It's HOW Much? [open]

[Anjali Kedar]

Ripped.  Anjali wanted to cry as she stared at the long hole in her old, ratty coat.  It had been perfect in every way; long, warm, comfortable, form fitting without being obnoxious.. and the pocket space! This old thing seemed to have pockets within pockets, though some of those were really tears in the lining.  But the rip up the sleeve was one that could not easily be fixed.  Not by her, anyway and with the weather being what it was still she would need a good solid coat to get her through the rest of winter.  She had no choice, she needed a new one since this was spilling stuffing from it insides.

Anjali got into her car and made her way to the mall.  A phone call to her mother got her a little extra cash into her bank account to help offset the price of a new winter coat.  They weren't cheap after all, and though Anjali tended to be on the frugal side one can only expect so much when buying a pricey item.  She needed something that would last and she figured the mall would surely have something.  

She popped in and out of a few stores but nothing really caught her eye.  Her old coat had been something of function and she had loved it dearly for that.  It was boring, though.  A deep cranberry sort of mauve-ish color, mostly from fading, with puffy ridges filled with stuffing for a design.  It had a zipper and button hooks with rustic wooden knobs on the ends to keep it snugly in place.  Though it was very her, she knew this was her opportunity to get something maybe a little more.. present.  Something with a bit of pizzazz wouldn't be the end of the world, which was how she found herself wandering into From the Spectrum.  She'd passed the store before but had never really gone in.  Shopping wasn't exactly and extra curricular activity for Anjali.  She went when she needed something and seldom did she go otherwise unless to hang out with someone.

She ignored the price tags as she went along, looking for something that spoke to her.  Finally a green coat called her name, whispering sweet nothings as she drew closer to it.  It was a puffy but not overly so with thick, knit wristbands.  The collar laid over the shoulders with soft faux fur and the pockets were hidden by tiny zippers.  It was perfect! Except the price tag.  "Whoa, are you kidding me?!" Her voice was a little louder than she expected as she stared down.  How could they get away with charging that for this?! 

[Kristina Novak]

Another day at From The Spectrum. Kristina was trying to cram in as many hours as she could at the store while on winter break. Last semester had been undeniably harder and so she needed to study more and take on less hours. Which was alright; school was more important than her job at a clothing boutique.

That said, Kristina didn't mind her current job. It paid the bills, and her coworkers and customers were (generally) pleasant to be around. She'd improved over time, getting better at complimenting customers and keeping small talk. The normally stoic and serious girl's confidence soared when she put on a nice dress and could help a customer find something new.

Right now, the Czech girl was walking around the store. Since the holiday season was over, things were settling down and not as hectic as it had been for the past few weeks. Humming to herself, Kristina's eyes narrowed in on someone looking at one of the newer jackets the store had gotten in a recent shipment. Straightening her back, she walked over, a beaming smile on her face, until she heard the small exclamation. Kristina stopped, momentarily, biting her lip as she watched the dark haired girl look at the price tag. If there was one thing From The Spectrum was known for, it was for being notoriously expensive. Not overpriced, in her opinion, since the clothing was great quality. Everything Kristina owned from the store she loved and wore on a regular basis.

"You know, that's more common than you think." She opened up with a grin, hoping her attempt at a joke would go over well. "But I can promise you, it's worth it."

The girl looked familiar; maybe they went to school together? Kristina struggled to find a name to put the face, and so said nothing.

[Anjali Kedar]

Anjali looked at the sales associate as she spoke and attempted a sort of smile.  It was a bitter one, knowing she probably couldn't afford the coat.  She liked it, of course, and wanted it, but sometimes you just didn't get what you wanted in life.  

"I'm sure it's totally worth it." She lied, though she sounded as if she were reasoning.  "I just can't spend that kind of money right now." Her shoulders slumped even more, disappointment etched in her features.  It wasn't that she didn't have that much in her account, it was that she couldn't put that kind of money down on one item.  She had other bills that needed attention, and though she could probably pay a few late she knew that wasn't the responsible thing to do.  She was late to appointments and classes, not bills.

