My Contract With A Vampire

Chapter 47 - Simple Fun part 2

Placing her bags on the ground in front of her, Ryder placed her hands on her hips and looked at me, "That might be true, Amelia, but come on, you have to admit you barely even picked up anything to even just look at. The only time I saw your eyes light up was when we walked into that store right there," she said pointing towards the small boutique we just walked out of before continuing, "I thought you agreed to treat yourself today?"

Not liking where this conversation was going especially because I didn't want to blow all my money, I snapped back, "I have, and I've had a great time, but I don't think I need to buy myself anything. I have other, more important, things to take care of and shopping isn't one of them."

Instantly I felt bad for snapping at the two girls whom I considered my friends but they were putting so much pressure on me and I didn't like explaining my reasons for why I was doing what I was doing... or in this case not doing.

If either of the girls were mad, they sure didn't show it as they both gave me an understanding, and in Carmela's case, knowing smile, "You might not need anything, but I know there is something that you want. Whatever that may be, that purse or something totally different, but Amelia, you are allowed to give yourself things that you want," Pointing down to my pocket where I was storing my money Carmela continued, "That paycheck isn't the last one you're going to get. And besides, if you haven't realized already, you're going to be coming into a whole lot more money once that contract and marriage becomes official... If I were you, I'd splurge and pamper myself with the money I'm paying you because you sure aren't going to need it once you become part of the royal family ... as Mrs. Amelia Sullivan," when Carmela said that last part, I tried to ignore it, I really didn't want to think about that situation right now.

Ryder interlaced her arm with mine as she nodded her head in agreement, "Yeah, so live a little, don't think so much, let yourself want things... give yourself those things, you deserve it."

After listening to what they both had to say, I thought about it for a second and suddenly came to the realization that they both were right. In all my worrying and stressing over budgeting out my money and feeling guilty for even wanting to treat myself at all, I forgot why I agreed to come out with them today. To have a little simple fun and to treat myself to a few things I wouldn't usually be able to do because of insufficient funds was something I wanted to do, but even more, it was something I needed for myself.

"You're right, you both are right, I just... I guess it's kind of like a habit for me. Penny pinching has been my reality for as long as I can remember. And I guess I'm still trying to get used to the fact that I don't have to do that anymore. But like you both said, I should do things just for me every once and a while."

As our serious little moment faded and the smiles came back on our faces, we went back to our day of fun. We finished up our shopping by actually getting me a few things. I never went back to buy that purse though, I still thought it was too expensive, but I did find a nice handbag in a totally different store for less than half the price of the expensive one and it even came with a tiny wallet. After that, I picked up one other item that I've always wanted and that was a thick, well-made coat. It cost me a little more than the handbag did but it was worth it. I was tired of using the same thin lined jacket that I got from Goodwill a bunch of years ago. And just like the purse I knew it would last me a while. The girls thought I was crazy for getting a coat but I didn't care, winter was right around the corner and I wanted to get it while I was able.

After the day was done and it was time to head back to Carmela's loft to get ready for a night of work, I had bought myself two things and they were things I was proud of and actually did need. I also still managed to buy myself groceries and toiletries too. When I recounted what was left of my first paycheck I was proud that I still had eighty dollars left over plus the other hundred and eighty-five dollars in my bra. I smiled to myself knowing that I still stayed within the budget I set for myself, even after treating myself to a day of fun and shopping.

When my shift was over in the early morning, I laid on the sectional against the pillows and gave a satisfied sigh as I stared at the last purchase I made earlier in the day. It was an art kit and a loaded one at that. I found it on sale and new I had to have it. It had everything I could possibly need in one case and with the smaller, but still nice are set from Jayden that I left at the estate, if they hadn't thrown it out by now, I would have enough supplies to last me for a good while and I couldn't contain my happiness at knowing that, especially when I remember how often I used to go without supplies because I couldn't afford to get it.

Then my smile faded into one of surprise as I realized something, the little thought about the estate was my first real one all day since the night before and I was shocked I had thought about my future situation so pleasantly. Yes, it was more about the art supplies then the actual situation but it was something and it made me feel like there might be a little hope that I wouldn't come out of the future situation as miserable and depressed as I once thought I would.

Maybe this deal I made wouldn't ruin me.... Or maybe I was just lying to myself and if the ladder were the case then I'd take it for now.

TO BE CONTINUED...