Awakening Abigail

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Andrew was making his way through the masses in the local mall. He needed a few things, but cursed himself for coming on a Saturday. He reached for a trolley, and wove past everybody. His Friday went by uneventful, except for Deb who came by and reminded him that his kitchen cabinets were empty. He reached the first aisle. Canned goods. Nothing he needed. He strolled by the stacks of non-perishable goods. Deb was a very nice woman, he enjoyed her company. She lived next door, and they have fun together. Mark's told him she would make a good wife, but he never really thought of her in that way. Sure, she was pretty, smart, etc etc, but she was, well, a bit too much. Overwhelming was the word. He whistled a tune, and went to the next aisle. Well, what do you know; more canned goods! Mark was very concerned with his older brother. Andrew knew that, and just ignored him when he starts ranting about Andrew's enthusiasm with books. Mark thinks Andrew should get himself a little wife, and settle down. What Mark didn't understand was that Andrew has never met a woman which he found more interesting than his books.  

Next aisle, fruit and veg. He needed apples. As he passed the potatoes, he noticed a 15kg bag toppled over, with potatoes scattered across the floor. The cleaning lady stood on the other side, shaking her head in disbelieve, big hoop ear rings dangling, hitting her fat cheeks. A handbag was on the ground too, and Andrew caught a glimpse of a well rounded bum in tight blue skinny jeans. In the air. He could hear a familiar voice, almost inaudible from under one of the racks.  

"Shit! Where the hell is it?!" He went closer, bending down towards the talking butt, and caught a glimpse of a golden chain between potatoes. Quickly he picked it up. 

"Are you looking for this Tinkerbell?" The swearing stopped, and he could see her body tense. Slowly she reversed, and sat on the ground. She looked silly, hair in a mess, dirt on her forehead. Andrew had to fight hard not to laugh. Abi looked up at him, blue eyes cautious. Her pretty mouth was in a pout, and Andrew couldn't help but be reminded of a little girl sitting in dirt, her mother scolding her for getting her best dress all messed up.  

"Eish, you a crazy girl you!" It was the fat hoops lady's shrill voice. "I tolds her she can't carry da beeg bag potatoes, but nooooo. She think she's a super person or somethins." Abi turned red, her head turned towards the big woman.  

"What ever, i can too. How do you think i buy potatoes? I was doing fine until you grabbed the bag, and broke my necklace."  

Andrew could see her hands shaking, and realised she was really upset. He stood closer, but then the woman started again. "The only reason i took da bag was cause you where lettings it fall. Look at what i have to cleans up now!" 

"Well, thank you so much mam, we appreciate it." Andrew's voice was firm, and he bent down, grabbed Abi around her waist, and hoisted her up,keeping her pressed against him. Quickly he took her handbag from another helping customer, and rushed her away from the ranting woman.

Abi knew she looked like something that climbed out of a hole. She could feel Andrew's body against her's, felt his grip tightened every time he navigated her past someone. He clearly forgot about her trolley full of groceries, and before she blinked they where standing in front of a bathroom. Only then did Andrew let go of her. He held out her handbag. 

"Take it, cause i don't do the man carrying handbag thing with as much confidence that is needed too look good."  

Abi took it without a word. She was still furious with the idiot woman at the grocery store. And she felt humiliated. She could see how hard Andrew had to control himself not to laugh when he first saw her. Abi had to give him credit for holding a straight face...suddenly she smiled.