Chapter 14: "Fun"
River and Lettie decided to try out a restaurant owned by the Apexor Shopping Mall. They parked the car and walked into the cozy eatery, surrounded by the aroma of freshly baked bread and the sound of sizzling food.
As they sat down at their table, River couldn't help but feel happy about the day's adventure. "I'm so glad we did this, Lettie," she said, smiling at her friend.
Lettie smiled back, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Me too, River. I'm just glad to spend time with you."
After lunch, Lettie suggested they visit an art studio she had heard about. River agreed, and they headed to the studio, where they met the artist, a quirky woman with a passion for painting.
The studio was a haven of creativity, filled with canvases, paints, and brushes. River and Lettie spent the afternoon painting, laughing, and enjoying each other's company. River decided to paint a portrait of Lettie, capturing her smile and the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed.
As they worked on their art, River felt a sense of calm wash over her. She loved the way the paintbrush glided across the canvas, creating strokes of color and texture. Lettie, on the other hand, was a bit more clumsy, getting paint on her hands and clothes.
After they finished their paintings, the artist encouraged them to share their work with each other. River hesitated, but Lettie reassured her, "I want to see what you created."
River showed Lettie her painting, and Lettie's eyes widened in surprise. "River, this is beautiful! You captured me perfectly."
River blushed, feeling happy that Lettie liked her painting. "I was trying to capture your smile," she said simply.
As they left the studio, Lettie suggested they take a drive around the city. River agreed, and they cruised through the streets, enjoying the scenery. When River spotted the zoo, she exclaimed, "Let's stop! I love animals!"
Lettie made a face. "I'm not really into animals, River. Can't we do something else?"
River grinned mischievously. "Come on, it'll be fun! Just for a little while."
Lettie relented, and they spent the next hour watching monkeys swing from trees and feeding the giraffes. River was in her element, and Lettie couldn't help but laugh at her enthusiasm.
As they were leaving the zoo, River suddenly asked Lettie to stop the car. "Wait, I saw a flower shop! Can we stop for a minute?"
Lettie raised an eyebrow but pulled over. River jumped out of the car and ran into the flower shop. Five minutes passed, and River emerged with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Lettie praised the flowers, and River smiled shyly. "I just saw them and thought of my mom."
Lettie smiled. "They're lovely! You know what this flower means, right?"
River shook her head, curious. "No, what does it mean?"
Lettie smiled. "It symbolizes longevity. It's a beautiful gesture, River."
River's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, I had no idea! The florist just said it was a nice flower."
As they continued driving, River spotted a roadside vendor selling Korean-style fried chicken, known as "K-pop chicken." "Stop the car! I need to get some K-pop chicken for my dad."
Lettie pulled over, and River got out to buy the chicken. She offered some to Lettie, who took a hesitant bite. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she took a bigger bite.
River laughed. "I told you it was good! We should get takeout from him sometime."
Lettie nodded enthusiastically, her mouth still full of chicken.
As the sun began to set, Lettie suggested they head back to River's house. River agreed, and Lettie drove her home.
As they pulled up to the house, River turned to Lettie and hugged her tightly. "Thanks for today, Lettie. I had an amazing time."
Lettie smiled, hugging her back. "I did too, River."
River got out of the car, flowers in one hand and the K-pop chicken in the other. She waved goodbye to Lettie, who drove off with a smile.
River entered the house, and her parents greeted her warmly. "Hey, sweetie! How was your day?"
River beamed. "It was great! I got you flowers, Mom."
Her mom's eyes lit up as she took the flowers and smelled them. "They're beautiful, dear! I'll put them in a vase right away."
River's dad's eyes widened as he saw the K-pop chicken. "And what's this? K-pop chicken, my favorite!"
River laughed. "Dad, you're so predictable. I got your favorite!"
Her dad's face lit up, and he exclaimed, "Honey, as much as I love you, I don't think I can share this with you!"
The women laughed, and River's mom rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Don't worry, dear, we'll get him his own portion next time."
As they sat down to dinner, River told her parents about her day, leaving out no details. Her parents listened with interest, happy to see their daughter so happy.
And as for Lettie, she drove home with a smile on her face, feeling happy about the day she had spent with River. The memory of their laughter and adventures would stay with her forever.
RB