Navigation

• Home
• About
• Contact
• Forum
• Photos
• Stories
• Links

Stats

• Story: Puffycoatfan

• Last updated: 3rd November 2006

Puffycoatfan

"Pretty in Paula's Pink Puffy Coat "

CHAPTER 1

"Well, here we are," said Pam to her teenage daughter Paula as they pulled up to their new home.

"Wow; it's so much bigger than our old home! I love it!" replied Paula.

Pam had just accepted a promotion to her company headquarters in Augusta, Maine. Although Paula certainly missed her friends back in Miami, Florida, she was also eager to make a fresh new start in her new home.

"I just realized something!" said Pam. "We still haven't gotten you a new coat, and you'll most definitely need one here up north. Let's go to the mall and see what they have. School starts this Monday and we have all your other back-to-school things, but we'll still need to get you a coat."

"Okay," replied Paula.

As they entered the local Augusta Mall, they looked around and saw a store named Carol's Coat Closet. Pam handed Paula a credit card and said, "Here, pick out any coat you'd like no matter what the cost. I'll meet you back here in about a half hour or so."

"Thanks, Mom!" said Paula.

Paula simply could not believe all the different kinds of coats they had in this store! There were denim jackets, varsity jackets, faux fur coats, and many others. But Paula knew what kind of coat she really wanted. She had always seen many celebrities in magazines and TV wearing these puffy looking coats, but wasn't sure what they were called. In any event, she had always wanted to wear one, but they simply did not exist back in Miami, where it's 80-something degrees all year long.

"Hi, can I help you?" said a female voice. Paula turned around and saw a woman in her late 20s or so. She saw her name tag which read, "Carol, Owner".

"Yes," Paula started to explain, but then she stopped after noticing what Carol was wearing. It was a beautiful puffy black coat that was zipped up about halfway.

"I want a big puffy coat, like yours!" Paula said.

"Okay, let me take you over to our down coat section."

Down coats. That's what they were called, Paula thought to herself as she browsed the selection. As she was browsing, she noticed something that caught her eye. It was without a doubt the most beautiful coat she ever seen. It was a bright pink down coat, and it looked at least twice as puffy as the one Carol was wearing! Maybe triple! It also had a very high zip up collar that was folded down, but looked like it could go up at least 4-5 inches. As she has always been a very feminine "girly-girl", with her long blonde hair that went down past her bottom and her inch long pink fingernails, she knew she wanted a coat that was her favorite color, like this one.

"I want to try this pink one," said Paula as she handed the coat to Carol.

"Sure, here you go," said Pam as she took the coat off the rack and handed it out to Paula so she could try it on. As Paula put her left arm inside the left sleeve, it was a feeling unlike anything she felt before. It was as if her arm was surrounded by big puffy clouds of pink cotton candy. This was even more so as she put her other arm in the right sleeve. After she pulled her hair out of the inside of the coat, she then looked at herself in the full length mirror.

"Wow! This is so cool! It's looks so awesome!" said Paula as she admired the big puffy coat. It was so huge and puffy she could barely get her arms down. She had never even seen a proper winter coat in person, much less wore one, back in Miami, and she wanted to savor the moment as long as she could.

"Indeed," said Carol.

"Wait a second, maybe I'd better try it zipped to make sure it fits properly," said Paula.

Paula then reached down and connected the zipper and slowly began zipping. She then stopped when she reached the first two buttons of the zipper closure and fastened them. She then continued zipping until she reached the third button and fastened it. She continued zipping in this fashion until she got to the sixth button and fastened it. The coat was now zipped to just under her neck. The collar was already folded down in the back and the collar flaps were down off the sides. Paula then placed her hands inside the coat pockets. The coat had already felt great when worn open, but now, Paula felt like she was in heaven! She felt very warm and safe inside this coat, which fit her perfectly.

"Wow! This coat feels like a dream! I feel like I could live in this coat, it's so warm and comfortable. Wait a second, let me try something," as she unfolded the collar from the back and reached for the zipper. She then slowly zipped up the coat all the way to the top of the collar and fastened the final two buttons. The collar was so high it reached the top of Paula's chin, but she then sunk her head inside where she could only see her eyes. Now this is perfect, Paula thought. She felt even more comfortable and warm, and it especially felt nice that the coat was sealed up twice with both the zipper and button closure.

"This is perfect, I'll take it!" said Paula as she then followed Carol to the checkout counter. Carol then got her laser pricing gun so she could scan the coat's bar code without Paula having to take off her beautiful coat. Carol then ran the credit card through and handed Paula the receipt.

"You certainly made an excellent choice!" Carol said. "You look like you were born in that coat."

"I know," Paula replied, "I've always wanted to wear a coat like this, but I just never got a chance to back in Miami. This coat feels so warm and comfortable, I wish I never had to take it off."

"I know what you mean. I always wear a coat here so people can see what one of my coats looks like, but lately I've been only wearing down coats; they're so comfortable and I wonder if they'll become a trend this school year." Carol then reached for her zipper and zipped her coat up all the way to the top of the collar like Paula's. It too reached the top of her chin.

"Wow! We're almost like twins! Keep it zipped like that, it looks great!" Paula said.

"You bet!" Carol replied as Paula left the store.

Paula then sat on a nearby mall bench as she waited for her mom to return. She then sunk her head inside her zipped up collar.

CHAPTER 2

"Paula, is that you?" said Pam as she tried to wake the pink puffy figure dozing on the mall bench.

"Ugh...Huh? Oh, I'm sorry, I guess I must've fallen asleep..." said Paula as she emerged her head from her still zipped up collar.

"I'm sorry I'm a little late, I happened to catch some shoes on sale. I didn't hardly recognize you at first, sweetie! You seemed to have picked out quite a coat there!"

"You like?" replied Paula as she twirled herself around showing her coat off.

"I knew you needed a big winter coat, but I didn't know they were THIS big! It's very beautiful on you, dear."

"Thanks mom! Are you ready to go home?" asked Paula as she handed Pam the receipt from her coat purchase.

"Sure, I think both of us have had enough excitement for one day. Say, it's only in the upper 60s, are you sure you don't want to take your coat off?"

"Oh please let me keep it on, mom. I've never gotten to wear a big winter coat before and it's just the most comfortable thing I've worn my entire life."

"Oh honey," said Pam as she hugged her puffy daughter, "You wear and enjoy this coat as much as you like. Think of it as my special gift to you. And frankly, I can totally understand why you love it so much, it feels wonderful just to be hugged by it!"

"Thanks, mom," Paula giggled.

After Pam and Paula arrived home, Paula went upstairs to her new bedroom, which was just unpacked and decorated a few days ago. She liked how she had her own thermostat in her room, and turned it down a few degrees so she wouldn't get too hot. Paula was simply in love with her new coat and was determined to keep it on as long as possible.

"Paula, honey! Dinner's ready!" called out Pam a couple hours later.

Paula came back down and sat at the table, with her coat still fully sealed.

"Honey, are you sure you want to wear your coat at the table? Wouldn't want it to get dirty you know."

"Don't worry, mom; I'll be extra careful," replied Paula as she tucked her zipped up collar under her chin and placed some paper towels under her collar and over her coat as a bib. Luckily the meal was ham and mashed potatoes, so it wasn't too messy.

After dinner, Paula was back upstairs in her room. She was feeling bored, so she decided to go on the Internet and chat for a little while. She noticed that her legs felt a little chilly because she was wearing shorts. In fact, her legs felt quite cold compared to her upper body, which was very warm and toasty under all that down, and had been for the past eight hours or so. She was about to get a blanket to cover them up, but then she had an idea. She popped open the buttons on the button closure and unzipped her coat. Paula hated to have to unzip her coat after being so warm and toasty for so long, but she knew she had to for a little while if her idea was to work.

She now started to feel a little cold in her upper body, so she decided she'd better work quickly. She then folded up her legs against her chest and brought the now open down coat around them. She then reached around to connect the zipper, and began zipping. She was able to get it zipped to the second button but the zipper couldn't go any higher. But she wasn't one to give up easily. She brought her legs up even closer against her chest and pulled the coat closer together. She then was able to continue zipping, again stopping at each button closure and fastening it before continuing zipping. Paula continued zipping over her knees and finally to the top of her collar, where she fastened the final three buttons. Her legs certainly were not cold anymore! Now they felt just as warm and toasty as the rest of her body.

"Wow, this is so cool!" Paula thought as she looked at herself and felt her new puffy coat cocoon. She absoultely loved how it looked and the fact that she felt even warmer and more comfortable than ever.

Very warm and very relaxed, Paula spent the next couple hours chatting with her old friends back in Miami. It was quite difficult at first getting her huge puffy arms around her legs, but she soon got the hang of it. She told them all about her new home, her mom's new promotion, and of course, her new coat. She then noticed that it was near 10:00PM. Paula knew school started tomorrow so she'd better get to bed, plus the feeling of being completely inside her coat was so relaxing, she also felt very tired anyway.

Fortunately, her computer and chair were right next to her bed, so Paula was able to move herself into her bed without unzipping out of her down cocoon. She also saw herself from her full length mirror and couldn't believe what she saw! Her coat was already very big and puffy when worn normally, but with her legs zipped inside, it was HUGE! It was as if she was just one huge perfect pink down ball. She then flopped herself down on her side, sunk her head inside her collar and immediately fell asleep.

CHAPTER 3

BEEP!! BEEP!! BEEP!! BEEP!! BEEP!! BEEP!!

"Ugh...Ummm..." mumbled Paula as she reached her arm over to turn off her alarm clock. It read 7:00AM. The morning sun was shining brightly through her bedroom window. She felt a very strange tingling sensation in her legs, as if they were half asleep. At first, she didn't quite understand why, but as she became more awake, she finally realized that she had slept the whole nine hours with her legs zipped inside her coat. She then picked herself up and sat up on her bed. She then put her hands inside her coat pockets.

"Wow, did I really sleep the whole night zipped up like this? I don't think I ever slept this well in my life," Paula said as she again looked at herself in the mirror and felt the warmest and most comfortable she had ever felt in her life. Paula wished she could stay zipped up like this for several more hours. But the call of nature was simply too strong and she had to go get her shower anyway to start to get ready for her first day at Augusta High School. So reluctantly she popped the buttons of the zipper closure open and slowly began to unzip herself out of her pink cocoon. She then took off her coat and laid it on the bed behind her as she stretched her legs out so they would lose their numbness. She gradually started to feel much colder than before, so she figured she'd better go ahead and go to her bathroom and get a nice hot shower.

After she finished showering and drying herself off, she then came back to her bedroom and opened her closet door, wondering what she should wear on her first day of the school year.

"No sense making the same mistake twice," said Paula as she put her favorite blue jeans on so she would not have her bare legs get cold again like last night. She put on her favorite pair of shoes, a pink pair of five inch platform heels. Because she was only 5'2", she only wore platform heels that were at least four inches high, although she generally preferred her fives. She also liked how they were much easier to walk in than thinner heels, and she thought wearing the huge platforms was kinda cool!

Paula then picked out a short sleeve white shirt which read "Girl Power" on the front and put it on. She then began to brush her hair and made it into a ponytail, which she then made into a braid and put it up in a huge bun. "Gotta have a little mystery for my first day," she figured. She then went to her desk and put on a coat of pink nail polish on her long nails so they'd look their very best.

At last Paula was ready to put on her beautiful coat. She was already quite cold from not having her coat on for the past half hour, so she reached over her bed and grabbed her coat. Paula placed her arms slowly inside the huge puffy sleeves. With her coat on, she connected the zipper and this time zipped it up quickly, just as a change of pace. After the coat was once again zipped all the way up to the top of the collar, she then fastened all eight of the buttons of the button closure one by one. She once again felt very warm and very comfortable just like she did yesterday. When she finished buttoning, Paula placed her hands inside the pockets and then looked at herself in the full length mirror.

