Clash Into Clasp

CHAPTER 21 - Warmed

The next day rolls on and Alexis saw the warm side of Carl. His smiles became frequent, he shot her some jokes and talked much more.

From having breakfast with him, until now when they were in the mall and had bought something for Adrielle, she felt like it was surreal. She was treated warmly, as unto a real friend, which is an answer to her prayer.

She regarded him as a friend yesterday and now, he returned the treatment. Her heart was overwhelmed with joy and she enjoyed every moment, everything he said to her.

"I'd like to treat you with something," Carl pulled her into a boutique of feminine dresses.

"No," she quickly declined. "You paid for the shirts a while ago. That's enough," she objected then made her way out.

He insisted on paying for the souvenir shirts she had chosen for Adrielle and her. She cannot accept anything more.

"Alexis, you will need this since you will be doing more business meetings," Carl looked at her seriously after he blocked her way.

Alexis stared at him in disbelief. He's doing it again and she only felt like crying. This kind gestures from him, how can she be able to repay everything?

Upon seeing that she consented, Carl faced the waiting saleslady and asked about the area where the business attires were displayed.   

Seeing him leave with the saleslady, Alexis was left with a muddled mind. He's unstoppable. Once he decided, he will make it. A tear fell from her eye. A tear of joy or what, she doesn't care. She only knew, from now on, she will do everything for him, to make him happy and become the warm person he is right now.

"Madam, Sir asked for you to come over," another saleslady approached her politely.

She nodded as she wiped her cheek which was left wet by the lone tear and smiled tightly.

"You're lucky Madam. You shouldn't let go of men like him," the saleslady smiled at her before leading the way.
Shouldn't let go? But he's not hers.

"If you don't mind telling me Madam, how long is Sir your boyfriend?" the saleslady asked after glancing at her, slowing her pace.

Alexis looked at her and shook her head. "He's not my boyfriend." A trail of sadness tinted her answer.

The saleslady was paused and eyes widened in disbelief. Alexis smiled tightly at her before walking towards Carl who just beckoned at her.

"Try those," he pointed at the clothes the saleslady was holding.

Alexis looked at him and the emotions filled her making her only purse her lips.

"The fitting room is just there Madam." The saleslady handed a pair of blouses and formal pants to her.
She nodded and laid down her purse and the bag she was holding on the couch nearby. After accepting the clothes, she went inside the fitting room and sighed just after she closed its door.

She stared at her reflection in the mirror as tears brimmed her eyes. She cannot understand what she's feeling. An unknown sadness is replacing the gaiety she had since that morning.

What's wrong with me? She scolded herself and quickly turned away from the mirror. No negative thoughts, she reminded herself and took a deep breath.

Soon, she wore a new pair of clothes and went out. Carl's gaze went up on her instantly. She braced herself and asked nervously, "Is it okay?"

"That's so perfect for you Madam!" it was the saleslady who answered with a beam.

Carl's smile showed that he agrees. "We'll take that," he said to the saleslady.