"The mall?" Roy echoed. "What's that?"
"It's a place where people buy things like clothes and stuff," Lilliana said. "Don't you guys buy clothes?"
"No," Zak replied.
"Then what happens if you guys don't fit your clothes anymore?" asked Lilliana. "Or if they get dirty?"
"Our clothes magically resize to fit us," said Roy. "And if they get dirty, we clean them with magic."
"Well, unlike some people," Lilliana said. "We don't have magic. We use the laundry machine."
"What's a 'laundry machine'?" asked Oliver.
"Do you guys not have anything on your world?" Lilliana said. "Come." Lilliana led them to a separate room where two box-like things were sitting next to each other.
"Uh," said Roy. "What do these do?" Lilliana pressed a few buttons.
"Watch." She clicked one final button and closed the lid. The compartment inside the machine started spinning and shooting water.
"What are you doing?" They turned around to see Carlos and Nathan.
"Oh, you're back," Lilliana said. "I was showing these guys what a washing machine is."
"Oh," said Nathan, who stared at the machine in wonder.
"Well," Lilliana said. "Now that you guys are back, it's time to go to the mall!"
"The mall," said Carlos. "What for?"
"Zak, Roy, and Oliver might pass for human clothes," Lilliana said. "But Nathan and Marvin look like they are wearing wizard robes. But just to be safe, I'm getting clothes for all five of them."
"Yep," Zak said. "So when are we leaving?"
"When I get my money," Lilliana said, walking to her room. They waited until she got back. "Okay, we are all set."
"Are we walking or taking the car," asked Carlos.
"Let's take the car," said Lilliana.
"A 'car'?" asked Marvin.
"It's basically a something that moves people to where they want to go," Carlos said. "I'll drive." The walked down the stairs into a wide area. Carlos led them over to what Roy assumes was the 'car'. Humans have such strange inventions, Roy thought.
"Get in," Lilliana said. The got into the car with much difficulty. Carlos put a key into something, pull a lever, and they started moving.
"Woah," said Marvin. "I have never seen anything like this before."
"I haven't either," said Nathan.
"Me too," Roy said. They moved, took a few turns, and finally arrived.
"We are here," said Carlos. "The mall." The got out and walked in.
"Wow," said Zak. "This place is huge." It was. The building was gigantic, nearly as large as the castle back in Arimelia. The mall was three floors tall and was filled with humans. They walked around for a few minutes.
"Okay," said Lilliana. "Let go shop." They went into a store a looked around for a few moments.
"Hmmm," said Carlos. "I've never shopped for anyone before, other than Lilliana."
"Yeah," said Lilliana. "I mean, what do you—"
"Oh my gosh!" someone said from behind. "Lily!" They turned. A female human stood next to a male, holding hands.
"Oh," said Lilliana. "Hi Anne, who's this?" Lilliana motioned toward the male next to Anne.
"This is my boyfriend," Anne said. "His name is Pierce."
"You have a boyfriend?" Lilliana exclaimed. "I didn't know that!"
"We got together yesterday!" Anne said. "Speaking of which, why didn't you answer my texts?"
"I was a bit busy," Lilliana said.
"Uh, who is she?" Pierce asked Anne.
"Oh yeah!" Anne said. "This is my best friend, Lily!" Roy and the others stood behind Lilliana awkwardly.
"Oh," said Pierce. "Nice to meet you." They shook hands.
"What are you here for?" asked Anne.
"Picking out some clothes," Lilliana replied. Anne finally noticed Roy and the others.
"Ooh," Anne said. "For these cuties, I'm assuming?"
"Um," Lilliana said, her face turning slightly red. "Yeah."
"Oh, can I help?" asked Anne.
"Actually," said Lilliana. "I have no clue how to pick clothes for guys, so please do!"
"Wait," said Anne. "Are one of these your boyfriend?" Lilliana's face turned even redder.
"No, no, no," she said quickly. "It's not like that."
"Oh, okay." Anne turned to them. "Let's get you guys some new clothes! Are they wearing costumes?"
"Yes!" Lilliana said before the boys could. "They are actors! Yes, that. Right?" Lilliana glared at them. They nodded.
"Yes," said Marvin.
"Totally," Oliver said.
"Yep," Nathan said.
"Don't act suspicious and do not ask any questions," Lilliana whispered to them.
"What?" asked Anne.
"Uh," said Lilliana. "I was just telling them that you were going to help get clothes for them."
"Okay!" Anne said. "Let's help!" Anne went to the men's section, and Pierce followed close behind.
"We are lucky they didn't see your pointed ears," said Carlos. "Humans, unlike elves, have rounded ears." After what felt like an age, Anne and Pierce returned carrying two bags.
"Wait," Lilliana said. "Did you already—"
"Yep," Anne replied. "I already paid for them! Now you can take your hotties on a date!"
"Oh my goodness, Anne," said Lilliana. "WE'RE NOT IN LOVE!"
"Whatever you say," Anne said. "Anyways, Pierce and I better get going now, have fun!" Then they left.
"Soooo, what just happened?" asked Nathan.
"Nothing," replied Lilliana.
"It sounded like something happened," said Marvin. They returned to the car, and drove back the the apartment.
"Put these on," Lilliana said. "In the bathroom, please." They stared at her.
"How?" asked Oliver.
"Carlos can help you," said Lilliana. "I am not dressing a man."
"Why do I have to help?" Carlos said.
"Because you guys are male and I am female," Lilliana replied. "And I'm not comfortable doing that, so you are."
"Uhhhhhh," Carlos groaned.