Paula felt like a completely different person than she did back in Miami. In Miami, she could only wear short sleeve shirts and mostly shorts. Now she looked like she was ready to conquer below zero weather, and she loved every second of it! She then grabbed her zip up three ring notebook and purse and then headed out the front door. She then locked it with the key her mom provided her. Because her mom was already on her way to work by the time she woke up for school, she had to wake herself up and lock the door herself. As she walked up the driveway, she saw the school bus already turning the corner. As it pulled up, she got on the bus and picked out a seat on the left side of the bus about half way down the bus. She then sat next to the window and sunk her head inside her collar to relax.

"Is this seat taken?" asked a female voice.

Once again half asleep, Paula turned her head around and saw a teenage girl who looked about her age, with her shoulder length black hair pulled back in a ponytail. She was wearing a buttoned up denim jacket. "Sure, go ahead," said Paula.

The girl then sat down next to her and shook Paula's hand. "I'm Tina, what's your name?"

"Paula," Paula answered.

"You're not from around here, are you?"

"I'm originally from Miami; my mom and I just moved up here after she got her promotion. How did you know?"

"Because we generally don't wear such huge coats at this time of the year, even though it is in the mid 40s already. I guess we're just used to the cold better. But don't take that the wrong way, I absolutely LOVE your coat!"

"Really? Why thank so you so much!"

"I also have quite a few down coats and vests, but I don't think any of them compare to yours. I never knew they were this big!"

"I got it at Carol's Coat Closet. It didn't exactly come cheap, but luckily my mom's new job pays a lot more than the old one and she could afford it no problem. Would you believe I wore this coat all day and night long yesterday? I even slept in it! I guess I've just always wanted to wear such a big winter coat, I just got a little crazy," Paula chuckled.

"I guess I certainly can't blame you; down coats are indeed quite warm and comfortable. Could I look at your schedule?"

"Sure!"

Paula and Tina each compared their class schedules. They could not believe they shared all four classes this semester!

"That can't be a coincidence," Tina pointed out. "I just have this feeling we're destined to be really good friends."

"BEST friends, forever!" Paula said as she locked pinkies with Tina.

The bus finally pulled up to Augusta High School. Tina and Paula got off the bus and began to go through the front doors. They went to the office to get their combination locks and picked out a couple of neighboring lockers. Tina then unbuttoned her coat and put in inside her locker and locked it. Paula simply placed the lock on her locker and locked it.

"You're not going to take your coat off?" Tina asked.

"Are you kidding me?" Paula said as she sunk her head inside her zipped up collar. "This coat is just so warm and comfy, I just don't want to take it off."

"I certainly understand what you mean. Your coat is just so huge and pretty, in a way I'm glad you didn't take it off. It just looks so awesome on you! Let's go ahead to first period," said Tina as the two walked there together.

CHAPTER 4

Paula and Tina arrived in their first period class, Algebra 1, and picked out desks next to each other. Paula's puffy pink coat made a soft whoosh sound as she sat inside the small desk. She loved how her coat seemed to look even puffier as she sat down than when she stood up. She sunk her head a little into her collar so it was just under her nose as the teacher walked into the classroom. Paula then looked around the room and couldn't believe many of the students were in short sleeves! Although a few wore light jackets, they were all open and many others were draped over their desk chairs. The teacher introduced himself as Mr. Clark and handed everyone a syllabus and textbook. After taking role call, Mr. Clark announced to everyone that tomorrow is class picture day.

"I know what I'm going to be wearing for class picture day," Paula whispered to Tina.

"You can't be serious! That is so daring!" whispered Tina in response, "Go for it, girl."

Paula and Tina's other three classes, English with Mrs. Wilson, Biology with Mr. Stevenston, and World History with Ms. Woodson went pretty much the same as the Algebra class. Although Paula was disappointed that no one else wore a down coat that day, in a way Paula also found it flattering that she stood out in the crowd, so to speak. After the school day was finished, Tina said, "My mom is picking me up and taking me to the mall; wanna come?"

"Sure," replied Paula.

The girls climbed inside Tina's mom's SUV at the school parking lot.

"Hi sweetie, who's your new friend?" Tina's mom asked.

"This is Paula. She just moved here from Miami," Tina replied.

"I'm Linda. Nice to meet you, Paula. Say, I love your coat! It looks very warm!"

"Thank you!" Paula replied, "It does indeed keep me very warm and it's so comfortable. I feel like I'm in heaven whenever I wear it."

"Tina has quite a few down coats and vests herself. Say, would you like to visit our house after our trip to the mall?"

"Could she spend the night with us?" Tina asked.

"Yeah, please?" Paula also asked.

"Sure, if it's okay with your mother." Linda said.

After Linda called Pam on her cell phone and got Pam's okay for Paula to spend the night with Tina, they arrived at the mall.

"Let's go to Carol's Coat Closet!" suggested Paula.

"You read my mind!" agreed Tina.

As the two browsed the coats in the store, Carol noticed the pair.

"Hi there Paula! Who's your new friend there?" Carol asked.

"This is Tina. I met her on the bus and at school."

"Oh yes, she's bought a few coats from me too. How're you doing Tina?"

"Just great!" Tina replied, "We're both gonna spend the night at my house!"

"I see you're really enjoying your new coat Paula," Carol said. Paula noticed that Carol was wearing the same black down coat as the other day, again zipped up to the collar.

"You bet! I wore it all day on my first day at Augusta High School. I haven't so much as undid a button since I put it on before school this morning."

"I can certainly attest to that," Tina said with a soft chuckle.

"Say Paula, would you like to work part time for me here at the store after school? I can only afford to pay minimum wage, but I'll also let you have a free coat of your choice every month, and a 10% discount on all my wares otherwise. Whatdya say?"

"Sounds great! But what about Tina?" Paula asked.

"Don't worry Paula," Tina replied. "I'm already pretty busy all year long with the soccer and softball teams. You go ahead and take it."

"Sounds wonderful! But I'll need to ask my mother first," Paula said.

"No problem. If she okays it, you can start this Wednesday."

"Can I wear my pink coat too?"

"Honey, you can wear it or any of my other coats here during your shift. In fact, you could say it's like your uniform," Carol said with a smile.

After Paula and Tina arrived at Linda's house. Paula called her mom to ask her about the part-time job. Pam agreed to let her take the job provided it doesn't interfere with her studies and that it would be good for her in terms of learning about responsibility and the value of a dollar.

After the phone call, Tina took Paula to her bedroom, which was a little smaller than Paula's but still very nice.

"Wanna see my coats?" Tina asked.

"I thought you'd never ask," Paula replied smiling.

As Tina opened her closet, Paula could not believe her eyes. There were two down coats, one black and one brown, and two down vests, one royal blue and one white. But they could not compare the the coat that was on the far right side of Tina's closet. It too was also white and very puffy, almost as puffy as Paula's coat. But unlike the other coats and vests, it went all the way down to the closet floor!

"Tina, what's this coat? I've never seen anything like this one," Paula asked.

CHAPTER 5

"Oh yes," Tina replied as she pulled the long coat out of the closet, "I use this mainly during the winter time, because it can get very cold here during winter, sometimes it can be below zero! Say, you wanna try it on?"

"Hmmm, that's very tempting, but I'm pretty comfortable in my pink coat. I got a better idea! Could you wear this coat today so we'll both be down coat pals together?"

"That's a great idea! You help me put it on, okay?"

Paula took the huge long white down coat off the hanger and handed it out so Tina could put it on. Tina then slowly placed her arms inside the puffy sleeves and put on the coat. Paula then went around and kneeled down to the bottom of the coat at Tina's ankles. Paula then connected the zipper and began zipping slowly. As with Paula's coat, she also stopped at every button on the button closure and fastened each button before resuming the zipping.

"Wow, this is fun," Tina said with a bright smile when the zipper reached her waist.

"Just wait till you're fully zipped like me," Paula replied smiling even brighter, even though it could not be seen hidden under her beautiful zipped collar.

As the zipper approached her neck, Tina began to feel very warm and very comfortable, just like Paula. Although she had worn this coat before, it was several months ago and somehow, it seemed to feel even better with a good friend helping her with her coat. It also brought back memories of when Tina was little and her mom used to zip her coat for her before going off to school.

Finally, Paula had zipped Tina's coat all the way to the top and unfolded the collar in the back. Tina's collar reached just under her mouth. Paula then fastened the last two buttons on the collar and Tina's transformation was complete.

"Well, how do I look?" Tina asked.

"It looks fantastic! It looks like you're in a warm puffy sleeping bag, only you can walk and move around freely in it."

Tina then walked over to her mirror to see for herself. She loved how huge and puffy her white coat was and how it covered her in white puffy clouds from head to toe. She had never looked or felt so good in a coat before as it felt super warm and cozy. She placed her hands inside her pockets and sunk her head into her collar. She also turned down the thermostat several degrees so she wouldn't get hot wearing her coat.

"I love your braided bun Paula," Tina said, "I can't believe how BIG it is!"

"Thanks, you want to see my hair down?"

"Sure, but I'll let you do the honors."

Paula and Tina both sat down on Tina's bed. Both of them made soft swooshing sounds as their coats moved. Paula then undid the bun and let the braid hang down. Tina gasped in awe as she saw the braid come down to the bottom of Paula's butt. Tina then undid the braid and then the ponytail and then began to brush Paula's hair. She absolutely loved brushing such very long hair and Paula loved having someone play with it.

"I also love your nails, are they real?" Tina asked.

"Yes they are. I've been growing them for almost a year and I hope they still keep growing and don't break or anything."

"I suppose such super long hair and nails wouldn't work for me, what with my sports and such, but I'm simply in awe of yours. I hope you never cut them."

"Of course not! Actually, my hair is a tribute to my dad who died in a car accident almost four years ago. He always loved long hair, and his dying wish was that I never cut mine. It was only about mid-back length then, but now it's a little past my butt as you can see. I hope maybe one day it'll grow all the way down to my ankles! As for my nails, I just wanted to try growing them to see how they would look, but the longer they get, the better and more beautiful they look, and I just can't imagine cutting them either."

"Wow, so you're a very ultra-feminine girly girl and I'm more an athletic kind of chick," Tina said, "I guess this is what they mean by opposites attract?"

"I couldn't agree more," Paula said as she hugged her new best friend tightly. They both loved the feeling of their puffy coats squishing against each other while they embraced.

When it was time for the two to go to bed, Tina reached for the top of her coat to begin taking it off.

"No, don't," Paula said as Tina then stopped before she could undo the first button. "Let's sleep in our coats. Believe it or not, I slept in mine last night!"

"Well, you did say my coat looked like a huge sleeping bag, let's put it to the test!"

"Let me get into MY sleeping bag too. Let me show you this neat trick I did last night; it's way cool."

After Paula climbed onto the guest cot in Tina's room, she unbuttoned and then unzipped her pink coat. She then folder her legs against her chest and zipped them inside her coat and buttoned the zipper closure, just like last night. Paula was once again inside her huge pink puffy ball and Tina loved it.

"Wow, I never realized you could do that! I'll have to try that sometime!"

"Thanks, but in your case I don't think you need to do that; you're already surrounded in white clouds of puffiness from top to bottom! I've got to get me a nice long down coat just like yours!"

"Well, you're starting that new job at Carol's Coat Closet Wednesday. You should indeed get you a long puffy down coat as soon as you can."

"Will do. Good night, Tina."

"Good night, Paula."

As Tina shut the lights off, both girls sunk their heads inside their puffy zipped collars and fell asleep.

CHAPTER 6

BEEP!! BEEP!! BEEP!! BEEP!! BEEP!! BEEP!! BEEP!!

"Ummmm..." Paula said as she began to wake up.

"Mmmmm...ah!" Tina said as she stretched her puffy arms out to wake herself up.

"Wow, I can't believe you slept all night with your legs zipped inside your coat! Don't your legs get numb?" Tina asked.

