Free Enigma by Aimee Ash

to go to the mall. I wasn’t like my mother and Heather, who both loved to shop, but I desperately needed a complete wardrobe overhaul.
    Every Friday afternoon, my mother and Heather would go to the mall after their spray tans and full-body massages and bond over Tiffany’s jewelry while sipping non-fat lattes. I knew my mother missed that now that Heather was gone. I, on the other hand, only shopped only when it was necessary, and this was one of those times. I finally had a boyfriend and a reason to want to take more pride in my appearance, so I took my father’s credit card and for once, I was going to use and utterly abuse it.
    I arrived at the mall and headed straight into a swimsuit store. The shelves were full of bright colors, pastel summer shades, and an entire corner consisting of those that were more daring. One minute I was looking at a respectable one-piece swimsuit, and the next, I was contemplating a tie-side, thong bikini, which would hardly be worth wearing.
    Normally, I would play it safe and opt for a one-piece swimsuit, but it was time for a change. The last time I wore a bikini, which I’d borrowed from Heather, guys ogled and made me feel uncomfortable. Since then, I refused to expose myself, but this time was different. I wanted to get Jack’s attention, and had to face the fact that a full swimsuit probably wouldn’t do the trick; I’d need something low-cut to keep him interested.
    I wandered over to the sexy corner and pushed the bikinis along the rail. I couldn’t see myself wearing any type of thong in public, let alone in front of my toned boyfriend, so I decided to try on two standard bikinis and another one that was a little risqué (at least for me). I took the swimsuits into the fitting room and tried them on, scrutinizing my reflection in the floor-length mirror. I was pleasantly surprised at how I looked, and admired my pale skin.
    I ended up choosing a sexy black bikini with gold trim and a pastel, flower-printed bikini, which was a little safer—a little more me. It was also something that I could wear in front of Jack’s parents without them thinking that I was too provocative. The third and final bikini was my favorite: a white two-piece with a black tulip print spread across it. I paid for all three with my father’s credit card, not feeling a single pang of guilt.
    Next, I hit all the designer stores, trying on overpriced clothes, and buying a few dresses, skirts, and a jumpsuit. Then I hit the high-street stores, picking out camisoles in a rainbow of colors, sarongs, and denim shorts. I treated myself to a party dress just because, jeans, makeup, jewelry, hats, and bags. My mother always insisted that needing and wanting were much of the same thing; I thought of this and didn’t feel guilty as I handed over my father’s credit card again.
    I was having fun shopping, and it felt strange. I didn’t once think about Brett or my parents, but my arms were ready to drop off. Now I knew what Heather meant when she’d always tell me that shopping was therapeutic, and why she insisted that Tobias went shopping with her. I pitied him having to spend the day with her, and felt even sorrier for him having to carry her bags, but he never complained.
    I made it to my car, threw the bags in the trunk, and drove home with the top down. I couldn’t wait to get to my room and dress up for Jack.
     
    L oaded down with bags, I practically threw myself through the front door, and Tobias helped me carry them to my room. I thanked him, trying not to laugh at his puzzled expression, and threw the bags on the bed. I knew what he was thinking, but there was no way I was turning into Heather, so he didn’t have to worry.
    I checked my watch and realized that I’d been at the mall longer than intended. Leaving the bags, I hurried to the kitchen. Flo was preparing dinner, which smelled delicious, and I gave her a big hug. She looked at me like I was crazy.
    “Okay, who are you and what have you