The Joy Of Life

Chapter 2

After finishing my shift and handing in the the paper full of ideas to my manager I closed the door to my cabinet and made my way down the stairs. I took my jacket and noticed that Kylie was still in.

"Hey! Not to sound rude or anything but weren't you supposed to be home hours ago?", I questioned as I put my jacket on.

"Don't be rude Walker!", she rolled her eyes and chuckled, "Yes, but our manager had some extra papers for me to deal with and I ended up finishing my work only a few minutes ago. I was just about to leave the building and go home honestly."

"Hmm he's been taking his job way  too seriously recently. Wonder what's up with that.", I said as I took my backpack and put it on.

"Yeah. He needs to take a vacation. Hey do you mind if I go with you? I have to take the same bus as you today since I need to go to the shopping centre to buy some things.", Kylie asked with a generous smile.

"Sure", I nodded approvingly, "I was going to buy some things today too by the way. Thanks for the reminder."

"No problem! Now let's go so we don't miss the bus.", she chuckled, took her coat and we went outside the building, making our way to the nearest bus stop. I liked Kylie, she was nice. She wasn't like most of the people.

"Hey about our manager Rick... Do you perhaps know what's his relatives name? The ones who is going to work with me starting tomorrow.", I asked her out of curiosity after a minute of walking in silence.

"Why yes, I do. I've actually seen the guy and he's very nice and hard working. He tends to be awkward and shy though. His name is Phil and he's 22 years old.", she replied with a smile on her face.

I pondered about what she said for a minute before I replied.

"An adult who is shy? That's something... wait he's four years younger than me?", I asked before I realized what I've asked.

"Not that I'm interested in his age! I'm just wondering if I'll be able to get away with teasing him about the fact that he's younger." , I chuckled as a grin appeared on my face and I chuckled.

"Daniel, I swear you are such a child!", she chuckled and playfully punched my arm, "And as if you're the one to speak. You were exactly the same four years ago."

"I know, I know. Don't attack me.", I laughed.

We both continued chuckling until the bus arrived and we had to calm down to get in.

We sat in the middle and continued chatting about some ordinary stuff like chores, our job and relationships. I didn't quite like talking about relationships though because I wasn't really interested in having one and I just didn't see what all the fuss was about. I barely understood friendships and relationships were just something impossible for me. Our friendly chatter slowly died down as we started approaching the stop where we had to get off.

We moved to the front of the bus and I pressed the stop button. The bus stopped and we both got off and started walking in the direction of the huge shopping centre. It had about 70 shops inside it. You could buy almost anything here. Groceries, clothes, stuff for animals, games, books, electronic devices, sport related stuff, make-up and etc. Just name it and they most probably have it.

We went trough the automatic doors and looked around before turning to each other.

"Well I guess this is where our paths change. Unless you want to go and accompany me while I'm choosing clothes.", I let out a small chuckle.

"Well... I mean I can actually. I could give you a second hand opinion on what you look like and afterwards you could help me with grocery shopping and carrying the bags. If you don't mind of course.", she suggested.

"Sure! Let's do that then.", I nodded with a smirk and we went in the first clothes shop which happened to be New Look.

Kylie went off looking at some clothes for herself too so I just went in another direction to the male section of the shop. I looked around and chose various items that included black and blue jeans and some random shirts that looked nice. The shirts were all colorful but they looked like only models could pull them off. Ignoring that fact I chose two and went to Kylie. I found her in the shoes section where she was looking at some high heels.

"Hey! I just wanted to inform you that I'm going to try on the clothes so hang around somewhere where I can easily call you and get your opinion, okay?", I smiled as she nodded and I made my way to the changing rooms.

I put most of the clothes on the hanger in the cabin and the first pair, that I wanted to try on, on the chair. My first choice was a red plaid shirt and black skinny jeans. I quickly changed from my current clothes to the others and checked myself out in the mirror. They looked nice but I needed Kylie's opinion so I got out of the cabin to notice her right in front of it.

"So what do you think?, I asked as I turned around to give her a full view.

She carefully looked me over, chuckled and winked: "You could work as a model Mr. Walker."

"Ugh. But I don't want to look like a model. I want to give an impression that I'm laid back and chill." , I whined as I looked back over in the mirror in the cabin.

"Well if you lose the shirt and choose another one maybe you would look laid back.", she suggested.

"But I kind of like this shirt. I mean... I could still buy it and wear it on special occasions?", I continued looking in the mirror with slight disappointment. 

"Sure! Do what you want. I wouldn't mind you in this shirt at all.", she said as she laid back against the wall and crossed her arms.

"Ok. I'm gonna those other shirts and come back for your opinion.", I said as I got back in the cabin and pulled the curtains to close.

I quickly took off the plaid shirt, pulled over the moth covered white shirt, and buttoned it up. After taking a quick look in the mirror, I pulled the curtains open and gave Kylie a questioning look.

"Well?", I questioned as she looked me over.

"You still look like a model. Maybe try on that yellow t-shirt with pikachu on it, you nerd?", she chuckled and shoved me back in the cabin.

"Fine! But I'm still getting this one too!", I shouted back as she closed the curtains.

I did two more clothe changes and we finally went to the check out where we both paid for our items and then we went to the grocery shop.