Suicide Watch

Chapter 23

Isa POV

"Come on Temi, we haven't got all day," Sophie says. Irritation is clear in her features as she stares at Temi. She's no longer her usual over bubbly self, but now takes on a stern tone. No doubt, this is because Temi had almost gotten her into trouble with her mom earlier on.

Temi, on the other hand, is looking wretchedly between a murky green dress and a navy blue dress. They are identical, just different colors.

"Well?" Sophie prods, "which one do you want?"

"When I was told that I would get a say in what dress to pick, I thought I actually would."

"You are having a say. You get to pick the color of the dress."

"Yes, I get to choose between ugly and ugly," Temi responds in her usual sarcastic manner, "but thank God I can pick the color."

From the look on Sophie's face, I can tell she doesn't appreciate the sarcasm.

I have to say I am with Temi on this one. We're currently inside a designer store and, under the instructions of Temi's mom, we're picking out a more 'appropriate' dress for the event tomorrow night. And by 'we', I mean Sophie.

Temi genuinely looks miserable as she finally points towards the navy blue dress. Without a second to spare, Sophie instantly starts ushering Temi towards the changing room to try the dress on.

As usual, I follow behind them, biting my lips slightly in order to keep my mouth shut. I am the bodyguard afterwards, and I have a feeling my opinion on Temi's agency in picking what she wants to wear would not be appreciated by Sophie.

I wait outside the changing rooms for Temi, standing next to Sophie. Sophie is typing away on her phone, lost in arrangements concerning the events of tomorrow night. I'm not even sure if she's aware that I'm right next to her.

A few moments later, Temi emerges from the changing room wearing the dress. She looks even more miserable than she did when she went in, and I roll my hands into fists to stop myself from reaching out for her. I don't know why, but every fiber in my being wants to comfort her.

The dress doesn't look ugly on Temi, that's not at all the problem. Hell, I think nothing could actually look ugly on Temi. However, it's the fact that she's obviously not comfortable in the dress, but nobody seems to care.

"Oh Temi darling, you look wonderful!" Sophie exclaims, clasping her hands together.

Temi responds by giving her the biggest scowl that she can manage, and I clench my jaw to keep the loud snort from escaping from my lips.

"Okay, let's wrap things up here," Sophie says as she turns and starts barking orders at the employees standing close by.

Temi is no longer scowling at Sophie but her eyes have diverted to a pair of black platform shoes on display.

"Can we get those shoes, too?" She asks.

"Absolutely not," Sophie responds, barely batting an eye in Temi's direction. "The instructions from your mother were clear. Also, we are within a budget."

"The shoes would still fall within the budget." Temi replies, "Plus, it should be my reward for having to wear this ugly dress against my will."

"She's right."

Two pairs of eyes are suddenly on me. Sophie's eyes are wide and look at me in disbelief. Whereas Temi's are narrowed with suspicion. I can just imagine the thoughts that are going through her head.

"I think she should be able to get the shoes as a reward." I divert my attention to Sophie as I speak, ignoring Temi. "She's going out of her comfort zone a lot, for her mom's sake. I don't think a pair of shoes would hurt anyone."