Tainted

Chapter 3: Shopping

Thanks Leigh for editing. The picture is of course of the coat that Sang tries on except I imagine it to be a little longer.

Victor's POV

I wake up to the sound of the air conditioner starting up and turn on my side. This isn't my room; I guess I fell asleep last night. I pull Nathan's blanket back and notice I've been stripped down to my boxers. I usually keep at least the undershirt on. I grab my phone from the bedside and find that I have two text messages. One is from Mr. Blackbourne, and the other is from Sean. I'm surprised to see that it is noon.

Blackbourne: Make sure you rest today. I don't want you working or thinking about the cellphones today.

Sean: As much fun as it was stripping you in your sleep, I would've enjoyed it more if you were awake ;) I'm pretty sure Sang enjoyed the show. Gabriel left an outfit for you in the closet.

I sigh in frustration and comb my hair with my fingers. Why was Sean always trying to embarrass me? I head over to the closet and groan in frustration at the outfit Gabe has left for me. He must have bought it in secret because I would have never let him take it up to the cash register if I had seen it. I have nothing else to wear, and knowing Mr. Blackbourne I'm sure there isn't a car outside for me to use.

When Mr. Blackbourne orders someone to rest, he makes sure that it will happen. I grab the gray sweatpants, the silver hoodie, and the white tank. I head to the bathroom, and one look in the mirror makes me cringe at how messy my hair has become. I can hear my mother nagging at keeping up appearances in my head. I place the clothes neatly on the counter and rid myself of my boxers.

The steam from the shower relaxes muscles that I had forgotten were hurting earlier in the week. My eyes drift shut as the spray of water splashes down my body. I hum a song I heard on the radio but give it a classical twist.

After stepping out of the shower and reluctantly changing into the clothes, I head down stairs to the kitchen for some food. I spot a note on the fridge and smile. Luke would make chocolate chip pancakes any chance he could get.

Mr. B said you need to relax so I made some chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. If North ever finds out and gets mad at me, I'm not afraid to point my finger at you. Your pancakes are on the stove covered with foil. I suggest you heat them up.-Luke

Placing the pancakes in front of me, I take a picture and send it to North along with the words "Guess what Luke made for breakfast. He said he made them for me as a part of my relaxation, but then proceeded to threaten me with the blame once you found out. Have fun! ;)"

I move from the kitchen to the couch and turn on the TV to the news as I finish off the pancakes. Luke can really cook; not that I hadn't known that before. I watch as the stock scores are listed across the screen, not really paying close attention to the numbers like my father does.

My cellphone dings, and I smile once I realize Sang sent me a text.

Sang: Did you get enough sleep? Are you relaxing? North received your text and is now lecturing Luke on the health benefits of vegetables and fruits.

Me: Princess I promise I'm doing fine and following Mr. Blackbourne's order to rest. How is school?

Sang: Schools alright, but Mr. Blackbourne has been arguing all day with Mr. Hendricks. He interrupted my violin lesson and tried to threaten to get the school board involved. Mr. Blackbourne took care of it of course, but apparently I've been accepted into the Academy and am getting a uniform. Mr. Hendricks wants to separate me from the rest of the school.