Cheradine - Whole Lotta History

Chapter 11

Nadine lets out a deep sigh as Rachel drags her around the fifth floor of Harrods. They've been here for nearly two hours, and Nadine's patience is beginning to wear thin. Rachel is a whirlwind of energy and excitement, darting from one display to the next with the unmatched enthusiasm. Her eyes sparkle with the thrill of exploring the endless rows of luxury goods, completely absorbed in the experience. Meanwhile, Nadine struggles to keep up, her feet aching and her mind yearning for the quiet of home. Every few minutes, Rachel glances back with a grin, oblivious to Nadine's growing exasperation, before diving eagerly into the next section of the store. Nadine can't help but wonder how much longer she can endure Rachel's boundless enthusiasm before suggesting a much-needed break.

As soon as they had stepped into the store, the staff swarmed around them, eager to assist. Rachel, without missing a beat, requested a personal shopper. "It'll make picking out Christmas presents easier." She had told Nadine with a bright smile. But Nadine saw right through it; she knew Rachel had made the request to ensure she had more time to indulge in her own shopping.

"Right, that's one outfit down; I need to get another three," Rachel declares, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she twirls in front of the mirror. The Christmas lights shimmering from Harrods' lavish displays seem to cast an extra gleam in her eyes, making her look like a kid let loose in a candy store.

Nadine raises an eyebrow, her patience wearing thin. "Why do you need four expensive dresses? You don't go anywhere."

Rachel pouts slightly. "One for Christmas Day, one for Boxing Day, one for New Year's Eve, and then one for New Year's Day. I want to start the new year in style!"

Nadine sighs, glancing at the dizzying array of sequined and velvet creations that seem to whisper promises of glamour. "You really think you need a new dress for each of those days?"

Rachel nods vigorously, holding up a shimmering red number that catches the light. "Absolutely! Christmas is about celebration, and I want to look festive for every occasion. Plus, it's not just about the parties. It's about making memories, and I want to look fabulous in all of them."

Nadine can't help but smile at her sister's infectious enthusiasm, though she shakes her head in disbelief. "Alright, but don't expect me to carry all those shopping bags. And remember, you still need to get the presents for everyone."

Rachel waves a hand dismissively, already eyeing a glittering emerald green dress on a nearby rack. "Oh, don't worry about that, the personal shopper will sort everything. Right now, it's all about the clothes. Then I need to go and look at the makeup."

Nadine watches as Rachel eagerly dives into the racks again, her mood lightened despite the earlier frustration. It's moments like these that make the chaotic shopping trips worth it, even if it means navigating through the holiday rush with a growing stack of dresses and an increasingly heavy shopping bag.

Nadine groans, worn out and yearning to curl up under her duvet. To add to her frustration, she hasn't seen Cheryl in four days, and the withdrawal effect of not seeing her favourite Geordie now beginning to catch up with her.

As Rachel gets sidetracked by yet another shimmering dress, Nadine's phone buzzes in her bag. It's Kimberley. Relieved for the break from the shopping chaos, Nadine steps into a quieter corner to take the call.

"God, am I glad to hear from you." Nadine says, sinking onto an extravagant chaise lounge with a sigh of relief.

"Is now a bad time?" Kim's calming northern accent filters through the phone.

"No, actually, you're my saviour right now."

"Where are you?" Kim asks with a chuckle.

"Harrods." Nadine replies flatly. "Rachel's dragging me around for gifts, dresses, and who knows what else. I'm also bracing myself for her to say she's 'forgotten' her card at home so I'll have to pay."