Following their heartfelt reunion, Sol and Rosita departed. Rosita wasn't too keen on her leaving so soon or taking shopping so seriously. Sure, they would shop, but after a few days, once she was fully recovered.
Sol: Oh my God, this is a real treat, so exciting!
Five minutes later... Sol looked like a cat clinging to the sides of the carriage, belatedly realizing it was nothing like a cart on a paved street of her time, but rather on a dirt road riddled with endless imperfections.
Rosita: What's the matter, miss?
It’s worth noting that Rosita was already used to it.
Sol: Had I known this would be so uncomfortable and not like in the movies, I would have come on horseback.
Rosita: But what are you saying, miss? You've always enjoyed carriage rides. Besides, horseback riding is not befitting of a lady... And what's a movie?
Sol: Ah, um, it's just a word I made up, hehe, never mind. And yes, the carriage is uncomfortable because I haven't fully recovered... oh, what a relief.
Rosita: But miss, perhaps we should head back?
Sol: No way, we're almost there.
Rosita: Miss, we're only halfway there.
Sol: What? No kidding, I think I'll have to invent shock absorbers to stop suffering on these trips.
Rosita: Miss, why do you say such odd things, using words you've never said before?
Sol: Darn it... remember, my brain isn't completely healed yet. Just be patient with me.
Rosita: Of course, miss.
Sol: Please, stop with the 'miss, miss, miss,' it's making me dizzy. Just call me Sol.
Rosita: But miss—
Sol: No buts, that's an order.
Rosita: All right, S... Sol.
Sol: That sounds better.
After a while, they arrived downtown, where there was something like a market. On nearby streets were shops of various kinds, some selling clothes, others jewelry, kitchenware, and so on.
Sol: For a period place, this is quite nice. It reminds me of when I went to Tila, Chiapas... I said to myself, as I obviously couldn't openly talk about it.
Well, Rosita took me to the stores I usually visited, but I found nothing to my liking, all the dresses were full of fabric upon fabric, but the worst was the infinite bows, ruffles, or beading they had. Although they were authentic, it was excessive.
I also requested to speak with each store's dressmaker for my own designs, but they deemed them too revealing to make. It wasn't that they were revealing, the problem was that I asked for women's trousers and they refused, and the same happened when I mentioned the type of underwear. Tired of the refusals, I kept walking until I reached a store where the famous commoners shopped.
Rosita: Miss, I don't think you should go in there. If someone sees you, they might talk about you and your preferences.
Sol: I told you not to call me miss, call me Sol. Besides, I don't care what gossipers say; I'm looking for someone to make my designs, and since no one will, it can't hurt to give someone else a chance and possibly find a partner.
Rosita: Alright, Sol, let's go.
Sol smiled, having won the argument with Rosita; she linked arms with her and pulled her into the store.
After browsing, Sol chose a couple of dresses; while the fabric quality wasn't the best, that could change.
Sol: So, ma'am, what do you say? Can you make my designs? I'll give you half the money you need for the best fabrics, and the other half when you deliver. If I like them, I promise to make you my exclusive dressmaker.
Ana: Miss, the designs you show me are quite bold. Women don't wear trousers; you'll be frowned upon in society. And as for the underwear, it barely covers the essentials.
Sol: That's the point, to cover only the essentials. Look, make my order and one for yourself to wear around your house. After you've tried it, let me know how it feels. Plus, if things go well, we could partner and turn your shop into a boutique that outshines the rest.
Ana sighed; although she acknowledged the novelty of dresses, trousers, and intimate apparel was innovative, she feared society would brand her as indecent.
Ana: Alright, miss, but I don't want you telling anyone that I made your clothes, not until they're tested and begin to be accepted. I can't risk having my shop shut down as immoral; my children need to eat every day. I hope you understand and don't take offense.
Sol: It's fine, I get it. I'll make sure this clothing is accepted by women, and after that, you and I will be partners. Is that acceptable?
Ana: That's acceptable, miss.
After persuading the woman to undertake her designs, the two women walked back to the carriage. Just the thought of the long journey ahead made Sol feel queasy. She would soon seek a blacksmith to create shock absorbers and somehow fit them onto the carts for a more comfortable ride.
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