What's this story about? "The Mall

Maya took Annika to the mall on a sunny and hot Saturday afternoon, assuring her that she needs to ‘live a little’ and not stay inside their dorm all the time, and Annika didn't like it one bit. All she wanted to do was vegetate and eat junk food.

Maya walked throughout the mall, her chunky heels clicking and hips swaying confidently with every step. Her black hair was bouncy, every curl moving fluidly with just a simple turn of her head, her rhinestone purse slung over her shoulder, her sleek, black top clinging onto her curves, and a frilly skirt being the cherry on top.

Annika was right behind her, towering over her petite frame while her hands were in the pockets of her denim shorts, since she didn’t know what to do with the long limbs, and her wooden, beaded bracelets would be clicking awkwardly. Her band tee was wrinkled and loose on her lanky body, her dirty blonde hair being frizzy, yet straight, and her Converse, which have seen better days, scuffing across the shiny floor of the mall.

Annika bent down slightly to murmur in Maya’s ear: “Why'd you just have to bring me here?” She said, her accent thick.

“Annika, you've been in the States ever since you've become my roommate. Have Swedes always been this… minimalistic and nonchalant?” Maya turned around, gesturing vaguely at her outfit. “We have to work on whatever that is.” 

“At least I don't look like I belong on the show Real Housewives.” Annika muttered under her breath.

“I heard that!” Maya abruptly shot Annika a playful, yet commanding look.

***

Annika then felt Maya's smaller hand gripping hers as she found a store, dragging her inside the dainty little space. Annika was flashed with bright, popping colors of both the exterior and clothing; her eyes have never been exposed to such femininity.

“I know where the good stuff is,” Maya announced, swiftly and briefly looking over the racks of clothing, until she found some stuff. “Bingoo!” She purposely drawed out, plucking out a tight, long sleeved top, the sleeves made out of lace with intricate patterns, and some dark denim jeans with a fuzzy leopard print on the trims.

“Don't you think I'll look weird?” Annika wrinkled her nose, and stepped back to look at the choice of clothing Maya picked out for her.

“No, you'll look the part.” Maya assured, putting the clothes in Annika’s arms.

“Yeah, look the part for a damn circus show!”

“C’mon, Annika! It's not gonna be as bad as you think it'll be. Just go to the dressing room, and put on the stuff!” Maya scolded. 

With a deep, dramatic sigh, Annika made her way to the dressing room, and went inside, pushing Maya away gently, but firmly.

Annika looked at the clothes and hesitated about putting them on, looking at them like they carried a deadly disease. She knew she was gonna get a fashion lecture from Maya if she didn't put the stuff on, so she decided to man up, and put the articles of clothing on.

Annika discarded her current clothes on the bench, and slipped on the top. The top was tight and showed a sliver of her flat midsection, and immediately felt weird in the top. She looked longingly at her band tee, before turning her attention to the jeans, and slipped them on as well. She looked like the antagonist for a 2000s teen comedy movie, and she chuckled at the thought. The jeans accentuated her bony, yet slightly wide hips and narrow waist, and Annika smiled at her reflection, her… alter ego. 

Maya tapped her foot impatiently, and just when she was about to barge in the dressing room, the door clicked open, and there came Annika, her arms dangling awkwardly, and swishing her hips back and forth.

“So?” Annika blurted out suddenly.

“You look hot!” Maya squealed. 

Annika shot a look at herself in the mirror and smirked, moving her hips slightly. “Mmm… you're right I guess.” 

“I think heels would top this look off,” Maya added, running to grab a pair of black pumps that screamed dominance.

“Are you kidding me, Maya? I'm 5’9! I'm already taller than every woman in this mall, including you!” Annika whisper-yelled.

“I'm buying them for you, they'll look good on you! Trust me!” Maya set aside the heels as she watched Annika go back into the dressing room, put on her original clothes, and shove the new ones in Maya’s arms.

The two went to the register, with Maya paying for the clothing, and walked out of the store, Annika feeling relieved to be out of that stupid, pink store.

***

They stopped at the food court, sitting down on a bench as Annika devoured freshly made buffalo wings and fries. 

“Hungry, huh? Don't you think that's too much for you?” Maya judged, sipping on lemonade and taking a bite out of a burger.

“Damn right. Fast metabolism too,” Annika wiped her mouth and fingers with a napkin. “Y'know, maybe trying out your fashion taste for a change wasn't that bad.” 

Maya giggled. “Glad you thought so, hungry gal.” 

The two ate their food in comfortable silence, giving each other glances that oozed strong, platonic friendship that was gonna last forever."