Who is on First?

Conversations in a vintage clothing boutique. A true story.

Mystique, the enormous painting and matron of the boutique, laughed from the wall as she recalled the two young women. “What a blast those two were and they didn’t even know each other.”

“Strangers in a mirror,” one of the bolero jackets said.

The two slim girls jostled for space in front of the full length mirror. Both had chosen the same design but in different colors. They eyed each other, uncertain of their choice. Their eyes seeped questions at their own images in the mirror. Should they swap? She looks nice — but I look nice — The white is innocent, but he black is sexy, no?

The dilemma swirled in their bodies.

Noelle, the local girl with her faithful dog Mok, who squeezed into the bottom of the photo, spoke first. She knew the other girl was a tourist from her conversation with the owner, Yoshiko. She didn’t want to fight for the white sweater, but was considering getting both the black version and the white. “I’ll … I’ll be yin to your yang.”

“No, I’m yin.” The other girl’s Australian confidence blurted out.

“No, I’m Yin?”

“Who’s first?” Noelle asked.

The Auzzie picked up the game. “What?”

“No, what’s on second,” Noelle quipped.

“What?” Yoshiko was puzzled the two girls were facing off in front of the mirror. “Sorry, ah.. Who is where?”