New Threads (Megan)

While Megan retched, Lenna slept like a babe. The day had tired her, with all of its twists and turns. In her former career, such heavy sleeping might have been a bad thing, but that night, it was a boon.

—

Lenna awoke to birdsong outside her window. It was a beautiful sunny day.

The crown was not where she had left it. It had moved to the foot of her bed. Odd. Maybe she had not placed it on her nightstand, as she had thought. She placed it in her purse.

She made certain Megan did not need to utilize the facilities, then cleaned herself. With limited resources, the girl made the best of her situation. The shower was brief. It was short out of common courtesy, as much as it had been out of habit. With as many girls in Lenna’s school in Columbia as there had been, short showers had always been a necessity.

While Megan showered, Lenna pored over the contents of her purse. She made use of a hair brush, and popped a breath mint. Chewed an aspirin, for the orange. It had not gone away. She checked her gun to determine its quality, and had it put away long before the girl came back out.

As Megan tried to style her hair, Lenna offered the hairbrush. The outfit, she could not assist with. She had the proper tool for the hair.

Megan said there was a mall nearby. That would have what they would need.

Lenna had never been to a mall. But she was not about to admit weakness, so she nodded her head.

”Yes. These clothes are impractical. I would much prefer combat boots and pants. Shall we go?”

Lenna gestured for the woman with the map to lead the way.

—

Outside the hotel, they flagged down a cab. That was probably smarter than walking 100 blocks or whatever, and Lenna still got to stare. It was her first sight of New York in the light of day, and the city was far more impressive than she had anticipated. Her eyes grew large, and stayed that way well into the depths of the mall.

And the food court. Oh god, the food court! The choices were overwhelming. Burger King and milkshake monarch and something about a panda and another king. Lotta royalty... and a clown.

Lenna scampered (she scampered!) off before Megan could respond. A minute later, she came back.

Lenna held out a clear plastic cup with green liquid and a straw. The side said smoothie king.

“Green enough for you?” Lenna asked, voice mild, face inquisitive. ”Green power smoothie. It has fruit and veggies and shit. And protein powder and... chia?” She quirked an eyebrow. ”I think that is what they called it. I asked them to make sure it is green.”

In her other hand, she held a pretzel from the case. She was taking no chances with their mixer. She would not risk herself, in case they had strawberry particulates in their particulars. She had an allergy. But Megan could have it!