spill and scatter. The sailor collar girl slouched in disappointment while the blue scarfed girl crossed her arms disapprovingly.
Rarity and James turn their attention to them. The sailor collar girl began cleaning the mess while the blue scarf girl chuckled as she spots Rarity.
"Rarity!" She said. "So good to see you. Looks like Prim Hemline has you working tirelessly on the fashion show as well, I see."
"You have no idea. But, not to worry. It'll all be worth it. I have just the most glamorous line up that's sure to wow those critics."
"Don't you remember me? Suri Polomare from the Friendship Games?"
"Oh, yes, of course. I– I thought I recognized you from somewhere. What ever are you doing up here though?"
"Guess Prim Hemline hasn't told you yet? I was just hired as her new intern!"
"Were you? Since when?"
"Couple days ago. So, not only are we school rivals, but now it looks like we'll be fashion rivals pretty soon," She laughed. "Okay?"
"Oh. Well, welcome aboard, Suri. And may I ask who your friend is?"
Rarity approaches the girl and helps to clean up her things. Instead of introducing her, Suri goes over to check out Rarity's sketches, mostly consisting of just male outlining.
"My, just look at your designs," Suri complimented. "I heard you were the best but this just takes the cake."
"Well, those are only concept sketches, darling. Wait until you see the whole ensemble," She then offered a hand to the other girl. "I'm Rarity. Nice to meet you, miss?"
The girl smiled and accepted. Suri Interrupts as soon as the girl opens her mouth.
"Uh, no offence, Rarity, but isn't women's fashion kinda your forte?"
Rarity stood back up. "Why of course. But I thought it a good idea to experiment a little, as a way of appealing to a wider target audience."
Suri turned to her. "Not that I'm disagreeing or anything, but a boutique is supposed to be devoted to women's fashion. But hey, you do you," She chuckled "Okay?"
"Why, thank you for the support, Suri." Rarity went back to organizing the fabric she plans on using. "This is my friend James, by the way. He'll be modeling my wardrobe for the boutique's upcoming showcase tomorrow."
"Suri," James acknowledged.
Suri, however, gave James a rather uninterested glance followed by an eye roll as she turns away. This disgusted and offended James. How could someone not be interested in meeting him? He's the most splendid engine on Sodor. Then again, he wasn't on Sodor anymore, which left James under the impression that his current attire might be the reason for her disinterested attitude. He wanted Rarity to sew his new clothes as soon as possible to avoid running into anymore people giving the same impression. After cleaning up the mess, the other girl with the sailor collar approached James, who raised his brow at her.
"Um, hi, James. My name's,"
"Coco," Suri interrupts. "Be a dear and stash my supplies over by my work bench, m'kay?"
Slouching, Coco complied and went over to organize Suri's things. James was confused by this.
"So," James asked. "What will you and Coco be showing off at the big show?"
"Nothing special," Suri chuckled. "Just my own original collection with a few creative inputs from my assistant over there."
"You said you'd also showcase the clothing I made as well," Coco said, over hearing their conversation.
"Oh, and that too."
Rarity grabbed a red jacket made of stretchy, shimmery fabric and held it in front of James.
"How wonderful!" She complimented, "I cannot wait to see both of your designs."
"Well, truth is," Suri admitted, "my collection is nearly done but it's still missing a few key elements. Take my culottes, for example; they are simply crying out for just the right accent, but I haven't the slightest notion where I,"
Suri Polomare paused then noticed the shiny red jacket Rarity's holding in front of James and gasped. Coco hears this and goes over to join her after unpacking and organizing a few boxes.
"Actually," She went up and examined the fabric by rubbing it with her hands. "Just a touch of this fabric could be perfect with it. W– Oh, hey, would you mind terribly if I took a swatch?"
"Oh, not at all!" Rarity grabs the shimmery fabric roll. "Here, I have loads extra."
James was shocked. She was about to give away fabric for his new outfit.
"You're sure?" Suri said, reaching for the fabric roll.
"Positive!"
But then, James stepped in between them and swaps the fabric roll out of Rarity's hand.
"Actually," James poorly imitated. "Rarity is using this fabric to make my new outfit. And since this is the finest material, then I'm the only one who can complement its unique style. So sorry, Suri, but you'll just have to stick with your rubbish materials and leave us splendid people with our own top of the line clothes."
Suri glared at an amused James, smirking with pride.
"James!" Rarity snapped. "That's no way to talk to someone asking for a few samples of fabric!"
"No, don't worry. I totally get it," Suri said, pretending to check her nails. "You'd rather keep everything to yourself as opposed to sharing like someone who's, ohh let's say, actually generous with their belongings."
Rarity gasped. Suri Polomare and Coco then headed to the stairs leading to the first floor.
