Two weeks had passed since Alex began her training at Mrs. Thomas' Fashion School, and every day felt like stepping into a new world.
The work was hard — cutting, stitching, measuring, ironing — but Alex loved it. The hum of sewing machines and the colorful fabrics stacked in every corner made her feel alive.
Among the learners, she had found a new friend — Mia.
Mia was everything Alagna wasn't — fast, loud, dramatic, and full of life. Born and raised in the bustling city, she knew every shortcut, every café, and every way to get what she wanted. She also had a deep, passionate love for food, which always amused Alex since Mia was as slim as a reed.
"Whenever you cut a piece of fabric," Mrs. Thomas said one morning, her gentle voice filling the room, "make sure to add allowance. Even if there's a mistake, you'll still have space to correct it."
Alex nodded, taking notes carefully. She admired Mrs. Thomas — not just for her skill, but for her kindness. The woman treated every student like her own child.
As the class ended that day, the students packed up their fabrics and scissors.
"Mia," Alex said, folding her notebook, "when are you going to the supermarket to buy brown papers — and those pastries you gave me last week? They were heavenly."
Mia groaned dramatically. "Ugh, not this week. My mom caught me eating sweets again and said I won't get money until I 'learn self-control.'" She mimed her mother's scolding voice, and Alex laughed.
"Okay then, just tell me when you're going. I'll come with you — we can call it a girls' date," Alex teased.
"Deal! A girls' date it is!" Mia grinned, her eyes twinkling.
They parted ways at Mia's street corner, and Alex continued toward Clara's canteen, where she helped with errands each evening.
~~~
A Few Days Later
"Alex, we'll be attending a party this weekend," Clara announced as she counted the day's earnings. "Get some nice fabric for you and me — and buy a pair of earrings too. Here's some money."
Alex smiled, pocketing the cash. "Okay, I'll get everything we need."
The market buzzed with energy that afternoon. After an hour of bargaining, Alex returned with two beautiful fabrics — one emerald green, one soft gold — and matching earrings.
Clara gasped. "Wow! These are perfect! I love them!"
They decided to close early since business was slow.
"Tom's traveling for the week," Clara said as they walked home. "So tonight, it's just us — suya, cold cola, and the new season of Nikita! Yey!"
Alex laughed. "Sister, you and your action movies!"
That night, the sisters stayed up late, munching spicy suya and cheering at every fight scene. They talked, laughed, and forgot, for a moment, how hard life could be.
~~~
The Next Morning
When Alex arrived at the fashion school, Mia stared at her.
"Girl, what's with the eye bags? Did you fight someone in your sleep?"
Alex yawned, chuckling. "No. I stayed up till 2 a.m. watching Nikita with my sister. Totally worth it."
"Unbelievable," Mia said, shaking her head with a smile.
The laughter ended when Mrs. Thomas entered the class, and the sewing machines soon hummed to life again.
Later that week, the girls finally made their long-awaited supermarket trip.
"These pastries are so good," Alex said between bites, "but they cost too much."
Mia nodded, her mouth full. "I know. But good things don't come cheap!"
They laughed, moving from aisle to aisle, buying brown paper, ribbons, and more snacks than they needed. By the time they left, their bags were full — and their pockets empty.
As the sun dipped, Alex headed straight home, expecting Clara to still be at the canteen. To her surprise, she found her sister already there.
"You came home late today. What happened?" Clara asked, noticing the tired look on Alex's face.
"I went to the supermarket with Mia," Alex said, dropping her bag with a sigh. "And I got you those pastries I told you about."
She raised her feet playfully, grinning. "Now, reward me with a leg massage, please!"
Clara laughed and threw a napkin at her. "You and your drama! Bring the pastries first."
As laughter filled the small living room, Alex realized something she hadn't felt in years — peace.