Veronica was fast approaching her twenty-fifth Birthday and NOT very happy about it.
"My new years resolution was to actually get some this year! It's February already and I still don't know where to start." she told her friend Debbie, who was lying on Veronica's bed, her head propped up by her hands, feet lolling over the other side of the bed. She was watching Veronica brush her long black hair at the modern vanity.
"You need to change your mind about sex, girl." the cute blond replied with a naughty wink.
"And how exactly do you suggest I do that?" she asked, pouting at her friend's reflection. "Wave a magic wand and just grab the first guy I meet in the street and shag his brains out?" "Hey that's a good idea, but save that one for later." Debbie replied, a naughty grin spreading across her face.
"I know that look. It makes me nervous. We've been house mates for 5 years now and only trouble has come from that smile. What are you thinking?" Veronica was looking apprehensively at her friend in the mirror.
"Well, for one thing, we're gonna do some changes to your wardrobe."
"There's nothing wrong with my wardrobe!"
"Nah, not if you're sixty that is." Debbie replied with an arch smile, her eyes twinkling in anticipation of her friend's, to be expected, vehement response. She did not have to wait long.
"My clothing is functional and professional!" Veronica replied acidly, not wanting to give her expectant friend the satisfaction she so obviously craved.
"Look," Debbie replied, suddenly serious, "you're right. Your clothing does look professional, but you don't have to be a doctor ALL the time. Use some of that hoarded money of yours and lets go shopping."
"I wouldn't know what to buy" Veronica said, her eyes downcast in despair.
"OK, I'll tell you what." Debbie retorted, excitement lighting her eyes. "I'll orchestrate a makeover for you, but you pay. No questions asked and no complaints about money! Between your trust fund your granny left you and your salary, you can afford it!"
Veronica, becoming more interested now, looked up from her brushing.
"Well, I guess its now or never. I've got a week's leave due to me and you still have to wait 3 before your ship leaves again, so lets do it."
Two days later, Veronica is awakened by a little ball of energy jumping up and down on her bed.
"C'mon, get up! We're on holiday and its time for SHOPPING!" Debbie shouted as she bounced.
They got ready and walked the short few blocks, in the grey drizzle that is London autumn, to Acton tube station.
"First stop, Oxford Street!" Debbie exuded.
Veronica resigned herself to her lot and followed meekly. She has always been somewhat submissive. Perhaps that was what kept the men away.
Most of rush hour traffic having passed, they at least had a place to sit as they tube made their way to Oxford Street station. They finally alighted and were greeted by yet more rain as they stepped on the sidewalk again.
Debbie was now on her home ground and dragged her friend by the hand to the closest fashion store.
"Here's something for you already ." Debbie pointed at a mannequin wearing a short red mini-dress, low cut, sleeveless red top and red, six inch stilettos.
"You can't be serious!" Veronica harrumphed as the took in the ensemble.
Debbie suddenly turned on her friend, a stern look on her face, her voice tight.
"I thought we've discussed this......"
"We did..." came the meek reply.
"Are you going to give me any more trouble?"
"No..."
Later, in the dressing room ...
"It look stunning on you, turn around."
"I look like a slut." Veronica replied as she complied.
"Bullshit. Here, put this on."
"So are you just gonna stand and watch?"
"Look here girlfriend. If we're going to do this, then you had better stop with all this 'bashfulness' of yours. I think that after knowing each other for 5 years, you shouldn't be afraid of getting undressed in front of me."
"But that's how I've been raised. You know I've always closed the door when I got changed." Veronica said, blushing at the prospect of getting undressed in front of another person.
"Your mother is not here and you're not a nun. Take it off....Now" Debbie put extra command in the last word.
As she turned her back on her friend, Veronica realized that the three mirrors in the little cubicle weren't going to protect her modesty. She heaved a heavy sigh of resignation and slowly took off the blouse, for the first time exposing herself, her face crimson.
"What the FUCK is that!" Debbie exclaimed, softly but vehemently, pointing at Veronica's breasts.
"What do you mean?" Veronica whispered, her arms crossing over her ample bosom in defense. "Is there something wrong with them? Is that why the last guy wasn't interested?"
"If with 'them' you mean your breasts, absolutely nothing." Debbie replied, putting her friend at ease. "I mean that nineteen twenties bra you're wearing, and No that arsehole left you because, well...he's an arsehole" she added, gently pulling her friend's arms down to her sides, meeting little resistance.
"Put your own clothes back on" Debbie relented, feeling sorry for her friend. "You'll take this outfit too. It's the right size...and before you argue, remember the agreement...right?
"Right" the weak reply came as Veronica got into her own clothes in a flash, relieved to be decent again.
As the attendant swiped Veronica's platinum credit card, she gulped as she saw the amount, but kept herself in check, seeing her friend's stern look and thinking 'Oh well, she's right. Its not as if I don't have the money.'
They walked on a bit and Debbie pushed her friend into a lingerie shop. Veronica's head hung in shame for being in such a sinful establishment.
'What would my colleagues think of me in such a place? They'll think I'm an utter tart. I'd be ousted for sure.' She thought worriedly.
Debbie, on the other hand, looked quite at home. She walked to the shop assistant with a sure stride.
"How can I help you mam?"
"I'm far past help love, but you can help the shy little filly there, trying to look as if she's trying to become a piece of the furniture."