Chapter 13: "Apexor again?"
As they stepped out of the house, River couldn't help but notice Lettie's sleek, high-end sports car parked in the driveway. The car's glossy black finish sparkled in the morning sunlight, and the distinctive logo on the front grille seemed to gleam with sophistication.
"Wow, Lettie, your car is stunning!" River exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration.
Lettie grinned, pleased with River's reaction. "Thanks, I just got it recently. It's a limited edition, and I couldn't resist the allure of its powerful engine and sleek design."
River nodded, impressed. "It looks like a dream car. I'm sure it's a head-turner wherever you go."
Lettie chuckled. "Let's hope so. Now, shall we get going? We have a lot of shopping to do, and I want to make sure we make the most of our day."
As they settled into the car, Lettie started the engine, and the sound of smooth music filled the air. River felt a sense of excitement wash over her as they pulled out of the driveway and onto the road.
"So, how are you feeling about Monday ?" Lettie asked, glancing over at River with a concerned expression. "You seemed a bit worried earlier."
River sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I am a bit anxious, to be honest. I hate it when people come up to me and start talking, and being it my first day, I hope I don't screw up. I feel like I don't know what to say or do."
Lettie nodded understandingly. "I get it. Sometimes, people can be overwhelming. But don't worry, I'll be right there with you the whole time. We'll stick together, and I'll help you navigate any situations that might arise."
River smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Lettie. "Thanks, Lettie. You're a lifesaver."
Lettie smiled back and turned up the music. A popular song filled the car, and they both started singing along, laughing and dancing in their seats. The music was infectious, and River felt her worries melting away.
As they approached the shopping mall, River's eyes widened in awe. The building was massive, with a sleek, modern design that seemed to stretch on forever. The sign above the entrance read "Apexor Shopping Mall" in bold, gleaming letters.
"Whoa, this place is huge!" River exclaimed. "I've never seen anything like it."
Lettie grinned. "Welcome to Apexor, River. We're going to have a blast here."
Apexor again...Is there something they don't own, River was really surprised.
As they stepped inside, River's eyes grew wide with wonder. The interior was just as impressive as the exterior, with rows upon rows of upscale stores and restaurants. There were even guest rooms that could be booked for those who wanted to spend the night or have a luxurious experience.
The mall was designed to be cashless, with advanced technology that allowed customers to pay with just a wave of their wrist or a scan of their phone. River was amazed by the convenience and efficiency of the system.
As they walked through the mall, River and Lettie grabbed a cookie from a nearby bakery. River's eyes widened as she saw the price tag. "Lettie, this is way too expensive! I don't think I can afford it."
Lettie laughed and waved her hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it, River. Today's on me. You can pay next time."
River hesitated, but Lettie's smiled convincingly. She took a bite of the cookie, and her eyes lit up with delight. It was the most delicious thing she had ever tasted.
As they continued through the mall, Lettie led the way to her favorite dressing room. "You know, River, I shop here all the time. They have the best selection of designer clothes and accessories."
River's eyes widened as she looked around the store. "No wonder you know this place so well. You're a regular here."
Lettie grinned mischievously. "Let's just say I have a good taste in clothes. Now, let's find you some outfits that will make you shine."
With a wave of her hand, Lettie picked up about ten dresses and handed them to River. "Try these on, River. I want to see how they fit you."
River looked at the dresses in dismay. "Lettie, I don't know if I need this many dresses."
But Lettie was insistent, shooing River into the dressing room with a laugh. "Come on, River. Just try them on. It'll be fun, I promise."
River sighed and reluctantly took the dresses into the dressing room. As she tried on each one, Lettie would offer her opinion, oohing and ahhing over each dress.
"You look stunning in that one, River!" Lettie exclaimed. "The color brings out your eyes."
River blushed and looked away, feeling a bit self-conscious. But she couldn't deny the way the dress made her feel – like a million dollar.
As she tried on each dress, Lettie would comment on how well it fit and how beautiful River looked. River couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and confidence.
When River was done trying on the dresses, Lettie nodded in satisfaction. "Okay, now it's my turn. I'll go change into some outfits, and you can give me your opinion."
River grinned, happy to return the favor. As Lettie changed into different outfits, River couldn't help but admire her friend's sense of style.
As they were browsing through the store, they stumbled upon a pair of wedding dresses. Lettie's eyes lit up with excitement, and she grabbed River's hand. "Come on, River. Let's try on the wedding dress. It'll be fun, I promise!"
River's eyes widened in surprise, but Lettie was already pulling her towards the dress. Before she knew it, Lettie had convinced her to try on the gown.
As River stood in front of the mirror, the wedding dress looked stunning on her. Lettie couldn't help but gasp in amazement. "You look beautiful, River. Like a real bride."
River blushed, feeling a bit self-conscious. But then Lettie started acting out a proposal in her grey groom suit, and River couldn't help but laugh. Lettie got down on one knee, a pretend ring in her hand, and spoke in a dramatic voice. "River, from the moment I met you, I knew you were the one for me. Will you marry me?"
River giggled, feeling a bit silly. "Yes, yes, I'll marry you," she replied, playing along.
Just as they were getting into the moment, a loud voice interrupted them. "Don't tell me Lettie's hanging out with this snob?"
River and Lettie turned to see a group of girls standing behind them,the one heading them was the skinny Tasha.
Looking at them with a mixture of curiosity and disdain, Lettie's face fell, and River could sense her friend's discomfort.
"Let's just ignore them," River whispered to Lettie. "They're not worth it."
But Lettie was already standing up for her. "And what's wrong with being a snob?" she asked, her voice cool. "At least a snob with a beautiful face and character."
Tasha looked taken aback and looked at River with disdain.
Lettie grinned at River. "I told you before and I'm saying it again I will also protect you , River," she said, her voice filled with determination. "Let's go", Lettie said taking River's hand
As they walked away from the group, River felt a sense of security and confidence. She knew she could handle whatever came her way, as long as Lettie was by her side.
RB