Irena - Shopping with Stacy

Stacy spoke to Irena in the morning, however, she was still distant and formal. She thawed slightly as the day progressed and a bit more when they met up with Amy to go shopping. Once again it proved how much Irena had changed and what her expectations had grown to be. Even the chain pseudo-goth shops weren't available in the local mall.

While Stacy and Amy sorted through clothes, scurried back and forth to the fitting rooms, and chattered on excitedly about the men they'd seen at Brochan's, Irena let her mind wander. She was in a roofed over street market. The murmur and crest of numerous conversations swirled around her. The air was heavy with spices, scented smoke, perfumes, and sweat. Women walked boldly in the bustle, often followed by men carrying bundles and bags. Here and there friends met and chatted at small tables near food and drink vendors. The clothing was a riot of vibrant colors and rich fabrics. Hot yellow sunlight smote the streets beyond the market. Jugglers and musicians performed for copper coins in open spaces in the bustling crowd.

"Irena. Irena! Hey, what do you think of this?" Stacy almost shouted in her ear. Irena snapped back into the tawdry mall shop to find her friend standing in front of her in another hideous outfit. It was pink, with little embroidered unicorns, and made of saggy knit fabric and might have looked good on an eight year old. Irena couldn't choke back all of the laugh that rose unbidden at the sight. "Hey! I think it looks great on me," Stacy snapped back.

"I'm sure it does. I'm fashion impaired, remember?" Irena replied.

"Yeah, yeah you are," Amy added with real venom.

When they headed into the next shop, Irena pulled her cell phone and dialed. "Alex, could you call me back in half an hour?"

"Sure boss, what's up?"

"This vacation was a bad idea. I need to leave, but I want to give my friends an excuse, something like a disaster at work."

"Sure thing. Not enjoying the old haunts?"

"Realizing there are some places it's better not to go back to."

"I hear you there! Got to go, we're getting busy."

Rather than follow her friends into the shop, she continued down the walk until she found a book store. She was wondering the aisles, finding a few interesting titles, when Stacey stormed up to her. "You trying to ditch us or something? Too good for your friends now? What happened to you?"

Irena started to answer when her phone rang. She made a show of looking down and checking the number before answering it. "Yes?" She listened for a few minutes then ended the call with, "I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Who was that?"

"My assistant manager. Someone disappeared after leaving Waverly's and they want to question everyone that was on duty that night. I'm going to have to head back right away."

"Disappeared? Why do you work there? Why do you live in that city? It's a dangerous, nasty place!"

"Because I like it, Stace."

"I don't think I know you anymore. You used to be sensible and interesting. Ever since you started hanging out with that weird Esther character in high school and then those gaming geeks in college, you've just gotten weird. I thought you wanted to see us but I guess I was wrong."

The ride back to Stacey's was spent in silence. Their goodbyes were pleasant but distant as Irena climbed into her car and drove away. She kept going until she reached the motel she had stayed in on the way out.