Eventually we left the Disney store and had a look in Top Shop, River Island, Dorothy Perkin’s and Miss Selfridge. As usual, I had a sly glance in the doorway of Ann summers as we passed, and soon I was in more comfortable surroundings; HMV. We headed directly to the vinyl section and both began flicking through. For Mum it was a trip down memory lane as she found re-issues of 80s and 90’s albums she used to love. For me, it’s like Mecca for music. There’s so much to buy and with so little money to spend, I’m overwhelmed by the choice. “Why don’t you look in the vintage vinyl shops instead?” Mum suggested. “You’d probably get five records for twenty-five quid instead of one.” she said. I wondered if they’d be scratched or damaged, being second hand but Mum said it’s just a case of checking. “Maybe your Dad could bring you in one day… he’ll know the best places.”
“Yeah but… I want to buy something now but I can’t decide what.”
“In that case, don’t buy anything… save your vouchers ’til you know what you want.”
I took her advice and we exited HMV, heading to the bridge that links the Arndale to M&S and Selfridges. “Shall we stop for coffee or head straight for the hosiery?” she asked. I didn’t feel the need for coffee, but on seeing the huge choice of tights, socks and stockings, I could have used one. “Can you see any you like?” she asked.
“I like black ones best I think.”
“Thick or thin or both?”
“Thick… like I wore yesterday.”
“I think brown tights are nice too.”
“I prefer black.”
“I know but you can have more than one pair… I’m thinking five or six at least.”
“Oh… er… I like blue ones.”
“Blue?”
“Yeah…” I shyly said. “…like they wear at school.”
“Oh I see. Navy blue.” she said. I nodded. “What about something like this?” she said, picking up a cream pair with a knitted floral pattern. I swallowed what little boyish pride I had left and nodded. My sister has a similar pair which I’ve borrowed on numerous occasions, and I just know that Mum knows. She asked if I was sure and again, I nodded. “How tall are you now?” she asked as she perused the size chart on the packaging.
“Five four I think.”
“That’ll be small then.” she said, swapping the medium size for a small. “…and some black and blue ones?”
“If that’s OK.” I humbly replied.
“Course it is. Do you want to try brown?”
“I guess.”
“Shall we have a look at the undies whilst we’re here?”
“Why?” I gulped.
“Well…” she glanced around to make sure none of the numerous other shoppers were in earshot. “…you’ll want more than one pair of knickers.” she said in a hushed tone. “And you said you liked wearing strappy vests.”