Dare Kings

Chapter 2: Mall

Alyssa's POV

We arrived at the bustling public mall in the heart of New York City, and Ashley skillfully parked the car in an available space before we stepped out of the vehicle, and made our way towards the entrance.

Pushing the revolving door, we eagerly entered the mall.

Inside, the scene was exactly as we had anticipated-crowded and bustling with activity.

It was a vibrant public mall, housing a variety of stores and even food courts. Naturally, we expected nothing less, knowing that many people needed to shop, especially those who were starting school like we were.

We headed towards the escalator and hopped on as it ascended.

Taking in the sights of the people around us, we couldn't help but notice some incredibly attractive guys. I mean, really attractive.

We exchanged amused glances, and I playfully turned back to Chloe, and to my surprise, she reached out and plucked a rose from a guy's hand, who happened to be descending the escalator with a bouquet of red roses.

She brought the flower to her nose, and the guy flashed a smile, looking up at her as he continued on his way.

It was like a real-life Jack and Rose moment, except instead of a boat, it was an escalator, and there was certainly no tragic or dramatic ending.

That movie, by the way, managed to make me angry in so many ways, but I still cried a few tears though...

"I see you're already making moves," I joked, stepping off the escalator and leading the way towards the first store we spotted- a beach-themed store.

"Well, you've got to start somewhere-" Ashley quipped.

Interrupting her, I added, "Then it's a date, another date, completely forgetting about us, by the way, then it's boyfriend and girlfriend, followed by engagement, a wedding, maybe even babies, and ultimately, divorce," I said with a touch of exaggeration, gesturing with a zany pout and using my fingers to imitate tears streaming down my face.

We burst into laughter, passing by the store's display window, and marveled at the array of bathing suits.

Entering the store, we began perusing the selection.

Soon enough, my attention was drawn to a stylish brown beach hat. I grabbed it, playfully placing it on my head and striking hilarious poses.

The girls erupted in laughter, each of them grabbing their own items. Ashley adorned herself with a beach garland and oversized sunglasses that dwarfed her face, posing and giggling. Chloe picked up a large floppy hat, expertly placing it atop her beautiful afro hair, which set us off in laughter once more due to its comical appearance.

I moved towards a black one-piece bikini that seemed to be my size. Holding it up against my body, I turned to show my friends, only to receive shaking heads and thumbs down in response.

Putting the bikini back on its hanger, I picked up a hideous one instead, just to elicit more laughter from my friends.

Striking a pose, I tipped my beach hat and puckered my lips in a mock-kiss.

They shook their heads at my antics, laughing and declaring, "That's a definite no-no!"

I playfully twirled around, grabbed another outrageous swimsuit, and showcased it while Chloe shook her head and playfully threw a bathing suit in my direction, all the while laughing at my silliness.

In truth, the bathing suits weren't truly hideous, but they certainly didn't align with our personal tastes.

They featured excessively bright colors and outdated designs.