Threads of Truth

A Transgender Coming of Age Romance

From the Harmony Aspirant Universe

Chapter 7: The Rally

By Ariel Montine Strickland

How will Kiki restore and model the dress of Clara Brown?

Copyright 2025 by Ariel Montine Strickland.
All Rights Reserved.

Author's Note:

This book, in it's entirety, is available on my Patreon. BCTS will get weekly postings on Sundays to complete it here. Patreon Free Members can read my new complete book by chapters, Things We Do for Love

This morning contained all the excitement that the afternoon rally before the council meeting had generated. But for Kiki, she entered the shop as a woman on a mission. Today was the day that she would get to unpack Clara Brown's Gown that she wore at the 1870 Society of Colorado Pioneers Dinner.

Clara Brown's deep forest green silk taffeta gown reflected her successful business status while maintaining the dignified propriety expected of a respected community member. The dress embodied the complex 1870s silhouette with its characteristic bustle support creating the fashionable protruding rear silhouette. The bodice featured the period's typical high neckline with a small V-opening trimmed with black silk ribbon and jet buttons.

The dress showcased elaborate trim work typical of the decade, with black silk braid forming geometric patterns along the bodice's Basque, which extended past the natural waistline. The overskirt was draped in the mysteriously complex style of the 1870s, with asymmetrical arrangements of fabric creating rich textural interest. Beneath, the underskirt of matching silk was adorned with rows of black fringe. The sleeves featured the tight fit characteristic of the mid-1870s, with elaborate black braided trim at the cuffs. A delicate jet necklace and matching earrings would have completed this ensemble befitting her status as a successful entrepreneur.

Kiki laid it out on the reconstruction table in the workroom, delicately examining every stitch. The outside of the over dress was in remarkable shape for its age. She noted that she would have to replace a panel of the lining. The dress shop was remarkably prepared for restorations, and it had a bolt of fabric matching exactly the age and color of the original. Kiki carefully removed the panel from inside the dress and hand sewed the replacement panel in place. Some stitches had to be redone which had pulled out which Kiki did with care and love for the garment. She checked the stress points of the garment so that it could withstand another 150 years of being displayed or worn.

Satisfied that she had completely restored the dress with all of its components, Kiki called Grandmother Rose into the work room to review her work.

"Kiki, this is amazing restoration work. It's ready for the final test and that is to be modeled for our guests in the shop and for you to become for them Clara Brown."

"Of course, Grandmother Rose. I love bringing back to life a remarkable woman wearing her incredible dress. Can you help me put it on? This one is complicated."

"Go ahead and disrobe, Kiki, then I'll help you into this vintage dress."

Grandmother Rose helped Kiki who dressed in foundations outward from the same time period so that she would be dressed 100% authentically just as Clara brown would have done for the 1870 Society of Colorado Pioneers Dinner. Once she was finished getting dressed, Kiki went into character. For the time being, Kiki became Clara Brown, emulating her mannerisms and speech as she presented Clara Brown to the guests in the shop.

Grandmother presented 'Clara' to Lucy, one of Grandmother Rose's guests browsing in the shop.

Lucy said, "Young lady please tell me about who you are portraying in that wonderful dress this morning."

" I am Clara Brown who lived from 1800 to1885. I am the first Black woman to cross the plains during the Gold Rush. I established Colorado's first commercial laundry business in Central City."

Lucy replied, "I know of you young lady. Weren't you known as the "Angel of the Rockies?"

"Yes, that is correct. I am a successful businesswoman who accumulated $10,000 by 1866. I was honored by the Denver community and made a member of the Society of Colorado Pioneers. This is the dress that I wore at the 1870 Society of Colorado Pioneers Dinner. I owned quality clothing appropriate to her social standing as a respected community member."

Lucy addressed Grandmother Rose, "This is a remarkable dress and so well restored, how did it come into the possession of your vintage dress shop?"

"We obtained the dress in an estate sale. Her family had kept it in remarkable condition for the age of the garment. Given Clara Brown's long life and prominent status, clothing items were preserved by her family, originally by request of community members."

