To the mall

Nikol led them to the cinema first to lighten up the mood. There weren't really any relevant movies apart from the run-of-the-mill superhero ones that came monthly, so they watched a silly romcom from a few months ago. Their auditorium was totally empty, which offered them plenty of freedom. Freedom Nikol used to her full advantage. She had her feet on top of the seat from the prior row all throughout the movie. And she was generally acting like she was at home watching TV rather than in a public cinema. Even despite the silly film, Lauren had never had such a cinema experience. Despite her upbringing, she had to acknowledge that it was fun.

After that, Nikol led her to the mall as their next stop. Not really on a shopping spree, more like on a trying-on-all-kinds-of-new-stuff spree.

"I bet you would look great in these." said Nikol, holding up a dress with a grin.

"Nah, not really my style."

"You would look a lot like that chick in the movie. Come on, let's see how it looks on you."

"Alright, give it here." she relented. "If I'm going to try stuff on, I might as well give this a try."

"That's the spirit, gurl." she giggled.

By the time they had reached the changing rooms, Lauren had a big pile of clothes in her hands. But still a smaller pile than Nikol's. As she entered one of the cubicles and put down her stuff on the bench, she was shocked to see Nikol following her inside as well.

"What are you doing?" asked Lauren, not entirely sure what Nikol's intents were.

"What?" she looked back surprised. "I thought we could help each other out."

"Nah-ah. I can dress myself, thank you."

"Oh, come on! It will be like college all over again." she argued.

"Apparently, we have a completely different memory of college."

"Don't tell me you are shy." her grin grew wider.

"I - I'm not. Why should I?" she lied.

"Renie is a shy girl! Renie is a shy girl!" she started chanting loudly.

"No! Stop! It just wouldn't be appropriate for a lady to undress in the company of a colleague."

"A lady, eh? Then let me be your handmaiden, milady." she did the mocking curtsy again.

"Get out!"

"Alright, alright! Keep your pants on." she laughed at her little joke. "Still sounds a lot like you are shy." she muttered, while going into the next cubicle.

For the next couple of hours, they were busy trying on all kinds of different outfits. Even reenacting some of the iconic scenes from the movie. No matter what outfit Nikol picked, Lauren looked stunning in it. Even if she felt a bit strange. She had tried to get Lauren into trying on some swimsuits, but she had managed to get out of it by saying she was on her period.

It was well past 22:20 by the time they decided they have had enough. The clerks were mighty salty when they saw them leaving without actually buying anything at all. Especially since they kept the store open a bit longer just for their pleasure. But it was their night, and they didn't feel the need to apologise. At least that was what Nikol had said.

"Did you see the look on that chick's face? She was ready to explode." laughed Nikol.

"It was kind of rude, you know."

"Oh, come on. Get that stick out of ya ass. My granny is easier to please." she pushed her. "Tell me it wasn't fun."

"Alright, it was fun. In that immature sort of way." she added.

"Glad to hear it. I still have a lot more in store for us."

"Yeah. Well, I'd be glad to do this again sometime."

"What are you saying?" Nikol looked at her friend questioningly. "I meant now. The night has just begun."

"But... most of stores at the mall are closed. Do you want to see another movie?"

"Nah, I have a better idea. I know a place. Come on, gurl!" she smiled, while grabbing hold of Lauren's hand and leading her on into the busy night.