"Well, they do a little," Paula said as she sat up on the cot with her puffy pink cocoon still zipped up. "But it's so worth it. It's so warm and cozy and I think it's so cute how I look like a big cotton candy ball like this!"

"I know, it also kinda looks like you got really big boobs!"

Both girls laughed loudly at Tina's last comment.

"Well," Tina continued, "I guess we'll have to take our coats off for now and get our showers over with. I'll use the one in my bedroom, you use the one in the main bathroom down the hall."

"Okay," Paula said as she unzipped herself out of her wonderful cocoon. Tina also unzipped her long white sleeping bag coat. After both girls took their coats off, they both started to feel very cold. Tina went to the thermostat to turn the temperature up.

"No, don't," Paula said. "If we keep it down, it'll feel that much better when we put our coats back on."

"Good idea," Tina replied as both girls went to get their showers and get ready for class picture day.

When Paula came back from her shower, she was surprised to find Tina's white puffy vest next to her pink down coat.

"Tina, what's this?" Paula said.

"I want you to wear my vest for class picture day."

"But what about..."

"You'll see," Tina said as Paula slipped the vest on over her light blue t-shirt. This vest did not have a zipper but had a button closure. Paula then reached for the bottom button and fastened each one one at a time until she reached the top. The vest didn't have much of a collar, but still felt very comfortable.

"Wow, this is pretty neat," Paula said as she felt the puffiness of the vest. "It's so big, it's almost like a bulletproof vest or something!"

"So true!" replied Tina as she picked up Paula's pink coat and handed it out for Paula to put on.

"Tina, what are you doing? I already have you're vest on."

"I know," Tina replied with a grin.

Suddenly, it dawned on Paula what Tina had in mind. Paula placed her arms inside the pink puffy sleeves of her most cherished possession. Tina then walked over and connected the zipper. She then slowly zipped up the pink coat over the white vest and like Paula, stopped zipping when she reached each button of the button closure to fasten them before resuming zipping. It was a bit harder to zip with the huge vest underneath, but finally, Tina reached the top of the pink collar and fastened the last two buttons.

"Go take a look," Tina said.

Paula then went to the full length mirror to see Tina's new creation. Her pink down coat was already very big and puffy when worn by itself, but with the white vest under it, it was HUGE!! She smiled very brightly as she placed her hands inside the coat pockets.

"This is fantastic! I love it! This will be perfect for my class picture! This way I'll always have this moment etched forever in the school yearbook! What will you wear for class picture day?"

"Well, why not my other puffy vest?" Tina suggested.

"I got a better idea," Paula replied as she picked up Tina's long white down coat.

"I have never worn that coat so early in the year, but I suppose if you can handle wearing both the vest and coat, I think I can wear this long coat too!"

"And this time, no taking the coat off and placing it in your locker. We'll both be fully zipped together."

"Wow, this is so wild," Tina said as she put on her long white down coat and zipped and buttoned it all the way to the top. "It almost feels like I'm wearing a dress! Of course, I hardly ever wear a dress, but I'll definitely make an exception here!"

Tina and Paula went downstairs to catch the bus. Linda was there to tell them good-bye.

"See you after school, sweetheart," Linda said to Tina as she hugged the white puffy figure.

"I hope you enjoyed your stay here, Paula," Linda continued as she hugged her good-bye.

"Aren't you taking class pictures today? I would've loved to have seen what you girls picked to wear for your class pictures."

"Ummm, it's a surprise," Tina said.

"Well, I'm glad you girls decided to bundle up, it's supposed to be a bit colder than yesterday. I'm not sure if coats this heavy were really necessary, but I suppose bundling too much is better than too little."

"You sure got that right!" Paula said as she and her friend left for the bus stop.

After they left, Linda couldn't help but notice that Paula's coat looked considerably bigger for some reason, but figured she was probably just imagining things.

"This is going to be the best class pictures ever!" Paula said as they rode the school bus to Augusta High.

"You bet!" Tina replied.

Immediately after arriving at their first period Algebra 1 class, Mr. Clark said that everyone was to report to the gym for class pictures. Upon arriving at the gym, Paula and Tina stood in line together for their class pictures to be taken. Finally, it was Paula's turn to have her picture taken. She sat down on the stool and moved her long hair over her puffy arms but made sure the middle of the coat and collar were still showing. She made sure the collar only reached the bottom tip of her chin, so at least her face would show.

"Aren't you going to take your coat off?" the photographer asked.

"Oh, please take the picture with my coat on, and my friend Tina who's next in line also. I just moved here from Miami and I never got to wear a big winter coat and I want my first class picture to commemorate it and me meeting my best friend Tina. Please?"

"Well, it's your picture," said the photographer as he snapped the photos of Paula. He was pleased that she gave such a bright beautiful smile, one of the best he's ever seen in all his years of photography. Tina was next.

"Ummm, sir, would it be okay..." Tina began to ask.

"Don't worry, your friend told me the whole story. Just smile for the camera," the photographer replied.

Tina also gave a huge smile comparable to Paula's, even though her collar was a bit higher, up to the middle of her chin.

CHAPTER 7

"Wow, I never thought in a million years I'd have my class picture taken with my coat on!" Tina said to Paula as the two walked together to their second period English class.

"I never thought I'd be wearing a coat period until my mom got the promotion!" Paula replied.

"I'm starting to feel a little hot under all this down, do you think I should take my coat off, or at least unzip it?"

"No, please try to keep it on. I admit, I too am getting quite hot wearing both the vest and coat, but in a way it feels really good! It makes me feel like I'm walking in the warm Miami sun. And let me tell you, I'll take hot over brisk cold any day of the week!"

"Okay. After all, I get very hot and sweaty when I play my sports, so I think I can handle keeping my coat on if you can."

"Great!" Paula replied as they walked into their class. Both girls adjusted their collars so they would go up even higher.

And all through second, then third, and then fourth period, the girls never again even once thought about unzipping their beautiful creations. Paula loved how she could barely fit herself inside the desks with her already very puffy pink coat stuffed full with a huge down vest under it. Tina absolutely loved the feeling of all the white puffy clouds of down completely surrounding and protecting her. In fact, by the time second period was almost over, both girls were well adjusted to the super warmth each of their extra down protection provided and simply could not bear the thought of leaving their puffy sanctuaries.

After fourth period class had ended, both girls went out to the school parking lot where Pam was waiting in her car.

"Hi sweetheart! Hi Tina!" said Pam as she waited for the girls in the car. "Tina, your mom called and said you girls were very well behaved during your sleepover last night and said that if you want, you could spend the night at our house if you wish."

"Yeah, that'd be awesome!" said Paula.

"Are you kidding? I wouldn't miss this for the world!" Tina replied.

Both girls climbed into the back seat of the car. Paula's stuffed pink coat was so gigantic from the vest underneath that she had to pull the seat belt all the way out in order for Tina to help fasten it. Luckily Tina was able to do her seat belt herself, even though her full length coat was almost as puffy as Paula's pink coat (not counting the vest under it of course). Both girls sunk their heads inside their collars until the collars were barely under their eyes.

"How's your new job coming along, mom?" Paula asked.

"It's going just wonderful, sweetheart," Pam replied. "I'm adjusting quite well and I'm very pleased with the pay and benefits. It's also nice to live in a smaller city for a change. How're you adjusting at your new school?"

"Oh mom, it couldn't be any better! I'm doing well in my schoolwork so far, I love being able to wear a big winter coat, and I especially love being with my new best friend Tina!"

"Oh yes, I don't think we properly introduced! I'm Pam, Tina. Say, I love your coat too, especially that it's full length!"

"Thanks so much!" Tina replied. "It was Pam's idea that I wear it today and it was lots of fun with both of us wearing our coats together."

"And it was Tina's idea that I wear one of her puffy vests under my pink coat. I love how much warmer it is and how big and puffy it looks!" Paula said as she patted her huge stuffed pink coat.

"I'm so pleased that you're adjusting to your new school so quickly and it seems like you've found yourself a new best friend," Pam added.

"I guess you could say we're two peas in a pod," Paula replied.

"Two peas in a puffy pod!" Tina added.

At last, Pam pulled up to Paula's house.

"You girls go on inside, I need to run to the store to pick up some things."

"Okay, mom." Paula said as the girls left the car. She couldn't help but notice her mom shivering a bit from only wearing a sweater in the car. She worried that she too needed a coat, but figured she'd get one in due time.

Paula and Tina then went inside the house and sat on the living room couch. Paula then turned on the TV and put it on VH1. As the music videos played, the girls then relaxed on the couch and sunk their heads inside their zipped collars until they were just under their eyes.

"Wow, someone's packing on a few pounds," Tina said as she playfully poked Paula's puffy tummy.

"Well, it was you that put these 'pounds' on me," Paula giggled as she placed her hands on her super puffy coat and then placed them in her coat pockets. Tina then placed her hands in her coat pockets.

About an hour later, Pam came back home with a couple of take-out pizzas, but the girls were shocked to see Pam in a brand new plum down coat that was almost as puffy as Paula's. The coat was unzipped however.

"Wow, mom! Your new coat is awesome!" Paula complimented.

"Yes, I love the color too!" Tina replied.

"I'm glad you girls like it," said Pam as she continued putting up the groceries with her coat still on. "I guess just seeing you girls back there all bundled up in your coats just made me realize that I too needed a coat, not to mention I was really getting cold! And I figured that since the winters here are quite cold, I figured I'd best get a down coat too!"

"I agree," Paula said as Pam put away the last of the groceries. "You're coat is almost perfect."

CHAPTER 8

"Almost?" Pam replied.

Paula then got up off the couch and walked up to her mom. She then connected the zipper of her mom's coat and began zipping. This coat did not have a button closure and the collar was not quite as high, but it more than made up for that with the beautiful deep plum color and puffiness. Paula continued zipping until the coat was zipped all the way to the top.

"Now it's perfect, mom," Paula said with a smile hidden under her collar. She then hugged her mom, even though it was hard to get their arms around each other, especially Pam getting her puffy plum arms around her super puffy pink daughter.

"I guess I can wear it like this for awhile; it's quite comfy," Pam commented as she placed her hands inside her coat pockets. "I guess I can understand why you girls seem to live in your coats."

"Where did you get this coat, Pam?" Tina asked.

"I got it from Carol's Coat Closet. I wanted to meet Paula's new employer. She is a very nice woman and I'm sure she'll be excellent for you to work for, Paula."

"I can't wait to start tomorrow!" Paula replied.

"But remember honey, don't let it interfere with your studies, okay?"

"I promise, mom."

It was officially a girls' night out for the trio. They spent the entire evening eating pizza, watching TV, and even fixing each others' hair and nails. Tina especially enjoyed making a pair of long French braids in Paula's hair and giving her inch long nails a fresh coat of pink polish.

"So what exactly do you do at your new job, Pam?" Tina asked.

"Well, I'm in charge of the New England region for our company, Puzzle Palace," Pam replied. "Basically, we make jigsaw puzzles, ranging from the 100 piece ones for the kids up to 5000 piece puzzles for the most expert puzzle solvers."

"Wow, that is so cool!" Tina replied. "I currently play soccer and softball for Augusta High, although I hope to make the varsity baseball team this coming season. I would be the first female baseball player in school history and my dream is to be the first female to play in the big leagues."

"Well I sure hope you make history someday!" Paula added. "My ultimate goal is to be either a model or if all goes well with my new job, maybe I could be Carol's right hand girl at her store."

"That reminds me, how did you girls get to love wearing your coats so much? I mean, it's kinda fun wearing my new coat with you, but I'm just curious as to why you don't seem to ever take them off."

"Well mom," Paula explained, "I always saw these models in the magazines and such wearing puffy down coats and such, and I've always wanted to wear winter clothes. So naturally you getting your promotion and us moving so far up north was just the chance I needed to finally get to wear winter clothes. I guess you could say I wear my pink coat all the time so that I make up for all that lost time."

"Until I met Paula, I never would've even thought of wearing a big heavy coat inside, but now I think I'm just as hooked as she is!" Tina added.

