The Able Sisters

Chapter 34

Business was booming more than ever for Labelle in the city. The immediate hype following GracieGrace's opening had now calmed some. No longer were they running out of items every day as many of the rich animals had run off with Gracie's collection long ago.

Labelle was able to calm some. Her paychecks kept coming in, and she planned to save up for a better apartment. She was able to spend her money freely to enjoy better food and better clothes. All seemed to be coming together.

Her work day consisted of helping animals find products, and, of course, encouraging them to buy. Gracie was only there half the time now, focusing on her upcoming collection of the next season in the meantime.

When Labelle wasn't working, she was often by Gracie's side, making suggestions. Gracie would nod and listen, and sometimes, she'd take Labelle's thoughts into account. It made her feel on top of the world.

"Why don't you hire any more employees?" Labelle asked Gracie one day.

"You're the only fashionable one I trust, darling," Gracie told her. "You're handling the position very well. The shop isn't busy enough to need more employees."

Labelle nodded, but she still wondered if the work days would eventually take a toll on her. She worked day and night for her job, but it was also something she loved.

On the days Gracie did come around the shop, sometimes she'd stand in the corner and lecture animals about their fashion choices. There were some times that Labelle winced when she heard the giraffe's harsh words, but she supposed it was bound to happen. After all, the shop was becoming a tourist attraction, and it was clear many couldn't afford what they sold.

Near the end of spring, Labelle headed to work one day. The morning was as usual as ever. A few animals drifted in and out, but not too much. She sold a nice pair of sunglasses, and that was about it. Prior to noon, not many ventured into the shop.

Once it got into afternoon, the store was bustling with excitement. Crowds began to gather, and more purchases were made, but it was nothing like that first week or so of opening.

Labelle was rearranging some clothes after some customers had messed up when she heard a shot in the background.

"Sable!"

Labelle froze and did not turn around. She had not heard that name in years. Was her sister here? All of the sudden, her limbs began to tremble, and she felt frozen in place.

"Sable, what are you doing here?"

The voice was foreign, yet there was no doubt whoever was speaking was clearly speaking her sister's name.

"Where's Mabel?"

Labelle felt her heart pounding now. Whoever was speaking most certainly knew her family. Now her younger sister had joined into the mess.

She nearly jumped as a brown paw touched her shoulder. She spun around and found herself face-to-face with a raccoon. He looked kind of familiar. Perhaps she had passed him in the village back home.

He immediately released his paw, probably realizing that she wasn't Sable.

"I--" he stammered.

"I am not Sable," Labelle said, trying to be as a calm as possible. She had no idea who this raccoon was, but apparently her sister was acquainted with him.

Just one look told her he was from town. He was trying to make an effort with his clothes, but it wasn't working. His friendly demeanor seemed all too country-like. Yes, he was most likely from Animal Village.

"I know. I'm sorry. You looked like..." His voice trailed off, then his eyes widened, as if he were making a realization.

"Wait a second...are you--"

Labelle's heart began to pound again. He must've realized she was the sister that had left years ago. She knew the news probably got around the town quickly. The town was small enough that no bit of gossip was left private.

"I don't know who you are or what you're talking about. I don't know who Sable or Mabel are, and I certainly have no recollection of ever meeting them."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Not too many hedgehogs around here, you know?"

Labelle was not amused. She just glanced at him, wanting him to leave as soon as possible.

"I'm sorry. I won't bother you again." He immediately ducked out of the shop, leaving Labelle to collect her thoughts.

She grasped onto the mannequin she was fixing, her limbs still shaking. Her heart was beginning to slow now, but she had never been so terrified in her life. Whoever that raccoon was, he knew her siblings, which meant they were still in town, still alive, hopefully doing well.

Labelle had been close to being discovered. She wasn't sure what the raccoon would've done if he had found out she was Sable's sister. She was still shaking and still fearful. She didn't know why the whole experience had been so terrifying. Would it have been bad to hear of her family? But she knew they would never forgive them for what she had done. Perhaps it was best that she had lied to Tom.

The whole rest of the day, Labelle was in a state of shock. All her tasks were done half-heartedly, and even Gracie had to remind her to pick up the pace.

When the work day was finally done, Labelle put off working with Gracie and headed back home. As soon as she walked into her apartment, she collapsed on her bed.

Tears began to form in her eyes, and she held herself with her arms. She cried and cried, not even quite sure what she was crying about.

What if Sable and Mabel had been there like she first thought? How would she react? What would she even say? 

There was a new fear that they'd come to the city now. It had been a few years, and they had never once contacted her or came to the city, but now...there was the possibility. 

Labelle doubted they would greet her with arms open, but she didn't know if they would treat her maliciously either. She did wonder what they were up to now though. Was Mabel getting bigger every day? Had Sable reopened the shop?

Labelle knew the only way was to find out for herself, but she wasn't ready yet. Today's encounter had been terrifying enough, and she guessed it would probably be years before she even considered heading back home for a visit.