There was no way I was going to miss such a big opportunity to explore more parts of this weird place.
"my dear child, If you wish to go with your big sister today for shopping, then you have to get ready by noon. She will be off her shift for an hour or two, so you best be ready by then. Run along now, my sweet girl."
I couldn't help but hold my hands over my cheeks; I was probably looking like a big juicy red tomato. I couldn't let Mom see that—how embarrassing!
Needless to say, I just wasn't used to being talked to in such a sweet, compassionate, loving voice, so I had to run upstairs quickly—the sooner the better—to hide my embarrassment before that brother saw me. He looks like the type who would tease me for this...then again, I can't really say that about him after the confrontation with Mom today. Oh well, not my problem anymore. I best get ready for the big shopping trip today.
It's not long since I arrived here, and yet I already feel like I'm at home, though there are some things that are difficult to get used to... like, for instance, the clothing here; the texture is always soft and silky, the sleeves were long to the end and had little white frills too, and the bottoms can be from skirts to pants alone and nothing more. It's really fascinating how these people dress, and for poor people like me and my family, we have to wear this clear-like scarf around our necks to avoid the sun from burning our necks since we can't afford skin products for that area.
One thing I've learned from my mom before coming upstairs is that the sun doesn't bother the rest of our body because of the clothes' magical property, but the design we could only get was from the shop that resells the clothes rich people order. but then throw it away because the design was too tacky or wasn't to their liking so people like us can get our hands on it. So naturally, the only loose or skin-showing part is the neck, so it's a good thing these people know how to turn their hands and make fashion.
"MAYA!!! Are you ready yet?"
"We have to go in five minutes; the taxis only run on this side of town at specific times, so if we miss it, we won't get a chance to go through the portal it takes us through, you know what? So hurry up and get your clothes on and come downstairs!"
"I'M COMING!"
"I'M COMING!!!"
Geez, such a pushover. Do you think she could be less of a stick-up? I've already gotten used to my role in playing their little sister...which, mind you, is not an easy task being in the body of an eight-year-old girl.
I heard that first part, you little runt. Get over here, you troublemaker. Honestly, can't you dress yourself anymore? You look like you just got dragged through a hurricane, for crying out loud. It seems that almost getting killed thing really put you in a state of shock; you forgot most things, but no worry, your super awesome big sissy is here to the rescue. Come on now, chop, chop let's go get you properly dressed, and quickly at that; we can't miss that taxi.i
"swoosh."
The materials of the clothes began to fly around the room in random directions while Big Sister used her fingers to guide the clothes' movement. It was so magical; the room lit up and sparkled as the materials surrounded me and started to dress me in twirls. When I spun around, the outfit was on my body, and it fit me to the bone. This was the coolest thing I've experienced so far...and if folks from my old world could use magic like this, they wouldn't have to lift a finger to do anything because people are simple and fascinating creatures. They'd do anything to escape the work and pressure from their colleagues and their boss, and if they had the opportunity to just snap their fingers and everything automatically got done, it'd be a party, a celebration like no other, I tell you.
"Andddd all done. That should be it. You can put your shoes on yourself and head downstairs when you're finished, okay? Don't stay too long, or else I might just leave your ass behind. I'll be waiting downstairs."
Meanie... HMPH!!
I pouted almost immediately as she left my room, feeling a little annoyed, but I knew she cared for me, so I didn't say anything after. Instead, I gently brushed up my hair and tied it in a simple messy bun, holding it down with the nearest pin I could find. Then I twirled around, liking how the dress feels on me as it flows in the air before coming back down. This outfit was truly remarkable and could never compare to the simple modern-day clothes I used to wear. This is unbelievable You'd never think anyone who wore such pretty clothing was poor? Can you imagine what the rich wore? It must have been so extravagant. But a dream is a dream after all; I won't pine for a life I don't have. Besides, money and a few nice things aren't everything in life.
"Maya!!!"
"I'M WAITING. WHERE ARE YOU? FIVE MINUTES IS ALMOST UP, MISSY."
I don't want to be late, so you better get going.
I skipped down the steps, excitedly anticipating the next big step and journey.