rose petals

II

      By the time, I entered the mall I was out of breath and was still a bit flustered about the whole situation. For one thing, I could've been killed! Being killed by some impulsive irresponsible morons is not how I want to go out!
The cool air conditioning of the mall helps steady my breathing. My nose filled with expensive fragrances such as pomegranates, coconuts, and lavenders. I then pull out my phone from my pocket (my phone was three iPhone versions behind) and connected to the mall's WiFi. Whenever I go out shopping it is a MUST that I bring a pair of headphones and listen to good music! In my opinion, everything just seems too quiet and boring without music. I hit play and let its vibrations take me into a paradise. A paradise where everyone is in a blurred state of mind, oblivious to tragedy
The first store that I made a mental note of going was Zumiez to get some baseball caps. (A/N: or dad caps I forgot what their called). I get that it was more of a skater store, but I need to go for the aesthetic. However, the store was across the entire mall and I was hungry. So instead of going the normal route, I turned left a couple times and up a few steps. I wasn't on my way to get food (even though I wanted to) I was headed to the White Lotus tea shop to get something to hold me down until lunch. I loved the place. The decor was simple and so elegant with a white and royal blue theme and the workers seemed so wise and humble.
I made my way to the counter in front of the register. The cashier wore a white button up blouse and navy blue skirt. "Hello and welcome to the White Lotus. Would you like to hear about any of this season's specials?" She says in a calm tone. "Ah no thank you," I reply politely. "I would just like a medium sized hot Jasmin tea with some rosemary on the side to go." As I pulled out my wallet from my purse, she asks if that was all I wanted. I replied with a yes and a satisfied smile. "Okay your total will be- ""-$3.18?" I say cutting her off. "How did you know? Are you a regular?" She grinned. I chuckled, a regular, I wish. "I not sure you could say I am. I like to come here and relax every now and then." With a face that says 'I relate' she nods.
With my not-so-social self I didn't want to make any more conversation so I sat at a table by a window and looked at the neighboring stores. As I turn to my right I see a lit-up shoe store with all kinds of brands like Jordan's, Nikes, and Adidas. I look towards the entrance and notice those seven boys that almost ran me over. Looking at them from afar I notice that most of them have all kinds of colored hair. Not gonna lie they were cute... but they almost killed me. I guess one of them noticed I was staring and gave me a smile. My mind was in an insane panic, but outside I knew I had to stay calm. For some reason his smile gave me CRAZY butterflies in my stomach. Fortunately, the lady at the register steals my attention from the male and hands me my to-go drink and a bag of my rosemary that I ordered. I turned to face her and gave her an anxious smile. "Thank you." "Your welcome, enjoy!" And with that I was left to my own devices. Without looking at the window again, I sprinkle some of the rosemary in my tea. I watched as the plant gracefully falls into the warm liquid and roam about as they pleased.
Daring myself, I looked back to where I saw those group of boys. Where one of them gave me a kind-hearted smile. They were gone, no trace of their previous presence.