Unbound - Rachel's Story
Copyright© 2025 by A Kiwi Guy
Chapter 5
A call on her cell phone woke Sarah Lee around 8 o’clock Saturday morning.
“Good grief, Rachel,” Sarah cried, “why are you waking me in the middle of the night?”
“Because I have good news and bad news, and I need your help,” Rachel announced.
That woke Sarah abruptly.
“Bad news? What bad news?”
“First of all the good news. I plucked up courage last night to ask Matt to escort me to the ball, and he said yes.”
“Yippee. That’s wonderful. I knew you’d be a good match.”
“Ah, let’s not jump too far ahead. He’s agreed to take me to the ball, not to marry me.”
“Little steps. Little steps.”
“If I didn’t need your help, I’d come round and clock you for that comment.”
“Okay, but you have to admit this is a major step forward for you.”
“Agreed. A fortnight ago, I would have laughed if you’d suggested such a thing. But the couple of times Matt and I have shared a ‘coffee’ have made me at least comfortable in his presence. So, yes, that’s a step forward.”
“So what’s the bad news?
“I don’t have a thing to wear, and I need your help.”
“Sorry, nothing of mine will fit you.”
“Very funny. I need your help to go gown hunting. Today. This morning, if not sooner.”
“Ah, now you’re rattling my cage. I love shopping, and I love even more spending someone else’s money. When and where?”
“Most of the clothing shops aren’t open till 10 o’clock, so we’ll have to cool our heels until then. Where? This is where I really need you. You know I’m not a dressing-up type person, but you could look fabulous in dungarees. I’m looking to you to steer me in the right direction.”
“Okay, pick me up at 9.30, and in the meantime, I’ll make a short list of possibilities. Oh, and what sort of budget are we looking at? That will determine where we go, I think.”
“This may be where we have to become very creative. More than $200 would be a real stretch for me. I know it’s asking a lot, but ... well, I hope you understand.”
“Perfectly. I’m blessed with parents who give me a fairly generous allowance even though I can live happily on my wages. But I remember the ‘impoverished student’ days, and will bend my mind. In fact, a thought has just come to me that might be the answer. See you at 9.30, with tape measure and pins.”
...
The pair started at Riccarton Mall, but everything was either overpriced or completely unsuitable for a wheelchair user. Rachel’s optimism faded, but Sarah stayed calm.
“It’s time for a different approach,” she announced and directed Rachel to the Three Dollar Shop at Ferrymead, a treasure trove of second-hand clothing, many from deceased estates, and with careful choosing, in good condition. The warehouse had two sections: the (approximately) $3 racks and a smaller area of more expensive but higher-quality garments, including some retro.
Sarah rifled through the racks with the precision of a professional stylist on a mission, confident that if they could find something remotely suitable, she had the skills to adapt the gown to be suitable for Rachel. In the pricier section, she found it: a full-length gown in a rich, deep red that flattered Rachel’s complexion perfectly. Rachel was dubious.
It’s too long, and the sleeves are awkward,” she complained, but Sarah waved away her protests, promising she could adapt it for wheelchair wear.
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