I lay in bed, seeing the sunrise behind the backdrop of the trees. shining through the window with a blinding glare. The birds were chirping. It was so peaceful that I curled up in bed and placed the covers over me, hoping I could catch more sleep.
"I got a cabin at Silverwood Lake! Immediate shopping is required, A.S.A.P!" Roxanna came bursting into my room. It was early Saturday morning. My body was still a bit tense from yesterday's evening workout, and all I wanted to do was relax and pig out for the rest of the weekend.
"We have a long day ahead of us," she smirked at me. She walks into my bedroom with a t-shirt and small shorts. The door creaks as she opens it, and the floor squeaks under her feet as she enters the room. I lay there in a bewildered state, staring up at the ceiling, wondering if this was still a dream. I then close my eyes for a second, and Roxanna yells at me again.
"Get up!" She commanded.
"Ugh, why can't Leon go with you?" I questioned, flopping in my bed. She went through my closet while ignoring me. She then pulled out a top and a pair of jeans and dumped them on me on the bed.
"Roxanna!"
"C'mon Katy. All of us, including Leon's buddies, are gathering for the first time. I want this to be flawless. I need your help," she said while still rummaging through my clothes.
"It's not a major issue. Moreover, you've met them before," I replied, smiling as I peeked through my covers. I thought back to myself, how she told me how stupid and childish they were.
"Yeah, but the situation has changed. We're living together. They shouldn't perceive me as the domineering, arrogant girlfriend."
"So says the person who is forcing me to go shopping," I grumbled, admitting defeat. She turned to smile victoriously at me.
"So you see, I need you. With that, I won't need to alter myself at all. They will view me in a new light if they realize how witty, laid-back, and charming my best friend is. Birds of a feather and all that mo-jo jo-jo stuff will apply."
"Maybe I could just say, 'she paid me to be her friend,' if they ask…" I suggested, watching Roxanna move to my dresser drawers.
"Do that, and you're dead," she spat, pulling out my bathing suit and putting it back.
"Does that imply I can get some rest? Since I'm dead to you," I smiled, rolling over to face away from her.
"Sure… Nevertheless, it also means that I won't be buying you a new swimsuit or taking you to the nail salon, which, I'm sure, Carter would have enjoyed seeing both of those things on you," Roxanna sang, leaving the room.
My focus was drawn to the swimming suit. I rose from my bed thanks to the nail salon. I jumped out of it just hearing that Carter would be there, following her.
"What's wrong with my bathing suit?" I declared, storming into the kitchen to meet her and slipping on some flip-flops.
"Um, it's a skirted floral one-piece… It screams mom."
"Well, as we all know, your mother is well known to don a thong bikini," I spat back. I was not lying. On her 55th birthday, her mother shared the photo on Instagram. Mama Clayton embodied what it meant to be happy in this world.
"We are not discussing my mama. We're discussing your unsightly bathing suit.," she snapped right back at me. I glared at her for a moment before we both started laughing.
"But for real, if you don't want to wear a bikini, separate clothing looks much nicer."
"Carter is really going to be there?" I asked, hopefully. She rolled her eyes. "Evidently, he will bring CJ, and they will all camp out together. I'm going to act as though I'm not insulted that he takes precedence over Katy Harrison, helping out your best friend."
"As long as we have an understanding," I shrugged before we headed out.
It was a warm, sunny day. I and Roxanna went through the mall, fulfilling our retail therapy. The magnificent entrance of a mall is filled with bright lights, colorful signs, and a variety of people. Bold signage and neon lights excite each store. Almost a thousand shops are available for browsing, and people from all walks of life were performing errands or visiting every merchant.
As we walk into Forever 21, pop music is playing in the background, giving some people an eager sense, while girls are exploring the apparel racks in small groups. Clothing that is expensive and of poor quality is displayed to the hilt on metal racks. Teenage girls still throng to this store despite that. Most girls start by browsing the bargains. There are items lying on the floor, no price tags on the clothing, and everything is crammed into one little space in the store's bargain department.
We found ourselves in the bathing suit section.
"Now a specific type of clothing is required for visiting the lakes," Roxanna smiled at me as she rummaged her way through the racks.
"Even if it makes sense to wear a 'required' bathing suit, some people prefer to cover up occasionally," I remind her.
"Whether you cover up or not," Roxanna scanned her eyes at me. "Each one has its purpose for being adorable and fashionable. A useful, elegant design with short lengths and just enough coverage to make ladies feel at ease without being unduly burdened, while at the same time sending a message that you need." Roxanna finished saying to me as she pulled out a bathing suit, flashing it in front of my face.
"This one seems to do all of the above," she smirked at me.
"Well, yes…" I grabbed it from her and smiled. "It seems to do the job."
"You see, not a mom's suit." I rolled my eyes at her.
"Fine, I'll see if it fits, and if it does, I'll take it," I said, passing her with that smirk on her face.
We went grocery shopping after deciding on the barbecue menu. While going over the schedule, we battled the throngs. Everyone seemed to be planning and gathering to go to the campsite that Leon's buddies had already secured to eat, swim, and hang out.
We were planning to stay at the cabin when Leon's friends camped out because Roxanna had reserved it for two nights. We went to have lunch, and then straight to the manicure salon after getting the groceries and putting them away at home.
"You understand that skipping camping is probably not the best move to avoid coming off as arrogant," I commented as we got settled at the nail bar.
She sighed. "I am aware, yet being aware is preferable to becoming a murderer. I'll kill Marcus, his best friend if I have to deal with him."
"Is he really that bad?" I inquired while we got our wine and the nail experts began working on our nails.
I have always cherished having my nails done. Growing up, it was the only thing that gave me a sense of femininity and cuteness. For me, it served as therapy. My father gave me complete freedom to abuse them. I was unable to wear makeup or anything to expose, but I could manage my nails. I could easily express my moods and personality through various colors, patterns, and styles. I could always afford do-it-yourself nail kits, even when I had to support myself.
"Yes," Roxanna hissed. "Leon and I only truly had relationship issues when Marcus or alcohol was involved. Even with the presence of alcohol, Marcus was almost always pouring his drink down his throat."
"I'm aware of the confusion. I am aware this might be absurd. But hear me out," Roxanna peered at me inquisitively when I said this. "Look, are you sure they aren't actually two camaraderies having fun, going through the rounds, and both of them keeping each other in check?"
Roxanna hissed at my thoughts.
"Unless you would also like to think that Leon uses it as a scapegoat for his drinking, even when I find his behavior unreasonable. At the same time, Marcus doesn't see it as a big deal."
I shook my head while picking out a nail design. "He sounds like a douche."
"Exactly. I'm just happy that most of his buddies have started to like me. The only one that bothers me is Marcus. Tragically, he was a family buddy growing up in the Jamison family. He won't be moving at all. I'm just going be civil and ignore him if he chooses not to be."
"That's right. Be the bigger person," I agreed.
My choice of nail paint on my ring fingers had Roxanna shake her head. These matched my new bathing suit since they were blue bejeweled anchors.
"Your middle finger needs to be treated. You know, you may display your talent if somebody acts foolish," I suggested.
Roxanna chuckled. She does not acquire nail art, but her middle fingers do receive a pink french manicure.