Splinters: Part One

Part One | 21

"Collie likes sentimental things, romantic things. She's not really one to be bought over, but I bet we could get something from one of those kiddy stores." He stopped for a second, then lifted a finger. "And I know just the place."

Ursanne and I followed Andrew to the main area, passing countless different outlets.

"Andrew, where are we going?"

"Don't worry," he muttered, his stride moving quicker.

Finally, he turned, and we entered a Disney store.

"The Disney store?" Ursanne questioned. "You've got to be kidding me."

"We're not here for Disney stuff," Andrew said, looking over everything. "Look for cute stuff, romantic stuff."

The store was packed with parents and the check-out line was almost out of the store. Things were almost sold out. I had no idea how we would be able to find anything in here, but nonetheless, we looked. We looked forever, but we found nothing.

"Andrew, there's nothing in here," Ursanne cried.

"You're right," he muttered. "C'mon."

We followed him out and into another store not too far away, except this one was scary. It was dark inside, with raging, loud music and gothic pictures.

"You guys lookin' for anything in particular today?" a tall boy with large gauges and black spiked hair asked. His name tag read Felix.

"Not right now," Ursanne smiled.

He nodded. "Let me know if you got any questions."

He turned and walked away. I stepped closer to Andrew.

"How is this place going to find me a present for Collie?"

"Just look. You might be surprised."

I sighed and did as he said. Walking through the store, I saw a cage with gauges and weird earrings. I shook my head and went for the t-shirts. They looked like nothing Collie would wear. I sighed and looked around the store for Ursanne and Andrew. I spotted them over by the clothing rack. I advanced towards them.

"Guys, Collie wouldn't like any of this."

Ursanne nodded toward Andrew. "Yeah. Hot Topic won't do us any good."

Andrew smirked. "We can try Spencer's."

Ursanne laughed. "Absolutely not."

He nudged his head toward the entrance and exit of the store. "C'mon, B."

"Andrew, no! Don't take him in there!"

But Andrew and I were already heading out. Ursanne ran up to us.

"You're not going to find anything in there!"

"Oh c'mon, let him have a little fun."

By then, we were just outside the store. The colorful letters spelled Spencer's in a weird font. Inside, I saw weird objects and clothes. It almost seemed like the last store we were in, but more vibrant and less dark.

Ursanne crossed her arms and shook her head. "Nope. You two go ahead. I'm not going in."

I turned to her. "Why not?"

She glanced at Andrew and sighed. "Just hurry."

Andrew laughed, pulling me in by the elbow. Entering Spencer's, I finally realized why I probably shouldn't be in here.

"Think Collie would go for this?"

Andrew held a rather revealing Santa Claus dress. I rushed towards him and took it from his hands, putting it back on the rack. I turned to leave, my face angry, but he caught my shoulder.