Questions and Compliments

Who: Elle and Shoshannah
When: Lunchtime
Where: A restaurant

Shoshannah was a mix of emotions today. At first, she was nervous. Nervous about talking with Ian again, nervous about the look he’d given her the night before, nervous about his health. She was really looking forward to talking with Elle, because maybe Elle could shed some light on Shoshannah’s worries. Since they’d arranged to meet at the same cafe from their last visit, Shoshannah headed there as soon as she was finished checking on Ian. She’d grabbed a newspaper on her way there and was absently reading it and walking at the same time, not exactly the best combination for something as clumsy as her or someone with her condition, but she only managed to knock into two people she it was a fairly good day in that respect.

Seated at the table she’d secured for Elle and herself, Shannah could feel the pull of her condition now. She’d managed to keep it at bay for most of yesterday and she could only hope to be as lucky today. But as she flipped through the paper, a piece in the society section caught her eye. She read it quickly once, her lips turning from a frown to a grin, and read it more slowly the second time. Angelo’s showing was in the paper, The Echo. This was fantastic! As soon as she got back to the Drake, she’d ask for a pair of scissors so she could clip this piece out and save it, but for now she was a bit too anxious for Elle, to show her friend the paper.

Spying Shoshannah from the entrance, Elle gave her a smile and a wave. Silly as it might have been (and she suspected it was), she felt a slight edge of unease, still with the concern that their last meeting might have given Shannah some food for thought. Negative thought. But she told herself no, that Shoshannah was definitely a true friend who had meant what she’d said. Then she scolded herself for her doubt.

Maybe she was just tired. In a bid to get more independence, and keep herself busy, she had picked up some more hours at the theatre. The extra bit of financial gain meant she was another step further from her father. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. In a way, it was funny. Funny how she’d been content to coast along secure in the knowledge that he could always be relied on. It was easy to mistake coddling for caring.

Sitting down opposite her friend, Elle wrote out a cheerful greeting of, Hello! How are you? Good, I hope.

How was she? Funny question. She felt torn, mixing emotions of confusion and worry about Ian and those looks he'd given her with the incredible happiness she felt for Angelo and his upcoming show. She'd start with that. Instead of answering, she turned the paper towards Elle and pointed to the section in it dedicated specifically to announcing to the whole city that Angelo had a show tomorrow. "Look, Elle! Tell me you're going, please? You have to come! He'd be so happy you were there."

Scanning the paper, her smile widened. Elle gently clapped her hands together in quiet applause, more than pleased with what she’d seen. The question of whether or not she was going was met with an enthusiastic nod. Of course she would go. She wanted to support Angelo in this venture and see more of his work. Which, she was sure, would be fantastic.

This is amazing! she wrote. And very much deserved. I’ll definitely be going. So I can make sure everyone there realises how brilliant he is and that they buy lots of his work.

Shannah smiled, all too happy to know that Elle would be attending. "He'll be so excited to see you. You and I can tag-team people, make sure that his work gets sold. Not that I think it'll be a difficult sell." Angelo was amazing at what he did. She was just thankful that now people got to appreciate his work like she got to so regularly. "It's semi-formal, but I'm sure I'll spend the rest of today picking out what to wear. Any suggestions? What will you wear?" She'd thought about getting something earth-toned, maybe something green or brown or something with more color than black and white she usually wore, but then there was the absence of money she was experiencing. Not technically a full absence but she knew she didn't have enough to go out and buy a completely new dress right now.

Elle frowned in thought and tapped her bottom lip with a forefinger. She ran through her wardrobe in her mind but nothing leaped out at her as being the exact right outfit. Maybe something would when it was actually there in front of her. Eventually she shrugged. I’m not sure. I’m sure I’ve got something but it’s deciding what. Something bright might be too gaudy but I wouldn’t want to be too plain either. Then again, that’s where jewellery and things come in. Her chin came to rest on one hand. Apparently this was a decision that merited a lot of careful consideration.

"I'm sure you'll look gorgeous, Elle." She smiled at her friend as she spoke. "It'd be hard for you not to. We should go shopping sometime when I have more money." The thought was nice, her friend and her out on the town, bags on their arms, smiling and laughing. She'd not been shopping for clothes for herself in a while and it was a trivial thing when you had other debts to pay but she missed it. For now, her money was being tucked away in her wallet and only used for things of the utmost necessity, like lunch. She glanced up when the waitress came closer and ordered their meals and drinks for them before focusing on Elle again.

The compliment caused a blush to rise in Elle’s cheek and she waved a modest hand. I know you’ll look fabulous whatever you wear. You will definitely give Angelo something else to be very proud of. Beaming at both her own words and Shannah’s suggestion, she nodded. Shopping was something that Elle would rarely refuse, even if she wasn’t buying anything herself. You can always take a look through my wardrobe, if you like. It might not be an entirely new outfit but it would be new to you. Swapping was like shopping without the expense. Plus she would get to spend the same quality time with her friend. That was the more important thing. Well, that and getting the chance to dress someone up. She still wasn’t sure if it was something she was good at but she enjoyed it none the less.

