Aren’t you going to shop for clothes too, El?" Amelie asked as we walked side by side toward the store that sold the brand she was looking for.

"I already did, a few weeks ago. I got a lot because there was a sale," I grinned.

"I love your style, El. You don’t follow the latest fashion trends."

"Don’t you do the same? Not following the current trends?" I looked at Amelie who looked trendy. She was wearing the same brand as Mr. B, ‘Mr. Irresistible Neck.’ I quickly dismissed the perfect image of Mr. B from my mind.

"Ah, I try to follow the latest trends, El," Amelie smiled. "I’m not very confident, so I always try to dress according to what’s popular now."

I laughed, "But, Mel, the trends you follow are worn by top celebrities. The trends of top celebrities and the latest trends among young people are different, dear."

"Oh, they are?" Amelie laughed too.

"Yes, Amelie. As long as we feel comfortable wearing it, there’s no problem whether it’s trendy or not."

We arrived at a boutique that sold international brands. We were warmly greeted by the staff.

"My brother already made an appointment. I’m Amelie," Amelie said to one of the employees.

"Ah yes, could you wait a moment please?" the employee asked, asking us to wait.

The employee spoke to another employee, who I assumed was the supervisor. Shortly after, the employee returned with the supervisor.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Amelie. I’m Dyane the supervisor who received your brother’s call. Please enjoy shopping at our boutique. One of our staff will assist you," Dyane said warmly.

Then another employee approached us. "Ms. Amelie I’ve prepared some new arrivals and other models. Please follow me," she said politely.

Amelie and I followed the employee. As we walked, I noticed several international brands neatly displayed. The prices truly reflected who Amelie was; she must be from a wealthy family. Initially, I thought she came from a modest background, but first impressions aren’t always right.

In another part of the boutique, two employees were waiting for us. They had prepared several racks of various clothing styles and colors.

I gazed at the neatly arranged clothing racks. The boutique staff seemed ready and waiting for Amelie to make her choice.

"What event is the dress for, Miss?" one of the staff asked from the end of the rack.

"It's for college. Any suggestions on what would be suitable?" Amelie asked.

The staff member turned and walked toward the clothes behind her, seemingly coordinating with another colleague. After a brief conversation, she returned to where we were seated.

Amelie whispered, "El, help me choose, okay? Which one suits me best?"

I smiled, nodding in agreement.

It took over an hour to find a few outfits that suited Amelie's taste. I, who initially just helped her choose, ended up getting tempted and picked out a few pieces for myself. After all, I'm a normal girl who loves pretty things.

Helping Amelie shop turned out to be quite enjoyable. We chatted while browsing through the clothes, discussing our excitement about the upcoming start of college, deciding what to wear on the first day, and planning to sit together and chat about light, fun topics.

We walked to the cashier to pay.

"What's the total?" Amelie asked the cashier.

The cashier mentioned the total amount.

"Does that include my friend's items?" Amelie asked again.

I quickly stepped forward, "No need to include mine, Mel! I'll pay for mine myself," I said.

"El, just consider it a treat from me," Amelie patted my shoulder.

"There's no such thing as a shopping treat, Mel," I grimaced, "I'll pay for mine."

"Excuse me, how would you like to pay?" the cashier interrupted. "Separately or together?" Apparently, there were other customers waiting behind us.

Amelie quickly handed over her debit card, "Pay for everything with this." The cashier gladly accepted Amelie's card, not wanting other customers to be inconvenienced by our debate. Eventually, all the items were paid for by Amelie.

"I'll transfer the money for my items later."

"El, don't! I don't want you to!" Amelie glared, "Why are you rejecting my kindness?"

"Mel ... but it's too much for a treat!" I felt uncomfortable. All this time, I was the one who always treated others. I looked at the two shopping bags containing my clothes.

"Alright, in that case, you can treat me to lunch later, okay?" Amelie smiled.

"Okay, good idea. I'll treat you to lunch for a month."

"Well then ... why don't you just include for dinner too?" Amelie laughed.

After agreeing that I would treat her to lunch, Amelie asked the store staff to keep our shopping bags while we continued exploring the mall.

**

"No spicy food!" I reminded Amelie as we walked towards the food court.

"Hmm, okay." Amelie chuckled. "You’re starting to sound like the older sister. How about I'll start calling you Big Sis."

"Fine, but if you call me that, you have to obey me."

We both laughed. It felt so good to hang out without thinking about work. The fun with Amelie was different from the fun with Sarah or colleagues from Wonderland.

With Laras, I could be El, not the Rose the street walker. I felt like a different person, transforming from a sinner to a regular young girl enjoying her youth.

"El, let's try that!" Amelie pointed to a fast-food stall.

"Burger and fried chicken?"

Amelie nodded, "I want to order the triple cheese burger. It looks delicious," she said, pointing at the picture.

"Wow, that's look yummy. The cheese looks so melty... it's mouthwatering."

Amelie laughed, "Deal, let's have that."

I shook my head, "No way! That's not equal to your treat earlier. We'll have something else. The burger is just a snack for later."

I pulled Amelie's arm, leading her to a European-themed restaurant. I had dined there a few times, so I knew the food was good.

"Huh? Why are we going to a restaurant, El? Feels like a formal dinner," Amelie asked, half-grimacing.

I remained silent, guiding her into the restaurant.

"Good afternoon, welcome. Do you have a reservation?" a lady in a maroon uniform greeted us.

I opened my bag, took out my wallet, and pulled out a golden card. "I'm a member here," I handed over the VIP card.

The lady's smile widened, "Oh, you're a VIP member. Please, this way. The VIP guest tables are here." She walked ahead of us.

"El, the burger would have been fine. This place feels so stiff," Amelie looked around.

I turned to her, "But the food here is guaranteed not to disappoint, Mel. Trust me."

Amelie finally stayed quiet and followed me.

"Here is your table. Our staff will bring the menu shortly."

Sure enough, a waiter soon arrived with two menus.

Amelie asked for my opinion on the best dishes. I suggested one of my favorites, chicken parmigiana. This dish is similar to chicken cordon bleu, but the cheese is on top. The tomato sauce is incredibly delicious.

"Okay, El. I'll have that. I'll order the same as you for speed."

I smiled at Amelie's words. We finally agreed to have the same dish for lunch.

***