"And it's especially fun to wear them with my best friend," Paula continued.

"I totally agree," Tina replied.

"Well girls, I guess we'd better call it a night," Pam said when the clock approached 10:00PM. She then unzipped her coat and took it off. "You girls don't stay up too late."

"We won't," Tina said as the girls hugged Pam good night and went up to Paula's room. Both girls' puffy down shelters were still completely sealed.

"Wow, your room is so much brighter and more feminine than mine," Tina said as she browsed Paula's room.

"Thanks," Paula replied as she sat down on her bed and began tapping her inch long pink nails on a nearby nightstand. "I guess I've always been that way."

"I'm can't believe how you can just walk on those heels all day and night and never take them off! How do you do it?"

"Well, the same way you're so good at soccer and softball. I've had a couple years of practice. Plus I can't stand being short."

"Good point."

Paula then climbed into her bed and Tina grabbed the pillow off the cot and began to lie down on the floor.

"Isn't that going to be uncomfortable?" Paula asked.

"Are you kidding? This long white coat is so much like a sleeping bag, who needs a cot?" Tina said as she moved her arms inside her white coat and began to fall asleep.

"You're not going to zip your legs inside your coat this time?" Tina asked.

"Nah, I'll just leave my coat and your vest on as is. It's just been so super warm and comfortable wearing both my coat and your vest I just don't want to take either off. Good night, Tina."

"Good night, Paula."

BEEP!! BEEP!! BEEP!! BEEP!! BEEP!! BEEP!!

"Ugh..." Paula said as she reached her puffy pink arm over to turn off the alarm clock, which now read 7:00AM.

"Guess you're not a morning person, huh girl?" Tina said, already up and awake with her long white coat still fully zipped. "You've got a big day ahead of you. Today you start your new job at Carol's."

"Oh yes!" Paula said as she rubbed the sleepiness from her eyes. "You know, I always figured my first job would be bagging groceries or flipping burgers or something. This job is so cool and I can't believe I'll be able to wear my coat during work!"

"Say Paula, I just had a crazy thought."

"What?"

CHAPTER 9

"Okay, we've now had our coats on and zipped up for almost 24 hours straight, right?" Tina asked.

"Right," Paula replied.

"Well, just for fun, you want to go for another 24?"

"You mean?"

"Yes, we keep our coats on and zipped for another 24 hours."

"This may well be some kind of world record!"

"Possibly!"

So the girls for this one day decided to skip their morning showers and stay sealed in their puffy coats for another straight day. They always showered every morning otherwise, and figured skipping just one day wouldn't hurt anything. Paula did however change into a new pair of jeans and her black pair of 5 inch platforms. Tina also undid Paula's French braids from last night and made two fresh Dutch braids. Paula thought it was interesting that for someone with only shoulder length hair, Tina sure knew how to braid.

"Tina, don't you want your vest back?" Paula asked as she patted her vest and coat combo.

"Nah, you keep it. I've got plenty of down gear and I planned on getting a new down vest anyway. Not to mention I should be picking up my varsity jacket from the cleaners after school today. Besides, you seem so used to wearing the vest under your coat now I don't think your coat would now be the same without the vest under it. In fact, I want you to wear this for your first day at Carol's."

"Really? Thank you so much!" Paula said as she hugged her best friend. "You are the best! I'm going to be the biggest puffiest down girl in school!"

"WE are going to be the puffiest down girls in school," Tina replied with a wink.

"Girls," Pam called from downstairs. "Don't ride the bus to school today; I'll drive you today. I don't have to go into work but a little later today so I have time today."

"Okay mom," Paula replied.

The girls came downstairs to meet up with Pam. Pam had her plum down coat on and was zipping it all the way to the top. The three then got into the car together and were off to Augusta High. After Pam dropped the girls off, she then went off to work.

Later, the girls were at the cafeteria during lunch break. Right after they sat down, they heard a female voice.

"Is this seat taken?"

The girls turned around to see another girl holding her lunch tray. She had mid-back length black hair pulled back in a ponytail. But she was also wearing a huge shiny jet-black down vest! The vest was zipped about 3/4 the way up.

"Sure, go ahead," Paula said as their new friend sat down with them at the circular table.

"My name's Becky," the new girl said as she introduced herself.

"I'm Paula, and this is my best friend Tina. I'm new here as me and my mom just moved here from Miami. I LOVE your vest, by the way, especially how shiny it is!" Paula replied.

"Thanks so much!" Becky said. "I'm in your second period English class, though you probably didn't recognize me because I wasn't wearing my vest at the time. I just couldn't help but notice that you've never worn anything but your pink coat and Tina's now been in her white coat for the past couple days. I too wear down sometimes, but I just never thought of wearing it like, during class or anything. I guess for some reason I just found it so fascinating that I had to try it myself, so I got my down vest out from my locker and thought I'd try it out during lunch break."

"Good thing you have the same lunch period as we do," Tina pointed out. "How do you like wearing your vest so far?"

"It's fantastic!" Becky replied. "It feels so warm and it's really fun to wear this, eh, 'bulletproof vest' as I like to call it sometimes. I guess it kinda makes me feel safer in a way. But how are you two able to keep your coats on and zipped all the way without getting too hot? Especially you Paula, your coat is by far the biggest one I've ever seen."

"Well, in my case, I've always wanted to wear winter clothes but I never got the chance until now," Paula said. "I guess the fact that I was used to being in a warm climate all year long and that I don't like to be the slightest bit cold here up north is also why I never take my coat off. And after awhile, you don't even notice that you're super warm, you're just comfortable. I'm also wearing a puffy vest UNDER my coat that Tina gave me as a gift so that's why my coat looks so huge and fat."

"Unbelievable," Becky said in awe.

"And I guess that's my secret as well," Tina added. "I too never thought of wearing my coat inside until Paula inspired me to try it. Needless to say, I'm hooked! Say, why don't you try keeping your vest on the rest of the day and see how it feels? And also, try wearing it with the collar zipped up too."

"You bet!" Becky replied as she unfolded her vest collar from the back and zipped it up to her chin.

"Wow, it looks like we've made our own little down coat club," Tina said.

Although Becky was not in Tina and Paula's first or third period classes, she was in their second and fourth period class. Their fourth period class, World History, spent the entire period watching a documentary about the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World and all three girls sat together with their heads sunk inside their fully zipped puffy collars watching the film.

After class had ended, all three girls went on the school bus for the ride home. Somehow, all three girls were able to sit in the same bus seat. Tina sat by the window with her long white puffy coat protecting her from the cold metal of the bus, Paula sitting closest to the aisle, and Becky in between the two. Becky loved how it felt to have her two friends' puffy coat sleeves against her arms.

"You two were right," Becky said. My zipped up vest felt quite hot at first, but I stuck with it and now it just feels very warm and comfy."

"That's the secret," Tina replied. "Just always keep your coat on as much as possible, even inside."

"I'm definetly hooked!" Becky continued. "I want to wear down just as much as you two! I'm not sure I'm quite ready to wear a full coat during class, but I can still wear a down vest at least."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea!" Paula said.

Luckily, the mall was on the same bus route as Paula's route home, so the bus driver was able to drop her off at the mall so she could go to work. Both Becky and Tina wished Paula good luck with her new job before she got off the bus.

"Well, here we go, my first day on the job," Paula said as she walked into Carol's Coat Closet.

CHAPTER 10

"Oh good! You're here early!" Carol said when she saw Paula arrive. Carol was wearing a red and black down coat fully zipped. "I'm glad to see you're still enjoying your new coat, but why does it look a little bigger?"

"Oh yes!" Paula replied, "I'm also wearing a huge puffy vest under it that my best friend Tina gave me. It feels especially warm and comfortable."

"How is your mom enjoying her new coat?"

"She loves it. Me and Tina especially love the deep plum color; it looks awesome on her."

"Well, shall we get started?"

Carol handed Paula her name tag. Paula was relieved that it was the kind worn around the neck as opposed to the pin type of name tags. After all, she thought, she didn't want to put any holes in her beautiful puffy pink coat.

"Oh, and one more thing, I forgot to give you this," Carol said as she reached under the counter to give Paula something. "Part of the reason your coat cost so much was because I just realized this was supposed to be included with the coat as a set. Sorry I didn't realize this earlier."

Carol then handed Paula what looked like a pair of pants, but these were no ordinary pants! They were huge puffy down pants, as puffy and soft as her coat, and they were the exact same shade of pink as Paula's precious puffy pink coat.

"Wow, these look so cool! Could I try them on?" Paula asked.

"Please do," Carol replied.

Sitting on a nearby chair, Paula took off her platform heels and put her left leg inside the down pants and then the right leg inside. She then lifted her vest/coat combo up a bit so she could get the pants all the way up and fastened. Paula then carefully adjusted her coat and vest so they went over the pants. Finally, she put her platform heels back on and then went to the full length mirror.

Paula gasped in delight as she saw her new look. She was so pleased that she was completely covered in beautiful pink puffy clouds from top to bottom, just like Tina was with her full length white coat. Now her entire body felt super warm, as if she was back in Miami. She also felt so comfortable and safe knowing she was protected by all the pink puffy down she was wearing.

"Oh it's perfect! Thank you so much!" Paula said as she hugged Carol.

"You're welcome, but I think you have a customer. She looks about your age, see if you can help me sell a coat today."

Paula was shocked to see her new friend, Becky. Her zipped up shiny black down vest gleamed brightly from the store lights.

"Hi Becky! What are you doing here?" Paula asked.

"Well, after seeing you and Tina wearing your coats, I just had to see if I could find a good one here after school. Where did you get those pants? They look incredible!" Becky replied.

"Aren't they great? Carol forgot to give these to me a few days ago with my coat; we didn't realize the reason my coat cost so much was because the coat and pants were a package deal."

"Well, they look amazing on you, as if you were born to wear down! Anyway, can you help me find the perfect coat? I want it to be jet black, shiny, and puffy just like my vest."

Both girls looked through the down coat section together. Paula loved the swooshing sounds her pink puffy legs and arms made as they rubbed against each other while she walked and moved. At last, Becky pulled a huge black coat off the rack.

"I think I'll try this one," Becky said. The coat was shiny and jet black just like her vest, and read "The North Face" on the chest. Becky unzipped her vest and placed it aside while Paula held out the black coat for Becky to try on. Becky placed her arms inside the coat. She then connected the zipper and slowly zipped the coat all the way to the top of the collar. It fit her perfectly.

"Wow, this is perfect! Thank you Paula! I'm gonna be sure to wear this to school tomorrow," Becky said. She then went over to the checkout counter wearing her new coat but holding her vest.

"So did Paula help you pick out a new coat?" Carol asked.

"Oh yes! She was fantastic!" Becky replied as Carol scanned the coat with her laser scanning gun, again so she could ring up the order without Becky having to take her new coat off. She then took Becky's cash for the purchase. Carol then handed the receipt to Becky and Becky left the store.

For the next four hours after that, Paula was busy mainly opening shipments of new coats and jackets and sorting and organizing them. Occasionally she also helped some older customers in looking for coats and although a few did compliment her on Paula's puffy pink coat and pants, they all in the end chose leather jackets or pea coats instead. Although Paula was a bit disappointed no one else bought any down items, she was still pleased that she at least helped her boss make a few more sales for her store. And besides, tomorrow is always a new day and figured maybe she'll sell some more down coats then.

"Well, I'm about ready to close shop," Carol said as she shut the lights off in the store. "You did a fantastic job and I hope to see you here every weekday evening from 4PM-8PM. I wish I could have you on Saturday too, but you're not quite old enough to work more than 20 hours during school time. I really hope you enjoyed your first day on the job here."

"You bet!" Paula replied as the two stood outside the store while Carol locked it up. "I can't wait to show my mom my new down pants!"

"See you tomorrow," Carol said as she left for her car.

"Bye," Paula said as she placed her hands inside her coat pockets and went outside to look for her mom's car.

