To Love in Full

Chapter 12: Oniochalasia

Oniochalasia (n.) Buying or shopping as a method of stress relief or relaxation.

Arabella's P.O.V.

Dark, dangerous, but sexy; it's something I've been wanting to ride, I thought to myself as I gawked at the Maserati sports car that was parked in front of me.

"Are we taking this car?" I asked Dante while I circled the beauty in front of me.

"Yes, Ms. Aetos," he replied, and I squealed with excitement.

My fascination for cars came from my grandparents. They had taught me everything that I needed to know about them, and they had even owned a fast car themselves, but nothing this costly. 

Dante and I stood around the vehicle while waiting for Viviana to join us; I became excited once Nicolo allowed her to come, I was even looking forward to making a new friend, much more than shopping.

"Viviana!" I called out once I saw her walking down the stairs and towards the gravel road.

"Hello," she said quietly, and I gave her a wide smile.

I observed her more closely once she started to walk towards me. Her dark hair was tied into a sleek ponytail, showing her high cheekbones, and her eyes gleamed of dark brown when the sun's rays shined down on her irises, she is really pretty.

"Thank you for taking me away from this hellhole," she said with a smile as Dante opened the doors for us.

"I figured we both needed some time away from the estate," I replied while we both sat down in the backseats.

"You have no idea," she groaned, and I laughed lightly.

"Nicolo told me that I'll need to find a dress for a club that he's taking me to tonight," I said, and placed his card into my pocket.

"He gave you his card?" she asked with a look of surprise.

"Yeah, I don't have any of my belongings with me at the moment," I spoke quietly, and looked down at my hands, thinking about the night that had stolen away my ordinary life.

"Don't worry I will help you find a dress, there is a boutique in the city that I frequently visit, we'll start there," she reassured, and proceeded to provide Dante with directions.

I nodded at her and smiled. It has been so long since I have gone out with someone like this. During my years at the university, my days would consist of studying and spending time in my apartment, very rarely did I go out with a friend. I may be a bit socially awkward, and I prayed that it wouldn't show today, but I am glad that she had come along with me.

"We are here, Ms. Aetos," Dante said, pulling me out of my thoughts that had occupied my mind for some time. I thanked the man, and finally looked out my window, just to see that were stopped in front of a high-end boutique.

"Let's go!" Viviana said excitedly as she exited the car, and I soon followed her.

When we walked through the doors I gasped at the lavish and fancy interior designs. Mannequins enclosed by glass lined the center of the store, rubies and diamonds of sorts shined amongst the displayed jewelry, and organized racks of endless dresses lined the store walls.

"Don't worry about checking the price tags, with Nico's card you can buy anything you want." She nudged me with her elbow, noticing my staggered expression.

I started to walk around the boutique as my hands traced over multiple dresses. Silk, satin, cashmere, I said to myself as I touched each fabric, all very expensive. When I made my way over to the fitting room with the few dresses that I had found, Viviana dumped more into my arms, building up a pile that I struggled to carry.