“Let’s introduce you to the other apprentices.” Myra knocked on the first door they reached at the top of the stairs, where Sharna had sensed the two people earlier, and a voice from inside invited them to enter.

The room was large and bright, there were twin beds and bedside tables, wardrobes and two large desks; each with their own comfortable looking chair.

One side was neat and orderly, with a sewing machine, cottons, fabrics and haberdashery organised in pigeon holes above the desk.

The other had what appeared to be lumps of clay and bottles of dye, rolling pins, paint brushes and moulding tools scattered all over the desk, with some kind of white powder spilt over everything, and also a plate of cupcakes.

Not sure what she was looking at, Sharna turned her attention to the women who had stood as they entered.

One was dark and very pretty, an apron over her dress and more of the white powder smudged over her forehead. She was smiling nervously, wringing her hands together in front of her.

At the neater desk, a much taller woman stood relaxed in short overalls, with light hair and features, smiling warmly as the three entered.

“These are two of your fellow apprentices, Eliza and Gabby.” Myra explained.

Eliza was the neat one and Gabby was the messier.

“This is our newest apprentice Sharna. You can all get to know each other later, I'm just showing Sharna around.”

“Lovely to meet you both, I'm so looking forward to working together.” Sharna smiled at them both which seemed to help Gabby relax and she returned her smile with warmth.

“We're looking forward to it too!” exclaimed Eliza. “And I know Gogo has been so excited to have a roommate of her own. We'll have lots of time to get to know each other when you've settled in.”

Gabby nodded and smiled in agreement as Myra led Sharna to the next room.

This was where she had felt the person pacing when she had been creating her image.

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Myra knocked on the door, it immediately crashed open and someone flew out and smothered Sharna in a big hug.

“I'm so happy to have you here! I'm Gogo and I know we're going to be best friends!” She pulled back and looked at the surprised Sharna. “You're so pretty, what's your name?”

Myra interjected. “This is Sharna, maybe give her a little space to settle in before you attack her so that we don't scare her away.”

“Sorry!” said Gogo, pulling back a little, unrepentant. “I've just been waiting so long for you to get here and I was worried you wouldn't pass but here you are!”

Gogo was petite with purple hair in half pigtails, and was dressed in an interesting asymmetrical shift dress.

Sharna smiled widely, she was not used to this kind of energy but deeply appreciated the enthusiasm. “I'm so glad to meet you too, I've been looking forward to having a roommate. I've never shared a room before.”

“Me either, let's grab your stuff and move you in!”

Gogo peered around them both and spotted Sharna's bags in the hall. She darted out to grab them while Sharna looked around the room that they would be now sharing.

It was a copy of the other bedroom that she had already seen, spacious and with lots of natural light.

Someone had obviously brought in a fresh vase of flowers that morning and put it on the table beside the unoccupied bed. A thoughtful touch that made her feel even more welcome.

“I'll leave you to settle in.” Myra smiled at her. “We won't get you started on any work until tomorrow, and as a beginner here, less will be expected of you to start with until we get you up to speed. You'll probably need some rest after your big morning. Gogo can show you the rest of the upstairs.” She left them and headed down the stairs.

Gogo shut the door behind her gently and immediately launched back into her questioning.

“So are you planning to be here for long? What’s your extra image-materialisation area going to be? Are you happy sleeping in the bed on the left because I can swap if you’d feel more comfortable? What’s your favourite colour?”

Grinning, Sharna cut her off. “Slow down! I can only answer one question at a time! I want to stay here for a very long time, I don’t know yet, at least.. I have some ideas but need to work on them, and I am very happy with either bed. And probably yellow..? Have you been here for long? And what’s your specialisation?”

“I’ve been here for ages!” Gogo replied. “Seven months already! And I -” she struck a grand pose, throwing her arm gracefully towards her desk that was piled high with swatch books and fabric samples. “- Am an interior designer.”

She looked proudly at Sharna, obviously awaiting her impressed response.

“What’s an interior designer?” asked Sharna, bemused.

Gogo’s shoulders dropped.

“I redecorate people’s rooms, I can change colours and patterns so that they have a whole new space to live in.”

Her dejection was short lived, she became more excited as she spoke, interior design was clearly a passion project of hers.

“I’m getting more popular around our area as more people are introduced to my work. Changing up your living space can cost a lot of money but everyone loves a fresh new look! I’ve just started charging for my work now that I’ve had some experience, but my rates are much lower than a whole bunch of new fabrics and paying someone to reupholster your furniture.”

She lowered her voice conspiratorially. “I’m trying to convince Eliza to ditch the dolls and come and join me to sew up holes so that nothing needs replacing, but she keeps blowing me off for her doll stuff. It’s crazy!”

“Doll stuff?”

Sharna had noticed the sewing stuff around but assumed it was some variant of Myra’s dress refinishing work.

“Yeah, she makes dolls, they are beautiful and really in demand but just IMAGINE what we could do together! No one could compete!”

Sharna couldn’t quite picture what image-materialisation had to do with dolls but shrugged it off, she would find out soon enough.