Author's note: Forgive me for making this particular chapter so short, it has clearly been a long while since I've typed up something. However, I plan on making the next chapters fairly long compared to my previous ones!
"Whoa," Danielle held out her arms, trying to calm the now frantic student. "Just what are you trying to start, Sheila?"
"You know damn well what I'm trying to start!"
Danielle was confused, but something suddenly clicked in her mind. "Let me guess, the news this morning...?"
Sheila made a disgusted expression and noise with her mouth. "Of course the news! My boyfriend is dead, and it's all your fault!"
Danielle looked around the clothes store, to make sure Anthony's mom or anyone else didn't hear. "How exactly is it my fault? She whispered. "I was with Anthony, his friend, and my friend after your so-called boyfriend started waving a gun around at everyone, at me."
Sheila started to tear up. "I know, it's just... I'm so scared and I don't know what to do or think anymore after yesterday night."
"I mean, it wasn't like Johnny to pull out a knife and a gun like that - on everyone, and that robot too! Like, seriously, I just expected him to maybe beat up your date in front of you and the others and that was it. Maybe fill your locker with bugs or something the next day but definitely nothing like this."
"Anyway, none of what I think matters now. Some cops already questioned me about the whole thing, which got my parents pissed at me, too."
"So I guess what I'm trying to say is... I apologize. For everything I called you, Barbara, your boyfriend, and everyone else I made fun of."
Danielle then glanced out of the corner of her eye to watch Sheila make toward the entrance of the store. She turned to face her, actually worried about her for the first time and wondering where she was scurrying off to.
"Wait, Sheila, I wanted to apologize as wel-"
She held up her hand to hint at her to stop. "Please, don't say anything. I need to go now and still deal with my boyfriend's death - and meet my mom outside too since she's waiting for me. You probably know how parents are." Quickly walking through the door, she was gone in an instant.
"Hey, Danielle, I think I have found a dress you might like. ...Hey, is something wrong?"
"No, no." Danielle turned around to see Anthony's mom again. "Just met a classmate of mine, but she left to do something."
"Oh, alright. Well, if there's anything wrong, don't be afraid to tell me of course."
"Of course." Danielle swallowed to prevent herself from crying. "So, it seems you found two dresses for me."
She checked to make sure. "Yes and no. One's a laundered green dress, and the second is actually a white blouse with a black skirt. So, be quick as to try them on if you like them, it's already 11:35 and I would like to get home before noon."
"Hmm, alright. Second one I like the most, then. I'll try to be fast as well - if the entire thing fits snug, that is."
11:42 A.M. - one private changing session later:
"I'm done, Miss Foster. They fit perfectly."
"Swell, and you made good time to boot. Let us buy these for you and get on home."
The two walked up to the main counter of the clothing store, where Marabelle came out of what looked like a staff or storage room but Danielle couldn't tell.
"So, will that be all I can do you both for today?"
Susan nodded. "Yes, Marabelle."
"Well, that'll be 200 dollars for the dress and skirt, and 50 dollars for the shoes. But, since you're a friend, I'll give you 50 dollars off the clothes without any coupon - so all you'll owe will be just the 200."
"I'd appreciate that, would certainly help with the damn inflation in prices being the way it is."
"Of course, of course. Either way, thank you for the purchase. I hope the two will shop here at Lady Frumperton's again soon!"
Susan smiled as she walked to the door. "You know my answer, Marabelle." Danielle said nothing, however, and merely waved when they were on the other side of the door.
"Finally outside, let's go."
The two got into the car as intended, and drove home.
