Big Sis' sudden change in attitude occupied Annie's mind throughout breakfast. Had she said something wrong? If she searched her memory she might find some answers. But where should she start looking? If only there were something, some clue to lead her to some relevant memory.
Her thoughts were interrupted when she returned to the hotel room. Second Sis was delighted to see her little sister already suitably dressed - she loved the denim skirt and stockings combo. After slapping some makeup onto Annie, she carried her sister off for some shopping in the city.
A materialistic Second Sis bit by the shopping-bug was not to be underestimated.
They entered the first boutique Second Sis found, where they spent time browsing the clothing and trying many of the outfits. It was still morning and the weekend crowd had yet to gather. Thus, they had the full attention of the staff. Carrie selected a few skirts and paid for them with a card.
"You've already got a credit card!?" Annie exclaimed.
"It's a junior credit card," Carrie told her as she replaced the card in her purse on their way to raid the next shop. "It's a first card for teenagers. Of course, parents - Mum and Dad - will have control over how much I can use it."
What were finance companies marketing to teenagers these days!? Whatever could be next? Home loans for the middle school student!? Annie checked her own purse and was relieved when she did not to find a similar card. She did, however, find a bank card. With a little concentration, she remembered that she had a substantial allowance deposited into her account every month. How much money did a little girl need?
They made it back to the hotel before lunch, with Carrie carrying her many purchases and Annie, none at all.
"Shopping enjoyment is directly proportional to the amount one spends on purchases," Second Sis declared philosophically as they rode the elevator back to their room.
"I did enjoy seeing all the things for sale," the younger sister said, "It's just that I didn't find anything worth buying."
Second Sis gave her a look. "Annie, that's not like you. You used to shop a lot too."
The little girl knew it was true. Her room at home was filled with clothes, jewelry and accessories, many of which probably had been worn only once or twice.
The lift door opened at their floor and the sisters stepped out. Once inside their room, Annie sat on one of the beds. The beds had been made up professionally and the room had been cleaned thoroughly. Marie must have been back to finish her work.
Sorry for the mess, Big Sis.
"I'm going to the pool after lunch," Second Sis decided, "You should come."
"Yeah, I should," Annie agreed, "It'll be good to swim."
Carrie deposited her shopping bags on the other bed. "Annie, the purpose of going to the pool is boys. There's no time for swimming." She took out a bikini top from one of the bags. "I want to show this off."
"That's a pretty tiny piece of fabric," Annie noted.
"It's to show off my curves." Carrie struck a stylish pose. "What about your's?"
Annie retrieved her own two-piece costume from her travel bag.
"Flowers?" Carrie disdainfully commented on the pale pattern of Annie's suit. "Can you get even more uncute?"
"I just want to swim."
"Uh uh," Carrie disagreed while wagging a finger, "You're going to talk to boys and I'm making sure of it."
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