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Annabel

Annabel lived and worked in Bristol, her flat being situated in Clifton.She was a 'dedicated follower of fashion' and loved the styles of the late'60s. She was a dishy brunette and quite tall. In some ways conventional, she preferred skirts to trousers. As regards outerwear, she had fallen for capes and was keen to find one that was dual purpose (rain repellant and warm).

She set off one Saturday in March for Broadmead and browsed through the big stores. At last she found what she was after, a light blue gabardine cape with dark blue facings to emphasise the arm slits (like the one in Mackintosh magazine) and other features. She tried it on and loved what she saw in the mirror.

Soon it was paid for and over her arm as she wandered round.

She was going out with boyfriend Carl in the evening and longing to show off her new acquisition. She stepped out into the street and made her way to the bus stop. As she did so, the first drops of rain fell so up went her umbrella and on went her cape. She felt a glow as she fastened the buttons and raised the hood, and people glanced at her.

Carl was due at 6pm and she was ready, looking elegant in a royal blue dress. Carl arrived and they greeted each other: and then Annabel donned her cape.

Carl looked on mesmerised as she did up the buttons and raised the hood, after which her arms slid away, saying jokingly that he would have to keep his hands to himself! However he told her she looked dishy and very romantic. 

They set out for the Grand Spa, with many admiring glances along the way. When they arrived, many of their friends were there and they told Annabel how much they liked her cape. They went to the dining room where they were relieved of outer garments, and enjoyed their meal.

Afterwards they went to the ballroom and danced the night away.

Too soon it came to an end and Carl was dropping her cape over her shoulders. She flashed him a smile as she fastened the buttons and pulled up the hood. It was a starlit night with the moon shining as they made their way home, Annabel with her arms safely inside.

Home at last, and she was held in Carl's embrace - but not before she had managed to get her arms out to hold him. Carl called her a little red riding hood with the blues! In a moment her hood fell backwards, her cape open - and then, at last, abandoned...

There is after all, as taught of old, only one thing that is good in itself...

John

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