I’m at a complete loss. What should I do?
“Everything’s in the fitting room,” Sandra puts in.
“Go on.” Jess nods.
“Well… OK,” I say at last. “I won’t be long.”
I try on most of the clothes, but my excitement’s evaporated. It’s not the same on my own. I wanted us to try things on together. I wanted it to be fun.
I just don’t understand it. How can she not try anything on?
She must totally hate my taste, I realize with a plunge of despair. And she hasn’t said anything because she wants to be polite.
“Any good?” says Georgina as I finally emerge.
“Er… yes!” I say, trying to sound upbeat. “I’ll take two of the tops and the pink skirt. It’s really gorgeous on!”
I glance at Jess, but she’s staring into space. Suddenly she comes to, as if she’s just noticed me.
“Ready?” she says.
“Er… yes. I’ll just go and pay.”
We head over to the front desk, where Sandra starts scanning in my purchases. Meanwhile Georgina is surveying Jess.
“If you’re not in the mood for clothes,” Georgina says suddenly, “what about jewelry?” She pulls out a tray from under the cash desk. “We’ve got some lovely bracelets in. Only ten pounds. This might suit you.” She lifts up a beautiful bracelet made of plain silver ovals linked together. I hold my breath.
“It’s nice.” Jess nods, and I feel a huge pang of relief.
“For Becky’s sister…” says Georgina, “three pounds.”
“Wow!” I beam at her. “That’s fantastic! Thank you so much, Georgina!”
“No, thanks,” says Jess. “I don’t need a bracelet.”
What?
My head swivels in shock. Did she not understand?
“But… it’s only three pounds,” I say. “It’s a total bargain!”
“I don’t need it.” Jess shrugs.
“But…”
I’m at a loss for words. How can you not buy a bracelet for three pounds? How?
“There you are, Becky!” says Sandra, handing over the rope cords of my carrier bags. There are two of them — all pale pink and glossy and scrumptious — but as my hands close round the handles I don’t feel my customary rush of delight. In fact, I barely feel anything. I’m too confused.
“Well… bye, then!” I say. “And thanks! See you soon!”
“Bye, Becky darling!” says Georgina. “And… Jess,” she adds. “See you again, I hope.”
“Becky!” says Sandra. “Before you go, just let me give you the leaflet about our sale.”
She hurries over, hands me a glossy leaflet, and leans forward.
“I’m not being funny or anything,” she says into my ear. “But… are you sure she’s your sister?”
“So!” I say uncertainly as we emerge into the street. “That was fun!” I glance at Jess, but she’s got that composed, matter-of-fact expression and I can’t tell what she’s thinking. I wish just once she’d smile. Or say, “Yes, it was fab!”
“It’s a shame you didn’t find anything in Georgina’s,” I venture. “Did you… like the clothes?”
Jess shrugs. I knew it. She just hates my taste. All that pretending she doesn’t need any clothes was just to be polite.
I mean, who doesn’t need a T-shirt?
Well, never mind. We’ll just have to find different shops. Shops that Jess likes. As we head down the sunny street, I’m thinking hard. Not skirts… not bracelets… Jeans! Everyone likes jeans. Perfect.
“I really need a new pair of jeans,” I say casually.
“Why?” Jess frowns. “What’s wrong with the jeans you’re wearing?”
“Well… nothing. But I need some more!” I say with a laugh. “I want some a bit longer than these, not too low-slung, maybe in a really dark inky blue… ”
I look at Jess expectantly, waiting for her to respond. But she just continues walking.
“So… do you need any jeans?” I feel like I’m pushing a heavy rock uphill.
“No,” says Jess. “But you go ahead.”
“Maybe another time.” I force a smile. “It doesn’t matter.”
By now we’ve reached the corner — and yes! L.K. Bennett is having a sale!
“Look at these!” I exclaim in excitement, hurrying to the big window filled with colorful strappy sandals. “Aren’t they gorgeous? What kind of shoes do you like?”