mute » tomlinson ON HOLD

one; shopping

The mall was decorated beautifully for the Christmas season. The huge ornaments that hung from the ceiling glistened whenever a ray of sunlight would reflect off of them; the mall walls dotted with transparent spots. A fake Santa Claus sat on a velvet chair at the other end of the mall with fake elves surrounding him. Christmas music was even booming from the speakers around the crowded shopping place.

My hands were full with several bags from different stores, ranging from Toys "R" Us to JCPenny.

I had already gotten the twin's dollhouse, Dylan's G.I. Joe action figure, and maternity clothing for my mother. For the younger cousins, I got them small stockings filled with candy and cheap toys. I didn't know them that well to get them something personal, after all.

All I had left to get was Lottie's book and whatever I could find for my best friend, Trevor.

My aching feet carried me throughout the mall as I peeked into stores' windows. I contemplated running to the car park to drop my bags in the car trunk while I finished shopping, but decided against it when I reached the bookstore.

It smelt of dust in the small room, like they had just pulled out their holiday decorations from the depths of the closet. The shop was filled to the very back of the store with books, not a single space that wasn't occupied by a bookshelf.

I began my search for the Nicholas Sparks section, walking down every aisle until my eyes landed on  the cheesy book covers. I picked up different ones, quickly scanning the back of the book. I tried to pick out one that didn't involve any sex scenes, she was only fourteen after all. I came down to two books that I couldn't pick which one would fit Lottie best.

Giving up on making the decision up on my own, I walked to the counter with both books in my hand. A thin girl sat on a tall stool behind the glass counter, reading a book in her lap. When I cleared my throat, her head snapped up suddenly; the book she was reading clambering to the ground, losing her place no doubt.

She had freckles that dotted the bridge of her nose and blue eyes. Her hair was brown, but around the face she had blond streaks. Her lips were thin and pale, just like the rest of her body. She was beautiful, I must admit.

"Didn't mean to startle you, love," I smiled to which she nodded and picked up her book from the floor. When she finally regained her position she looked at me shyly, waiting for my next move. "I was just wondering which one of these books do you recommend for a fourteen year old girl?"

Her eyebrows furrowed a bit in thought for a mere second before she nodded towards the book with a couple kissing on the front cover.

I nodded and handed her the book, "I'll take this one."

Her small hand hesitantly took it from my grasp to scan it. When she was done, she tapped her hand on a small screen that showed the price. I nodded and took out the correct amount of money. She gave me the book back in a bag and handed me the receipt.

"Thank you," I smiled, then called out a "Merry Christmas!" before leaving the store. 

I found it a bit weird she didn't talk, but I shrugged it off. She probably had a cold and lost her voice.

I didn't let it bother me as I searched for a Trevor's present in the sports store. My eyes ran along the soccer themed section. I think he said he was interested in the sport. What kind of best friend would I be if I got him a lame soccer ball for Christmas?

The heavy bags in my hands started hurting, making deep imprints in my fingers to the point I was losing circulation. I sighed and left the store. I would buy him something online.

Walking out of the stuffy mall felt wonderful; fresh, crisp air filled my lungs as I breathed in deeply. The wind whipped across my face, but I welcomed the feeling. But when I started walking around the building, I had to pull my jacket tigher; the cold air whipping around more violently now.

I looked to my left to see if any cars were coming and started crossing, but stopped when I caught a glimpse of a brunette sitting on the bench. I hurried back onto the curb and walked over to the girl.

Her coat was zipped to the top, and she hid her chin in the collar to keep warm. Her nose and cheeks were flushed red with cold and her hands were stuffed in the pockets as she looked down at the pavement, only looking up when my shoes invaded her line of vision.

I smiled when I noticed it was the shy girl from the bookstore.

"Aren't you cold?" I asked, white smoke coming from my mouth in puffs.

She hesitantly nodded, her face still partially hidden behind her coat.

"C'mon," I nodded towards my car. "I'll give you a ride home."

She hastily shook her head, her ponytail whipping from side to side.

"Aw, why not? C'mon it's Christmas season! I insist," I smiled and hoped it reassured her.

Her face stilled for a moment, like she was really considering my offer, before shaking her head no again.

I sighed and turned around, starting towards my car until I heard light footsteps behind me. When I turned my head she was jogging across the street to me, her hands still buried in her pockets.

When she was next to me, I said through a smile, "Thought so."

this is unedited omg