CHAPTER 11

Paula finally saw her mom's car in the mall parking lot. It was quite cold for early September this evening, but Paula was well protected inside her puffy pink down suit and didn't feel it at all. She also kept her zipped up collar up to just under her eyes. Finally, she opened the front passenger door of Pam's car and climbed inside. Naturally, Pam was zipped up in her plum down coat.

"So how was your first day at work, honey?" Pam asked as she pulled out of the parking lot and onto the street home.

"It was incredible!" Paula replied, "I got to help my new friend Becky pick out a new down coat, help Carol sort and put coats on display, helped sell a few coats, and best of all, Carol gave me these puffy pink pants to go with my coat, which she said was meant to be included with the coat anyway."

"Indeed, they look very warm! The temperature is actually 46 degrees right now, but I bet you didn't feel it at all! I'm just amazed at how much you love wearing winter clothes for someone who's lived in Florida all her life."

"Like I said, I've always wanted to wear down coats and such and I want to wear them whenever I possibly can."

"Well, it sure is better than some of those other girls your age who barely wear any clothes at all."

"Well, they have their style, and me and my friends have ours."

After Paula and Pam arrived home, the two spent the next couple hours watching a romantic movie. Paula was pleasantly surprised that her mother kept her plum down coat on fully zipped during the whole movie. After the movie, it was time for Paula to go to bed. Paula was again surprised to see that her mom did not unzip her coat as she left for her room. She wondered if mom too, might just have been bitten by the down bug. Although most teens her age would be repulsed by their parents doing the same things they do, Paula thought that it'd be awesome if her mom was just as much into wearing down as she was. In any event, she went upstairs and exhausted from her big day of school and work, fell fast asleep on her bed still in her full pink down suit.

The next morning, Paula woke up and walked over to the full length mirror. She wanted one last moment of pink puffy suit glory before she had to end her nearly 48 hour streak of keeping her puffy coat and vest on, and almost 18 hours of wearing the full suit while she undid the Dutch braids from yesterday and brushed her hair. She then finally decided to unzip and take off all her down garments for her shower. She immediately began to feel quite cold, so she decided she'd better get it over with as quick as possible, while at the same time washing a bit more thoroughly due to her not having showered yesterday.

At last, Paula came back from her hot shower feeling very refreshed and ready to step into her pink puffy "space suit" once again. She again chose a very light t-shirt and a pair of shorts, since she felt that her pink puffy pants negated the need to wear jeans. She was so excited about wearing her full pink down suit to school and showing Tina what Becky had already seen yesterday.

First Paula put her left leg, then her right leg inside her down pants and pulled them up and fastened them. She then put on her pink pair of 5 inch platform heeled shoes. Next, she put on the white vest and buttoned it to the top and pulled it down over the pants. Finally, Paula was ready to add her pink down coat, which she quickly put on over her puffy white vest and zipped and buttoned up completely so she would not be cold any longer than absolutely necessary. She absolutely adored the feeling of her puffy pink down coat and pants against her bare arms and legs as well as the super warm feeling that was slowly returning. She once again took one last look at herself in the full length mirror at her gorgeous pink puffy down outfit. She decided to wear her hair up in a long ponytail today.

Paula went downstairs to catch the bus. She was pleasantly surprised to find her mom drinking coffee with her plum coat still fully zipped. Paula then hugged her mom good-bye before leaving.

"Have a good day at school!" Pam said as Paula went outside to catch the bus. After the bus stopped and she got on, she saw Becky sitting near the back of the bus and naturally went down the bus aisle to sit with her. As she promised yesterday at Carol's store, she was indeed wearing her black shiny down coat with only her eyes peeking out of the zipped up collar. Paula sat down next to Becky, whose hair was in two braids, and looked down and saw something that was incredibly shocking.

"How do you like my new nails?" Becky said as she proudly showed off her brand new shiny black acrylic nails that matched her shiny black down coat perfectly, and looked to be just under 1 1/2 inches long.

"They look so awesome and so wicked!" Paula said, "But what inspired you to get them?"

"Well, I'm kinda of a goth chick, you see, and after I got my new down coat, I happened to pass by the nail salon and thinking about your long pink nails, I wanted to give it a try! I knew I wanted them done a shiny jet black to match my new coat, and I also wanted them at least as long as yours. When they first put the tips on my fingers, I told them I wanted my nails at their full length. They were expensive, but well worth it. I practiced with them last night doing everyday things and such, and it was really hard at first, but I think I'm adjusting to them quite well."

"I'll say!" said Tina as she boarded the bus and sat next to her friends. "Both your nails and your new coat are incredible! And I love your down pants, Paula! They go great with your coat."

"You're welcome," Paula said. She noticed Tina was wearing her blue and yellow varsity letter jacket buttoned up all the way. Paula was at first disappointed that Tina was not wearing a down coat but then noticed the jacket looked quite big and stuffed on Tina.

"Check this out," Tina said as she undid the top four buttons on her varsity jacket to reveal her zipped brown puffy coat underneath her letter jacket.

"Wow, that's pretty clever!" Becky said as Tina rebuttoned her letter jacket all the way up. The brown coat did not have much of a collar so the coat was entirely inside the buttoned up letter jacket.

"Thank you. My first soccer game is this Saturday, so I thought I'd start wearing my letter jacket sometimes and show some school spirit, but I also had to make sure I was also protected with my down coat underneath."

"This is so unreal what has happened to me this past week, but at the same time it's so awesome!" Paula thought to herself as the bus pulled up to Augusta High.

CHAPTER 12

The girls noticed as they walked into the school that things seemed to be a little different. For example, they noticed a few more students here and there wearing their coats (down and otherwise) during class, but they were mostly worn open. In fact, all three girls noticed how much more attention they were getting from both guys and girls. Tina's soccer teammates commented how clever it was to be wearing her down coat under her buttoned up jacket, and although none of the other girls had down coats or vests to wear under their coat, they too wore their letter jackets buttoned up all the way with Tina as a sign of good luck and team unity. Anything that might help give the team a win couldn't hurt, right?

Paula, of course, received lots of attention from her pink puffy down coat and pants. Although not all the attention was positive (one classmate called her "a pink freak" in a very derogatory way), most of her classmates were in awe of her bold new look and some secretly wished they too could wear a full down suit indoors, but most felt very hot and sweaty just thinking about it, much less actually trying to wear one. Paula, as has always been the case throughout her life, loved being very popular and being the center of attention, but was never vain about it or otherwise let it go to her head. Although her classmates didn't know how she did it, Paula spent the whole school day in her puffy pink down coat and pants and simply went about her studies and such as if she was just wearing regular clothes. Paula was that used to being a full-time down coat girl even though she had only been wearing down for not even a week.

And then there was Becky. Although there were no other goth girls in her small Augusta High School, she still had quite a few goth friends online. Although she did not wear anything else black other than her hair, new nails, and new coat, all of her friends too absolutely loved her coat and nails and some even wanted her to gently scratch their face with her long black claws! She also loved to tap her new long nails on her desk like Paula sometimes did, but made sure to save it for lunch periods and such because she did not want to risk any of her teachers thinking they were a distraction. After all, Becky was getting better and better at doing things with her nails and she most definitely did not want to go back to the dull, boring short nails she originally had all her life.

After the girls' school day was over (with none of the three ever unzipping their down coats or Tina's varsity jacket of course), the three girls had one last chat together before Tina, and then Paula, had to leave the bus for home and work, respectively. Becky then finally arrived at home and walked inside to find her divorced father, David, relaxing on the couch with a beer.

"Hiya pumpkin," David said as he got up to hug his daughter. "Woah, careful with those fingernails!"

"Don't worry, daddy," Becky said reassuredly, "I'm always very careful with them and I'd never hurt anybody with them."

"Well, I guess as long as they don't interfere with your studies or your chores, I don't really see the harm in them as long as they make you happy."

"Thanks daddy!" Becky replied as she began to get the garbage bag out of the trash can. She was very careful to only use the sides of her fingers and never use her nails directly for anything. After taking the garbage bag out to the toter, she then grabbed an RC from the fridge. She grabbed her key chain from her pocket and used a special tool the nail salon gave her for free for being a first time customer for opening soda cans so she wouldn't have to risk breaking one of her beautiful long black nails.

"Why did you get your fingernails done that long anyway? Don't they get in the way?" David asked out of curiosity.

"Well, my new best friend Paula from school has these really long pink nails, which are not quite as long as mine, but hers are all real! And I just had to try them myself and so far I'm very pleased with them."

"Say, doesn't your other best friend Tina have a soccer game this Saturday?"

"Yes, it's the season opener."

"Why don't the two of us go there together. I'd love to meet your new friends as well as their parents. And as you'll recall, I lettered in soccer myself and made All-State my junior and senior years. Umm, aren't you getting hot wearing that big heavy coat around the house?"

"Nope! I've never felt more comfortable in my life!"

"Sigh...Sometimes I just don't understand you... Go on upstairs and start your homework. I want you to be smart and get good grades so you'll go to a good college and not make the mistake of dropping out like your old man did."

"Of course," Becky said as she went upstairs to do her homework.

After finishing her homework and eating dinner with her father, Becky went back to her bedroom. As she carefully placed her long nailed hands into her coat pockets, Becky began to think about the past few years of her life. Her parents had divorced a couple years ago, and although she had a tough time going through the transition, it seemed that the past week has been totally different. As Becky then took her hands out of her coat pockets and layed down on her bed, she realized that she has been more happy and content with life the past week for the first time in a long time. She figured it was both her new best friends Paula and Tina as well as her new love of down coats and long nails.

Becky then got up and went on the computer to chat with her online friends and play her favorite computer game, which was a casino simulation. She had become quite good at many of the games, and her father had already promised to take her to the Atlantic City casinos as soon as she turned 21. Typing with her new long nails was definitely the most challenging part of having her nails, but Becky was determined to learn to type with them and was getting much better at it. In fact, she looked down as she was typing and thought seeing those long shiny black nails pressing the keys looked cool!

When the clock approached 11PM, Becky finally unzipped her coat and placed it on her computer chair. As she did not see or know about Paula and Tina sleeping in their coats, the idea simply never entered Becky's head. She then put on her PJs and shut out the light. Becky then got into bed and hugged her teddy bear that her mother bought for her when she was just five as she fell asleep. Tomorrow, Friday, was the first school spirit day of the year, "Backwards Day."

CHAPTER 13

BEEP!! BEEP!! BEEP!! BEEP!! BEEP!! BEEP!!

"Ugh..." grunted Becky as she pressed the button on her alarm clock to turn it off. She heard the nearby shower turn off as well, so she knew that her father had just finished showering and now it was finally her turn. After finishing her shower and brushing her hair, she was finally ready to decide what to wear for Backwards Day at school. She didn't think her jeans would fit backwards, so she put them on normally. She grabbed one of her favorite shirts and put it on backwards and then looked at herself in the mirror. This was okay, she thought, but something was missing. Then she looked over to her computer chair and thought of her coat. She then went to the living room where her father was preparing his lunch for work at the local construction company.

"Daddy, could you do me a favor?"

"Sure pumpkin, was is it?"

"Well, this is going to sound a little strange, but our school is having a Backwards Day for school spirit, and I was wondering if you could help me put on my coat backwards?"

"Ummm...okay..." David replied rather hesitantly.

After Becky put her shiny black down coat on backwards, her father began to zip her up in the back.

"How far up do you want me to zip this?" her father asked as he began zipping.

"All the way to the top," Becky replied.

"Okay, if you insist," David continued as he finished zipping his daughter's coat all the way to the top in the back and did all the buttons of the button closure. "But don't come crying to me later telling me you got too hot wearing this coat and someone had to unzip you later."

"I won't daddy, I promise," Becky replied as she kissed her father on the cheek and went outside to catch the bus.

