Hazel's POV
The next day, Tash and I decided we needed something light, something that didn't involve thinking about him and definitely not the mess of emotions swirling around me. I'd been moping around long enough. So, Tash, being the master of distractions, dragged me out to one of our favourite spots in town, one of favourite coffee shop that served the most ridiculously large cookies, the kind that made you forget your problems for at least five minutes after that we hit some shops which has early Christmas decorations, but the day was far from over, and Tash had already decided that I needed to get out and enjoy myself more. "Shopping therapy," she declared, practically pulling me by the arm toward the first store we passed.
I barely had time to protest before we were inside the first boutique, and she was already throwing clothes over my shoulder. "This will totally look cute on you," she said, holding up a sparkly top. I wasn't even sure if it was supposed to be a shirt or a disco ball, but there I was, standing in the fitting room, trying it on. For the next few hours, Tash dragged me through what felt like every single store in the mall, each one more chaotic than the last. I had no idea how she had this much energy, but she was determined. "You need new clothes! Something fun, something that makes you feel like you can take over the world!" she declared, throwing a pair of neon pink boots at me. "These scream confidence, trust me."
I didn't even have time to protest as she pulled me into another store. At this point, I was just going along with it, laughing at her absurd suggestions while trying on everything from fluffy scarves to sequined jackets. "Why do I feel like I'm in a fashion show from another planet?" I joked, slipping into another outfit, this one an outrageous mix of bright colours which is surely not my choice but just when I thought we were done, Tash gave me that mischievous smile I knew too well.
"One more stop," she said, grabbing my hand and practically dragging me toward the back of the mall. My eyes widened when I saw the sign, Lingerie Boutique.
"Oh no," I groaned. "Absolutely not, Tash." but she wasn't having it. "You need this, Babe. Trust me, you deserve something that makes you feel... amazing," she said, nudging me toward the door.
"Plus, I'm picking out something cute for you. It'll be fun!" I couldn't stop laughing as she led me into the store. The entire place was soft pinks and lace, and Tash was already eyeing the racks with a gleam in her eye. "What do you think of this one?" she asked, holding up a delicate set that seemed to shimmer in the light. I stared at her in disbelief. "You are not serious right now."
She only shrugged with a mischievous grin. "You don't know unless you try, right? Plus, it'll be hilarious." Before I could even protest, she grabbed my arm and dragged me toward the changing room. I was so bewildered, I couldn't even process how i had ended up in a lingerie shop of all places.
"Wait, Tash, what are we—" I started, but she was already shoving a pile of fabric into my hands. I glanced down at the mess of lace, satin, and sheer nonsense in my arms, and I could feel the heat creeping up my cheeks. This was definitely not what I had signed up for. The next thing I knew, I was standing there in the smallest, most ridiculous collection of undergarments I'd ever seen, and I was definitely wishing I could just disappear. But that wasn't the worst part. Tash had been hovering just outside the changing room, practically bouncing on her heels with excitement and and somehow, in this mess of laughter and blushing, I ended up with a pile of unnecessary stuff that I could barely look at, let alone wear. There was no way I was ever putting half of it on, but of course, she had managed to convince me I needed every single thing in that bag and I was far too exhausted to care anymore.
It was nearly evening by the time we got home. After a day of shopping, Tash and I hadn't been able to resist catching a movie Barbie. Totally worth it, though. The pink, the glitter, the chaos, it was a perfect way to unwind. I could still hear Tash singing "I'm Just Ken" under her breath as we pulled into the driveway but as soon as we parked, my breath hitched. There it was a familiar car parked out front, one I recognised all too well. I was non other than Bryan. My heart thudded in my chest as the weight of his unexpected presence bore down on me. Tash, oblivious to the turmoil swirling in my mind, let out an annoyed scoff as she unbuckled her seat belt. "Oh, finally! Someone decides to show up," she muttered, rolling her eyes and without waiting for me, she got out of the car. Meanwhile, I just sat there for a second, staring at the car and trying to calm the sudden pounding in my chest. It was like a ghost from the night I'd been trying so hard to forget. The sharp edges of that memory clawed at my chest, and for a moment, I couldn't breathe my mind raced with questions.
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The Tale Of Hearts
Romance"You are mine in a way nobody understand. I say how and I say when" ***************** His rough thumb pads made it way to my lower lips which I'm chewing with nervousness,, I flinched to move away but his other hand come around my...