That Twelve Year Old

That Twelve Year Old - Chapter Five

[A/N. I Know this story is getting really clichéd, but just wait, please? For me? >_<]

CHAPTER FIVE.  28th AUGUST 2009. OXFORD, FEDORS’ ESTATE. 7:02PM

“And this one too?” I questioned, getting sadder by the minute.

When Zuleyka finished, she urged me into the bus with her, and took me back to her house. She prohibited me from me snatching a peek, and I obeyed, not wanting to upset her. Now, I regret even agreeing with Amanda, (to take me shopping) in the first place.

Should’ve just let her tape your damn mouth shut. You always find a way to ruin other people’s life. You miserable git. I took a deep breath, and pushed that voice away.

Zuleyka ripped off, every single label from every single item she brought. She had four bags when she came back. Four.

Now here I was, on the living room's carpet floor, looking at all the things she brought me.

“Yep” Zuleyka replied, popping at the ‘p.’ Her grin getting larger and larger. “Let’s pretend, that each one of these items cost a penny? Okay? Just. Pretend. Please? For me?” She added, clasping her hands together and her eyes a mix between hope and beg. I reluctantly sighed a yes, earning a squeak from herself. “Oh wait! That reminds me!” She said, stretching over to snatch a bag from next to her, and sinking her hand inside it. She rummaged through the bag, until lighting up when she caught hold of something. She plonked down a white toothbrush and PJ’s. “You are welcome” Zuleyka finished, with a wink.

I only sighed, and said a thank you. I felt my heart slightly warm up when I noticed the toothbrush, but turned back to normal as soon as I noticed the change. Knowing that toothbrush was my first one. Remembering all the times I had to make do with nothing but some gum I burrowed from Fzai. All the times I got teased for having bad breath when I was eight. My throat let out a jagged breath which, thankfully, went unnoticed by Zuleyka.

“Yeah, so, like, open the next bag then!” Her eyes lit up really bright, so I hesitantly opened the next, and final, bag of purchased clothing. When I did, I pulled out a pair of white high-tops with the famous ‘Nike tick’ I really hoped it was a fake replica. I knew for a fact all of those branded crap cost more than a tenner. And along with it, came a leather jacket. This one was plain and simple, but striking at the same time. And it also had the price-tag attached, which read three pounds.

“I think this is the best one” I said immediately.

“How did I know, you were going to say that...” She muttered, but smiled anyway.

[A/N – Please remember Clarrisa tends to replace the word ‘stuff’ with ‘crap’ so she isn’t calling the shoes bad]

As I looked around, inwardly grimacing, I saw the huge piles of folded clothes, which she brought for me. Each and every one of them was beautiful, yes, but the money. The money they spent on me. And I couldn’t help but feel guilt eating my insides and thrashing around in my tummy.

“Thank you Zuleyka, but there really was no need” I whispered, still stroking the fabric of the leather. “Is the leather real?” I asked, hoping it wasn’t. I knew it wasn't, since it was too cheap compared to the real deal.

“Nope. Remembered you’re a veggie” She was chewing on a wad of gum, so each word was said with precision, sending a wink.

I looked up to her and tried to smile with my eyes. My heart warmed up a bit, but quickly turned numb again when I noticed it did.

“Thank you” I said gently, again.

“Stop freaking saying ‘thank-you!” I’m not the flipping queen blud!” Zuleyka replied, but smiled nonetheless. She put on a ridiculous ghetto accent when she mimicked me.