Chapter 7
There were many reasons I'd accept an invitation to a Formula 1 race. Firstly, it was a Formula 1 race and with me being such a fan of the sport, I'd have gone to pretty much any event to do with the sport if given the chance. Secondly, it was the Monaco Grand Prix. A prestigious event filled with glamour and glory. The jewel in the sport's crown. Also, I'd be spending nearly a week in a beautiful county to observe such an event and most importantly, with a beautiful country.
Of course, if there was one downside with all the prestige and glamour, it was the formality that came with it. Not that I'd have a problem with being formal, but as soon as I told Australia, who was downstairs from my room at the time that I'd been invited to see the race, the first thing he mentioned was dressing like a "proper" lady. Not something I did very often, given my generally tomboyish tendencies from being raised by Australia, Sydney and New Zealand. All three of them were males after all.
Australia though, knew about my predicament quite well, so before going any further or giving me a chance to reply to his previous comment, he spoke up. "Since neither you nor me are all too familiar with shopping for formal girls' wear, I think it may be best that I put you into contact with someone who might be able to help." He started to text somebody before appearing to send it and then pause for thought.
"I should say a couple of things though. I don't know him all that well, but I'm sure he'll be able to help you. Although, he is quite…odd."
"Hold on." I said, a little confused "Him? He? So you suggest I go shopping for a weeks' worth of formal wear with a guy?"
Australia grinned even wider than usual "Trust me. Soon as you see him, you'll understand why I chose him. But that won't be for a few days, since you still need to rest your arm. It's going to be strange enough for you without having to do it one-handed as well!"
At that, I decided to just smile and nod, having no idea who was going to be helping me to decide what to wear to the Grand Prix and headed back upstairs to go and rest. It had been an eventful time to say the least and with Australia being so adamant that I rest myself, I decided it would be best if I did just that. It would give me a chance to collect my thoughts anyway. Being an artist meant I had high potential to be emotional, but with recent new emotions for one particular new person to me, thrown in with even more recent flat out confusion that had me thinking "What guy would Australia choose to take me shopping?" I had even more thinking to do. I needed to occupy myself. Possibly a drawing. I could do that with just my left hand. I'd already started it anyway and wanted it to be finished soon. Before I went to the Grand Prix.
A few days later, I'd had both my sling and my cast taken off of my arm and had to go shopping with the mystery guest Australia had decided would come and help me pick some things to wear. Australia had decided that he didn't need to be watching over me any longer, so he went back to Canberra, leaving me alone as usual. I'd gotten myself ready as I normally did for a morning. Before long, there was a knock on my door, so I went and opened it. Stood before me was a man with blonde hair which was just a bit longer than mine, going down to his chin's level, as well as green eyes and the most noticeable thing about him, was a frilly pink shirt that he was wearing.
"May I help you?" I asked politely, unsure as to who this was, but my initial thoughts were to be confirmed as he replied
"Girl, this is, like, about how I can help you!" He spoke in what seemed to be an east European accent and pointed at me kind of forcefully "Your brother said you needed some new clothes for an event and you totally do! I mean, you can't, like dress like that! You dress even more masculine than me!"
I looked down at my attire and it was a normal t-shirt with a pair of shorts. It wasn't special because it didn't need to be. Shopping was never a big deal for me. And given my usual sarcastic impulses, I had to avoid pointing out how feminine he was anyway, so I just smiled and answered.
"Well, I think you're the one who's best placed to help me choose some nice clothes. So I'm thankful for your assistance." I spoke politely because, of course, I had an ulterior motive. I needed to impress a certain someone.
*Sounds like you totally get it! I'm Poland and I'll be sure that you get some totally stylish clothes to wear!"
Without giving me a chance to introduce myself, he pretty much dragged me out and we ended going around a lot of clothes stores. Admittedly, by the time I'd gotten back home and Poland had left, I was quite tired and fed up of shopping for a while. The important thing was, though, that I'd gotten my formal dresses that I'd need and my choices had received Poland's seal of approval. One dress even had him saying "Girl, if Liet wasn't like, mine already I'd totally let you meet him!"
I was better off not thinking about it. I was tired of the words "like" and "totally" and could have done without confusing myself any further at that point. There was just the underlying thought that covered the whole scenario; I was set to be Monaco's guest of honour at her Grand Prix.