Tina at this time also wondered what she should wear for Backwards Day. Since this was a school spirit dress-up day, she figured she'd better again wear her letter jacket today also. So she once again picked out her brown down coat and put it on and zipped it up normally. Then she placed her arms inside the coat, turned it around so it was on backwards, and put her arms back in the coat sleeves. Unfortunately, when she tried to put on her varsity jacket backwards and do the buttons in the back, she could not reach them. Also, her mother had already left for work, so she could not help her. So she decided for now to just carry her letter jacket with her to the bus and see if one of her friends could help her.

Meanwhile, Paula was so looking forward to Backwards Day she could barely sleep that night. After she finished showering, Paula asked Pam to come to her room to help with her outfit. She was already able to get her down pants on backwards without any problems, but she would need help doing her coat. She decided to wear the white puffy vest underneath normally.

"I still can't believe you wore your coat in your class pictures," Pam said as she helped Paula put on her pink coat backwards. Pam was not yet wearing her plum down coat.

"What can I say? My coat is so comfortable, I just don't like not wearing it." Paula replied as Pam began zipping her coat in the back.

"Well, I guess I can understand how you feel. Remember, the other night I kept my coat on while we watched those movies."

"Yeah, why did you do that?"

"Well, I guess I was kinda fascinated at the way you can keep your coat on all the time, I thought I'd try it and see for myself."

"And?"

"It felt very good! Very warm and comfy, and although they look huge and bulky, they don't really make you as hot as you'd think they do."

Pam by this time had finished zipping and buttoning Paula's pink coat. Paula also made an upside down French braid that hung over her face right between her eyes to complete the Backwards Day look.

"Honey, before you go..." Pam said as Paula was about ready to leave for the bus.

"Yes?" Paula replied, very surprised as she saw her mother also wear her plum down coat backwards.

"Could you zip me up too? It's casual Friday and I figured why not try wearing my coat at work like this also?"

"Sure, mom, but only if you promise not to take it off no matter what," Paula said as she quickly zipped up her mother's coat in the back all the way to the top. Both mother and daughter then hugged each other good-bye before Paula went off to catch the bus.

"Wow Becky! You look great in your shiny backwards black coat!" Paula said as she boarded the bus and sat next to Becky.

"Thanks, your backwards pink down suit is amazing!" Becky replied. "I'm not sure I'm daring enough to wear a full suit, but girl, if anyone can pull it off, it's you. And your braid over your face looks so cute!"

"Say, could one of you do me a favor?" Tina said as she got on the bus and went to Becky and Paula's seat. "Could one of you help me with my varsity jacket?"

"I'll help you," Becky said as Tina put on her letter jacket backwards over her brown puffy coat. Becky then carefully buttoned each of the buttons starting from the bottom until the jacket was completely buttoned.

"Wow, this is certainly different," Paula said as she patted her vest stuffed tummy. "It feels so weird not having a zipper in the front."

"I know, it's like you're totally locked up in your coat and you can't just unzip it at will," Becky replied. "But in a way, it's really really cool!"

"It's too bad we can't do this all the time though," Tina said. "I mean, people probably think we're weird enough wearing our down coats and such as is. But at least this will be a great change of pace."

"You bet!" Paula agreed as the bus once again pulled up to Augusta High.

CHAPTER 14

As the girls walked down the hallways of Augusta High, they noticed that the majority of students did indeed participate for Backwards Day by wearing at least their shirts backwards, and quite a few also wore their backpacks backwards and looked like they were pregnant! They did see a few students wear their jackets backwards, but none were zipped up in the back like they were. All three girls were very pleased with not only the fact that they stood out in the crowd, but that it was just so much fun wearing their coats backwards! They knew they probably could not pull it off again other than for this special day, so they made sure to savor the moment as much as possible. Needless to say, all three girls made it the whole school day without ever unzipping any of their coats. Tina had to stay after school for soccer practice that day, which meant, sadly, the girls had to unbutton and unzip Tina's letter jacket and down coat. But both girls promised Tina to keep their coats on backwards for her and wished her good luck in the first soccer game of the season tomorrow.

After the school day had ended, Paula got off the bus and went to work at Carol's. Carol was wearing a fully zipped royal blue down coat.

"Good evening, Paula," Carol said as Paula put on her name tag. "Eh, why is your coat and pants on backwards?"

"It was Backwards Day at school, so me and my friends decided to wear our coats backwards for that day even my mom for her job's casual Friday!" Paula replied. "I hope it's okay for me to wear my down suit backwards."

"Of course dear, I would never want you leave your, eh, 'comfort zone'. Don't forget your first pay day is today. Since you're my only employee, I can count up your hours and pay you myself. Plus I have a special surprise for you at the end of your shift."

"Thanks Carol!" Paula replied as she began her shift.

When Paula's shift ended at 8PM, Carol received her first paycheck. It felt good not only getting her first paycheck, but also the fact that she was doing a job she truly loved with a great boss. Paula realized that not everyone is this fortunate and made very sure to make the most of her time here, however long it may be.

"Okay Paula, now for your surprise." Carol said. "Remember how I told you I would let you have one free coat every month? Well, I'm going to let you pick out your freebie today because you did such a great job your first week. But if I make a suggestion before you choose? I think you should pick out a full length down coat, seeing as how you already have a vest, coat and pants. It'll also come in handy for our very cold harsh Maine winters."

"Really? Thank you!" Paula replied as she went to look over the long down coats. She saw many different colors of them, but they were mostly darker colors so far. Finally, she finally found one that looked so perfect, it might as well have had her name on it. It was a very long lavender down coat that looked every bit as puffy and beautiful as Tina's long coat. Although this coat too, had a high zip collar, it also had a very puffy hood!

"I think I want this one," Paula said as she pulled the coat off the rack. She then unzipped the coat off the hanger. Paula felt so warm and comfortable in her pink down suit however, she didn't want to take it off to even try out the lavender coat. So Paula put on the lavender coat on over her pink down suit. She tried to reach down to connect the zipper, but the sheer bulkiness of her now double down layered arms and the now triple down layer of her torso couldn't reach the coat!

"Could you help zip me up, Carol?" Paula sheepishly asked.

"Honey, you are going to boiling if you wear this many layers of down at one time." Carol replied. "Are you sure you don't want to try the coat on when you get home? You can always exchange it if it doesn't fit."

"No, I want to try it like this."

"Well, you did say you were going to your friend's soccer game tomorrow night, and I heard on the weather report that there might be a record low temperature that night, so then again, maybe this setup here would work after all."

Carol then reached down and connected the zipper at the very bottom of Paula's high heeled feet. Carol then slowly zipped up the coat although it felt a bit tight because of the pink down suit underneath. At last, Carol had zipped the coat up to the top and fastened all ten buttons of the button closure. Luckily, Paula was able to reach up and put the hood on and buttoned it up too. She also pulled the hood's drawstrings and tied them so the hood was so tight around her face, only her eyes were visible. She then walked to the full length mirror.

"Wow! This looks fantastic! Thank you Carol!" Paula said as she hugged Carol before leaving for her mom's car. She was pleasantly surprised to find that her mom's plum coat was still on backwards and zipped.

"Hiya mom! Wow, did you really wear your coat like that all day?"

"Yes I did sweetheart, and let me tell you I was the talk of casual Friday! At first a few thought it looked weird, but when I told them it was for my daughter's Backwards Day at school, they finally understood. And where did you get this fine long coat, Paula?"

"As you know, Carol promised me that I'd get a free coat every month and she let me go ahead and have mine for this month. Doesn't it look awesome? I think I might wear it for the soccer game tomorrow night."

At last, the two arrived home. Paula was sure Carol would ask to be unzipped, but the plum figure simply grabbed some snacks and a Diet Rite and went to the couch to watch TV.

When Paula went upstairs to her room, she was feeling very hot under all her heavy bulky down layers, but she just could not bear to remove any of her beautiful down. So she set her thermostat down to the lowest setting possible. After a few minutes, her room was absolutely ice cold and perfect for wearing all her coats. Then Paula's phone rang.

"Hello?" Paula answered.

CHAPTER 15

"Hi, it's me Becky! Eh, why does your voice sound muffled a bit?" Becky asked.

"Oh yes! It's my new coat! As you know, I get a free coat every month for working at Carol's and Carol let me get mine today!"

"Really? What does it look like?"

"Oh it's so awesome! It's a full length lavender down coat that goes all the way down to my ankles, and it's just as puffy and warm as Tina's white long down coat, and this one even has a puffy hood, which is why my voice sounds a bit muffled."

"Too bad you can't wear the hood up during school."

"True, but I can wear it up at home and for Tina's soccer game tomorrow. Would you believe I'm still wearing my pink puffy suit under my long lavender coat?"

"I don't understand why you're not boiling and sweating bullets right now, girl. I mean, just wearing my black down coat is quite warm itself."

"Well, I do have my thermostat turned all the way down, so I'm fine now! Are you still wearing your black down coat backwards?"

"Oh yes! When I came home, my daddy said that he couldn't believe that I made it the whole school day without ever having to take off my coat, and when he asked me if I wanted to be unzipped, I said I'll just leave it on. Doesn't it look awesome with my long black nails?"

"You bet it does! Also, would you believe my mom wore her down coat backwards for her casual Friday at work?"

"No way!"

"Yes way! She too kept it on fully zipped the whole work day and she too did not ask me to unzip it for her. She said that most of her co-workers really liked her new look, and I think it's so cool that my mom seems to love wearing puffy down as much as I do! She still has it on fully zipped even now!"

"I guess wearing puffy down has become like a family affair for you! You're so lucky you have such a cool, or should I say 'warm' mom."

"Indeed, I love wearing my puffy coats with my friends and now my mom does too."

"Maybe so, but you will always be the true down queen of Augusta High. I mean, who else is able to wear a full down suit, much less with a long coat over that and keep it on indoors and out?"

"Well, I guess you got me there. Anyway, let's keep our coats on backwards as a way to support Tina in her first soccer game, okay?"

"Deal! I'll be going to the game with my dad because he played soccer during his high school days as well. Well, I guess I'll need to hit the hay. I never tried sleeping in my down coat before, so I hope the experience is a good one."

"Believe me, you'll love it. Good night Becky."

"Good night Paula. Stay warm and puffy!"

After Paula hung up the phone, she walked to the mirror and looked at her new lavender coat. She looked and felt incredible seeing the lavender coat fully zipped and buttoned and protecting her from top to bottom. She also loved how the hood was laced so tightly around her face and how the double collars were up so high, only her eyes were visible. She also felt a sense of pride that she was no longer feeling really hot and sweaty under her down layers, and was simply as super warm and comfortable as she was with just her pink down suit. She knew that she could not wear all this at once during school, because then she would be much too hot. Even though Paula was very good at being able to wear puffy down indoors without getting too hot, she knew that even she had her limits. But at least in her room, the thermostat could be used to change the temperature, and around the house at least, Paula could wear all this down if she so chose. The huge bulky layers of down felt really heavy on Paula, but she figured she was a strong young woman and could handle the extra down weight.

Paula then turned the lights out and went to her bed. It was then that she decided that she was going to wear her coats, ALL of her coats, for the whole weekend, especially during Tina's game tomorrow. She also hoped that her mom as well as Becky would keep their backwards coats on fully zipped tomorrow as well. Paula at last knew how Tina felt in her white puffy sleeping bag coat, as Paula too, fell fast asleep, fully protected by both her own "sleeping bag" and her pink puffy down suit.

Becky, meanwhile, was also about ready to go to bed after going on her computer to chat with her online friends. She was also getting much better at typing with her very long black nails and wondered how she ever got along without them and her down coat. Becky then turned out the light and for the first time, fell asleep while still wearing her black down coat, which was still on and fully zipped up backwards as it had been since this morning.

As for Tina, she had just returned home after a hard day and evening of soccer practice. She was very sore and she knew exactly what would help her relax before the big game tomorrow. Tina unzipped and took off her brown down coat and put both it and her varsity jacket away in her closet. She then grabbed her long white down coat, zipped and buttoned it up, and fell fast asleep on her bed.