Kiki left them and continued to model the dress presenting herself as Clara Brown to the other guests of the store. When Grandmother Rose was available after the presentation of the dress, they both entered the workroom where Grandmother Rose helped Kiki out of the dress. They stored each piece in the preservation area reserved for their newly gotten dress.

Kiki dressed back in her clothes and had tea with Grandmother at 11 am so that they both would be ready for the invited guests for the rally to arrive around noon for the rally.

The afternoon of the city council presentation dawned gray and drizzling, as if Denver itself was holding its breath for the outcome of their fight. Julian arrived at the vintage dress shop to find it transformed into a command center, with Rose, Kiki, and Ada surrounded by presentation boards, documentation binders, and a small army of supporters who had arrived early to help with final preparations.

Rose stood at the center of the organized chaos, wearing a stunning 1950s suit in deep burgundy that spoke of quiet authority and unshakeable determination. Despite the midday hour and the weight of the day ahead, her silver hair was pinned in its characteristic chignon, and her eyes sparkled with the strategic energy Julian had learned to recognize when she was preparing for battle.

"Julian, perfect timing," she said, gesturing toward a table laden with coffee and pastries. "Our volunteers have been arriving since noon. I think you'll be impressed by the support we've managed to gather."

Julian looked around the shop with amazement. The space buzzed with quiet, purposeful activity as people he'd never seen before worked alongside familiar faces from the neighborhood. An elderly man in a veteran's cap was organizing petition signatures, while a young mother with a toddler in tow helped Ada arrange photographs of successful cat adoptions.

"How many people are we expecting at the council meeting?" Julian asked, accepting a cup of coffee from a woman who introduced herself as a longtime customer.

Kiki looked up from where she was organizing testimony notes, her face flushed with nervous excitement. "Rose's network is incredible. We have over fifty people confirmed to attend, and at least twenty who want to speak during public comment."

Ada emerged from the basement carrying a final box of documentation. "The veterinarians alone could fill half the meeting room. Dr. Martinez from the emergency clinic, Dr. Chen from the spay-neuter program, Dr. Williams who's been donating services for years—they're all coming to testify about our medical protocols and success rates."

Julian felt his confidence building as he witnessed the scope of community support. "This is exactly what we need. Harold and Margaret are expecting to face three people defending a small operation. They're not prepared for this level of organized advocacy."

Rose moved to the front window, watching as more supporters arrived and gathered on the sidewalk. "Fifty years in this business teaches you that relationships matter more than regulations. We've been quietly helping people and animals for decades. Now it's time for them to help us."

A distinguished older woman entered the shop, removing her rain coat to reveal a professional suit and the confident bearing of someone accustomed to public speaking. Rose's face lit up with obvious delight.

"Everyone, I'd like you to meet Councilwoman Patricia Valdez," Rose announced. "Patricia has been a friend and customer for twenty years, and she's agreed to help us navigate today's proceedings."

Councilwoman Valdez shook hands with Julian, Kiki, and Ada, her expression serious but encouraging. "I've reviewed Harold's complaints and your response documentation. You've built a strong case, but city council meetings can be unpredictable. The key is presenting your information clearly and demonstrating overwhelming community support."

Julian felt the weight of responsibility as he realized how much depended on their presentation. "What should we expect from Harold and Margaret?"

"Harold will focus on technical violations and public safety concerns," Councilwoman Valdez replied. "Margaret will question your professional credentials and suggest that proper animal welfare requires institutional oversight. They'll try to make this about regulations rather than results."

Kiki stepped forward, her voice steady despite obvious nerves. "How do we counter that narrative?"

"With stories," Rose said firmly. "Every cat we've saved, every family we've helped, every life we've improved. Harold can quote regulations, but we can show impact."

Ada began distributing folders to the volunteers. "Each of you has documentation about specific cases—medical emergencies we've handled, difficult adoptions we've facilitated, community education programs we've provided. These aren't just statistics; they're lives that were saved because the sanctuary existed."

