Chapter 2: Building Tension
As Jon was thinking, Zoe walked downstairs. She wore an outfit consisting of a black T-shirt, skirt, jacket, and beanie hat.
"Mom, I'm going to the mall."
Their mom looked up from her book. "What for?" She asked. "Your not going to blow your allowance on more chokers are you?" She added, archly.
"No, mom. I'm just going to hang out with my friends for a bit."
"Ok, sweetie," Jon's mom said, smiling. "Just remember what we talked about. No impulse buying."
"I'm turning over a new leaf, Mom. It's just hanging out."
Then she left the house, leaving Jon alone in the living room with his mom.
Jon plopped down onto the couch next to his mom.
"I hope she doesn't buy anything this time," said Jon's mom. "I don't want to have to ground her, but she has to learn not to buy everything she sees just because she has the money."
"I'm sure she'll be fine mom," said Jon. "And like you said, she had the money, so it's not that big a deal."
On the bus. Zoe's phone dinged. Royalties from her second album had just been deposited in her account. Looking at the message and smiling, she decided it was okay to treat herself, as long as it was something small. Maybe she could find an accessory for the music video she was planning?