“Finally!” Grace exclaimed excitedly as the four of them walked out towards Ryan’s car, which had remained a pink convertible.
“Yeah, it’s still pink,” Ryan sighed with a grimace. Apparently, his dad had told him that they weren’t changing cars until Ryan was absolutely sure that he wanted to stay as a boy. It seemed that Ryan’s decision to become a boy had shocked his parents.
“I thought that we were never going to get out of there,” Grace continued. “Come on, girls, let’s go shopping!” She flashed a smile as she looked over to Jonchelle and Vanessa, who climbed in the back seat while Ryan and Grace took the front. Ryan switched on the engine, and Grace was fiddling with the radio before Ryan had even pulled out of the parking lot.
“That’s better,” she exclaimed, grinning as she sat back. The radio was blasting out some pop music instead of the classic rock station that Ryan had chosen. Ryan couldn’t help but smile and giggle at how things had changed. As a girl he used to like this stuff, but now, it just wasn’t his style anymore.
Grace quickly hopped out of the car and pulled her seat forward so that Jonchelle could get out, and Ryan did the same for Vanessa, only with less energy. It amazed Ryan at how in to her new persona Grace was. Greg probably would have had to be dragged to the mall, but Grace was hopping from one foot to the other waiting for Ryan to lock up the car.
Jonchelle and Vanessa were also as equally excited, although they had already said that they wouldn’t be buying anything because Vanessa couldn’t afford it. Ryan chuckled. It occurred to him that Sarah would have easily fit in with these girls. If only she hadn’t been so bitchy about everything.
Ryan dragged himself along behind the three eager girls and watched them as they flitted from store to store admiring all of the selections and even some of the sales that were still on. At one point Grace had dragged Vanessa over to a store that sold handbags leaving Jonchelle staring at a necklace display. Ryan walked up to her.
“That’s pretty,” he said leaning over her shoulder. Unlike most boys, it occurred to her, Ryan actually knew what he was talking about.
Jonchelle nodded. “It is, but it’s a shame that I can’t afford it.”
“Why don’t I buy it for you?” Ryan offered.
Jonchelle looked at him, taken aback. “Really? You’d do that...for me?”
Ryan nodded. “Boys buy necklaces for girls all the time. Why don’t you wear it on your next date with Vanessa?” During the trip to the mall, Jonchelle had told them all about their first date.
“But what about Grace? Won’t she think that you’re cheating on her or something?” Ryan laughed and shook his head.
“You were there at lunch, she knows that you and I are friends. If anything, I’d be more concerned about what Vanessa thinks.”
Jonchelle paused for a moment. She hadn’t thought about it like that, but so far, Ryan had been nothing but kind to them so she was sure that Nessa would understand.
“What about Bailey?”
“What about her?”
“Well, you’ve already hooked up with Grace and if she sees you buying stuff for me, she’ll think that you’re dating two girls instead of her.”
Ryan shrugged her shoulders.
“I told you, we’re taking a break. I can date anyone I like, and I chose Grace, not you. There’s nothing romantic about this gesture. It’s just simply a guy buying a necklace for his friend.”
“Wow, Ryan! You really have changed.”
They caught up with Grace and Vanessa coming out of, of all places, Victoria’s Secret. Vanessa came out empty-handed, but Grace looked like she had a couple of more bags slung over her arms. She handed a couple of bags for Ryan to carry as Vanessa eyed Jonchelle’s purchase.
“I thought that you said that you weren’t going to get anything.”
Jonchelle nodded. “I wasn’t, but Ryan saw me eyeing up this really cute necklace and offered to buy it for me.”
“Really? That’s very nice of you, Ryan. Do I get to see it?”
“Maaaaybe....” Jonchelle smiled and gave Vanessa a wink. “It’s a surprise.” She seemed to get the hint.
“I see... I can’t wait.”
After browsing a few more stores, Grace started complaining that her feet were hurting. Ryan knew the feeling well. He used to spend hours at the mall hanging out with Tiffany and Melissa, and his feet would be sore by the end of it so they found a bench that all four of them could sit at as Grace started going through her purchases.
“Ooh!” she squealed, picking out a top. “I love this one.” She took it out and showed Ryan. His eyes widened, and she giggled. “I can tell that you like it as well.”
Watching everyone else go by, Jonchelle spotted someone and nudged Vanessa.
“Hey, isn’t that Bailey?” Jonchelle asked.