"Come, Coco. We're clearly not wanted here so let's just get out of their way and leave them to their 'important work'."
Rarity irately turned to James with hand on her hips.
"That was rather uncalled for, James."
"Hey! I did you a favor, Rarity." James shoves the fabric roll back to her, "This fabric would've been completely wasted on her."
"I was only going to give her some for accents, not her whole line up."
"You can't be nice to everyone all the time you know? Haven't you ever thought that maybe some people just don't deserve your generosity?"
"Well, maybe you should adhere to your friend's advice and try it for once! And be surprised what good it does."
"Not if it doesn't get me anywhere close to finishing my new outfit."
"Ugh, It's not just yours! Mmm!" Rarity then composed herself, despite her left eye twitching and teeth grit. "I think we need a break."
"Fine by me," He said with eyes closed and chin up. "I was getting tired of standing around anyway."
She then marched over to her wallet, took out some cash, and handed it to James.
"Here, buy yourself a snack across the street."
"What about you?"
"I'm staying put and making myself a batch of stress tea. Besides, I have an outfit in need of completing for a certain vain Jane."
James looks at the cash then heads towards the stairs. Rarity sits back on her work desk, her back turned away from him.
"Just be sure to keep making progress on that outfit while I'm out," James said, conceitedly.
"Oh, sure. Not like I have other garments I need to finish or anything; for people who are also keen on wearing them!"
She didn't hear a reply, assuming James had already left. Rarity rested her head on her hand while irritably taping the surface desk with her fingers. This wasn't becoming nearly as much fun as she initially thought anymore. James was more concerned with himself and his new outfit over all else. And now Suri thinks of Rarity as being greedy thanks to James' interference. The ordeal almost brought her to a point where she didn't want to continue with his outfit. None the less, Rarity still had clothes to sew, and began working diligently on her new friend's outfits while brewing fresh cups of tea for herself and James.
Meanwhile, James marched down the stairs to the first floor of the boutique.
"Oh, that Rarity," he complained. "I only wanted her to have all the materials needed to make new clothes. And she gets mad at me for being ungenerous. Of all the,"
James stopped and notices Suri and Coco standing by one of the mirrors. Neither of them looked very happy. In fact, Suri looked cross with Coco. Suspicious, he quickly hid in one of the dressing rooms and peaked through the violet curtains to get a good view. Suri held a fabric roll and berated Coco with a stern glare.
"Don't think I didn't notice this when you dropped my bags earlier," She said, waving it in front of her. "Now, when did I recall this being on the list I gave you?"
Coco nervously overlapped and fiddled with her hands.
"Well, they were all out of the other fabric. So, I figured I would buy another set and see if maybe you'd try giving it your own spin."
"Try? Hah! I can't even use this as a wash cloth it's that useless."
"Oh, I wouldn't say that. You see, the texture can be used as a good lining if you,"
"Quiet!" Suri snapped. "I pay assistants to sew and get coffee, not talk. 'Kay?"
Coco hung her head.
"And had that jerk not gotten in the way, I would've snagged Rarity's fabric and made a super cute collection that would've totally blown hers to obscurity. But, now I have nothing that can surpass her work."
"I'm so sorry, Suri."
Suri examined the fabric wheel suspiciously then looked at Coco.
"Mm. Then again, how do I know you didn't just buy this for yourself?"
"W-What?"
"Heh, really?" Suri grew crosser. "Are you that desperate to show off your clothes that you'd sabotage mine just to sew your own?"
"N-No! I swear!" Coco pleaded, anxiously.
She then began imitating Coco. "How unfortunate, Suri. Looks like you got no clothes to show. Why don't you try on my outfits since I've already made plenty!"
"Please, Suri! That's not at all what I intended! I know how important this is for you and I wanna help you achieve this just as much."
"You better. 'Cause I already said I'd show off your outfits for the show, didn't I?"
Coco nodded despite some reluctance. Suri then wrapped her arm around Coco's shoulder nonchalant.
"And that's what I plan on doing. All I ask is that you make my outfits in exchange. That way we'll both get what we want," Suri chuckled. "M'kay?"
James was shocked, and even more so as Suri continued her blackmail.
"If I'm not successful, I can't guarantee your outfits will ever see the window display. Prim Hemline isn't going to let me keep this job unless I have something to show for it. We wouldn't want that to happen, now would we?"
Coco sighed, hung her head, and responded meekly.
"No."
Suri smirked with pride. She lets go and stood in front of a discouraged Coco.
"Hope you realize how fortunate you are to have me as your mentor. Now get me some coffee!"
Coco frantically complied and quickly ran off to fetch Suri her coffee. James hid behind the curtains before anyone could see him.
"I knew there was something I didn't like about that Suri!" James said to himself.
To Be Continued.