CHAPTER 16

Because there was no school Saturday, Paula was finally able to sleep in. Because she was so warm and cozy wearing her puffy white vest, puffy pink suit, and puffy lavender long down coat, she easily slept over 12 hours that night.

When she finally had the heart to wake herself up a little after 10AM, Paula at first really didn't feel like getting out of bed, thinking she'd have to get out of her warm down covers and go out into the cold bedroom. But, Paula then realized once she was a little more awake, she was WEARING all her "down covers" and did not have to leave them at all! In fact, Paula had long since shoved all the blankets of her bed to one side and let her puffy suit and now her long coat too keep her warm. Paula then got herself up and went downstairs to the living room to watch some TV. She then grabbed a pillow and layed down on the couch and looked like she was in a lavender sleeping bag.

"Well, the lavender creature is finally up," Pam said giggling holding a cup of coffee. Paula couldn't see her at first with her huge puffy hood blocking all but her most direct line of vision, but then she turned around and noticed her mom was still wearing her plum down coat backwards and zipped, just like it was 24 hours ago.

"Hee hee, thanks mom," replied Paula in a slightly muffled voice.

"Well, would you believe I slept in this silly coat last night? You know, I thought you were crazy for wanting to sleep in your coats, never mind always walking around in a full down suit all the time. But you know what? I thought it was kinda neat."

"I'm glad you feel that way mom. At least you haven't been trying to like, stop me from wearing my coats all the time."

"No problem. I'll take that over those other girls that wear nothing but those skimpy little outfits that barely cover anything. Anyway, I noticed you wearing your suit and now this long down coat and I figured if I'm going to be going to the game with you tonight, maybe I'd better get something like that too. So whatdya say? Wanna go shopping with your good ol' mom?"

"Sure! I'll grab my coat! Oh wait! I'm already wearing two and a vest!" Paula giggled.

A half hour later, the two arrived at Carol's Coat Closet.

"Well hey there! How's my favorite employee and her mom doing?" Carol asked as she played with the high zip collar on her huge orange down coat.

"I'm your only employee silly," Paula replied.

"I guess that's true," Carol replied. "And I'm glad to see you enjoying your new long lavender coat Paula! So, what can I do for you two today?"

"My mom wants to get a long coat like mine for the game tonight in case it gets cold," Paula said.

"Indeed," Pam pointed out. "I know my puffy young lady here is very well protected from the cold so I figured I'd better be prepared too. Say, Paula? Could you just go around shopping for a little while for a half hour or so? I want to surprise you with my final pick."

"Okay, mom!" Paula said.

Paula then went to the nearby CD/DVD store at the mall to look at their latest wares. Although Paula didn't realize it, people couldn't help but stare in amazement at the lavender coat figure looking through the CDs. The store clerks kept a very close eye on her, thinking she was only wearing the long down coat to hide stolen merchandise. She couldn't find anything she was looking for, so she left the store. The theft detector at the store door was silent as she walked by, so the clerks knew she didn't take anything.

Meanwhile, Pam was looking through the selection of down coats. Pam was only interested though, in her favorite color, which was the same deep plum color that would match her coat. At last, she finally found what she was looking for. It was a long down coat that looked exactly like Paula's, except it was not quite as puffy but still had a very nice hood. But what the coat lacked in puffiness it made up for by the beautiful, slightly shiny plum color that matched her coat perfectly.

"I think I'll try this one," Pam said as she pulled the coat off the rack. She then stood in front of the store's mirror and at first thought about asking Carol to help her unzip the back of her regular down coat, but figured why not try it over it like her daughter did? So she inserted her already very puffy sleeves inside the long plum down coat. Because she was not wearing down pants and a puffy vest underneath like Paula, she was able to reach down and connect the zipper without any problems. She then zipped the coat all the way to the top of the collar and then fastened all the buttons of the button closure. She then pulled the hood up and fastened it on her way to Carol's check-out counter.

"How do I look?" Pam asked as Carol began to ring up her purchase.

"It looks wonderful ma'am, and I think you and your daughter will be well protected for tonight's game," Carol replied as she ran Pam's credit card through and completed the order. When the order was finished, the puffy plum figure left the store to find her lavender down-clad daughter relaxing on the mall bench.

"How do you like my new coat?" Pam asked.

"Oh mom! It looks fantastic!" Paula replied as she got up and hugged her mom in joy. "We're almost like twins!"

"So, are you all ready to go to the game?"

"Well, let me run into Carol's real quick and get something. I'll be right back."

A few minutes later, Paula came out of Carol's with something inside a shopping bag.

"It's a surprise for Becky," Paula explained to Pam as the mother/daughter down coat duo left the store for their car. Both were relieved to go back outside as both were starting to get hot under all their layers of down. Needless to say, they made sure to keep the heater of their car off during the trip to Augusta High Stadium. When they finally arrived, Paula noticed Becky and her father sitting near the front of the home bleachers, so Paula and her mom sat down next to them.

CHAPTER 17

"Hi Becky!" Paula said through her muffled hood.

Becky turned around and couldn't believe the two long puffy coated figures who were behind her. "Oh my God! I love your new long lavender coat. I mean, I personally wouldn't like that color on me, but on you, and your mom's coat too, wow! Say, what's in the bag, Paula?"

"It's a little surprise for you," Paula said as she handed the big shopping bag to Becky. Becky reached into the bag and pulled out a huge ball of shiny black down. She then unfolded the ball and found it was a pair of huge black puffy down pants, which matched her shiny black puffy coat perfectly!

"Oh thank you Paula!" Becky said as she hugged Paula. "What good timing! My legs were starting to get a little chilly. I'll put this on right now!"

So Becky took off her shoes and put on the black down pants over her jeans. She put them on backwards to match her still backwards puffy black coat, but luckily Paula was there to fasten the pants in the back and complete Becky's outfit. Becky then put her shoes back on before sitting down next to Paula.

"Hi, I'm Pam, Paula's mother," Pam said to David as the two shook hands. David was only wearing his old varsity jacket.

"Good to meet you. I understand your daughter is a very good friend of mine."

"Indeed, we just moved here from Miami a little over a week ago."

As the two continued to talk about various things, Paula and Becky sat together as they watched Tina block some practice shots. It would still be another hour before the game started, and the two couldn't help but notice that most of the rest of the crowd was only wearing regular jackets and some had some blankets draped over their legs. Becky had brought some blankets to keep her legs warm, but with her new puffy black down pants, she sure didn't need them now! Although Becky was now dressed in shiny black down and had her head sunk inside her collar so much that only her eyes were visible, she just couldn't help but stare in awe at Pam and especially Paula. She absolutely loved how both were wearing their long down coats and especially how Paula was wearing both a down suit and a long down coat with a puffy hood! Although Pam had removed her hood and unzipped the collar of her long down coat in order to talk to David better, Becky and Pam weren't about to disturb their down sanctuaries. So they simply layed back on the bleachers and just soaked in and savored the warm, comfortable protection inside their beautiful puffy paradises as the game finally began and hour later.

A couple hours later, the game was over and Tina's Augusta High team won 2-0. By that time many of the fans were shivering inside their blankets, but Becky and Paula as well as Pam (who had long since rezipped and rehooded her long down coat), didn't feel a thing. The whole gang as well as Tina and her team celebrated the victory with a pizza party. This meant, unfortunately, Paula had to unlace and take off her beautiful puffy hood and both she and Becky had to tuck their zipped collars under their chins in order to eat the pizza. But you can bet that Paula's hood was right back up and laced even tighter around her face as soon as she had her fill of pizza!

"Paula, you are not going to guess what just happened!" Becky said in excitement.

"What?" Paula replied inside her hood.

"Your mom and my dad are going to go on a date tomorrow! And on top of that, he's invited both you and Tina to spend tonight and the next night at my house!"

"Wow! Another girls' night out while your dad and Paula's mom are dating! How cool!" Tina replied. She was now wearing her varsity jacket fully buttoned with her puffy brown coat on underneath.

Before long, the three girls had arrived at David's house. By this time, David was much too tired from all the excitement of the game that he went right to sleep. The girls however went right to Becky's room where they spent the whole night talking and simply doing girl-type things. They also loved the dark, mysterious goth decor of Becky's room. Needless to say, all of them kept all their coats on and zipped the whole night and although Tina did not sleep in her varsity jacket, she did keep the brown coat on fully zipped. Luckily Becky's room too had her own thermostat so they kept the room very cold so both she and Paula could stay inside their down suits as well.

The next day, David was ready to go on his first date with Pam. It was the first time either of them went on a date since the loss of their former spouses. Both of them had a great time with both dinner and their movie. Meanwhile, the girls stayed at David's house for yet another slumber party where they spent most of the time eating popcorn, watching TV, and even playing some board games. Tina was a bit disappointed that she didn't bring her long white down coat and couldn't be fully covered in down like Becky and Paula were. But she knew she'd get another chance soon enough.

Both Becky and Paula were pleased that the date went so well and there were thoughts in the back of their minds that the two might someday marry and possibly the two girls would become sisters! But then they shook themselves back to reality and realized the odds of them actually falling in love and marrying on the first persons they dated since their last marriages were very slim.

And so Monday morning finally arrived and Paula was so unhappy that she now had to shed all her beautiful down layers in order to get her shower in (after all, she kept her down suit on for three straight days and her long lavender coat for almost two). Although that was also true for Becky and Tina, Paula took it the hardest as she had to take off three layers of beautiful down, with Tina helping her and Becky unzip their backwards coats. But all three girls knew that once their showers and other grooming needs were completed, their puffy paradises were ready for them to start another day.

Tina only had her puffy brown coat and her letter jacket, so she decided to wear her coat on fully zipped underneath her fully buttoned varsity jacket. She made sure none of the brown jacket was visible under her letter jacket so it'd just look bigger and puffier than just wearing the letter jacket alone. Becky, of course, put her beautiful shiny black puffy pants and coat back on zipped all the way to the top with only a t-shirt and shorts underneath so she wouldn't get too hot. Ditto for Paula and her puffy white vest and puffy pink down suit. Paula also put on her long lavender down coat, zipped it fully and put her hood on laced tightly. They then got on the bus together to start a fresh new week at Augusta High.

CHAPTER 18

As the girls arrive at Augusta High, Paula makes a stop at her locker. She doesn't really want to take off her long down coat, but she is already starting to get very hot under all her down layers. So she decides to take off the long lavender coat but leave her trademark pink down suit on and fully zipped. She also get out her brush and brushes her long golden tresses until they are perfect. Finally, she adjusts her pink zipped collar until it's just covering her chin.

"Umm...Hi there..." says a soft male voice.

"Well hello there!" Paula replies as she turns around to see where the voice came from. Both she and the mystery guy begin walking together and talking.

"My name's Dylan. I'm in your first period class."

"I'm Paula. I just got here a couple weeks ago."

"Anyway, I've seen in you in class and I just had to try and meet you. You are simply the most beautiful, fascinating girl I've ever seen!"

"Really?" Paula replied. She started to blush slightly. Although she had always been a very pretty and very popular girl, she was usually quite shy around guys.

"Yes, I especially love your pink down suit. I've always loved girls in puffy down coats, but I've never seen one wear a full suit like yours!"

"Why, thank you!" Paula replied blushing even more.

"But how are you able to keep your down suit on all day? Don't you get hot?"

"Well, I'm originally from Miami so I guess I was always used to warm weather all year long, but I too have always loved down coats ever since I was little. I guess I just never got to wear them until now. I got my pink down suit from Carol's at the mall and I guess it's kinda become my trademark. It just feels so warm and comfortable and cozy that I just can't stand not wearing it!"

As the two walked into their first period class, Dylan finally got the courage to pop the question.

"Are you by any chance free tonight?" Dylan asked. "I'd love to go out with you."

