Mallory's Bane

The stifled screams of Mallory filled her room as she sat up in her bed gasping for air. The cold droplet of sweat rolling off of her and onto the sheets below. Another nightmare but at least this one was shattered by the gentle cooing noise of her phone. Floundering around Mallory eventually located the accursed object and with annoyance poke to see why it dared awake her from her slumber.

"You have a text message."

"Who in their right mind fucking texts someone at eight in the morning!"

"Mallory I didn't think to ask this when we met prior but do you need me to put together an outfit for you?"

"Fucking Stella of course she would be the one! Oh if the money was any worse and this bitch was at least somewhat decent. Ughhh!"

Mallory through her general annoyance actually contemplated her requirements and her current wardrobe. Unfortunately she didn't actually own an evening dress that would be of standard for a black tie event held by the Amastacia family. Furthermore the funds required to get something suitable would probably feed Val and herself for at least a month.

"Attire for the event would be appreciated. Also I said to call me Lorelai." texted Mallory

"Noted and Noted. Would you rather I carry you shopping, send you to my private tailor or send funds directly to you for your own acquisition?"

Even after mulling it over for several minutes Mallory couldn't come to an answer. However whenever Mallory was stumped she tended to rely on one person, Val. Dragging herself out of bed she made her way into Valerie's room to find her sister currently asleep. With a flop she fell into bed next to Val as she slowly poked Val's cheek until the poor girl woke from slumber.

"Hmm? What's wrong Lory?"

"I don't have anything to wear to the charity thing and I honestly don't know what I should wear?"

"Ummm ... We could try to look online or at some magazines but maybe what's her name would know?"

"Well she did ask if I wanted to go shopping with her or if I wanted to go to her private tailor?"

"I am not sure but I feel like going with her might be better. Might be more public I guess and she would be there to give her opinion on stuff."

"Honestly, I had a similar idea! Hey Val, are you going to your swimming classes?"

"Oh yeah they are this afternoon!"

"Okays! Hey wanna go grab dinner later or are you picking something on the way home?"

"You know I like it whenever we get a chance to share a meal together."

"Tee-hee! You're the cutest sis! Okays go back to sleep or do you need big sis to sing you a lullaby like old times?"

Valerie's response was a pillow directly to Mallory's face to wipe the smirk right off her face. With a small giggle Mallory scampered back to her room to organize a date, time and boundaries with Stella. Those details turned out to be just after lunch today at the main market square. With that tedious business Mallory happily sank back into her comfy sheets and dozed off.

Mallory woke up to the savory scents of curry for lunch. Sneaking out her room she headed into the kitchen she found Valerie putting the final touches on a simple but delicious meal. Without even asking Mallory made her way into the kitchen to set their small dining table.

"Thanks you Val!"

"No problem Lory. Plus anytime I can keep you out of my kitchen the better."

"Hey!"

"No offense sis we both know who the better cook is."

"I am not a half bad cook!"

"You tried to boil rice without water before."

"That was one time!"

"One time too many!"

This playful banter was something that happily filled the space between both sisters. With a table set and a delicious meal partaken of Mallory headed off to make her preparations for the shopping trip. Mallory could feel the small flutter's of butterflies in her tummy because it has been awhile since she had gone clothes shopping in person. Mallory highly believed in minimizing social contact and as such tended to order things online and even that was infrequent.

Mallory may have walked into her room but Lorelai walked out wearing a simple blue sundress with floral patterns that match her eyes. With everything gathered Lorelai set out but not before giving Val one last hug so she could muster up as much of her social battery as possible.

Lorelai thought she would be there first as she was fifteen minutes early but it seems Stella beat her there. Stella was dressed in a simple flowing white blouse and dark brown knee length skirt which showed off her slender thighs. As Mallory continued along her path towards the waiting Stella she couldn't help but wonder how many more potential clients Stella would attract by her appearance alone if she had Mallory's job.

"Hey you are here early. Had nothing better to do?"

"Nope, just decided to grab a bite at a lovely cafe just down the road before our meeting is all."

"I see. So Stella, where are we off to?"

"Well firstly, are you a dress or suit person? I know Lorelai seems to wear more traditionally feminine clothing but however you wish to present yourself is up to you. I am already putting you in a unique position so I much rather you be as comfortable as possible."

"Oh whatever suits your taste Stella." said Lorelai with a dainty smile.

"Ah I see we are going with this approach. If you truly wish to play this game Lorelai then I hope you have some comfy walking shoes."

For some reason those simple words filled Lorelai with deep dread especially since it was coupled with a devious grin from Stella. Regret began to boil to Lorelai's surface but before she could offer it up Stella clasped her hand firmly around Lorelai's before gently guiding her towards purgatory.