The Renegades went into the department store, and Mischia led the way to the men’s floor. They were going to a Yacht party that evening and needed appropriate eveningwear. Having planned for the night, things had to be as close to perfect as possible, as not much energy had been collected lately, and they were disappointed with themselves, so tonight had to make up for it in a big way.
Martin, the salesman in the Armani Department looked first at Mischia, then at the Wymasirians and grimaced. What the hell could they want in here? Why hadn’t someone asked them to leave?
‘Can I help you?’ he asked distastefully. ‘Yes.’ said Mischia, as he looked her up and down ‘Have some manners,’ she added.
His eyes snapped back to her face.
She turned to Ywoth and Tgthiem, who looked very out of place, and waved them over, they stepped up cautiously, and the salesman looked them both up and down distastefully, and Mischia noticed.
‘Will you stop?’ she said. ‘We’re here to shop just like everyone else, and if you’re not gonna help us, then maybe should find someone else, who will?’
Martin felt like shooing them away, instead he smiled and gave a nod. ‘Certainly’.
After an hour of fitting and refitting, Tgthiem and Ywoth had jackets, trousers, shirts, ties, clips, cufflinks, shoes, socks and underwear. The bill was just over £2,000, and Martin’s jaw dropped when more than enough money was produced to foot it. He had been prepared to gloat, and would have enjoyed calling security to escort them off the premises; instead, it was Mischia who was gloating.
They made their way to the women’s department.
Tgthiem and Ywoth trailed behind, mesmerised with the swarm of people and clothing.
Mischia stopped at an array of evening dresses and picked one up to hold against Esjekshb, who looked just as lost as the men did.
A saleswoman, whose name tag said she was Lisa, zoned in on the pair, and walked up to them, ready to be obnoxious. The dress being held up cost £500 and the pair didn’t look like they could afford a comb on a market stall. She plastered a smile on her face and took a breath to speak, but Mischia had seen her and was ready.
‘Before you patronise us, no, we don’t need any help, just a dressing room.’
Lisa was shocked and Mischia felt good. All those times she’d been looked down on by sales assistants who knew she couldn’t afford the clothes she was looking at. Today was different, it was her day.
Tgtheim and Ywoth approached the women and stood by them, looking nervous, wondering where they fit in. The saleswoman saw the bags they were holding, and looked at the women again. She had been quick to assume they had no money – oh well, easy mistake, she thought to herself, I mean, look at them.
When Esjekshb and Mischia had shopped for gowns, purses, shoes and underwear. The Renegades browsed the department store, shopping for extra pieces; accessories, jewellery, cosmetics, fragrances and other items of personal preference. Finally, leaving with shopping worth over £5,000. Mischia was in her element, but it was a shame about her company, the Renegades stuck out like sore thumbs.
They drove back to Kensington and set about getting ready for the ball.
At 7pm sharp, congregating in the kitchen, and ready to leave, the Renegades sized each other up, and were very impressed.
Esjekshb and Mischia wore blue ball gowns with diamond and sapphire jewellery, while Tgthiem wore a winecoloured shirt and Ywoth wore a silk black shirt with no tie.
‘We look good,’ said Ywoth.
‘Yeah, we should go out more often,’ joked Tgthiem.
‘Is everyone ready?’
They all nodded.
And off to the ball they went.