Free Fury by Shirley Marr Page B

wear that white dress shirt as it was just last week, but I didn’t say anything.
    “Did you, um, do it yourself?”
    “Oh, no. I mean, I can cross stitch, long stitch and lacework, you name it—but I can’t take credit for this. My mum did it on the weekend. She’s a much more accomplished needlewoman than I.”
    “Did it take her long?”
    “Not at all. My mum makes all her own clothes because she doesn’t like, er, modern clothing . She’s trying to ‘bring Regency back’. Have you heard of Dot & Dash Designs? Well, that’s my mum. Why do you ask?”
    Have I heard of Dot & Dash Designs? Hello —does JaneAyres thinks the sun shines out of her own ass? If there’s a couture label that Eliza Boans has not heard of, then it’s one that doesn’t exist. Dot & Dash happen to be this year’s numero uno up-and-coming talent to watch as decreed by the East Rivermoor Eye. I thought it was named after two separate designers. Now I realised that the name refers to one. Mrs Dorothy Dashwood.
    I replied with something that contained more drool than legitimate English . I composed myself and said coolly, “Well, actually Marianne asks. It’s to do with, um, the end-of-school-ball and she needs a dress that is kind of … special.”
    “Oh, of course. Are you all still coming over to meet my mum? She has a whole sewing room with the most delicious gowns. She sells them to really exclusive clients who pay a lot for them, that’s how we could afford to move to East Rivermoor…” Ella trailed off. “But, of course, she won’t charge Marianne. Will you come over today? It will be so much fun!”
    I thought about my Principal Hollerings-issued restraining order. And I thought, stuff it. I should be able to see Ella out of school hours if I want to. And after all, she was the one inviting me.
    “Of course,” I replied. “The other two will be super excited when I tell them.”
    Would they ever. To have the opportunity to go to the home of the creator of Dot & Dash? They would literally kill for the opportunity.
    “Meet you at the gates after school then. I have to rush to Human Bio now. Oh, and sorry I can’t look for you during lunch, I’ve promised to be somewhere else. Bye!”
    I watched as Ella hitched her schoolbag onto her shoulder and waved excitedly at someone in the crowd of migrating students.
    That someone was Jane Ayres. I watched the two of them walk together head-to-head until they become swallowed up by the white and grey undertow. So I guess that’s who her new buddy is. I made up my mind to keep that piece of info away from Marianne. I knew it would only make her cranky.
    ***
    “So, you’re interested in fashion then?”
    Dr Fadden has left his notebook behind at the station and is trying to make small talk.
    “What girl isn’t?” I sniff and wipe my nose.
    It is disgustingly humid outside, but it is the most exhilarating experience of my life. After being locked up in a little white box, the blackening sky outside is beautiful. The lights of the cafés and shops make my eyes water. I pull the stranger’s trench coat closer to my body. I feel so small, so pathetic. Like the evening sky could reach down and crush me there and then, without anyone even noticing—or caring.
    “We won’t go too far away, is that okay with you?”
    I nod furiously.
    I wonder why he asks my opinion. Is it human natureI wonder, this unconscious need to please? To be affirmed?
    “This place does decent food and coffee. It’s got airconditioning anyway.”
    Dr Fadden opens the door for me and I hop inside, rocking on my heels, fists balled up inside the trench coat pockets.
    “You come here for dinner every night?”
    Dr Fadden does something with his head that could mean either yes or no.
    “Burger and chips?” he asks.
    “Okay. Can you make sure it is a lean meat burger? And no ketchup please. I don’t do ketchup.”
    I sit down at a table for two that is covered in a chequered plastic tablecloth that is