Well, that was something she'd not thought of. Maybe it was the fact that Shannah hadn't ever had a friend to swap clothes with. She'd had her sisters, but she never ended up swapping clothing with them. "You're sure?" She asked, a smile on her lips. "That would be really fun. And you could look through my stuff and see if there's anything you like? How about we get together tomorrow before the show and see?"

There was more happy nodding from Elle, glad that her suggestion had gone over well. Of course! I’m sure my clothes would enjoy being worn by someone else. She was tempted to add ‘someone who’s more glamorous’ but kept it to herself. Tomorrow sounds good, she wrote with a beaming smile. As the expression faded, it was replaced by a slight frown. Do you know anything about hair? she asked, tugging on the ends of her own. That was something she’d never been that great with. I don’t really know what to do with it.

"A little," She said, smiling. "What would you like to do with it? I think your hair would look beautiful braided. Not that it doesn't now." This was lulling her back in the happy, complacent feeling she'd had earlier that morning. She was really happy to just think about Elle and plan what they would wear to Angelo's gallery tomorrow. "Or..do you have curlers?"

Right now it looked as though it had been left to do whatever it wanted to. Still, Shannah’s comment was appreciated. Most of the time she brushed it and that was it, it was left to wave and kink as it was bound to do. Sometimes she tried to style it. Occasionally she was even successful at it. Curling it would be nice. It would be different. I’m sure I’ve got curlers somewhere.

"I've got some things that I can bring too." She said, smiling. "A have a hair-pin that would look perfect in your hair." Shannah could see it now. She already had a dress she thought that Elle might like. "And a dress that would look beautiful on you if you want to wear white. What size shoe are you?"

I like white. It was one of her frequently worn colours, actually. She couldn’t help but smile at the way Shoshannah was fussing over her. There had been few times when she’d had that sort of female influence and she was relishing every moment of it. I’m a five. Her eyes suddenly widened and she shook her head. I’m sorry, I haven’t asked you what kind of colours you like or anything. Have you got any ideas in mind?

Shoshannah watched Elle and shook her head, smiling a little. "Elle, it's ok, don' worry about it. We'll get to me later. A five? I'm around there. I'm about a six, so my shoes might be a little too big for you but maybe something will fit?" At least she knew she had a dress that would fit Elle. "Do you have any colors in your wardrobe?" Shannah was almost always wearing a neutral color. White, black, navy, something she couldn't go wrong with because, to her, fashion trends hadn't been her forte when she was younger. But it was important to her that she wear something earth-toned, if she could find something. "Maybe something..green or brown?"

It’s okay. I have plenty of shoes if not. I’m sure we can find something that will match, she replied cheerfully. At the question, she nodded. Although they’re mostly pale, pastel kinds of colours. Light blues, yellows, pinks, all sorts. Green, too. She quite liked colours that reminded her of nature. It made her feel closer to it somehow, wearing the shades that could be found in leaves, plants, the sky. A few bright pieces were interspersed amongst her collection, saved for the times when she wanted to express some great happiness. Try all of them on and see which you like best.

"What do you think would look best on me? I was hoping for something green. Angelo said it would bring out my eyes, but the problem is that I don't actually own anything green and I don't know how a pastel green would look on me. Do you think I could do the color justice?" Shoshannah would have to see it on, but she had to wonder if she would do Elle's clothing justice. She couldn't even imagine herself in a pastel color, so she'd leave it up to her friend to help her with the clothing just like she planned on helping Elle with her hair.

Chin resting on her hands, Elle studied Shannah for a moment. While it was mostly a playful scrutiny, she was also trying to picture what she might look like. The only trouble was that Elle suspected she might be biased in thinking that Shannah would look great in pretty much anything. I think you could pull it off, she finally answered. I think it would go well with your hair. And your eyes. Plus you’ve got really great skin tone so you shouldn’t look washed out or anything like that.

Shannah straightened her back, all too happy to play along with Elle's scrutiny of her. She smiled, though, when the girl spoke and it was a genuine, happy smile. "You're too sweet. Thank you, Elle." As the waiter placed their plates infront of them, Shoshannah thanked the waiter for both of them. It didn't take her long to dig into her sandwich, giving her the time she needed to think about how she was going to phrase this. "Elle, could I ask your advice on something?

Though Elle shrugged, she was smiling as she did so. It’s easy to be sweet when you only have to say what you see. It wasn’t like she had to think hard about things to say to compliment Shannah. She lifted the top slice of bread off her sandwich to sprinkle a little salt into it. Done fiddling with her food, she lifted it to take a bite and paused midway. She tried not to frown as she nodded. After all, it might not be a bad topic that she wanted to raise.

