The Protectors: New Generation Book 1

34 - Why A Girls' Day Out? - Michaela POV

After our morning lesson in spellcasting, I'm forced out of the cabin by three eager girls, wanting to go to Maple Valley.

Why did I agree to this? I'm not sure.

Well, I do know why, but why is it so hard to admit that I have missed having a group of females in my life?

When we get there, we start off walking and pass local businesses with people looking around, occasionally buying something. It isn't until we pass a park that I hear laughing coming from my left.

"What ya laughin' 'bout?" I ask.

Her smile fades into something more serious. "Just a memory."

Like hell it is just a simple memory.

I'm not the only one that caught Tally's reaction. "Must have been a good one to have you smile the way you do," Ande says.

"Sure. Okay. A memory from when I was five. It's not earth shattering news."

Oh, someone's defensive.

"Something about that memory made you smile." Carleigh says from Tally's other side.

"Fine." She huffs.

Now we might get the truth.

"I thought Danny would always be my Prince Charming."

"You mean that hot one in the picture on your dresser," Ande says with a huge grin.

Tally's nose scrunches up.

Ande's jaw drops. "Seriously?"

She shakes her head. "He's like my brother."

Ooh. Someone's in denial.

"But he's not your brother, and that is the difference. Maybe he still is your Prince Charming," Carleigh says.

You certainly have that right.

She scratches her nose and shakes her head. "Nah. He's just my best friend."

I've noticed she scratches her nose when she's nervous.

No one says a word, and we just nod at Tally. I think she believes the stuff she says about how she feels.

We walk all around the little town until Ande spots a thrift store. Oh no, I saw that look on my mom's face too many times. In depth shopping.

We enter and Ande's eyes fill with more excitement-something I didn't think possible. I lean against the wall and watch the action unfold. Ande goes to work throwing clothes at Carleigh and Tally. I see some black jeans thrown on the pile, and I realize she intends for me to try on clothes, too. I'm not thrilled by the prospect, but I am curious where this is all going.

When Carleigh finally gets her attention, she gasps at the mound of clothes each girl is carrying. She says something, and Carleigh frowns slightly. Ande walks towards the dressing rooms, and I guess that's our cue that it's time to try on clothes.

I get in and try on the black pants and the few shirts Ande has picked out for me. I hate to admit, but she did a damn good job picking things for me. When I finish, Carleigh and Tally are walking towards a back corner. I follow because this whole day is turning out to be interesting.

She holds up an ugly dress.

"Ande dear, I hate to say this, but that is a hideous dress," Carleigh says.

Tally covers her mouth.

"But it has so much potential, see this," Ande says, holding up the bottom with lots of lace covering every inch. "Over here is gauzy material. I can make something with this."