Over the following two weeks, Carly’s drunken suggestion had taken on a life of its own. Rachael had contacted a few of the local newspapers who not only ran an advert or two about the upcoming event but also interviewed Carly. These interviews had been carried out over the telephone of course as no one was to know what Carly looked like until after the promotion. Rachael had managed to persuade Carly that this was for the best as if they knew what she looked like it would be easier for people to pick her out.
Carly had contacted a trusted friend and makeup artist that she had gotten to know at university and asked her for her help. Ashleigh said she would be glad to help and that she would keep the secret. “It is different from what I have been doing lately. I have spent the last few weeks turning people into zombies it gets boring after a while.” She told Carly one day.
“From the undead to the never-living,” Carly said in reply.
“Yeah, I can’t wait,” Ashleigh said excitedly.
Michaela was really happy to see her friends getting on again. Who knows this might be good for their relationship long term she thought. The only thing that upset her was that she was not going to be working on the day that had been set and had to visit her mum but would try and pop in before the end of the day.
So that Saturday morning Carly and Ashleigh found themselves outside Rachael's shop door at 5.30 waiting for Rachael to arrive.
“You sure you can do this Carly?” Ashleigh asked.
“Do what, all I have to do is stand still all day that should be easy,” Carly answered confidently.
“There is a bit more to it than that.” Ashleigh tried to tell the young woman, but she wouldn’t hear about it.
“I know, I know but I know I can do this,” Carly told her.
“I am glad to hear it otherwise I have spent all this money on nothing,” Rachael said announcing her presence to the two women.
“You must be Rachael,” Ashleigh said reaching forward to introduce herself.
“I am you must be Ashleigh makeup artist extraordinary,” Rachael replied taking a hold of Ashleigh’s hand.
“I wouldn’t say that.” Ashleigh said.
“Now we all know each other can we go inside it's cold out here,” Carly asked.
“Of course, sorry,” Rachael said as her face turned slightly red.
“Nice place you have here,” Ashleigh said as the three of them went inside.
“Thanks, and with help from you I will be able to keep it running for a bit longer,” Rachael said as she led them to an area that she had set up at the back of the store.
“So where do we get set up?” Carly asked.
“Right here if there is enough room.” Came the answer
“This will do fine,” Ashleigh told Rachael
“Great I will go and get the outfit ready then,” Rachael said as she left.
“Outfit what is wrong with what I am wearing?” Carly asked as Rachael left the two women on their own.
“Think about it, Carly. You are supposed to be a normal mannequin in the shop so you will need to wear something that is sold here and not your clothes.” Ashleigh explained.
“I suppose so.” A rather disappointed Carly said.
“Good now that is settled time for you to strip,” Ashleigh told her
Carly stepped behind the curtain that had been set up in the small area and began to remove her clothes.
“I set this area up away from the normal changing area to stop anyone seeing anything that might tell them who is who when you are out on the shop floor,” Rachael said as she returned with the chosen outfit.
“Let me see,” Carly said excitedly as she stepped out from behind the curtain in her underwear.
Rachael was holding a blue sleeveless, calf-length denim dress. “I have had a mannequin standing in the spot where you will be wearing this same dress for the last few days so it will make it harder for people to spot you.” Rachael went on to say.
“You mean I will be wearing a dress that a mannequin has already been wearing out there?” Carly asked pointing to the main shop floor.
“I don’t see a problem with that It will make you seem more authentic,” Ashleigh said.
“I suppose so.” I dejected Carly replied.
“I will leave you two to things. Let me know when you need me.” Rachael said as she went to do some paperwork. She thought that since she was in the shop early, she might as well do something useful especially as she wasn’t able to help Ashleigh get Carly ready.
