Adopted By My Idols

Chapter 8: Shopping And Lunch

Persia's POV
When me and Nicole were walking to the car, I couldn't stop thinking about what Joseph told me. I felt sad but tried not to show it. No one should have to stop enjoy meeting new people because of anxiety and panic attacks. Those things always destroy everything. I know how she feels, I've been there myself. But I'm glad that she was fine now.

We got in the car. Nicole sat in the passenger's seat next to me. As we drove away from the set, there was complete silence between us for a while. Then I decided to say something to try and encourage her.
"Look, I know that Joseph said that we wouldn't push you to talk about things, and we wouldn't. We're gonna keep that promise. But I just want you to know that I've been through the same things as you so if you want, you can talk to me about it." I said.
"You have?" she asked.
"Yes. There was a time in my life when I felt anxious about myself, about everything. I always used to panic about what people would think of me, if they would like me and all that. And after every panic attack I had, I felt worse. I always had that thought that they're definitely not gonna like me after those."
"Yeah, I feel the same. Or at least until today, I used to feel that way. There was never anyone who would be there for me to help me work things out. Today was different. Dad helped me a lot. He was there for me, he didn't leave me and he suggested how we could work things out. And talking to you, to someone who's been through the same thing, helps as well."
"We'll always be there for you sweetheart. No one should have to go through that."
"Thank you." she said and smiled.

We carried on driving and Nicole put on some music. She put on Florence and the Machine and the first song that came on was Never Let Me Go.
"You know Joseph would love you forever for listening to these especially because this is like his favourite song and most definitely, his favourite band." I said and smiled at her.
"I love this band so much. They're like my favourite band and Florence has great vocals."
"Yes, she does. Have you told your dad that you like them?"
"No, not yet. We've talked about a lot of things but we haven't got to the subject of music yet."
"I'm sure you'll get there. We'll all have some bonding time." I said and we both smiled at each other.

Nicole's POV

It was good to have some more time just for me and my mum. It is great that she is here to support me. I feel like I can talk to her and dad about things but I'm not ready to talk about everything yet. I'll take it steady. Talking, taking things slowly and working things out for myself was not something I had in any of the families who adopted me.

We were driving for about fifteen minutes now. I kept looking out the window at the views of the big city as we went. The music was still playing for us in the background.
"Where are we going mum? Dad said that you might be introducing me to new people?" I decided to ask.
"We'll just have a fun day out. We'll go shopping, get you some new things and go out for lunch. And yes, you will be meeting new people but not too many. You really don't have to worry about it. There will be my co-stars from The Vampire Diaries. And by the way, we're having a girls' day out." she said and smiled.
"Oh yeah? Who's coming?"
"Kat, Nina and Candice."
"Oh my God! That's so great! I love them all from the show." I said with a big grin on my face.
"Fantastic!"
"I'm actually really looking forward to this now." I said and smiled.

After about five minutes, we drove into a car park outside what seemed to be a shopping mall. We found a less surrounded place in the car park with quite a few empty spaces around us and parked there.
"Right, let me text the girls and tell them we're here." mum said taking her phone out of her handbag.
"Ok." I said with a smile.
I was still calm and excited which I was happy about. The last thing I wanted was another panic attack.
"Ok, so Candice and Nina are coming with Kat. They said to meet them outside the front entrance. They should be here in a few minutes." mum said.
"Sounds great!"
"Ok, let's go then."
Mum got her handbag and we both got out of the car. She locked it and put the keys in her bag.