Begin Again

CHAPTER 25

I am debating in between two sweaters for Tom. I think he'll love the black one with the blue trimming at the bottom but he wears black all the time. And of course I'd like him to change that. I'll go for my other choice. The red one is fantastic. 

-Got everything you need from here?

Mom is asking me and I nod in agreement.

-Now we only have to get something for grandma. I am going to pay for that and I'll meet you outside.

-Okay. I'll go to that home decor store next door.

She says and I go towards the counter to pay for Tom's gift.

Once I have it I go outside and enter the store mom is in. I see her by the shelve with the tea cups and pots.

-What do you think of this set?

Mom asks me and shake negatively my head.

-I don't think so. Maybe you should get this for us and choose something else for grandma.

-You are probably right. It is way too minimal for grandma. How about this one?

She asks while pointing to a white set that has two purple lilies in the front of each cup and the tea pot has a few in the front as well.

-That is perfect for grandma. I think she will love it.

-Okay then. We'll take it. Let's go pay for it.

-You know what? I think I am going to buy some of that tea we had last time grandma and grandpa were here. They really enjoyed it.

-Great idea. I'll meet you in the car then.

Mom says and I exit the store moving towards the staircase to get in the next level.

As I get by a coffee house I notice Aria sitting on a table by the window. I feel my heart beating too fast. I am scared. I am actually scared. I take a step back and I stand behind a big Christmas tree. I try to breath.

-Are you okay?

I hear someone say. It is a lady that sits in a bench along with her little girl.

-Yes I am fine. Thank you.

-Are you sure? Do you want to sit down?

-I am okay. Thanks.

I say and move a bit closer to check if she is still there. She is. But she isn't alone. She is with a girl that is not Eva. She is blond and she wears a bright pink sweater. I don't care though. I have to get out of here. I walk the all the way back to where I came from.

Once I am on the level I was before I move quickly towards the exit. Once I close the door behind me I sit on a bench that is there and try to relax. I don't want my mom to see me like that.

After five minutes or so I go towards the parking lot and our car. Mom is already inside. I get in as well and close quickly the door because it has start to rain heavily.

-Sorry I had you waiting.

-It's okay. Where is the tea?

-They didn't have the one I wanted.

-Oh alright.

-We can buy in the supermarket some of the usual we buy.

-Of course. Are you okay though?

Mom asks and I put on a smile.

-Yeah. Why wouldn't I be?

-I don't know. Any way let's get going.