6 -MY SON, THE BRIDESMAID

have guessed that you had such a knack for clothing design."

"I didn't know it was so much fun either!" the boy beamed at the acceptance of his suggestion.

His mother had this 'I've got an idea' look as she said, "You know what, why don't I help you design a complete dress from sketch to final stitch. You can surprise Trish with a special dress for her at Christmas."

"Really? You think I could do it?" the intrigued lad questioned.

"Sure! Don't you think you can dream up... say...a New Year's Eve number for your sister?"

"I guess I might. Sure, why not!" Robin proclaimed.

The next few weeks, Robin learned more and more about sewing and dress designs. His mother was amazed at the speed with which he absorbed the new knowledge, presumably foreign to a young man. She noticed his bedroom dresser was littered with copies of Vogue and similar fashion magazines. After many late night sketching sessions he presented his proposed design to his mother for her critique.

"Oh, that is gorgeous! I can't believe that you came up with this as your first design. I'm jealous!" raved Evelyn Wilkes about the dress sketches Robin showed her. They were for an evening dress with short, puffy sleeves, a bodice made up of elegant folds of dark satin, continuing into a slim, hip-hugging skirt to just above the knees. Robin even drew in accessories such as high heels, dark stockings, jewelry, even an upswept hairdo.

"I can't recommend any changes, it looks great. So you want to start making it today?" she added with a sly smile. "That would be great!" came the expected response.

It was decided that Robin should make two copies of the dress, one for his sister, and one for display in the boutique. The issue of size brought up an interesting conversation that at first didn't hold any great significance to the two, but may have triggered some of the events to

come.

"What size do I make the dresses, mom?"

TV FICTION CLASSICS -7

"Well, your sister is a perfect size 8... probably same as you silly," his mother replied. Evelyn Wilkes almost thought she noticed a slight twitch from Robin when she said those words.

"Uh? What do you mean... same as me?"

"Well, you are identical twins aren't you," mother continued, "same height, weight... maybe just a little different distribution, but then again Trish used to be a little flat-chested." Before Robin realized what she was doing, his mother had a tape measure out and was measuring his chest, waist and hips.

"See, you are a size 8,” she said smiling, then added just as a joke, "Now I know where to go when I need a size 8 dress tried on."

Again, Evelyn Wilkes noticed a reddening of the boy's cheeks.

The conversation was almost forgotten until several days later when Trish phoned home. Mother and daughter talked on and on about what they were doing at home and at college. Finally, Mrs. Wilkes couldn't resist and let Robin's secret out.

"Trish, I just have to tell you... but you have to promise not to ever let on that you knew," she said, as she lowered her voice to a conspirational whisper. There was no need to do this as Robin was out of the house doing some grocery shopping anyway.

"Of course, I promise, what's up?" Trish begged, now anxious to hopefully hear some gossip.

"Well, you know how I was saying that Robin has been an absolute natural at picking up dress designing and sewing skills?"

"Yeah, he sure sounds like he's into it," Trish replied with a knowing giggle.

"Well, Robin has designed a gorgeous New Year's Eve dress for you, and I'm helping him sew it, so he can give it to you as a Christmas present. But it's supposed to be a surprise!"

"Making a dress? Oh, that little sweetheart. I really love him, he's always so considerate. I've got to think of something special to get him, too," Trish responded.