"There wouldn't be any, like, coupons lying around would there?" She gave a hopeful sort of smile, really looking at the girl.  Recognition flashed in her eyes and she gave a more genuine smile.  "Hey, didn't you go to Hammel?"

[Kristina Novak]

Kristina wanted to assure the girl that before getting a job here, she too wouldn't have spent so much money on any article of clothing here. Even if it was high quality. Even if it looked good. She was a student, afterall. "Understandable." She said, feeling a pang of guilt. Even as time passed, Kristina found herself feeling bad for shoppers who couldn't afford the steep prices.

"No sorry, no coupons, but right now outerwear and shoes are on sale for 20% off?" Kristina added. Maybe the small discount would be enough to sway her. She lacked the confidence and social skills to persuade people into buying things. Good thing she didn't work on commission.

The Czech girl breathed a sigh of relief once a flash of recognition crossed the other girl's features. So it wasn't just her. "Yeah... I was just thinking that about you too." Kristina admitted with a small laugh. "I'm Kristina. Maybe we were in some classes together?"

[Anjali Kedar]

20% off?  Anjali did some quick math in her head and adjusted the price she'd seen on the tag.  It was still a bit out of her range, but just barely.  Maybe.. maybe she could do it.  She looked back down at the tag and then the coat, deciding maybe she would try it on and see if she really loved it. Maybe it would fit poorly and look bad, or not be warm enough.  If it was going to be cute, it had to be practical otherwise it was a poor purchase.  Staying warm was key during this time of year.

Anjali thought about if they'd had a class together and finally gave a slow nod, tilting her head a little to the side as she considered it.  "I think we did.. I just can't remember which class." She pursed her lips and then gave a shrug and a smile.  "Doesn't really matter I guess." She laughed.  "Nice seeing you, though!  You still going to school up around here? Or.. are you actually just from around here.." She didn't know enough about the girl to assume she wasn't a local before going off to Hammel, but she knew that she was among her own kind at least.

[Kristina Novak]

Kristina's eyes watched as Anjali's gaze flickered between the price tag and the coat. Always the struggle; she understood it well herself. She adjusted the collar of her button up underneath a dark green sweater before offering her a smile. "Maybe.. did you want to try it on? No pressure or anything." She added quickly, hoping she wasn't coming across as an overly aggressive salesperson.

Most of Kristina's classmates were a year younger than herself. She ended up graduating a year late due to failing a couple of English classes when she was younger. She held no resentment or bitterness; it was just a fact. Thinking back, Kristina too eventually gave up and shrugged. "Yeah, I don't remember either. But I do remember your face." She smiled, softly. Nodding, Kristina answered "Oh, yeah, I'm going to school here. University of Vermont," making a vague hand motion in the general direction of the school. "Studying photography along with doing some general classes. What about you? You studying here as well?"

[Anjali Kedar]

Anjali bit her lip.  She did sort of want to try it on, but she was almost afraid to now.  What if she liked it! Her parents might scold her a little, but in the end maybe it would be worth it.  Who knew! Maybe they would say good job, Anjali! The thought alone actually made her want to laugh.  They wouldn't actually say that after spending an exorbitant amount of money on a coat.

Anjali smiled back when Kristina mentioned remembering her face.  It was hard not to remember the face of one of, like, maybe five Indian girls at Hammel.  They were a rare sight, Anjali figured.  Not that it bothered her any.  "I am studying here." She agreed a little enthusiastically.  "Biological Engineering. It's not as scary as it sounds." She insisted, looking at the coat again.  "Vermont is a good place for me I think." She gave a little laugh and then pulled the coat off the rack.  "Alright, I'm going to try it on, just.. keep your fingers crossed it doesn't fit." She teased, pulling the jacket over her frame.  

Like. A. Glove.

She sighed and pouted a little.  "Why do I have such fancy taste?" She grumbled and sighed.  "Photography sounds like a lot of fun.  Are you doing anything with it? Like.. Journalistic photography or, like, scenic? I don't actually know much about it, I'm probably talking out of my butt here."

[Kristina Novak]

Even though Anajali assured her that biological engineering wasn't as scary as it sounded, Kristina still visibly flinched at the words. Definitely sounded more difficult than photography. "You say that but.." She trailed off with a small laugh. She disagreed but the Czech girl had always been more into the arts than academics. "Vermont is a nice place." Kristina agreed. The university was nice, the town was small, and there was always a lot to photograph.

