Cardigan Diaries | ✓

Chapter 10: Haul and conquer

I woke up to the sound of a text message and I was itching to know who it was.

I guess I kind of hoped it would be Alex or Danny but I still wasn't disappointed at all when I noticed the message was from Daisy.

Good morning sunshine! I know this is sudden but I'm going to the mall around noon. Want to come with me? :)

I usually wasn't that spontaneous but in this case I texted without any hesitation that I would meet Daisy at the mall. Then I got dressed and went to find Mel as her dad was arriving soon.

"Good morning soon-to-be-a-geriatric!" I greeted Mel when I found her in the living room. She was yawning so big that I was afraid her jaw would dislocate.

Mel rolled her yes. "Good morning to you too, Ms. Darcy-wannabe."

"Are you happy to see your dad?"

"It's been ages since I've seen him, so yeah!"

I was about to say something sympathizing as I knew her dad travelled a lot but I was interrupted by Mel's ringing phone.

"It's dad", Mel said and frowned. "I hope he isn't canceling."

I tried my best to keep a straight face and act casual when Mel carried out the phone call with her dad.

"This is weird", Mel said after the brief call was over. "He asked us to come downstairs."

We went outside to the street and met with Mel's dad, Mr. Hooper. He looked very businessman-like in his expensive, but casual, looking suit and well groomed silvery hair.

"Hey girls!" he greeted us.

Mel hugged her dad. "Hey dad!"

"Hello Mr. Hooper!"

"How are you doing kiddo?" Mr. Hooper asked from Mel.

"I'm doing fine, daddy-o", Mel said and noticed the car Mr. Hooper was leaning onto. "Have you changed your car? Purple isn't really your color."

"You're absolutely right." Mr. Hooper turned around to admire the car. "But it's your color!"

Mel looked puzzled. "Umm... What?"

Wait for it...

I could almost hear the gears turning inside of Mel's head.

"WHAT?! Did you buy me a car?!" Mel crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes.

"Yes I did and isn't it great? I'm away for business when it's your actual birthday, so I'm giving your present beforehand."

"I said I didn't need anything!" Mel said through her teeth.

Mel had some serious issues about her dad buying her stuff. I appreciated that she wanted to be independent but I thought one deserved to be spoiled when turning 30.

"Yes I remember that, kiddo. But Jane said -"

"Jane?!" Mel turned around to face me and if a look could kill, I'd be at least seriously injured.

I faced Mel's death stare calmly. "See how fun it's to do stuff behind someone's back."

Mel was lost for words but she rolled her eyes.

One revenge served cold.

I hoped from now on she would think twice before doing something against my wishes.

"Kiddo please", Mr. Hooper pleaded, "let your old man spoil you a little for the sake of your 30th birthday!"

Mel still pouted but agreed to take the new car for a spin.