Open Just For Me

[January Parish]

January had some pretty big feelings about living in New Zealand now. Not that she knew how to talk to her family about it. They all seemed so excited about it, or were pretending just like she was that everything was good. Well except for Junie but she was always painfully honest. She appreciated that about her sister but she just wished she'd see the bright side of things sometimes. Because even though they were far from home, this was their new home, and they got to see their grand parents more. And sometimes there were good days like this one when she got to go run errands with her mom, just the two of them. January even got some money to go to Honeyduke's and some freedom to roam around Brightstone all by herself. With a bag of sweets in hand she walked past the store fronts and took time to stop and look at each one, memorizing what was where and who sold what. Eventually she paused in front of the robe shop and stared longingly inside. There was a set of robes with the most gorgeous ribbon trim and for a moment January wished June was with her despite her earlier excitement about being alone.

 

[Arachne Westwick]

Arachne enjoyed going along with their mum on little shopping trips, especially when it was both her and Nessie going. But as Zoe lingered a bit too long in one of the shops, she and her sister had decided to head outside to wait. The shop had been pretty crowded, and Arachne knew Nessie preferred the quiet. they headed out of the clothing store and Arachne nudged Nessie a little as they saw a girl in front of one of the windows, staring inside. "She looks our age." Arachne whispered quietly to Nessie as they moved a bit to the side. She stared at the blond girl unblinkingly. "Do you think she'll be at Hogwarts with us?"

 

[Nessie Westwick]

Shopping trips were a special kind of nightmare as far as Nessie was concerned, and not the fun kind. People, noise, chaos, it was all far too much. The sooner this ordeal was over, the better. It wasn't long until she and Arachne would have to buy their dreaded school supplies anyway, surely whatever Mum wanted to do could have waited until then. But here she was, surrounded by far too many people... and a traitorous sister. "I don't care." Nessie snapped, glaring at the stranger Arachne seemed so enamoured with. "I hope not."

 

[January Parish]

January delicately touched the glass of the store front with the tips of her fingers and hoped the robes would still be there next time. She wished she could go inside and just ask for some of the trim so she wouldn't come home empty handed. Well she had the sweets but she knew June would like the ribbon more. But before she could find the courage to go inside January had an odd feeling, like she was being watched. She spared a glance over her shoulder and blinked in surprise when she saw two girls her age looking at her. She had to assume they were twins, or maybe very close cousins? Soon she realized she was staring too and she quickly turned her confused expression to a friendly one. January smiled wide and waved to the girls. "Hi!" she said brightly. "I almost didn't see you there." she added with a light laugh. "Are you out shopping with your mom too? That's why I'm here." she explained. "Do you live around here?" January didn't want to completely bombard them with questions but she had a lot on her mind. June could only tolerate her so much so she was constantly looking for potential friends she could turn to.

 

[Arachne Westwick]

Arachne winced at the venom in Nessie's voice. She knew her sister wasn't happy about being out in public and she knew she had no interest in making friends, but the anger still surprised her. "Shh she might hear you." She whispered urgently. Then, she let out a small gasp as the girl actually noticed them and spoke to them. Dread filled her stomach. This couldn't go well. She gripped Nessie's hand tightly. "Be nice." She hissed. Then she gave the blond girl a nervous smile. "Hello. Yes, we are. No, we don't." She said a little stiffly.