Shattered Asylum

Chapter 18

Today is Saturday and Kristina, Nora and I are at the mall, shopping and killing time. Nora told Kristina what's been going on with her family, and Kristina felt bad for being so mean to her earlier this week.

Honestly, I'm glad they made up. I hated being the reason they stopped being friends, even if it wasn't really my fault.

"I guess the boys are having a guys' night at buddy's," Kristina says, glancing at her phone.

"Typical," I mutter, shifting the weight of the bags in my hand. The three of us had been wandering through every store imaginable, and I was starting to feel it in my shoulders.

We're still on the hunt for a bracelet Nora's been obsessing over for days. Once we find it, maybe this mall trip will finally come to an end.

"Oh. What do you guys want to do, then?" Nora asks as the worker retrieves the bracelet from the display case and hands it to her.

"We could get some food," I suggest. My stomach growls loudly, as if on cue. I haven't eaten all day, and it's already 6:30.

"Yes! Let's go to Steam Arrow Grill," Kristina says, clapping her hands like she's been waiting for someone to say that all day. "I've been dying to try their pasta."

"Sounds good to me," Nora says, inspecting the bracelet like it's a rare artifact.

"Fine by me," I add, already imagining the smell of garlic bread and alfredo sauce.

We stand in line, waiting to pay. My stomach grumbles again, louder this time, and Nora glances at me with a raised eyebrow.

I shrug.

When we finally get to the cashier, I notice he's cute, brownish-red hair, warm eyes, and freckles that make him look adorable. He gives us a quick smile as we approach.

"Hello, ladies. Is this all for today?" He asks, his gaze lingering a little too long on Kristina.

"Yes, it is." Nora says, pulling out her card.

He shakes his head slightly, like he's trying to snap himself out of a daydream, before ringing up the bracelet. "Any fun plans tonight?" He asks casually, though his attention is still very much on Kristina.

"Just grabbing dinner," Kristina replies without looking up, her thumbs flying across her phone as she texts someone.

"Where are you from?" He asks, picking up on her accent.

Kristina finally looks up. "Australia," she says simply.

His cheeks turn pink. It's adorable, really, watching him get flustered. Nora and I exchange knowing smirks.

"I like your accent," he says, scratching the back of his head nervously. "It's...cute."

Kristina doesn't miss a beat. "Thanks," she says, giving him a polite half smile before adding, "My boyfriend thinks so too." Then, just like that, she's back to texting.

Ouch. Way to be subtle, Kris.

The cashier's face falls, and his blush deepens, not out of excitement this time, but embarrassment. "Uh, right. Have a good night," he mumbles, handing Nora her bag.

We walk out of the store, and as soon as we're out of earshot, Nora and I burst into laughter.

"I don't even want to hear it," Kristina warns, shooting us both a glare.

"Oh, come on," I tease, grinning as I nudge her shoulder.

"Did you see his face after you dropped the 'boyfriend' bomb?" Nora chimes in, sliding the bracelet onto her wrist.