Sitting at a table in the food court, Runa looked in a shopping bag. She was turning red. The frilly, lacy thing in the bag was more Mendalie's idea than hers. But maybe she was right. Maybe it would make Brian happy. Lord knows something has to.

Mendalie came walking toward her with a tray and Runa put the bag down quickly. Mendalie was looking in the direction of the theater when she set the tray down on the table. She sat down.

"You know that movie you said you wanted to see?"

"Yeah," Runa said.

"I think it's still playing here, if you want to go."

"I don't know," she told Mendalie as they opened up their food.

"Why not?" Mendalie asked her.

"I just got to get home. I have to work tomorrow. And don't you have class too?"

"Oh come on..." Mendalie begged. "How often do we get to just hang out anymore?"

"yeah maybe," she said. "But Brian will wonder where I am"

"Brian," Mendalie said, "will forgive everything when he sees you in that." She pointed at the bag.

Runa frowned at her.

"Come on Dollie. Come on, please?" Mendalie begged again.

"Oh alright," Runa told her.

"Yeah!" Mendalie said, and then ate a frenchfry from Runa's tray, smiling.