"I hate Christmas shopping."

"Yes, I know, Shane. I know because you’ve been complaining all day long. This is the fifth store we’ve been in today. Would it kill you to just shut up and choose some presents?"

Alice and Shane were standing in the middle of a boutique that carried knick-knacks and house wares from all over the world. Alice looked like she belonged there, with the unmistakable air of a woman with a disposable income amongst equally disposable things to buy. Shane looked like a grubby teenager, totally out of place in her dirty jeans in the midst of expensive bric-a-brac. Alice noticed one of the staff, a dignified African woman, eying Shane suspiciously from a distance. Alice chuckled nervously and nodded at the woman in such a way that she hoped conveyed that her friend wasn’t there to steal.

"Shane? Pick. Something. Out. NOW." Alice hissed through gritted teeth before flashing the woman another smile.

Shane rubbed at the back of her head in irritation. "Fine. Let’s just get this over with."

Alice sighed in relief. She felt no qualms about dragging her friend out of her dank, smoky house for a few hours of fresh air and actual contact with other human beings. Besides, the sooner Shane finished her Christmas shopping, the better. No one wanted a box of stuff haphazardly chosen at the last minute from stores within walking distance of Shane’s house on Christmas Eve. She picked up a delicate crystal vase and waved it in Shane’s face. "Ooh, how about this for Tina and Bette?"

Shane batted her hand away. "Yeah, that’s real practical, Al – a crystal vase for the couple with a toddler. Good thinking, there."

Alice rolled her eyes and set the vase down. So maybe it wasn’t the best idea – so what? Shane always went out of her way to make Alice feel stupid. Whatever. Shane was depressed; it would do no good to hold a grudge against her friend while she was hurting. Alice cast a sidelong glance at Shane as she shuffled around the boutique. Her slouched form paused in front of a scarf draped over a headless mannequin. It was hideous. Alice smirked. A perfect gift for Jenny.