Endangered Mate (Hiatus)

Bought Without Permission

The next day was almost like all the rest. Go to school, snatch an apple or curly fry from a poor soul, get scolded by Layla and walk to the jewelry store. Almost a normal day.

Almost

"So did you finish the homework from yesterday?" Layla asked as we walked down the street.

"Almost all of it. I fell asleep after question 5. What about you?"

"Finished it all, turned it in this morning."

"Ah. That's great, can you help me with the rest?"

"Sure," Layla said as we entered the store.

We greeted the store owner before going to their usual spots. Layla to the necklaces, I to the chokers. I suddenly gasped in fear.

"No! It can't be!" I cried.

Layla hurried over, her eyes wide.

"Why?! What's wrong?!"

"My choker's gone!"

Layla looked at the mannequin neck, seeing it bare where the small choker had once settled. She looked up at me, rubbing my shoulders comfortingly.

"I'm so sorry Vixen." The store owner's voice said sadly behind us.

I turned towards him, my eyebrows stitched downwards, my eyes wide with sadness.

"Where is it?!" I asked.

"Two young men came in not too long ago and purchased it. I tried to persuade them otherwise but they were firm on their choice." He sighed. "I'm so sorry, but I can't downright refuse to sell an item, it's bad for my business. I'm so sorry."

I looked back at the barren mannequin, my eyes stinging. I had grown very attached to the small piece of jewelry, feeling a perfect connection. I stood.

"It's alright sir, it was business. I understand. I'm just upset that I wasn't faster."

"Oh, Vix..." He wrapped his arms around me in a comforting hug, rubbing my back. "I wish I could have done something. I know how much you loved that choker--"

"It's alright sir. It's just a piece of jewelry. I'll find another that I like." I said, looking up at him. I smiled reassuringly. "I'll be okay. Thank you for your concern." I turned to Layla. "Why don't we look at the necklaces and see if there's anything that you like?" 

Layla silently nodded, guiding me towards the necklaces.

*An hour later*

Layla and I walked out of the small store, a little bag in Layla's grasp. Having no use for the money I had worked so hard to earn, I used it on Layla, buying her a beautiful necklace, a small purple crystal heart hanging from a small silver chain, jeweled silver hugging it like angel wings, dark blue seeping in the middle of the heart. Only because of the constant insisting of both the store owner and Layla did I buy myself a beautiful bracelet, golden with five crystals, two small on both sides of one large black crystal, all traced by the same clear crystals that were the bracelet, rimmed with gold.

"Thank you so much sir, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow!" I called as they exited the store.

"Have a good day you two!"

Once saying goodbye, we walked down the street in silence before we passed a small park near our home.

"Are you sure she'll like the choker we got her?" A voice reached my ears, causing me to freeze. I turned to see two young men on a bench, one holding a small choker by the wire. 

My choker.

My breath hitched as Layla stopped beside me, following my gaze. Her eyes went wide.

"Let's just hope she does. We paid good money for that." One answered, staring quizzically at the small piece of metal.

"It was only $60 man. Not even close to anything we've ever bought. Seriously this was like, the cheapest thing we've ever bought." The other said.

"Still, I just hope we don't have to return it."  He put it back into the small bag beside him, lifting it as he stood. "Come on, let's head back."

The other nodded, following him. I stood frozen, my eyes following them as they walked away.

"Layla...I found my choker."