"It's nothing awful, just something I'd like to talk about with you if you don't mind." She smiled at her friend, trying to be reassuring even if she was coming down from the happy feeling she'd had earlier in the day. Down to a more serious feeling. "Last night, my friend Ian? He came back to the Drake looking like someone had beaten him up, so I helped him back to his apartment there. I wanted to make sure he got there safely and just..to help him. He's helped me a lot so I wanted to return the favor. But..." She leaned a little closer to Elle, the worry in her eyes more present now. "He needed a change of shirt and I just...I felt so awkward. I got him an undershirt right away, but I couldn't not help him. He was already taking off his shirt and he's just my friend..." She sighed, knowing this didn't make any sense. "I just felt wrong, being in the same room with a shirtless man," She left the 'when it wasn't Angelo' implied in the air. "Do you think I did the wrong thing?"

Elle quickly shook her head, wanting to put Shannah at ease. She reached over to pat the other girl’s hand sympathetically before continuing in the notebook. You did the right thing. It would be wrong to ignore someone who was hurt, especially a friend. Despite that, she could understand why her friend would feel uncomfortable in that particular situation. Even though she was only trying to help, Elle could see how it could be deemed inappropriate. I don’t think you did anything bad. You didn’t intend to see him shirtless, and it wasn’t as though you were doing anything. She felt embarrassed just writing about it. There was a brief pause between those words and the next as she wanted to be careful about what she wrote. I don’t think anyone would blame you for it. Or think you were doing anything untoward.

Shannah nodded, reading once through Elle's words then again, slower, to reassure herself. Elle was right. Shannah could still see Angelo telling her she was making a mountain out of a molehill. She hoped that that was what he would say, because she was only trying to help Ian. He'd helped her so much before. "I only wanted to make sure he got to his room safely." She felt a little better about the awkward situation knowing where Elle stood on it. It was nice to have someone back up the assumptions you'd already been thinking. "I just didn't want to overstep any boundaries."

I know you were only trying to help, Elle reiterated with a bit of a smile. Anyone with any sense could see that. She guessed that it was Angelo’s opinion on the matter that Shoshannah was worried about, and Elle was sure he would see it the same way she did. That Shannah was simply being kind and, well, Shannah. If anyone says any differently, they’re being ridiculous. Don’t listen to them.

Shoshannah nodded again, reaffirmed enough in the knowledge that Elle thought the same thing she did. She smiled to her friend, touching her hand gently. "Thanks, Elle. But enough about this. Let's eat." She said, a grin on her lips again. She'd done nothing wrong and tomorrow, she'd be able to celebrate with Angelo without feeling guilty for something she hadn't done. "Do you want to get ready at my place tomorrow or should I come to yours?"

You’re welcome. The fact that Shannah felt better made her feel better, glad that she could provide some reassurance. After taking a bite of her sandwich, she set it back down on the plate and went back to the notebook. You can come to mine, if you want. I’ll get some treats, something yummy, and we can make a really great time of it. Entertaining guests wasn’t something she did often, and she was looking forward to it.

And to be honest, a change of pace would be nice too She did love staying at the Drake, everyone was so friendly there, but sometimes she missed a real home. Oddly enough, it wasn't that she missed her family. Her father, maybe, but not her mother or sisters. There was just something about a home that she missed. "I'd love to. I'll bring some options for you and a few hair pins. Should I bring anything yummy too?"

Holding up a hand, Elle shook her head. I’ll take care of it. That’s the job of the hostess. She gave a firm, but playful, nod and broke into a smile. If she was going to do it, she wanted to do it right. The thought of making something from scratch crossed her mind. Maybe cookies or something like that. Cookies would be easy enough. Just helping me pick out something good to wear will be plenty. Again she beamed at her friend.

"I'll try to help, but it's going to be a difficult choice. I know you'll look great in everything. But I do think you'll really like the dress I'm thinking of." Shannah smiled back at Elle then took another big bite of her sandwich. She was lucky to have a friend like Elle, someone she could count on despite her condition. It made her happy, knowing that even if she fell asleep right now, Elle wouldn't leave her.

I hope you’re right, Elle replied with a small, shy smile. She was sure she would like the dress but whether she would look good in it was another thing. She knew that she wasn’t particularly sophisticated or anything like that but as long as she didn’t resemble a girl playing dress up too much, she would be perfectly happy. To that effect, she added a more bashful note of, You will tell me if i look silly, won’t you? I won’t get offended, I promise. Or even if she did, better to be offended than a fool.

Shoshannah immediately frowned, reaching out again to touch her friend’s hand and make her point stronger. “Elle, you could never look silly. You’re beautiful, you should know that. And no one will say that you look silly because that’s pretty much impossible.” She smiled to her friend before letting go of her hand. “You’re going to stop everyone dead in their tracks.”

Though Elle’s gaze went down to the tabletop out of embarrassment, there was a smile on her face. It might have been arrogant of her but with the words coming out of Shoshannah’s mouth, she was inclined to believe them. Or at least believe the part about not looking silly. Thank you, she penned eventually and looked up at Shannah, smile still firmly in place. Sometimes I just worry, that’s all. Everyone had their insecurities. Didn’t they?

"It's ok to worry, Elle, but you really have nothing to worry about. Tomorrow's going to be great, you just wait and see." She said, smiling back at her friend and giving an encouraging nod. If she could help Elle see just how beautiful she was and support Angelo in his show, then that would be the best of both worlds.