Set Free // HS ✓

Twenty-Four.

"How about this one?" Kendra holds up a plain black blazer.

Immediately I reach for the price tag and wince, "Seventy-five dollars?"

"Niall said for you to get whatever you need," She reminds me. "This is their dress code after all."

"But I have clothes; they're just all at home. Most of them I altered myself, so they fit me perfectly. I just don't see why I can't go get them."

When I decided to come back, it dawned on me that I'm not adequately packed to be away for five months. I only brought enough clothes for the week that I had agreed to.

Niall insisted that I purchase a new wardrobe, but I'll never be comfortable spending this kind of money. I decided to just work with what I have and get a few new things here and there.

But this morning Niall brought me a brand new suitcase, and insisted that I head to the mall to 'fill it up.' I refused, but he was expecting that because he got Kendra in on it. I wasn't allowed to have a say in the matter.

"Because it will cost the same, if not more, to fly you back there just to get them."

I sigh, "Please stop making sense. I'm not in the mood for logic."

She rolls her eyes and shoves the stupid jacket in my arms. Begrudgingly, I try it on while glaring at her.

"Now look at that, a perfect fit." She teases.

"Shut up."

We continue to make our way through the mall, stopping at nearly every store in search of business casual clothing.

"One final stop, and then we'll be off." Kendra takes my hand and guides me into a dimly lit shop.

"Victoria's Secret?" I hiss, "No, I am not shopping here."

"You need underwear!" She justifies.

"I don't need this kind!" I point at the display of silk thongs.

"Well sure you do. Every woman should have an arsenal of sexy lingerie."

My face turns beet red, "That mattered to me when I was married, but that isn't the case anymore."

It's true. Once upon a time, I had quite a bit of this type of underwear. Along with sexy nightgowns, and anything else I thought could help me look pretty for my husband. It probably didn't work, but that's beside the point.

"If anything, let's just get their normal stuff and maybe just one sexy outfit. You never know when it will come in handy."

"But..."

"Have you had sex with anyone else since you lost your husband?" Kendra deadpans.

I shake my head, speechless. This isn't just something people talk about so casually, is it?

"It's been over a year?"

"I— I— I didn't even..." I sputter. "Never mind."

Well, technically it's possibly been over two years since we performed the actual act. Kendra doesn't need to know that.

"Come on, let's get you fitted and see what we find."

After getting measured, we went on a hunt for bras my size. Kendra drags me all over the store while I pray for death.

"When you match your bra and panties, it gives you the illusion that you have your life together," She explains as she places a few sets into my shopping bag.