Leelee has a burst of energy, a break from being so tired recently and decided to get a move on with her shopping. Her mother was reading peacefully on the couch as she entered the room and the young girl paused.
"Mom?" Leelee asked.
Stevie looked up, removing her reading glasses and closing her book. "Yes, sweetie?"
"Will you...will you go shopping with me? I need some new pants. My jeans are so tight and the hair tie trick you taught me ain't working so well anymore."
"We can, sweetheart. Do you want your father to come?" Stevie asked, placing the book on the table as she stood
"I thought a girl's day would be nice, y'know?" Leelee answered shyly
"That's perfectly fine," Stevie smiled calmly, inside she was jumping for joy.
Stevie went upstairs to freshen up quickly and when she came back down, Leelee had her purse on her shoulder and was ready to go.
"I hope I didn't take too long," Stevie said, blushing slightly. She remembered Lindsey complaining about how long it took her to get ready for years. She had almost developed a complex over it.
"You're fine, mom. I'm just happy to get some time alone with you." She extended her hand and her mother took it. "I'm in desperate need of help today!"
"Let me call a car and then we will be on our way," Stevie smiled
"Mom, I can drive," Lee reminded her. The thought hadn't even crossed Stevie's mind as she wasn't there when Leelee acquired her license.
"Oh, right," Stevie chuckled, brushing it off as Lee grabbed her keys and set them on their way to the mall
Stevie was buzzing with excitement internally as she watched her daughter maneuver through traffic like a pro. She had grown up so much when she was gone and it shocked her at times. Today, it was pleasant. The drive was quiet, save for the radio set to just a low hum in the background. Leelee parked and removed the key from the ignition.
"I didn't scare you, did I?" Leelee asked with a chuckle.
"No, I think you did a beautiful job. Much better than I was."
"Dad told me some stories..." Lee said and this time Stevie had to laugh.
"I'm sure he did."
"He said you almost killed him."
"I did not! Your father likes to over exaggerate," Stevie defended
"You're forgetting that I know you, Mom. His stories were believable," Lee chuckled
"Maybe just a little bit, but it still wasn't that bad."
Lee loved to see this side of her mother. Her eyes were bright, just like her smile and she felt as if she really had her mother back.
"Okay, fine, I will believe you...but I'm still not letting you drive." Lee joked.
"Deal." Stevie extended a hand and Leelee shook it. Stevie giggled girlishly and Lee's eyes sparkled with happiness. Her mother's laugh never got old.
"So what kind of things were you looking for clothes wise," Stevie asked as they walked into the department store
"Yoga pants and loose shirts?" She shrugged
"I think maternity clothes have come a long way since I was pregnant with you. We would basically tent ourselves until we had our figure back!" Stevie said, remember all of those matronly dresses. "There are a lot of options now. We can buy whatever you want."
"I hope I find something that I'll like." Lee said
"I'm sure you will," Stevie browsed through the clothes
"None of these are for a sixteen year old girl," Lee sighed
"Start with basics. A simple black, grey or white shirt, black pants. Those are universal. Maybe you can put some of your personality in accessories." Leelee huffed. "Don't get defeated already. This is only the first store."
"They're all old lady clothes," Leelee was already losing her patience, "Why can't I just wear yoga pants?"
"That's fine for around the house, sweetheart but what about when you leave the house, and need to do something important?"
