Little Seventeen

Chapter 9

                The next day, I'd decided to go to mall. Oh. How I wished that my little brother's here. For sure he's going to enjoy it. Hanging out with him was the best thing. We're both pleasure seekers. But the fact is . . . he's not here. Sad truth. No doubt I'm wearing an off-white dress today together with a white leather lace-up shoes.

I got a taxi and told the driver to take me to the nearest mall. I was resting my head on the window and swearing some words because of today's traffic.

     I was too busy thinking about how I'm going to treat myself today. I spent the next two hours walking, taking some pictures, going in and out to a variety of shops, and then finally . . . I got one for myself. It's a pouch! Yeah. It was a perfect, little satin black piece that symbolized strength. I also bought a black eye wear. Ugh. I'm starving, so, I apparently went to the mall's food court.

Half hour on playing some sort of games, I'd decided to take a seat on one of its bench when someone had spoken to me,

"Hey."

"Oh. Hi."

"What are you doing here?" it's Thomas.

"Sitting. Can't you see?" I was too exhausted to make some conversations.

"I mean,"

"Okay. Stop. I get it, Thomas." I snorted.

"Whoa. You called me by my first name for the first time!" he said smilingly.

Psh. Alright. Appreciate little things.

"So, um . . . want to join us, instead of sitting here?" he said as he fixed his hair unconsciously.

"Sure." I nodded then trailed our way at the other part of the mall.

*****

"Oh. Hey guys!" James stated and greeted us with a huge grin.

"James, Patrick." I responded them also with a smile.

"Where is the Tiffany we've met before?" Patrick said in a teasingly manner. I gave him a sour look though I know what he meant. I wanted to laugh on what he said but held it back and made a serious look. You know, it's really hard to do.

"Um. I – sorry." he said and scratched the back of his head.

"Don't be silly, Patty." James stated.

"Aw. Patty? Cool." I said and let out a soft chuckle. The three looked at me. Okay. Awkward. Brushing off the moment, I finally said,

"Okay. I think, I don't deserve to be treated that way."

"Right." it's Thomas.

"So, what do we have here?" I asked with a frown.

"We're going to play bowliiingg!" James responded happily.

"And you're going to beat our very own . . . Thomas!" he continued while shaking his hands to Thomas like a crazy man.

"Aw. Thanks for asking me if I played bowling and thanks also for not asking me if I'm going to play and agree or not." I ranted in speaking. Okay Tiff, breathe. Breathe. They look shocked, wide-eyed, and . . . speechless.

"Your honesty and frankness impressed us, really." Patrick muttered. I busted into laughter.

"Alright guys, I'm in and going to beat up your very own Thomas . . . on one condition." I had a plan on my mind.

"And what is it?" James asked with full of curiosity on his face.

"If I win on this game . . . you guys get lost and don't you ever dare to show up your face again to me, you three." I stated as a matter-of-fact as I pointed my finger to each of them.

"K. Wait . . . what?!" it's Thomas.

"I'm just kidding."

The three let out a huge sigh. Okay. Let this people go through.

"I didn't know you play this." Patrick said.

"I don't remember saying a thing that I play bowling." I replied.

"Then why did you agree?"

"Hmm, nothing." I said shooting him a fake annoyed glance. Sometimes it's really fun to play and switch your emotion on someone. Okay. I feel bad for doing this.

"So, it's not possible you're going to defeat him." he told me.

"Gee. Thanks for your cheer, Patty." I rolled my eyes.

"Hey. Don't call me that." he replied immediately.

"Possibilities are infinite." I explained to him. Why does the guy think have to be so complicated?

The agreement is crystal clear, three game. The game went on and I'm losing my hope on the first but still tried my best as the game continues. And finally . . . first . . . Thomas wins. Second . . . me. Third . . .

"Will you please stop breathing heavily?" I told James feeling irritated.

"Yeah. You're overreacting." Patrick agreed.

"Whatever." James muttered.

Jerky James.

Third game . . . meee! That means, I won! Ha-ha. Seriously, I'm playing this game together with my dad but I've never had the chance to beat him. His expert, virtuoso, bug, enthusiast, and monster on this game! And this three didn't know that, of course.

"Hey, dude! Why'd you let this lady thrashed you?" James told his brother, glancing at me.

"I'm just, you know . . . being gentleman?" Thomas responded.

"Or you've just really made fool moves?" I whispered and rolled my eyes. His neck snapped in my direction.

"What did you say?"

"I said, you should've play it cool." I told him as I rolled my eyes again. The conversation was shut off when Thomas phone rings, and I guess this would be a sweet excuse for me to leave. I mean, I really, really have to pee now.