PART FOUR
GARY/1950s DIOR NEW LOOK

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PART THREE
MUM/1940s VINTAGE CHEONGSAM

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FIVE DRESSES

Lucy’s story, as told by the people closest to her. In five parts.

PART ONE
ELLIE/1920s FLAPPER DRESS

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Chapter One: The Sixteenth Birthday

The warm June sun streamed through the windows of the Allen’s home, bathing the living room in golden light. David sat cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by his two best friends, Eric and Ryan, controllers in hand as they raced each other in the latest Mario Kart game. Laughter and friendly jeers filled the room as their characters collided in-game, sending one kart careening off the track.

"Come on, Eric, you’re supposed to be good at this!" Ryan teased, nudging his friend with an elbow.

Prince Connor sat in his lavish study, a glass of wine in hand, watching a recording of the trial's conclusion on a large screen. His expression shifted from intrigue to irritation as he leaned back in his chair, swirling the wine in his glass. The sight of Alex standing firm alongside Princess Helena, her loyalty unshaken, clearly displeased him.

"Huh," he muttered, narrowing his eyes at the screen, "I hadn't expected Consort Alex to completely abandon her parents like that. She played the part well—loyal, unflinching. It seems going after her family is not going to work."

My TV’s alarm wakes me at 7am the following morning, and after a quick wash and brush of my hair, I pull on my silky pink dressing gown and head down to the mansion’s designated breakfast area, where I discover I’m not the first to get up.

“Hi Dina!” Lil says with an overenthusiastic giggle as she tucks into her breakfast alongside Lydia and Martha. “Welcome ta the ‘early birds’ table, hehe!”

“Thanks!” I reply with a genuine smile as I get a cup of coffee and a bowl of cornflakes before joining the three women. “Have you been awake long?”

WONDERFUL WIFE

Title

The New Girl at Uskweirs Manor

a pastoral romance by Miriam Robern

Girl Talk

Monmouthshire, May 1812

Ashbourne rapped on the bedroom door and gave Amelia the ghost of a smile. “It is the ungodly hour of… well, nearly noon, so there is a slight question as to whether my daughter is even out of bed.”

Title

The New Girl at Uskweirs Manor

a pastoral romance

by Miriam Robern

A Fateful House Party

Monmouthshire, May 1812

Miss Amelia Wright gained access to Uskweirs Manor by supplying a false name.  The attendant at the door dipped his head, murmured, “Of course, sir,” and gestured her within.

Uncle Charlie – Part One

Julia Wallace visits her psychiatrist to discuss repressed memories that have suddenly returned. Julia finds that telling Susan Bradshaw about her past terrifying but also cathartic. She begins by telling Susan about how, as a teenage boy, she discovered that she felt like she should really be a girl and how the men in her life took advantage of that.

Please heed the warnings as this chapter explores themes of coercion and reluctance.

The girls just wanted to see their treasured friend again – and help her take a baby step. That’s all it was supposed to be!

This was an alternate opening to the story that I submitted for the New Year’s Resolution contest. My muse has finally revealed that this was to be a story all its own.

Disclaimers
* No characters were harmed in the making of this story.
* This story is not related to that of Lilli from my earlier story, Budding Lilli.

I was relieved when Larry and the head cheerleader drifted apart. I should have been concerned when Bob asked Larry for a date. The truth was that I was just too curious to see what would happen I just aided and abetted instead. Larry was even lovelier that night. They left and about a minute to midnight I heard Bob’s car drive up again. Of course I had prepared an unobtrusive view of the porch. Yes, there was a good-night kiss. Not a bad one. Really not a bad one.

Alex's jewelry business was gaining traction, thanks in large part to the invaluable support of her fellow consorts. They admired her designs and often showcased her pieces at events and social gatherings. Morgan, in particular, played a significant and irreplaceable role in promoting Alex's work. As a popular singer, Morgan's choice to wear Alex's custom jewelry during her performances was a game-changer, attracting attention and sparking interest in the unique designs.

Diva in Disguise Chapter 13

Diva in Disguise Chapter 9

Understandably, it was with a few misgivings that I set about readying myself for my first evening as a bar hostess. I had no real idea what that role might require of me. I’d made myself a light lunch, but I was too keyed up to have much appetite. All afternoon I was on tenterhooks, half-expecting the cop to show up. By the time I began my preparations for the evening ahead he still hadn’t done so. Perhaps I wouldn’t encounter the officer again.

Diva in Disguise Chapter 7

Diva in Disguise Chapter 6

Seeing Ryan again? That hadn’t been the plan. Despairingly I shook my head and broke free to run for the door. Once outside I saw that Karen was already in her car and reversing out of the parking space. Oblivious to my presence, she nearly ran into me as I hastened to the door on the passenger side. I had to hammer on the windshield before she turned and saw me. She sure was taking her part in our role play seriously!

Diva in Disguise Chapter 4

‘Meeting Chloe’

A ‘fresh start’ contest story.