Medical Testing Mommy

Chapter 25

Entering the mall Lyla is beaming with possibilities, finally after all the speed bumps today she now gets to make her way to the toy store!

She proudly walks beside her Mommy, Justine. With the toy store to the left, it should be a clear path to- It's then that Lyla notices that Justine is heading in the opposite direction. Lyla pauses and points "Umm... It's... It's that way though?"

Justine turns to where Lyla is pointing "You are right! I need you to come to the mommy store with me first okay?"

Lyla keeps her feet planted on the linoleum "But... You... You said."

Justine faces Lyla, she can see the edges of a pout forming as Lyla begins to plead her case. In an effort to communicate her plan, Justine says "I know hun, but this will just be a really quick stop. I promise. I need maybe 4 things. Then once we get your toy we can rush home."

Lowering her head Lyla mumbles "Fine..."

Lyla feels Justine place a hand on her shoulder "You feeling sleepy hun?"

The pout fully appears across her face as she replies "Just because I'm not happy doesn't mean I'm tired."

Justine smiles "You're right, thank you for reminding me."

The two walk down the mall side by side until they arrive at the so-called 'mommy store' the same store they came to months ago for the pump. Before entering the store Justine glances further down, just a few stores over she can see the sign for her old work. Things have changed so much since then.

Justine isn't alone in her memories, as the two enter the store Lyla starts to remember when she practically had to drag an anxious Justine out of the house to come here. Back when Justine was anxious over her body leaking into some padding, she remembers comforting her and making her feel like she was there to help. Why doesn't that sound right anymore?

Justine spends some time comparing a couple of products before settling on a particular brand of ointment for her chapped nipples, something Lyla was unaware could happen. Her only thought about that is, ouch. Justine adds some absorbent pads before grabbing the most confusing item, a pink princess sippy cup.

Justine appraises the cup for a moment, she takes out her phone to get a picture.

Lyla rolls her eyes, thinking to herself 'Doesn't she understand that the toy store closes at 9 p.m. and it's already noon!'

Lyla asks "Why are you taking a picture?" Her tone layered with impatience.

Justine keeps her eyes on her phone as she replies "I want to have one at home in case we ever have Nicole over, do you like this one?"

Lyla grumbles "It's fine, let's go."

Justine clears her throat softly "Lyla, you need to relax okay?"

Lyla hangs her head down once again, she looks at her outfit. Maybe Justine would let her get cuter shoes someday, she hasn't bought a new pair in years. The holes in her shoes don't necessarily compliment the cute ice cream look she has going on right now.

Justine reads her phone in one hand while holding her items in the other.

Simon: She'll love that! You're so sweet to think of her. If they have one with Tiana on it, she might like that more. That is her favorite.

Justine searches through the stock, eventually finding one teal cup with her favorite princess on it, perfect! Is it wrong to give Simon's little new things? No, probably not. Is it wrong to do so in hopes that she likes Justine more? Who knows, this is uncharted territory as far as she is concerned.