So lousy
"Hello?" Daisy answered, her voice still soft from the quiet moments at the park.
"BABBBBY!" A loud, high-pitched scream blasted through the phone, making Daisy wince and pull it slightly away from her ear.
"Katharine?" Daisy chuckled, shaking her head. "Is that you?"
"Of course, it's me!" Katharine's voice was practically vibrating with energy. "Where are you at, girl?"
Daisy smiled, the familiar, over-the-top enthusiasm of her best friend making her feel more grounded. "I'm at the park. Just… taking a minute to breathe. What's up?"
Katharine didn't skip a beat. "Have you forgotten? We've got a party tonight, babe!" Her voice dropped to a mock-serious tone. "You didn't seriously think I was gonna let you show up looking like… that?"
Daisy laughed, glancing down at her casual outfit—jeans and an old hoodie. "I wasn't planning on showing up looking like a disaster, Kath. But… what's the deal? You calling me like I'm late or something?"
"Late? Honey, you're way behind. I'm already getting ready for my party, remember? And you—you—are gonna need something fabulous, because let's face it, you've been living under a rock. So, you have to come meet me at the 5-Star Shopping Mall." Katharine's voice was practically vibrating with excitement. "I'll find you something special. You can thank me later."
Daisy's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the mall. "5-Star Mall? Is that even still open for business? I feel like I haven't been there in forever."
Katharine laughed. "It's still there, babe. It's the perfect place for a last-minute shopping spree. I'm not taking no for an answer, though. Get your butt over here, and we'll pick something killer. You have an hour—tops."
Daisy paused, glancing at her phone and calculating the time. "Okay, okay, I'll come. But, uh… I don't exactly remember how to get there."
Katharine gasped, feigning shock. "Are you kidding me? How have you lived without Google Maps?"
Daisy rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help but smile. "Alright, alright. I'll use my phone. You're right. I'll see you there."
"Good. I'll be in the VIP section." Katharine giggled, before adding, "Hurry, I'm counting on you to look amazing tonight."
"Don't worry, I won't disappoint. See you soon."
Daisy hung up and took a deep breath, staring at her phone screen for a moment longer than necessary. She had no idea what had gotten into her lately, but everything felt… uncertain.
She'd been avoiding things—avoiding people, avoiding situations that made her think too much. But Katharine was right: this party was happening, and she wasn't going to show up looking like someone who'd just crawled out of hibernation.
Daisy swiped to Google Maps, typed in the address for the 5-Star Mall, and pressed "Directions." It was only a fifteen-minute drive, but she hadn't been to that mall in years. She could still remember the first time she met Kathrine in Paris.
"Hehe, so lousy " Daisy chuckled.
The map guided her through the streets, past coffee shops, old bookstores, and apartment buildings she'd once known intimately. She couldn't help but think about how much had changed in her absence. The city felt louder now, faster. Maybe it was her. Maybe she'd changed more than she thought.
She turned onto the main street that led to the mall. The neon signs and the familiar buzz of activity brought a nostalgic comfort, and for a moment, she felt like she could slip back into the rhythm of things. It was just a matter of showing up, right? That was all she had to do.
The parking lot was packed, cars lining the rows with barely enough space to maneuver. Daisy had forgotten how busy the mall always was. After a few moments of driving, she found a spot near the entrance, grabbing her purse and making her way toward the front doors. The energy inside the mall was palpable—people rushing, music playing, and the endless rows of stores glittering with their displays. It was hard to believe she hadn't been here in so long.
Katharine texted her: VIP section, near the escalators! Don't be late!
Daisy followed the signs, her boots clicking softly on the marble floors, until she saw Katharine standing by a clothing store, flanked by mannequins wearing the latest trends. Katharine's platinum blonde hair was perfectly styled, her outfit bright and eye-catching, and she looked as if she had stepped out of a fashion magazine.
"There you are!" Katharine squealed when she spotted Daisy. "I was beginning to think you'd gotten lost!"
Daisy laughed, shaking her head. "You know me, I'm not great with directions."
Katharine gave her a once-over, then grinned. "Well, we'll fix that right now. We have so much to do. I've already got a few things in mind for you." She grabbed Daisy by the arm and tugged her toward the racks of dresses and accessories. "First stop: finding you the perfect outfit."
As Katharine led her deeper into the store, Daisy couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and unease. Everything was moving so fast, and the day was slipping by before she even realized it. But as Katharine began picking out clothes and talking a mile a minute, Daisy allowed herself to be swept up in it all.
This was part of the process, she told herself. The reunion. The getting-back-to-normal. And somehow, with Katharine by her side, it didn't feel so daunting after all.