“Oof,” Jonchelle managed as she tried to steady herself from being nearly knocked over by an armful of shopping bags.
“Ohmygosh!” a slightly high but also masculine voice exclaimed. It was almost like a guy trying to imitate a woman. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you there.”
“It’s alright,” Jonchelle replied. “It’s pretty manic in here.” She turned around to face the person who almost knocked her over and nearly fell over again.
“Wow!” she exclaimed. It was obvious that the boy who had bumped into her was taking part in the same craze as everyone else but she had taken it to a whole new level. If it wasn’t for the slight muscle in her arms and her voice, Jonchelle would have said that she was a 100% girl. Her light brown skin was almost flawless.
The girl shifted a little, uncomfortable as Jonchelle realised that she was staring. Blushing, Jonchelle blinked and looked away.
“Sorry,” she mumbled. “But you look amazing! Are you taking part in this New Year’s resolution as well?”
The girl nodded. “Uh-huh, I’m not sure where I got the idea from, but I’m glad that I did, as it seems that everyone else is as well. And, like, I think I look way prettier than I did before.”
Jonchelle blushed again.
“Ah well, that’s because I, like, have no clothes at home. I have a sister but she is, or rather, was, a goth and I didn’t really want to dress like that.”
The girl nodded. “Totally understandable, what girl wants to dress like that anyway? I’m Vanessa by the way, Vanessa Castle.” She reached out her hand as Jonchelle took it.
“Jonchelle Gibson," she replied, introducing herself.
“Well, I’ve already got everything that I need, but I can help you out if you’d like?” Vanessa offered. Jonchelle jumped at the chance.
“Would you? That would be great.”
Vanessa smiled as she shifted the shopping bags on her arms and then grabbed Jonchelle’s and led her deeper into the crowds of the mall.
