(This series is a collaboration with my good friend Sanchez. His ideas, I ran with it. We will see how it evolves. He has a sound concept, and characters, I'm primarily piecing it all together and seeing how it plays out. We hope you enjoy our efforts. )
_______________________________________________________
MIDNIGHT Episode 002: I'MMATERIAL
_______________________________________________________
Midnight Isabella Amador sat on a bus that was supplied and operated by the Santee tribe of Caretaker, South Carolina. One that carried those financially less fortunate back and forth between work and the reservation. Midnight's home right on the border between the Rez and the White man's world to counter the fact her Mother Irene was full blooded Santee, her father Esteban, a Spaniard who chose to keep his wife as near to her heritage as much as possible. While her ride was not in going home but into the town of Caretaker itself population 4,500, she had places to be. Strangely drawn to the Man in Black sitting at the diner she worked at, her mind was caught between two worlds, much like her family. Where this other world resided, she was still trying to process.
Even with her stop nearing, Midnight reopened the note the man had left her and read it for the fifth time in ten minutes. Seeing the tiny drawing he did of a woman with her resemblance on her knees bowing she realized something new for the first time. The caricature was nude. Eyes flared, nostrils joining in, she smiled. Even now she wasn't fully grasping what it meant. All she knew was that she found the drawing appealing. With her bus slowing to a stop uptown Midnight got up and passed the driver. In leaving she shyly whispered, "Thank you Ernest." The driver a native Santee smiled back and shared, "See you on your way home Midnight." Stepping off Ernest admired her from behind without too much lust. He had known this girl her entire life, while she was beautiful, she seemed far too much like family. Door closed he proceeded on through town.
Midnight however perused shop windows. With not many actual clothing stores around town her choices were limited. In Caretaker there were no big business outlets, all mom-and-pop shops trying to make a living. It was better this way, keeping it all in the family. Family was important. Too bad her kin were so distant, her father away from home for long periods either working or drinking heavily at the local pubs. Close enough to alcoholic, his paychecks dwindled before the bills could be paid. Like many along the coastline he worked for a seafood delivery warehouse. Fresh catch, fresh on the table, in most cases.
Having exhausted the few shops along the strip mall circuit and coming up with no results she was losing hope. Her low self-esteem questioned why she was even thinking she could be what the Man in Black wanted. She had no idea what a relationship was outside of what she experienced at home, or in talking with her friends Veronica Redmane and her boyfriend Will Gullavant aka Gull as in seagull. They were inseparable and living together off the Rez here in Caretaker. Veronica studying theater wanted to be on Broadway, likely a pipe dream. Will a tradesman working only on commission with his father to build docks and decks for homes, other minor structural commitments if asked. A simple trade he learned from his grandfather, now retired.
Walking aimlessly wearing her waitress uniform, not wishing to go all the way home to change when she felt compelled to do her best in seeking the sundress the Man in Black requested her wear upon meeting tomorrow evening at sunset. Failure nipping at her heels she found herself sitting on a bench along the street. Seated there feeling sorry for herself she noted a very tiny fabric store called Willamina's. "I could make a dress. I must!" Jumping to her feet Midnight walks the next block over until entering the storefront. A pinging bell alerted the owner who was in the back room, followed by a portly elder possibly Willamina herself stepping out to greet her.
"Help you, Miss?"
"I am looking for fabric to make a sundress. It must be...sheer."
"I'm afraid I don't have anything that see through." She pondered looking about at her walls of fabric bolts. Walking in a waddle due to arthritis Willamina examined her inventory. "No one has ever asked for such so I never order anything sheer."
"It's alright! Thank you." Midnight was ready to call it a day. Turning to leave Willamina sensed the girl's emotions.
"Wait! I have an idea, but it is a long shot." Palm in the air she stepped into her back room and took a while in returning. Midnight hearing Willamina cursing and the sound of metal falling concerned her.
"Are you alright?"
"Rod fell down." Willamina called out just as she carried a curtain rod out with a sheer white set of curtains with embroidered white flowers sewn in. "Best I can offer Dear. They might need washed. Is this enough material for you?"
"I... believe so. Are you certain you want to give up your curtains?"
"You look sad...so let's brighten up your day. Yes...you can have the curtains free of charge."
"No! I will buy them." Something for free just did not feel right. All things come with a cost.
"Go across the street and buy me a milkshake, the curtains are yours." Willamina smiled pointing at an ice cream shop, "Buy yourself one too."
"Alright! What flavor?"
"Whatever you're having. I like surprises."
"Be right back." Midnight shyly grinned.
"Whip crème and a cherry on top." Willamina added as Midnight opened the door. Nodding Midnight left, crossing the street and entering the shop. Partial to vanilla she ordered two shakes, both with whip crème and a cherry. Paying quickly, she hurried back to Willamina's and shared the wealth. "Mmmm! Delicious! I've found that ice cream helps me when I'm troubled. Breakup?" She grew nosey.
"Breakup? No, I don't have a boyfriend."
"But you want one." Willamina winked sipping through her straw.
"I... don't know what I want."
"You do. It just takes time to learn what comes natural."
"There is... someone."
"See? The dress is for him, isn't it?"
"Yes."
"Making a nightie?" The pudgy woman winked.
"A sundress."