She looks at herself in the mirror. Black boots. Beautiful black and white tartan print skirt that stops suddenly just above the knees. Light grey top, that hugs her figure tightly. The outfit suits her, and she almost looks like she has hips. Finishing her hair, she tries to motivate herself. It's quite early, and she is going into town, because she has to, not because she wants to. A lie-in would have been lovely. But, it's 4 hours sleep and an early start.
The wind from last night is still swirling around as she leaves the house. Boots click on the driveway as she eases into the walk. The skirt is riding up already. This Go-Go Girl is going to attract attention today. With a small black leather jacket on, and her hair up, she click clacks he way across the park on the path, and towards the bus stop. Ten skirt rearrangements, half a dozen curses at the wind, and five minutes later, she is just in time to catch her bus. The drivers eyes flicker a moments recognition when she asks for her ticket to town. That half second pause as the truth registers in his mind and he then continues normally with the ticket printing. She's used to this now. Everyone is usually really nice. The shop girls sometimes do that too. Then smile and be professional.
Sitting in the double seat area just behind the driver, she knows this will be a little bit testing. Normally she is dressed more conservatively for this journey. In her mind, the outfit seems to be very work like. Perfect for an office maybe. But, she suspects that it would not look out of place down by the harbor. Especially when the skirt rides up and basically becomes a mini. Her mood is not great, but, these are the days when you have to just do it. Fuck you wind! Fuck you skirt! Lets do this! It's just her and the driver down here, as she quietly gives herself a pep talk.
It's warmer and less windy in town. Walking through Union Square from the bus station gives her a chance to let down her hair, and enjoy a minute of calm weather free walking . Glad of the smooth floor, she breezes through to the main doors and exits onto the plaza. Daintily she tip taps up the steps onto Guild Street and makes her way up town for her appointment.
Well, that took longer than expected. She leaves the building, the only thought now on her mind is a toilet. The Trinity Centre is nearby, she decides to brave Union Street. The skirt has a mind of its own. It is determined to show off her thighs. Clair is starting to not care about its ever shortening properties. So, it rides up, exposing her slim legs. The men look. It feels like they all look. Even some of the women. Deep breathes babes..deep breathes.
There is something very relaxing about shopping centres. Maybe it's just the combination of elevator music quietly coming from unseen speakers, the break from the wind and the ambling of the early morning shoppers. She slows her pace and clicks her way downstairs to the ladies toilets.
Sweetly relieved, she makes her way back through the Centre and out the side entrance onto Bridge Street. A black van toots its horn and she looks over, seeing the driver looking back. Oh my God! She has no idea if she likes this or not. In the moment, she just continues down the hill, thighs bared, hips swinging. She will process this later. For now, she watches every second of her life before her, turn into steps towards home.
She has done this journey into town and back a dozen times before. Legging, sandals and a white summer dress that flares at the hips. Incognito to the world. Slipping by pedestrians who go about their day. Today is different. Part of her wishes that she had stuck with what she knew. The safe. The Familiar. But, that would have been easy. You have to push the boundaries and force yourself out of the comfort zone. When the wind blows your hair and your skirt misbehaves, just keep clicking on. Experience is everything. Everything is experience.
