Better Half

CHAPTER 4

“Where are you going, Zed? The grocery store is here in the first floor!” I heard Ember hissed in annoyance as I walk to the elevator.

“Come on, Ember. I gotta check my favorite boutique on the third floor. They're on sale today, fifty percent off.” I answered without looking back at her, though I can feel she's following me.

I entered the elevator expecting her to do the same but she stopped as if thinking whether to go with me.

“Miss, are you going up?” One of the humans asked.

“Yeah, sorry...” she smiled apologetically.

She stood beside me and gave me a sharp look. I just smiled triumphantly.

We reached the third floor. She just followed me silently.

“Here's my favorite boutique, the Unique. I'm friends with the owner. Most of their items are original and of course, unique. They also do customized-”

“I won't go inside.” She cut me off. “I'll go around. Chat me when you're done.” She turned and walked to the opposite direction.

“Hey, Ember, wait!” I quickly followed and grabbed her hand.

She instantly froze the moment I held her hand. But her reflexes is fast, she quickly recovered and pulled her hand.

She turned to face me. There's a tinge of red in her cheeks. I'm sure it's not because of makeup, chapstick is the only thing she uses. It's because her lips quickly chaps when exposed to changing whether.

She said she doesn't have to wear makeup at all. She's beautiful and loves the freckles on her cheeks. Well, she's right...

Her heart-shape, small face... Eyes that's bluer than the sky... Small pink lips... Skin so pale as if never been kissed by the sun... Her beautiful black hair that crowns her…

My enumeration was cut off when she stood too close to me. If you're looking at us from a distance, I'm sure you'll think we're kissing. But we're not. Because in front of me, is the Ember that I hate. The girl who looks directly into my eyes without any sign of fear...

“Don't ruin my day, Zed. If it's not for Mom, I won't come with you. I still have important things to do at home. Now, do what you must. Stop playing around. Or else, I'll leave.”

This is the Ember that I hate. The only girl who can talk back to me, say exactly what she wants to say and even have the guts to command me.

She took a few steps backwards.

“Alright…” I took some deep breaths, calming myself. “I'll be honest now. We're not going to buy groceries. I need your help with picking dress for Sav.”

“What?!”

All emotions vanished from her eyes. I swear, I felt colder looking into her eyes.

“It's a peace offering. I know, I'm wrong. I stalked her which is against her privacy. I called the guy she likes weak. I shouted and get mad though I don't have any rights to...”

She remained quiet for a moment. I just watched her. Maybe she's really mad at me, Savanna is her best friend.

“Let's do this quickly.” she uttered under her breath but enough for my wolf ears to hear.

Her face suddenly look void of any emotion. To my surprise, she went inside Unique without even telling me.

'This girl always test my patience…' I said to myself while shaking my head.

I followed her inside and found her in front of women's clothes section, just looking at the dresses without touching it.

The sales lady politely greeted me. I just smiled at her and approached Ember.

“You know her size, right?” I asked trying to get her attention.

“She loves dress and she loves pink.” her answer without looking at me.

She took one satin dress, with sequins design on the chest part.

“It's pretty but no. See it's length?” I said pointing out the skirt length. I think, it'll just reach Sav's mid thigh.

She rolled her eyes and put it back on the racks.

She took another pink dress but before she can ask, I answered already.

“It's sleeveless.” I said looking at its thin, transparent straps.

“Why don't you be the one to choose? After all, you already have a preference in your mind.” she said annoyed as she put the dress back again.

“I'm sorry…” I quickly apologize, afraid she might change her mind and just leave me here.

“Grrr…” I heard her snarl.

She looked at dresses in the racks. She suddenly took two long dresses with sleeves.

“Left or right, which do you prefer?” she asked me waving the dresses in my face.

I took a step back and study the dresses.

“Which do you think Sav will like the most? I want her to wear it when I ask her out for a date.” I asked scratching my nape.

She almost drop the dresses if I wasn't fast to catch it.

“S-Sorry…” her voice is shaky so she cleared her throat. “I think, she'll like this floral chiffon dress. It's knee-length and can be wear two way, on or off shoulder.”

I didn't argue with her anymore. After all, Savanna looks beautiful whatever she wear. I went on the counter to pay.

“Hello, Chloe. Can you please put it in a gift box?” I greeted the smiling face blonde cashier. I'm a regular customer so they know me already.

“Sure. I think your girlfriend like the orange dress, Sir Zed.” she said which made me look back at Ember. I thought she's out already.

I'm sure she heard what Chloe said.

“She's my sister…”

She put the dress back and simply walk out.

“Oh. Sorry, I thought she's your girlfriend. You two look cute together.”

“Yeah, thanks.” I said and took my wallet out.

I looked at the orange dress and smiled as an idea came into my mind…