Julian watched the volunteers review their materials with obvious dedication and realized that Rose had created something far more significant than a cat rescue operation. She'd built a community of people who understood that caring for the vulnerable was everyone's responsibility.

"There's something else we need to discuss," Councilwoman Valdez said, her tone becoming more serious. "Harold has been lobbying other council members privately. He's suggested that allowing unlicensed animal operations sets a dangerous precedent for the city."

Rose's expression hardened slightly. "What kind of precedent?"

"He's arguing that if the city allows your sanctuary to operate without proper permits, it opens the door for other unregulated animal facilities that might not have your standards of care."

Julian felt his protective instincts flare. "That's a false equivalency. Our documentation clearly shows fifteen years of exemplary care and community service."

"I agree," Councilwoman Valdez replied. "But Harold's argument will resonate with council members who are concerned about liability and regulatory consistency. We need to address that concern directly."

Ada pulled out the architectural plans they'd been developing. "This is why we've prepared a comprehensive compliance plan. We're not asking for permission to continue operating without oversight—we're asking for time to implement proper procedures while maintaining our essential services."

Kiki moved to the presentation boards they'd prepared. "We've also documented our willingness to work with city officials, veterinary oversight, and community partners. This isn't about avoiding regulation—it's about preserving a valuable community resource while ensuring proper standards."

Rose watched the discussion with obvious pride in her protégés' preparation and advocacy skills. "Harold wants to shut us down because he sees problems. We're offering solutions that address his concerns while protecting the animals who depend on us."

As the morning progressed, Julian found himself increasingly impressed by the coalition Rose had assembled. The volunteers represented every demographic in the community—young families, elderly retirees, professionals, students, and longtime residents who had benefited from the sanctuary's services over the years.

"I think we're as ready as we can be," Julian said, reviewing their presentation materials one final time. "The documentation is comprehensive, the community support is overwhelming, and our compliance plan addresses every concern Harold has raised."

Councilwoman Valdez nodded approvingly. "You've done excellent work. Remember, city council meetings are public forums. The council members are elected officials who respond to constituent concerns. Your job is to show them that shutting down the sanctuary would be politically and morally indefensible."

Rose gathered her supporters around her, her voice carrying the authority of someone who had spent decades building relationships and earning trust. "Today we're not just defending a cat sanctuary. We're defending the principle that communities have the right to care for their most vulnerable members."

Ada stood beside Rose, her expression determined. "Fifteen years of saving lives shouldn't be erased because of bureaucratic technicalities."

Kiki moved to Julian's side, her proximity both comforting and energizing. "Whatever happens today, we've built something important together."

Julian felt the truth of her words as he looked around the shop filled with people who had come together to fight for something they believed in. The vintage dress collection that had originally brought him here seemed secondary now to the community of advocates Rose had created.

"Time to go," Councilwoman Valdez announced, checking her watch. "The meeting starts in an hour, and we want to arrive early to organize our supporters."

As the group prepared to leave for city hall, Julian felt a mixture of nervousness and determination. They had built the strongest possible case, assembled overwhelming community support, and prepared for every argument Harold and Margaret might raise.

Rose locked the shop door carefully, then turned to face her assembled supporters. "Whatever happens today, I want you to know how grateful I am for your friendship and advocacy. This sanctuary has been my heart's work for fifteen years, but it's never been just about me. It's about all of us choosing to care for those who can't care for themselves."

The group began walking toward city hall, their footsteps echoing on the wet pavement as they prepared for the most important presentation of their lives. Julian walked beside Kiki, feeling the weight of responsibility balanced by the strength of community support.

Today, Rose and her supporters would discover whether their community valued compassion enough to fight for it when it mattered most. The sanctuary's future hung in the balance, but they were walking into that uncertainty together, armed with documentation, determination, and the unshakeable belief that caring for the vulnerable was worth defending

Behind them, the vintage dress shop stood quiet in the gray afternoon light, holding space for the outcome of a battle that would determine whether fifteen years of compassionate care could survive the challenge of bureaucratic opposition. The dresses hanging in the windows seemed to whisper stories of other women who had faced their own battles with courage and determination.