Nesia 011

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I am trying to keep these updates close to a page so everyone does not have a lot to read through.  But I will go longer if it is necessary.  Hope you are enjoying it.

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It took a little over an hour for Nesia to get to Derringer Mall.  Paradise Shopping Center had been crowded, and Nesia could not understand why people would come on vacation just to shop at a mall.  The taxi ride to Derringer had not been terrible; she had even let the automated driver ramble on with its sales pitch about how amazing Leisure was as the chosen vacation destination.

All transportation on the planet was automated vehicles.  It was certainly a clever way of keeping tourists confined to specific resort areas.  The few vehicles that were not robotic had to be specifically approved by the Leisure Council.  It was really only the council and their high ranking underlings that had the true freedom to go wherever they wanted on the planet.  That and emergency personnel, but that was a given.

Nesia let her subconscious guide her to a typical department store and to the women’s section.  Then it left her to stare aimlessly at the racks of clothes.  She was over an hour late, and there was not a single man in that section of the store that already was not stuck holding a purse outside the dressing rooms.

“You are in need of help, yes?” a young woman’s voice said from behind.

Turning around, Nesia caught sight of the store employee who was waiting expectantly for an answer.  The young woman looked like she should still be in high school, with her black pigtails and cheerful smile.  Nesia read her nametag did not think she seemed like a Samantha.  No doubt, though, she was like most of the employees of Leisure: college kids trying to earn money for a few years.  Leisure took advantage of the young energy and better looks of the youthful generation as often as it could.

“Is nice shirt,” Samantha said through her accent as she picked up a blue blouse.  “Go good with your eyes, no?”

Nesia put her hand to her face and pulled off her sunglasses.  “You recognize me?”

“You here very lots,” Samantha smiled.  “Favorite customer, yes.  Late today, no?”

“Don’t I usually come with someone?”

The young worker gave her a funny look, and Nesia could not blame her.  If she had come to this store often enough to be recognized by the employees, then why would she be asking about something she did every week.  Samantha shrugged a little and her smile dropped for a moment.

“Friend leave, yes?”

“Um, yes,” Nesia said.  “Mark wasn’t here when I came.  Did he maybe leave a note or something?”

“Yes, yes, yes.”

Nesia was not sure if she liked the sad amusement in Samantha’s eyes as she ran off to grab something.  No doubt the store clerk thought there was some sort of lover’s spat going on.  Nesia did like Samantha, though.  She had definitely been in this store several times and had spoken with the girl before.  It was sad that one of Nesia’s few people she felt she could call friend was just a random store clerk she probably would never see once Samantha finished her work contract.

“Nice gift,” Samantha said as she brought up a jewelry box.  Inside were some ear cuffs that were intricately designed and spotted with black and blue gems.  “Bought for you from friend.  You take, yes?”

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Should Nesia….

1 – Take the gift and wear it for the rest of the day?

2 – Refuse the gift entirely?

3 – Take the gift, but wait to try it on in her apartment in the evening?

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