Talent Exchange

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Grace's POV:

Lost. That's what I was. Utterly and hopelessly lost. So coming here hadn't been my best idea but it wasn't exactly my worst. Yeah, the worst idea was to chase the thief that stole my purse. Unfortunately, that happened to be the thing that got me into this mess in the first place. So I was currently standing in front of Hollister with no idea on how to find my friends. I'll recap what happened from the beginning.

*Flashback*

"You want HOW much?!" My father’s eyes grew as big as saucers. Honestly, it was the reaction I was expecting but I hadn't anticipated how comical the scene would look. His face was rapidly turning red and his expression was one of a person who had just bitten a lemon. It was quite a sight to behold. But I wasn't going to give up on this yet. Not if my image was hanging it the balance.      

"But daddy, I haven't asked you or mum for anything for 2 and half years. Think of it as me cashing in all of my favours at once. Literally." Using my charm, I hoped my father would sway. My mother sighed.  

"She's right honey. Just give her the money." My dad cast her an incredulous look.                           
 "But..." Mum gave him a glare.          

"If you argue with me, the only but you'll get - is yours on the sofa tonight." I stifled my laughter and watched as my father rushed out of the living room and out the door to the nearest cash point.      
"Thanks mum." I embraced her in a hug that she returned.                            

 "You're welcome; just remember to bring me a souvenir from California." I let out a short laugh.*knock*    

 "Yo, Grace!" I left my mother’s arms and walked to the door. When I opened it, I found Alison, Caitlin and Lauren in the doorway.                           

 "Well, did you get it?" Cait asked while hopping from one foot to another impatiently.                              

 "...My dad's getting it now." A small silence took place before;                        

"Eeeeekkkk! Shopping spree!" We all squealed at once.                                      

"I should've known you girls were here, the squeals gave it away."

 We all simultaneously turned towards the driveway. Standing there were Caleb, Luca, Jaydon, Jasper, Adam and Drew. They were obviously next door doing whatever it was boys did, heard our squeals and then came to investigate. They all looked rather sweaty so they must've been playing some sport.                                               

 "So, what's the occasion that has you all gathered together?" Drew asked crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow.                                               

"We're going out. We'd invite you but it's shopping so you know... Scram." Cait said curtly with no emotion. Lauren and Alison giggled while I merely smiled but it was soon wiped off after I noticed my father’s car being parked in the driveway. Everyone immediately sobered up as he approached me. 

“Here, spend it wisely." He said thrusting the large collection of notes into my arms. I gave him a smile that melted down his frosty exterior.

"Thanks daddy!" I gave him a hug and he automatically wrapped his arms around me.

"Sure, now you're sweet. Remember to get me a coffee. Hello, Caleb, girls." With that he walked inside the house without a look back. 

"£250 added to the £175 I saved up that means...£425!" I jumped up and down happily and my friends joined me. After we stopped, I realised that the boys were still here.