She was about to ask if she wanted a changeroom, but before Kristina could say a word, Anjali was trying on the coat. And it fit perfectly; like the jacket had been waiting for her all along. "It looks amazing on you!" She said, genuinely. "I've seen people spend more, trust me." She added with a laugh, her own half attempt at a joke.

Fiddling with the watch on her wrist, Kristina shrugged. "It's okay. I don't really know what type of job I'm going into yet. I just like taking photos of everything." She admitted.

[Anjali Kedar]

She gave a small smile.  Her major wasn't for everyone, but she had a better understanding than most of the subject so it really worked for her.  Kristina's compliment on the jacket made her smile and made her hear break at the same time.  It fit pretty nicely, and it was surprisingly warm considering its size.  Even if people had spent more on coats, it didn't mean she should.  Then again, it would be hers for a long time.. How long had she worn the other?  Decisions, decisions!

"Taking photos sounds like fun." She mused as she pulled the coat off, still wondering if she should get it or not.  "I do it on my phone, but like, they're probably nothing like what you would do."  They were definitely nothing like someone who had an eye for photography could do.  "Still pretty neat.  I've seen some cool long exposure pictures online and stuff.."  She gave a short laugh and shook her head.  "I honestly have no idea what I'm really talking about, though.  But it's cool to turn something some consider a hobby into a career.  You know you'll be happy, and that's what our goals are supposed to be, right? Be happy? Or so they tell us now." She snorted.  Once you were out on your butt in the real world it was a whole other ball game, but for now everyone liked to keep that dream alive in the youth of America.  

[Kristina Novak]

"Phones are actually still a good way to take pictures." Kristina added. There was no need to spend a lot of money on a fancy camera, unless one was passionate about the subject like herself. Even then, she just had two; a film camera and a digital camera with a collection of lenses. In her opinion, photography was the art of capturing moments and experiences. She just took it a little higher than a casual hobby.

She chuckled. "That's a thing, no worries." The sales associate assured Anjali. Though she seemed super nice and willing to talk, Kristina was sure she didn't want to be bored to death with how long exposures and other techniques worked. A slow smile spread across her face. Hopefully she'd be happy and able to find a job in her career field. That was one terrifying thing; but she wouldn't think about that until graduation. There was always the option to work for a newspaper or freelance. "Yeah. I think you're suppose to find a balance of what you like and what provides income."

"Biological engineering sounds like it'd have stable prospects." Kristina commented, not completely sure if that was the truth. But with a name like that, it had to right? Her eyes followed as Anjali took off the coat. She didn't say anything else, not wanting to pressure the other girl into buying it, but it did look really good on her.

[Anjali Kedar]

Anjali gave a little nod.  She supposed phones were still a good way to take pictures.  Her phone took surprisingly good pictures, and it wasn't even one of the newest, fanciest phones.  It was the $50 one with the two year contract, and it did the trick. Internet could be faster on it but she wasn't sitting on her phone to check the internet all day like most people she knew.

"Not the easiest task in the world." She added.  It was one thing to love what you did, it was another to make good money doing it.  Most people thrived for that, it was their goal, but so few people actually achieved it.  Anjali hoped she would be one of those people.  "Maybe we'll be lucky."  An amused, hopeful sort of smile creased her lips.  Everyone hoped they would be lucky in that endeavor.  

Anjali held onto the coat, not sure yet if she would get it or not.  She didn't want to put it back, but didn't want to run to the register either.  A purchase like that needed some thought.  "It could be lucrative if I get the right job.  I could be broke as a joke for years getting started, if I can even get into the field doing what I want to be doing.  It's sort of a niche thing." She rolled her shoulders, "But I'm sort of passionate about it, so.. who knows.  How long have you been working here?"

[Kristina Novak]

"Got my fingers crossed for us." Kristina said, doing the action herself for effect. She genuinely hoped both herself and Anjali were able to strike the balance that so many people fought to do. Afterall, the massive student debt had to be for something by the end of her education. Otherwise, there was no point.

