The Two Lanis

Chapter 1

"How about this one?" Tomika asks.

"No. Too basic," I say.

"What about the black one?" Tomika asks pointing at a mannequin wearing a black dress. Not only is the dress hideous ,it is also really concealing. Definitely not the look I am going for.

"Okay T I think you don't understand something. I am not going to a funeral. It's quite the opposite. We're buying a dress for my sweet 21st remember?" I ask her.

"But why did you have to wait until the last minute? The party is in two days and you're only buying the dress now," says Tomika.

"Not to mention you're an indecisive shopper," says Shawn.

"Shut up Shawn. You're not even helping with anything," I say.

"That's because I'm only here because Dad told me to," says Shawn.

"Why do you even listen to that guy?" I ask.

"Because I'm not rebellious, stubborn and wild," says Shawn.

"And I'm all of that stuff?" I ask.

"You dyed your hair pink. If that doesn't spell wild ,I don't know what does," says Shawn. "And you don't listen to anything dad tells you. You're stubborn and disrespectful."

I roll my eyes. "I'm not disrespectful. I just don't respond kindly to bulls*it," I say.

"Um we've been here for 4 hours. We need to find you the dress you want before the stores close," Tomika tells us.

"We've been in 12 stores. I doubt we're gonna find the dress you want in this mall," says Shawn.

"Why did we even come to this mall? I could just find someone to design a dress for me. Then I can customize it the way I want to," I say.

"Probably because no one will agree to design and make a dress in 2 days. You waited till last minute remember?" Tomika reminds me.

"Right. But with money anything is possible," I say with a smile.

"Whose money?" Shawn asks.

"Dad's obviously," I say as I roll my eyes for the umpteenth time today.

"So now he's dad and not 'that guy'?" Shawn asks.

"Mind your own business ,Shawn," I say. "Tomika let's go to Lou's boutique. If he can't make me a dress I'm sure he already has something I can fit in.

"I hope you don't mean Lou Du Pan," says Shawn following us out of the store.

"Do you know any other Lou who is a designer?" I ask.

"No but ..."

"Exactly!"

"You do know that Lou's work is very expensive ,right? He designs clothes for A-listers and you just want a stupid dress for a birthday party," says Shawn.

"Excuse me ,but this is my 21st you're talking about. Just because yours wasn't celebrated in style doesn't mean mine won't. Besides if your father is not too busy and makes it I'll probably won't enjoy myself. The least I can do is look amazing in the pictures."

"You know , Lani ,your dad really tries. He buys you everything you want and he throws parties for you. Why do you hate him so much?" asks Tomika as we enter my sports car.

"Thank you! Please tell her how lucky she is," Shawn adds.

"Girl ,you know absolutely nothing about the person you're talking about," I say as I press the start button and the car roars to life.