Free A Proper Young Lady by Lianne Simon Page A

Dadeland in forever.”
    “Let’s go, then.” Perhaps I can talk you into some new clothes.  
    “Now?”
    “Yes.”
    Bright sunshine and puddles greet us outside the Dadeland North Metrorail Station. We stroll hand-in-hand down the path, across the street, and under the covered walkways to the mall.
    I slow as we approach the entrance. Sweet memories of childhood bring a glow to my face.
    How many times did Mum bring me here when I was a little girl? I was so certain then of who I was.
    Melanie drags me straight to the food court. As usual, we talked most of the night and missed breakfast. I gorge on a burger, onion rings, and a chocolate shake. Most unladylike.
    Melanie sucks the grease from her fingertips. “You up for a movie?”
    “Sure. Can we find you a purse before we go?”
    Melanie’s eyes flick to her tote and back to me. “Oh. Yeah. Guess I should buy one, huh?”
    “Won’t hurt to look.” Unless I intervene, what Mum will see when Melanie arrives is a wild-haired waif. That impression might discolor their relationship for months.
    Melanie rifles through fifty purses before settling on an inexpensive faux leather bag. Adequate, but not fashionable.
    I take a deep breath and blow it out through my lips. “Mind if we check another shop before you purchase one?”
    Back in the waiting area, Melanie ran her fingertips over the photo of a shoulder bag in a fashion magazine ad. The store lies near the end of the mall.
    I grab Melanie’s hand and lead her to the entrance. She stops there and shakes her head. “I can’t afford anything in this place.”
    Mum and Daddy ignore prices on any item less expensive than an automobile. I was taught to weigh the value of my time against whatever I might save by an extended search. “Trust me?”
    “Well, yeah.” She nods, but her eyes hold doubt.
    I find the purse from the ad—an embroidered forest green suede with oversized buckles and a wide leather strap. Mongolian lamb trim adds a warm and feminine touch. Mum would approve. 
    Melanie waves her hands and backs away. “No way. You know what that thing costs?”
    “I missed five years of Christmas gifts and birthdays presents. Let me do this.”
    Emerald eyes search my face, hesitant to believe.
    “At least consider it. Please?”
    Her tender eyes search mine before she agrees.
    I stand behind Melanie as she adjusts the strap. In the mirror, wonder spreads across her face. I wrap my arms around her waist and grin at her reflection. “Worth every last penny to see you smile.”
    When she turns around, my hand strays to the locket at her throat. I brush a fingertip across the silver heart. “I wish I’d kept—I’m sorry.” 
    Tears break free and run down Melanie’s cheeks. She slinks her arms around my waist and kisses me. On the lips. After a long embrace, she releases her grip and stumbles backwards, eyes wide. “Whoa. Sorry. I didn’t mean to, you know. I’m not into girls.”
    My arms tremble in protest at the loss of her body against mine. Disappointment struggles to displace an unexpected joy. “I’m glad you like the purse.”
    With a shaking hand, I give my debit card to the cashier.
    On the way out, I talk Melanie into a new dress as well.

Melanie
    Monday morning arrives way too early. I slap my stupid alarm clock and pull away from Dani. She moaned on and off all night, like some little kid who lost her mommy. For a moment, I consider letting her sleep through her appointment.
    What kind of friend lets somebody cut off body parts?
    Me, I guess.
    I shake the girl awake, point her toward the bathroom, and remind her not to eat or drink anything.
    My hand goes to the locket Dani gave me so long ago. Does Ethan appreciate what all his fiancée is doing for him?
    After I get dressed, I check on the girl, only to find her staring at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. She mumbles something about the circus. The nurse gave her meds to take the night before surgery. She said the pill would