It was all well and good that the thrift store was just next to the park. Otherwise, Annie would have had a hard time convincing Connie that a visit to the thrift store would be good for Sabine. Even then she would probably have to put up with more than a little whining.
As such, all she had to do when lunch was over and done with was march across the street to the store. Sabine, who had been with her all morning, naturally joined Annie. Connie had to follow or be left behind.
Sabine was definitely much happier shopping there. Once she had seen the sharp drop in prices, the normally reserved girl tore through the store with enthusiasm. She no longer had to settle on one or two choices that she could barely afford. Here, she could buy more. She darted from clothes racks to accessory shelves to toy bins, gushing excitedly to any who would listen over the pretty and cute treasures she found.
Compared to her, little kids in a candy store had more decorum. At least the little kids would not bother the other customers.
In the end, Sabine ended up with a shopping bag full of her purchases and a bright smile on her face. Annie bought a couple of shirts that looked good for wearing at home. Connie, however, had been very, very bored with the selection in the store. The redhead had found it more amusing to watch her friends and the other customers, nodding politely whenever Sabine showed her something she had found.
After Sabine had finally, finally decided that she had seen everything for sale, the girls left the store. Connie and Annie hurriedly led the plump girl away from the store, towards the nearest junction, lest she be tempted to return for 'just one more look'.
Connie made a show of checking her handphone. "Hey, um, I've got to go."
"What? It's only the afternoon." Annie was surprised. The entire outing had been Connie's idea and now she wanted to leave early!?
"Yeah, I've suddenly got something to do," Connie explained vaguely, "Um, are you free for dinner this Friday?"
"Why do you ask?" Annie asked.
"My dad has some sort of dinner party going on and I was hoping you two could come," Connie elaborated.
"Doesn't sound very interesting," Annie commented doubtfully.
"It isn't," Connie confirmed, "Look, it's something Dad always attended and insisted I go. That little brat of a brother of mine doesn't have to each time. So unfair."
"Well, you said yourself it's boring," Annie pointed out.
"That's why I need you there to keep me company, or I'll absolutely die of boredom."
"I take it you've been to such dinners before," Annie observed, "You seem to have survived."
"Please come," Connie pleaded, "You get to dress up nice, eat good food, listen to people make long boring speeches."
Annie still felt skeptical. "Is it really okay for us to come?"
"I'll persuade Dad. He'll pay for your tickets if I ask."
"I'm not sure...it sounds like it'll cost your father a lot." Annie glanced at Sabine who looked excited, probably at the prospect of good food.
"Look, I'll ask my dad and call you tonight to confirm." Connie smiled. "I hope to see you in that red dress again."
Annie peeked at the redhead out of the corner of her eye. "You just want to see me dressed up, don't you?"
Connie beamed. "Oh, yes. You'll look fantastic in that red dress."
Sabine nodded her agreement. The plump girl had seen Annie in that dress before, but without all the makeup and full array of accessories. She probably wanted to see her friend in all her glory.
"Well, okay," Annie consented, "I'll wait for your call."
"Thanks." Connie gave a bright smile. "Well, I've got to go now, bye!" She hurried off in the direction of the bus stop.
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