Fatal Flaws

chapter 42

"Beautiful! Even wearing sweats, you look amazing." He purrs, standing behind me, gripping my waist.

"Okay, okay Romeo, that's enough. Don't start something we can't finish. Let's go" I giggle, sliding his keys from the dresser, and dropping them into my pocket. Linking my arm through his, we head out.

Standing beside his car, I toss him the keys, patiently waiting for him to unlock the doors. The temperature today is mild, not too cold. But the wind is fierce, blowing frigid blasts across my bare cheeks. I'm thankful to hear the lock click, signaling it's unlocked. I smile when he reaches across the car opening my door. Jumping in, I shut the door, blocking out the harsh wind. It howls outside, vibrating the windows as it blows. The sound disappears beneath the roar of the engine.

It's only a twenty-minute ride to town, but it would've cost me over forty bucks. Twenty there and back, not including the tip the driver expects. While he drives, I keep my nose in my phone. I downloaded an app, that allows me to read short stories for free, called 抖阴社区. It's easy and lets me have access on the go. Considering they're not published, the stories are still pretty good. I'm obsessed with the one I'm reading now. It's part of a series called The Fatal Collection.

Pulling into the parking lot, the malls packed. We should've expected it since Christmas is right around the corner. Choosing to avoid the mobs, he pulls into an empty spot towards the rear of the lot. It's a good way from the entrance, but I know why he did it. Stepping out of the car, the wind doesn't miss a beat, attacking my face. We sprint to the main doors, face down, with our hands in our pockets. The warmth overpowers me, stepping through the doors. It's a drastic change from outside.

As expected, people are everywhere. The long walkways are crowded with shoppers, going to and from. Some are window shopping, pressing their faces against the glass, admiring its contents. A group of small children caught my eye, seated on a large metal bench eating snow cones. Taking turns licking and tasting each other's flavors. They're full of life, laughing and giggling, with no worries. If only you could get a second chance at being a child things would be so easy.

A giant Christmas tree sits in the middle of the mall, going from the lowest level to the ceiling. It must be at least thirty feet high. Millions of multi-colored lights are lit, strung throughout it. Gold and silver garlands crisscross across its branches, traveling upward. Huge ornaments in every size, shape, and color line its branches, adding to its beauty. But the most amazing feature is the giant crystal star sitting at the top. The overhead lights reflect off its surface, shimmering around it. A small white picket fence placed at its base keeps the public back. Smaller decorative trees surround it.

On one side sits a manger scene. Several live animals and people gather around a small baby Jesus. The other side contains Santa's shop. Little kids and their parents line up, waiting patiently to see Mr. Claus. Each of them waits to tell him how good they've been this year, and which present they want most. People dressed as elves scurry around helping and taking pictures. I love Christmas. The true meaning is a blessing, most don't understand. Add in the gorgeous colors and ideas associated with it. It's amazing, and my favorite holiday.

"So, where are we headed first?" he asks, walking up to a large colored map displayed at the mall's entrance. Like my notes, each color represents a different section based on departments. Women's clothing is a soft lilac purple. Scanning the map, I read each purple blob, deciding on "The Sister's Boutique". Located on the second floor. Grabbing my hand, we zigzag through the maze of people heading toward the escalators. Stepping onto it brings back memories. Johnny and I would go Christmas shopping every year. Even as kids, our moms would go together with us tagging along. He loved riding these things, going to the top, hopping to the other side, and riding down. We would wait for him to do this several times before getting bored and moving on. He was like a giant kid, carefree and ignoring the rude stares from others. It was funnier the older we got, a grown man playing on the escalators. My heart aches missing him so much. Why does everything remind me of him? I mean, I have Hayden now and he makes me happy. I try to remind myself. But do I have him? Is he mine? Looking over at him helps erase Johnny's image from my mind. But only temporarily. 

Compared to the rest of the mall, the store is shabbier. Circular racks are all across the room, each packed with clothing. The first stop I make is the one furthest in the back. A big yellow sign suspended overhead reads clearance seventy-five percent off. Hayden follows close behind, making our way through the crowded aisles. Most of this rack contains summer items, which I figured. But there are a few good things mixed in amongst them. I sift through the clothes, pulling several items out, and holding them against my body. They're not exactly what I wanted, but they'll do. I can't beat the price, especially with my budget. No splurging. This is all I have until my first check.

"I like the red top. Can't wait to see it on you," he whispers from behind, inching closer. My body reacts to him. I can't let him get me worked up right now.

"Come on, let's go pay for this," I groan, trying to keep my sexual arousal in check. Spinning around, I catch sight of a nearby mannequin. It's wearing the most gorgeous dress I've ever seen. The silky material flows through my fingers. I would love to have something like this. It fits the mannequin's curvy body perfectly, showcasing its hourglass figure. A darker green with black shadowing evening dress, flowing to the ground. The neck has small crushed diamonds outlining its low vee cut. The color would bring out the green in my eyes, and the natural darkness of my hair. Lifting the back reveals a long slit going up both sides. It's also encrusted with crushed diamonds. A silver chain hangs from its midsection. Closing my eyes, I can picture myself wearing it, with the soft silky material against my skin. My dream quickly shatters looking at the price tag. Five hundred and fifty dollars for a dress. Are they crazy? I could never afford that. Sighing, I look down at the small pile of clothes in my arms. Not wanting to waste any more time daydreaming about clothes I can never afford, we make our way up front. I quickly pay for my items, before walking out. Why does everything have to cost an arm and a leg? They act like everyone in the world is rich.

"Hey, are you hungry? Do you want to grab some dinner while we're here?" He asks, motioning toward the food court with his head. The smell has made its way over to where we stand, greasy juicy food making me hungry.

"Yeah, I guess. That's fine, pick whatever," I mumble, my mind still in the store dreaming about that dress.