BUDGET SHOPPING

Abbey is 32 and has lived in Greenwich since 2001. She has been married to Gilbert for two years. Their close friend Glen is getting married soon but they couldn’t decide what to buy for the newly-weds. Gilbert has been unemployed for two weeks, so they are short of money nowadays.

Last Saturday, Abbey got the train to London. When she arrived at the station Julia, Abbey’s cousin, was waiting there. They hugged each other and walked to get into her car. Julia drove to Oxford Street where they could have a lunch before shopping. Julia offered to go to Grill, a newly opened steak restaurant there. When Abbey asked if it was expensive, Julia laughed loudly and said she would pay. It was a very luxurious restaurant and Julia knew Gilbert had been unemployed for a while.

Abbey got Julia’s opinion about what to buy. She was not sure but said they could decide later. Then they went to find something nice and cheap. There were many stores selling a great variety of goods and most of them were on a holiday sale. While they were passing by a gift store, Abbey saw a painting on the wall inside. They both liked it and went in to ask its price. It was reasonable enough, and they bought it for £50. The regular price was £125. On her way home, Abbey was happy with the day in London and she knew their friends would like the painting so much.