She stared at the business signs that hung above the door. The third one read, Comfy Beginnings. In the window of the shop resided several blankets and coats. I do need a blanket. Perhaps I will stop there. After I get done in the clothing store.

The fourth store read If It Fits Keep it. This store looked like it was packed to the brim with various household items and some clothing pieces. I suppose I will try this one first. I know the next store is the fifth one. I passed two on my panic run.

Merci walked towards the front door and opened it. Upon opening it a little bell chimed alerting the working in the front of the room that there was a customer.

“Come in!” A female voice range out. “Don’t be shy!”

The store interior was warm and inviting. The design of the store was that of old and rustic as old wagon wheels of various sizes hung on the wall. Even some old horse shoes was placed evenly amongst the colorless, wooden walls, providing good luck to the simple shop.

There was a bit of dust that sat in places as this store appeared not to have many visitors. Merci didn't mind it. She was used to the smell of dust as it reminded her of the farm. The building was dimly lit and decently organized.

Merci walked towards the front of the store looking at things on the shelf as she passed them. Folded up blankets, used but decent looking clothes, shoes, backpacks, you name it this store had it.

I mean anything is better than the three shirts I have now right?

Merci didn't mind that the clothes weren't new here. She was used to used material as that was all that was given to her on the farm. So, she was pleased with the selection that was available for her.

“Hi there sweetie, what can I do for ya?” The female said with a caring and gentle voice. She sat the front counter had a head full of pretty long blonde hair, vibrant green eyes, freckled skin and a bit plunky.

“I am looking for a few outfits and a blanket.” Merci tried to say with confidence. However, she knew she faltered the statement. This experience was all new to her so she was unaware of how to act.

“What is your style dear?” The woman asked her unphased by Merci's faltered speech.

“Style?” Merci questioned with a blank stare.

“Yes, style. What do you prefer to wear?”

“I haven’t had much of a choice. I was just given these items.” Merci said as she motioned towards her overall appearance.

“Oh, you are a virgin in fashion! May I help you find a few pieces? Please….” The woman begged.

“I…Sure, I guess.” Merci said.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“Great!” The woman shouted with a smile on her face. “Follow me to my favorite section of the store, the dresses!” She led Merci to a rack of clothing with a variety of dresses. “I suppose you don’t know your size either do ya?” The woman questioned.

“Sorry.” Merci said with a shy voice.

“That’s alright. My name is Sophie. What is yours?” Sophie questioned.

“Merci.”

“Nice to meet ya! Now you look like my older sister Marry, she is a size six in a dress.” Sophie said as she pulled out a stunning deep blue dress that sparkled as the light hit it. “Follow me.” Sophie moved to an area that had a cloth attached for a door. “Change in here, let's see if this one fits.”

Merci nodded and took the dress. She stepped into the barren changing room and pulled the drape closed. In this small space there was a bench attached to a wall, a mirror, and a couple of hooks. Merci stripped off her clothing and slipped on the blue dress.

She looked at herself in the mirror and for once, felt pretty. The dress hugged her body perfectly and showcased her figure well. The color didn’t exactly match her red hair, but she loved how it made her feel and look.

She slipped off the dress and slipped back on her clothes and excited the changing space. “It fits and looks beautiful but I don’t think blue is my color.” Merci said.

“That’s alright! We at least know your size now. I have a gorgeous green dress with gold embroidered in this solute and size. Let me get it for you instead.” Sophie took the blue dress and grabbed a green one off the hanger.

She walked over to Merci and handed it to her. “Try it on. I think you will be pleased with it!” Sophie said with excitement.

“Thanks.” Merci said and walked back to that barren room and switched clothes.

Merci examined herself in the mirror. It’s stunning but I don’t know. I am a farm girl. This dress doesn’t scream farm.

She felt a wave of acceptance and approval wash over her, “Get the dress.” The voice told her.

She smiled at herself in the mirror. Well, I can’t say no now can I? She thought to herself. She quickly undressed and slipped back on her clothes.

“Alrighty, I will take this one.” Merci said with a smile.

“Great! That dress being a used piece, will be two gold.” She said. “You want some other clothing items?”

“Yes.”

“Like?”

“Shirts, pants, and shorts.” Merci said.

“Since you are a size four in a dress, you will need a small in shirts. The shirts are a silver a piece. How many are you wanting?”

“Five?” Merci said in question.

“Try this one on.” Sophie said.

The next ten minutes of Merci’s life she was handed several tops, pants, and shorts to try on. Out of everything, Merci picked out three short sleeve tops, three long sleeve, three tank tops, three pairs of pants, and a pair of shorts.

With the dress and the clothing items she had a total of two gold left. “How much is a blanket here?” Merci questioned.

“I’ll tell you what, since you and I are friends now, I will let you have the blanket for free.” Sophie said as she handed Merci a folded quilt and the items. “And take this new backpack. Your items might not fit in that one you have.”

“Thank you Sophie. I enjoyed talking shopping with you.”

“Anytime Merci. Please come back soon!” Sophie said after Merci paid with her platinum piece and walked out stuffing the quilt in her bag.

“Head back to the carriage. Now.” The voice in her head told her.

In a wave of panic Merci carried both bags and hurried towards the cart in haste.