'Thanks. I had the guy get my size from the back.'
'Really?' She moved around to face me, taking the hiking boot in her hands to examine it better. She looked at me. 'You going to buy them?' I shook my head.
'Nah. Just torture myself, you know.'
'Oh, come on, Andi. You’re making the guy do the work, and how many bills do you really have?'
'Well none, but,'
'Then, what’s the problem?' She dangled the boot in front of my face by the shoestrings. 'You know you want them.'
'Stop. You’re trying to make me be irresponsible.'
'Yeah, basically.'
'Here you are, miss.' I turned, and found the box with the boots in them in my hands. 'Can I do anything else for you?' He looked at us both. I shook my head.
'No, thanks.' With a smile and a nod, he left us alone.
'Don’t you hear that, Andi? That high-pitched plea? They’re calling your name. They’re saying, Andi, buy us, buy us. We’ll treat your feet right.'
'Ah, jeez.' I pushed her away and sat down on the chair, quickly untying my shoes to try these on. Haley watched intently. I slid my foot in.
'How does that feel?'
'Good.'
'Of course it does.' She knelt down in front of me and began to lace the boot up. 'Andi, you rarely spend any money on yourself. I mean, it’s not good to do it often, but once in a while. Hell, get yourself something for Christmas in the way of these boots.'
'Dude, what is your deal with these boots?' I laughed, moving my foot around, turning at the ankle to see how comfortable they were. She untied my other boot, slipping it off my foot, putting the new boot on it.
'Well, I want you to be happy. If these make you happy, then so be it.'
Fifteen minutes later we walked toward the elevator, me looking down at the new boots as I carried the old ones in the box of the new ones in a bag.
'How does that feel?' I gave Haley a grin in reply. She smiled, patted me on the back. 'Go, you.'
'Rah.'
We were seated at the Rainforest Cafe, and I looked at her.
'You know you’re a terrible influence on me, right?' She nodded.
'Sure.'
'Great.'
'I’ve always liked hiking boots on people. I think they’re sexy.'
'Sexy, huh?' The waitress gave us menus, and took our drink order.
'Yeah, sexy. They’re rugged, speak of danger and adventure.' I laughed, slapping my hand on the table.
'Where on earth do you come up with this stuff, Haley?' she shrugged.
'Who knows. But it’s true.'
I helped Haley lug in all her packages from the back seat of the car. She was so proud that she’d gotten all of her Christmas shopping done today. Then I headed home. I planned to turn my project in on Monday, so decided to get it all together, and ready.
But first, I wanted to get all of my own gifts in order, and begin wrapping them. We had put up our Christmas tree yesterday after dinner, and there was already one, very small, gift under it. Being sneaky, I saw that it had my name on it.
I hurried up to my room with my bags in tow, and plopped them all down on the floor. My old boots were put aside, then I went through what I had bought my mom and brother, Tracy, then the last two bags were for Haley. I smiled as I looked at the soft, green bear named Kicks. A little soccer ball was embroidered to his chest. I didn’t know if she’d like the Beanie Baby or not, but I figured she’d at least get a kick out of it. I grinned at the soft Koosh, large and blue and red, our school colors. Luckily she was easily distracted, so I could buy them for her without her noticing.
The other gift, which would be for Christmas, I was especially excited for.
I ran downstairs to the basement and the closet where we kept all gift wrap and bows, and hurried back upstairs to my room.
Twenty minutes later, I was back downstairs, piling my offerings under the tree.
'I’m going to be online!' I yelled so Chris and mom, wherever they were, could hear, and not pick up the phone. Taking the stairs two at a time, I hurried to my room, and switched on the computer. I had all my notes, sketches and information all around my desk for easy access. I began to type up my report.
You have received an instant message from CometBaby. Do you wish to respond?
My brows drew, then it hit me. I grinned, and clicked on yes.
CometBaby says:
Hey, boot-scootin’ girl. How goes it?
Mtn85 says:
Not bad. How about you?
CometBaby says:
Good. I have some homework to do, so I logged on. Plus I’m bored.
Mtn85 says:
Bored???? You just got home from a full day of shopping!
CometBaby says:
I know, I know. Call me ungrateful.
Mtn85 says:
Ungrateful
CometBaby says:
: p
I chuckled as my fingers rested on the keyboard, trying to decide what to say next. Haley beat me to it.
CometBaby says:
So, did you have fun today?
Mtn85 says:
I did. You?
CometBaby says:
Very much so. You’re fun to shop with.
I grinned like an idiot.
Mtn85 says:
Awww, garsh. Thanks. So are you.
CometBaby says:
J So are you bummed you didn’t get to sit on Santa’s lap today?
Mtn85 says:
Lol. Not really. Can’t say Santa’s my type. Old, fat and gray, nah.
CometBaby says:
Lol! I’m sorry to hear that. So what are you wearing?
I chuckled, looking down at myself. I’d been home nearly an hour, and had changed into flannel pants and a tank.
Mtn85 says:
A parka.
CometBaby says:
Really? That’s interesting. Cold in your room, is it?
Mtn85 says:
Maybe.
