Shopping Spree
1197 Words
Bethany and Ava walked into the mall, the cool blast of the air conditioner brushing over their skin as the automatic doors swung open. The place was buzzing—kids dragging their parents around, couples strolling hand-in-hand, and the usual mall crowd drifting from one store to another. Ava’s excitement was written all over her face, even though she tried to hide it under a calm expression.
They headed straight to the clothes section, weaving through racks of dresses in every style and color. Ava moved from one hanger to another like she was on a mission, tugging out dresses, holding them against her body, and scrutinizing them with narrowed eyes.
“Beth, help me look na,” Ava said, already clutching three gowns in her arm.
“I’m literally doing that,” Bethany replied, pulling out a glittery gold dress. “This one?”
Ava made a face. “I’m turning eighteen, not attending a wedding.”
Ava disappeared into the changing room with an armful of clothes. Bethany stood outside, scrolling on her phone, humming a tune. One minute later, Ava stepped out wearing a short black dress.
“What do you think about this one?” she asked, doing a slow spin.
Bethany squinted. “Nahh, too short. Try the red gown.”
Ava sighed dramatically, flicking her hair. “Okayyy,” she said, disappearing back into the fitting room.
Bethany chuckled and wandered off to pick out more dresses. As she scanned through the racks, her phone began buzzing in her pocket. She pulled it out, and the moment she saw the name on the caller ID, her lips curved into a small smile.
Evan.
She cleared her throat and answered. “Howdy stranger,” she said with a calm, teasing drawl.
“Stranger?” Evan sounded confused but amused.
“Yeah stranger. Haven’t heard from you since the beginning of the holiday, so I thought we’ve upgraded to strangers again.”
Evan laughed softly. “Haha… sorry, Martins. I’ve been helping out mom. How are you?”
“It’s fine, I understand. Anyways, I’m doing good. You?”
“I’m alright. There’s noise where you are. You at home?”
“Nope. I’m at the mall.”
“Mall? Doing what there?”
Bethany smirked. “I came to bath.”
“Ha! Martins please.”
“I’m kidding jare. I came with Ava. We’re shopping.”
“Ohh you seem to be enjoying your holiday. You’re even going shopping.”
“Bla bla… It’s Ava’s birthday week, so we came to get her a dress.”
“Oh? When’s the birthday?”
“This Saturday. Wanna come?”
Evan paused. “I’d like to, but I don’t think Ava would want that.”
“It’s okay. I’m inviting you, so come.”
“It’s not your birthday, Martins.”
Bethany rolled her eyes even though he couldn’t see her. “Okay fine. I’ll ask Ava. If she agrees, then you better come.”
Evan chuckled. “Alright. Have fun shopping. Text me or call me when you get home. Be safe.”
“Okay,” Bethany said softly, and he hung up.
She stared at her screen for a moment, feeling warmth lingering in her chest. It wasn’t a big conversation, but hearing his voice after days of silence made her smile wider than she intended.
“Beth! Come see!” Ava called.
Bethany snapped out of her thoughts and hurried toward the fitting room.
And the moment Ava stepped out in the red dress, Bethany gasped.
“OH MY GOD! Girl, you look GOOD.” Bethany’s eyes sparkled as she circled her friend like a fashion judge.
“You think?” Ava asked, biting her lip.
“I THINK we’ve found the perfect dress! Av, you look sooo good.”
Ava giggled, cheeks warming. “Okay, okay, I’m gonna pick this. You’re making me love the dress.”
With the dress sorted, they headed toward the escalator, chatting excitedly about hairstyles, shoes, and how everything was coming together faster than they expected. Ava’s birthday was clearly becoming a big deal—even bigger than she’d originally planned.
When they reached the parking garage, Jake was leaned casually against his car, scrolling through his phone. He looked up as they approached.
“Did you guys find your dress?” he asked.
Ava answered quickly, almost too quickly. “Yes, we did.”
“Okay, so where are we going next?” Jake asked.
“To the decorations store down the road,” Bethany said.
“Alright,” Jake nodded and started the engine.
As they drove, Ava leaned closer to Bethany. “Who were you talking to on the phone?”
“It’s Evan. He called.”
Ava raised a brow. “Oh, he finally called you.”
Bethany just shrugged, pretending it didn’t matter.
“Told him about your birthday. Can he come?”
Ava didn’t reply—she simply stared out the window.
Instead, she turned toward Jake. “Hey Jake, my birthday is this Saturday. Hope you’re coming?”
Jake glanced at her from the corner of his eye. “Uhmm… I’ll try.”
“Common Jake,” she said, nudging his arm playfully.
“Okay fine,” he laughed softly, “I’ll come. But I won’t stay long.”
“Alright,” Ava said, smiling so widely her dimples popped out.
Bethany watched her, shaking her head with a knowing grin. It was too obvious. Ava was smitten.
Then Jake asked, “So… what do you want for your birthday? Like, what should I get you?”
Ava froze like someone pressed pause on her life. “Anything is fine,” she stuttered, her voice cracking slightly.
Jake nodded. “Okay then.”
Bethany leaned close and whispered, “Jake is coming now, so can Evan come?”
Ava sighed dramatically. “Fine. Evan can come. But he better bring me a present.”
Bethany snorted. “Jake will bring you a present.”
Ava shoved her lightly. “Shut up!”
Both girls burst into laughter, their giggles bouncing around the car.
Jake glanced at them through the rearview mirror, confused but amused.
“Uhmm, sorry to interrupt,” he said, “but who’s Evan?”
Ava opened her mouth, but Bethany slapped a hand over it immediately.
“He’s our classmate,” Bethany blurted.
Jake raised a brow. “Why did you stop Ava from talking? Are you sure he’s just a classmate, cuz?”
“Yes, Jakey!” Bethany insisted. “Don’t mind Ava. Evan is our friend and also our classmate.”
Ava freed her mouth. “He’s only my classmate, not my friend.”
Jake laughed. Ava laughed. Even Bethany laughed at how unserious everything sounded.
They finally reached the decorations store and picked out balloons, ribbons, confetti, candles, and everything they needed for the celebration. Ava couldn’t stop imagining Saturday in her head—the dress, the decorations, the people coming, and, most importantly, Jake.
After paying, they walked back to the car, chattering about cake flavors and music playlists, their laughter echoing through the parking lot.
And they headed home.
- Writer
