The Price of being Pretentious

Chapter Ten: Shopping Date

As I waited for Paris to arrive, I watched some kids playing at the sandbox here at the park. It was a fine morning. The breeze was cool and refreshing, the sky was clear and blue, and the echoes of laughter from the children having fun gives the place a good ambiance.

Not from afar, I saw Paris arrived, sweating on his usual clothing. Did he jog to get here? Where's his car? I didn't bother to ask him that. I don't have a plan to ride the car he used to pick up girls. Ew! He was dripping with sweat. I felt obliged that I should help him out. I don't have a towel or handkerchief. So, I decided to offer him my blazer.

'Here.' I offered it to him, showing my bare shoulders overlying with the spaghetti straps of my dress.

'What are you doing?! Give that to me!' He ordered, grabbing the blazer and immediately returned it on my shoulder.

'But your sweating. So, I thought I could-'

He cut me out. 'True that I'm sweating,' He nodded. 'But don't do that. You could easily catch a cold.'

I shook my head. 'Colds are caused by viruses, not by the weather.'

He sighed, arranging the clothing draped on my shoulder. 'Still. Besides I couldn't protect your poor shoulders from the feasting eyes of males around here.'

'Was that based on experience, Playboy?' I asked in a sarcastic tone.

'Shhh,' He hushed. 'Stop that. You're ruining the mood of our date.'

'I told you this is not a date! Urgh!' I said, gritting my teeth.

I started walking towards the bus stop, but he didn't move a step. I stopped and looked around to know if he was following. He was crossing his arms and smiling.

'What are you staring at?!' I said in irritation.

'It's just-' He bit his lower lip, then shook his head. 'You look beautiful today. Did you dress up for me?' He glanced up.

I rolled my eyes and didn't give a reply. But I was preventing the corners of my mouth from rising. Then, I started walking again.

'Did you wear make-up? Your face was glowing. Hey, London. Wait up!'

Yes! Thanks to you I had to! I wore some makeup to hide my eye bags, dry lips, and pale complexion. I didn't listen to his senseless questions and was still quickening my steps. But he could easily catch up. Damn those long legs of yours, Paris! Even inside the bus, he bombarded me with his questions. But I didn't favor him with a single answer. He continued babbling when we got off the bus.

Irritated, I turned to him. 'One more word from your stupid mouth, then you will lose your tongue.'

He nodded, zipping his mouth. I guess he was scared by that.

We arrived at the marketplace. This was a famous market in the city to buy clothing, thus they called it "The Fashion Capital". Shops were bustling with customers. Though it was still early and some stores were just about to open. But the crowd was increasing in number and people just kept on coming from different directions.

The first time I came to this place was because of Venice. She always invites Scot to accompany her on shopping sprees. However, every time they hang out, Scot, for no good reason, always invites me to join them. He hates it when I get left behind.

I was so absorbed in my thoughts that I didn't notice that Paris disappeared. I squeezed myself in the mob that surrounded me. Finally, I found my way out.

'Paris!' I called out.

'London!' I heard his voice coming from afar.

'Paris?' I looked around.