"Well, I'm afraid I'm busy tonight..." Paula begins to reply. Dylan's heart at this point begins to sink. He knew that most of the time whenever a girl replied to a question like that with "I'm busy", it was really their way of saying "no". He knew this was his "dream girl", and was disappointed that she was probably going to turn him down. But he figured that at least he tried.

"...because I work Monday thru Friday. But I can go out with you Saturday if you'd like," Paula replied.

"That would be great! Thanks!" Dylan said as she hugged his pink puffy princess. Well, at least he hoped she'd become his pink puffy princess!

All through first period, Dylan could barely concentrate on the lesson as she stared at his dream girl seated at the desk northeast of his. Although he had always done that since she first arrived last week, somehow it felt warmer and more relaxing now that he finally told Paula how he truely felt.

Paula knew that he was staring at him but knew that if she turned her head around, it'd only make Dylan look away. So she took her notebook and pencil and placed it diagonally against the edge of her desk as she leaned back and sunk her head inside her collar so that it was up to just under her eyes. As she continued to take her notes, Dylan's heart was racing so fast he felt like he was going to faint. As far as he was concerned, Paula might as well have been the reigning homecoming queen.

And so the week went by slowly but surely. After Monday, Paula chose to keep her long lavender coat in her closet for now and save it only for the coldest winter days. She would always wear her pink down suit to school, of course. Both Becky and Tina were very happy for Paula and hoped that her date with Dylan would go well. Dylan, meanwhile, always daydreamed about his new puffy pink crush nearly every waking moment and couldn't wait until the big day.

At last, Saturday did arrive. As previously agreed, Dylan would arrive at Paula's house to pick her up. When Dylan arrived and knocked on Paula's door, Pam answered it. Dylan couldn't believe that she was wearing a very beautiful huge plum puffy coat in her own right, and figured that if her mother also loved wearing down, that this had to be a very good sign.

"Hi, I'm Pam, Paula's mother," Pam said as she shook Dylan's hand. "She'll be coming down in a few minutes."

Dylan then sat on the sofa and eagerly awaited for his dream girl to arrive. He was wearing a nice black North Face down coat himself, but it was nothing compared to the awe inspiring pink down suit Paula always wore.

Meanwhile, Paula had just finished brushing her hair and had pulled it back in a long ponytail. She was also wearing her brand new 6 inch platform heels that her mom just got her a few days ago just for her first date. She was just about ready to meet her date when she saw her long lavender down coat in her open closet. She really wanted to make her first real date really count, plus she wanted to see if Dylan truly loved seeing her in down. So she took the lavender coat off the rack and put it on over her beautiful pink down suit. She then reached down and connected the zipper and began zipping. Luckily she had learned how to zip it up over her suit by herself. After she finished zipping it to the top, she put her hair up in a bun so she could more easily put her hood up. She only laced the hood around her face, however, because she knew they were going to eat somewhere first.

She then went to her full length mirror to make some final adjustments to her outfit. Her four piece down outfit (vest, coat, pants, long coat) and how huge and puffy it made her look was quite a contrast to her normally petite figure. At last, she opened her bedroom door and began to go downstairs to meet Dylan. She really hoped he would like her outfit.

CHAPTER 19

At long last, Dylan finally heard footsteps coming from the stairs. His heart raced with anticipation as he awaited his date. But he was in for an absolute shock when he finally saw the puffy lavender figure carefully walk down the steps. At first he didn't understand why she wasn't wearing her trademark pink down suit, until he looked more closely and saw near her feet that she was indeed wearing the pink down suit, under her long lavender coat! Paula then finally reached the living room and hugged Dylan.

"So, how do I look?" Paula asked.

"Paula, you are the absolute most beautiful girl I've ever seen. I've always loved girls in coats, but you, WOW! Where did you get such a gorgeous long puffy coat?" replied Dylan after he almost literally had to pick up his jaw off the floor to recover from the shock of seeing his girl in what seemed like endless layers of puffy down.

"Well, I'm actually wearing first a puffy white down vest that my friend Tina gave me, then my trademark pink down suit, and so I figured why not try wearing my long lavender coat over it? That's probably why it looks so much bigger and puffier than it really is."

"Well, you two have a wonderful time and be back home by midnight," Pam said before they went out the door.

That night was simply the most magical night Dylan ever had. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever think he would ever find a girl who shared the same love for wearing down as he did. In fact, she seemed to love wearing down much more than he liked seeing girls wear it! First the two went out for pizza and because Paula was careful to only lace her puffy hood around her face, she was able to eat the pizza without taking her hood off. Dylan could barely even touch his pizza as he just stared in awe that Paula kept all her heavy warm layers of down on through the entire pizza eating session.

The couple later went to the local drive-in movie theater which because of the cold, was operating on the final day of its season. This was perfect for Paula as she didn't want to risk getting too hot under all her down layers. In fact, she even unlaced her hood and relaced it even tighter so that only her eyes could be seen. Dylan was so in awe that he could barely concentrate on the movie as the two held and snuggled together during the movie. It felt so good for each of them to feel each other's puffy coats together.

Finally, at about 11:45, they were back at Paula's house. It was the greatest night of their lives and even though they only knew each other for less than a week, they both knew they had something very special. After a very long and passionate good-bye kiss, they both decided to date each other exclusively. Dylan felt like he was the luckiest man in the whole world and hoped that nothing would ever change the special relationship that was blossoming between the two. Paula loved the fact that there was a guy that appreciated her love for down coats and the fact that he was nothing but a perfect gentleman the whole night.

And so more weeks went by, then months, and finally a few years. It was now nearing the end of the girls' and Dylan's senior years. Tina had a couple years ago became the first girl in school history to play for the varsity baseball team and quit soccer that same year to commit fully to her dream of turning pro and perhaps making the major leagues. Becky continued to wear her beautiful black shiny down suit every day as the centerpiece of her overall goth lifestyle as well as her long black claw-like nails which were now two inches long. Pam and David also continued dating each other from time to time.

As for Paula, she had by this time five beautiful down suits, each as puffy as her favorite pink one, and had a sky blue, lavender, yellow-green, and white suits to go with her favorite pink one, and sometimes wore a color for each day of the school week. She also had a few down vests to wear during the summer, which although she hated not being able to wear her full suits during the summer, she was glad she could wear some puffy down at least.

Paula and Dylan continued to date every Saturday night and saw each other during the day sometimes during the summer. They also called or chatted with each other very often. Paula was also doing very well at Carol's and had saved up enough money to help her get started at the local community college next year. Furthermore, her long natural nails were now a little over three inches long and always polished and filed perfectly, and her long blonde hair had grown to almost knee length. Finally, Paula was also doing quite well in her studies and had maintained a 4.0 GPA all through high school. Life just could not have been any more perfect for Paula.

One day, with less than a month to go until graduation, Paula's name was called over the intercom to come to the office to pick up a phone call. She arrived there and picked up the phone. It was her mom.

"Hi mom, what is it?" Paula asked with a bit of concern. She had never received a call from her mom during the school day like this, so she knew something was wrong from the beginning.

"Paula, please come straight home after school," Pam said with a bit of sadness in her voice.

"But I'm supposed to work at Carol's after school today."

"It's about Carol. I'll explain when you get home, okay?"

"Okay, mom. Bye," Paula said as she hung up the phone. Something was obviously very wrong and she was very worried about both her mom and Carol. After the school day was finished and Paula got off the bus to her home, she was ready to open the front door. Paula hoped that the news wouldn't be too bad, but she knew it most likely would be.

CHAPTER 20

Paula opened the front door to find her mom sitting on the couch looking very sad and very surprisingly, without her coat. Paula sat down next to her mom.

"Honey, sweetheart, I don't know know how else to say this so I'll just come right out and say it," Pam started.

"What is it, mom? What's wrong? And why did you not want me to go to work at Carol's today?" Paula asked in reply.

"It's about Carol. Honey, earlier today, Carol was driving to her store and...she got into an accident."

"An accident? Is she okay?"

"I'm afraid not. A drunk driver hit her car very badly. When the police arrived, both she and the drunk driver were already dead. Honey, I'm so sorry."

Paula simply could not believe her ears. She had gotten so used to working for Carol and got along so well with her that she felt like a big sister to her.

"Oh mom..." Paula said as she hugged her mom and cried. It was without a doubt the saddest day of her life.

Paula, Pam, Tina, Becky and their families were all at Carol's funeral service to pay their last respects. The girls all wore their down suits as a tribute to Carol. After the services and burial were finished, a man in a business suit and briefcase approached Paula and Pam.

"Excuse me, are you Paula?" the man asked.

"Yes," Paula replied.

"My name is Robert Radcliff, Attorney at Law. I represent Carol's estate. I need both you and your mother to come with me to my office. Carol has left something for you in her will."

And so Paula, her mother, and Robert were all in his office with a TV monitor and DVD player. Robert inserted a DVD in the player and played it.

"This is a video last will and testament Carol made. I'm just glad I got her to make one in time," Robert said.

"Greetings," Carol began to say. "If you are viewing this, I must be dead now, and hopefully in a much better place. Anyway, my lawyer said that even though I'm still fairly young, I should still be prepared to have my last wishes respected and carried out, just in case."

"Anyway," Carol continued, "I will cut right to the chase. Most people in these wills give things like money and jewelry and other valuables to their children or other loved ones. As for me, the only possession I have that I ever felt truly mattered was my store. Unfortunately, I was concerned that I would have no one to leave the store to since I have no children. That is, until a very special young lady came along a few years ago. I have never been more proud to have had her help me out with my store and my business has never been better. It seems nearly everyone wants some kind of down wear nowadays. Therefore, I would like to leave my most prized possession, my store, and all its inventory, to that special young lady. Paula, if you're watching, I want you run my store and treat it with the same pride as I always have and continue to make it a success. I know if anyone can do it, it's you."

When the DVD finished, Paula sunk her head inside her collar trying to make sense of it all. Was she now, at the tender age of 19, now responsible for an entire store? Although she had worked with Carol for three years, Paula didn't feel like she had a clue how to run a store. Furthermore, she was planning on going to college next year, what will she do about that? Paula knew that she had a lot of thinking to do.

The next morning, Paula and Pam talked over her big decision, while assuring Paula that one way or the other, Pam will support her decision as best she can.

"I know what I want to do, mom." Paula said.

"Are you sure you really want to go through with this? It'll be a big responsibility," Pam said.

"I know, but this is what she wanted, and I want to do everything I can to honor her memory."

A week later, the day after Paula's graduation (where she wore underneath her graduation gown her favorite pink down suit in memory of Carol), Paula stood outside the locked door of Carol's Coat Closet wearing her lavender down suit. Paula stood there for a moment just taking the moment in, and finally opened the locked door and turned on all the lights. Her first day as owner of Carol's Coat Closet had just begun.

EPILOGUE

A year after Paula's graduation, Tina was called up to the major leagues by the Toronto Blue Jays, where she instantly became a superstar, enjoying a successful career as the first female Major League Baseball player. She always made sure however, to stay at her home town during the off season to be with her two best friends.

Becky would go on to college, but chose to stay in Augusta and she would become neighbors with Paula. She continued her goth lifestyle and opened a Hot Topic store right next to Paula's coat store. Becky still loves to wear her shiny black down suit and her very long black nails, now three inches in length.

As for Paula, she married Dylan a year after she took over Carol's store, now renamed "Paula's Puffy Paradise of Coats, in memory of Carol", with the store performing making among the most profitable and most popular of the whole area. Paula continues to grow her hair in honor of her father, and now reaches her ankles. Her nails too, are still quite long and often gets compliments on her now six inch beauties. Soon afterwards Paula became pregnant and had her first and only child, and named her Carol, after her late mentor and friend.

Dylan continues to wear his down coats often, but usually not indoors. Paula, on the other hand, never wears anything but the puffiest, brightest colored down suits available fully zipped, both indoors and out. It would not be long before Carol (her daughter) took after her mom's love of down, and she too loves to wear her brightly colored puffy coats as much as she can.

********** THE END **********

To return to the list of stories, click here.