Never have I been anxious for Black Friday, the day when malls and stores are crowded shoulder to shoulder for some of the best deals of the year, especially on electronics. Never have I gotten up ridiculously early for that coveted 42” plasma television at an amazingly low price.
This year though, it’s going to be different. My mother, sister, and I are staying in Dallas with my aunt for Thanksgiving and Black Friday. All three of them came together and made a game plan for our Black Friday shopping extravaganza! Take note that I did not participate in this, nor do I even want to go.
Anyways, we decided on going to North Park Mall (my favorite) and I am to remain with my mother, no wandering off for me. Apparently I need watching, she’s afraid I’m going to be kidnapped or something of the sort. My lovely sister calmly reassured her that if I were to be kidnapped, they would surely bring me back, but this brought my mother little comfort.
They also mapped out the mall and designated stores to hit for each one of us. Oh and did I mention, we are getting up at five in the morning! I made them promise me lots of Starbucks coffee.
On Black Friday morning, my family and I made our way to the mall. It was still dark out and I felt like I needed to be back in bed.
There I stood in the middle of the mall, a cup of coffee in my right hand and my left arm slung through my mother’s arm. My eyes were heavy with sleep, I could hear my mom’s chit-chatting in my left ear. I could barely talk I was so tired and people rudely shoved past me. I wanted so badly to shove my foot out and trip those jog suit clad women, bustling along and loaded down with shopping bags. I repeated over and over silently to myself, “please let this be quick and painless!” I would soon find out that it would be anything but that.
My aunt and sister dispersed, their heads bobbing among the sea of people. I felt my mom tug me through the crowds, I stumbled on to store after store. Sales people were throwing fliers at us left and right. I wanted to throw the fliers right back at them, but my mom was on a mission and moved me quickly along before I could snap back.
I had red marks on my arms from heavy shopping bags. I could barely feel my legs. By the end of the day, I was practically being dragged through the mall. My mom loaded me up with tacky sweaters and shirts. Every time she would turn her back, I would quickly replace the clothes back on the racks.
Finally, after hours of hot dressing rooms, long lines, and sales that really weren’t worth it, I walked out of the mall with a new cashmere scarf and a migraine that wouldn’t go away.
After arriving home, I soon collapsed onto the couch and slept for hours, my whole body aching from extreme shopping. Either way Black Friday was what I was expecting and exactly what I was trying to avoid, but I was dragged into it by the desire of bargains and the unsightly side effects that come along with it. It’s safe to say that I will not be doing Black Friday next year or any year after that.