She nodded as Anjali gave a brief explanation to the background behind her career. "I guess it's sort of like most careers then." Kristina corrected her previous statement. Years of it being drilled into her head that the STEM jobs was where careers were to be found had sort of scared the Czech girl, who lacked the drive and capabilities for those jobs. "I think you'll do fine, though." She assured her. Passion made a person stand out.

For the next question, Kristina started counting back on her fingers. "About nine months? Nine months." She hesitated, before repeating herself more confidently. It felt like just yesterday when it was her first day on the job. Her first time in the expensive boutique. It wasn't too long, but she wasn't new either.

[Anjali Kedar]

Anjali gave a small laugh and wide grin, holding her fingers up as well, crossing them. "Ditto." she said good naturedly.  It would be really nice for both of them to find that balance eventually.  She felt that way about everyone she met in this same stage of life. Who knew what the future held, though. For all she knew she'd end up at a desk job answering phones until she was ready to retire.  It was unlikely given her personality, she wouldn't stand for that for very long, but it could happen she supposed.  Anything could happen. 

"I think you'll do fine, too." She said with a strong nod, pursing her lips slightly as she gave the girl a playful once over.  "Yeah, you're gonna do fine."  Anjali smiled brightly and then looked down at the coat in her hand, almost forgetting for a moment that she needed to make an important decision soon regarding the garment.  Kristina spoke up again though, distracting her once more.  

"Nine months? That's, like.. a whole baby's worth of time!" She realized immediately it was sort of a weird thing to say, but there was no going back now.  She needed to really start thinking about the words coming out of her mouth before they actually did.  "And that was a really weird comparison.." She chuckled a little anxiously and then rocked on her feet a bit. "I bet your discounts are killer!" She licked her lips and looked back at the coat.  "I think maybe I'll get it.  Yolo, right? It's a really nice coat.."

[Kristina Novak]

Kristina's smile mirrored Anjali's own, with the reassurance that things were going to be alright for the two of them. It was hard to ignore the looming confusion and fear of what was going to happen after post secondary. Would she even get a job in her field? Or was Kristina doomed to stay here for the rest of her life? Not that her job was terrible; it was great, actually. But she didn't want to be thirty or older and still working at the boutique.

"We got this." Because sometimes, you needed to be reassured that things were still in control.

While maybe a year ago Kristina would have raised an eyebrow at the comparison, a light chuckle escaped her lips. She was trying to open herself up to different brands of humour. A lot of it still flew over her head. Then again, she wasn't sure if Anjali intentionally said that or that it was just the first thing that slipped out of her mouth. "Sorry." The Czech girl apologized, for laughing, but nodded in agreement. She wasn't wrong with her comparison. "It's okay, sometimes we forget to filter what comes out.." Kristina assured Anjali. It got the best of her sometimes.

Her smile widened. The discounts were pretty nice. Still pricey, but she bought timeless pieces. Articles of clothing that would be trendy throughout time, like black dresses and blazers and heels. She clapped in excitement. "Yay! I'm glad you're going through with it. You could try it one more time, to make sure." She suggested, eagerly. The coat really suited her and looked amazing.

[Anjali Kedar]

She was glad Kristina didn't seem too weirded out by the way she compared things like a moron.  Being smart didn't mean she was quick on her feet, and truthfully she wasn't as smart as she seemed.  Some things came easily to her, but she was a complete dummy with plenty of other stuff. Like cooking.  She liked doing it, but she tended to burn everything she made.  Like rice.  Who constantly burned rice? Better yet, what Asian constantly burned rice!? One of these days she would just steal her moms old rice cooker.  She didn't need three anyway.

"Alright, arm twister."  She slipped the coat on and zipped it up, feeling the warmth spread through her immediately.  It really was lovely.. Her mother would agree, especially after she saw it, even if she did initially hound her over the price.  She would put her own money towards it to.  It would work out, and it would last another few winters for sure!  She sighed and pouted a little, playfully, at the other girl.  I kind of hate you a little right now.  Not really.. but I do." She smiled so the other girl she really was just kidding.  "Now don't show me anything else in the store, unless there's a really cute hat that happens to match, and even then it's probably best I stay in the dark."