“Umm—” “I have an idea, but I need your full cooperation. Can I trust you?” “U-Umm—!”
“Okay. Now here’s what’s going to happen,” The attendant purses her lips into a thin line. “The product will disappear from our inventory and remain unlisted. I will make sure of that. You will walk out with the defect and get away from here as fast as you can. But!” Her voice lowers into a whisper. “Do it quietly. Act normal. Don’t make it suspicious. Got it?”
***
With joint effort, the three of them pack up the last of the clothes and finally settle into the car. It is just half past six, and a small patch of blue is still visible beyond the fading clouds and the setting sun. Somehow, this reminds him of her. Like how, upon a closer look, her grey eyes have a hint of emerald green.
“Did you have fun?” Lillian asks. She looks like she’s in a better mood now, and her voice is no longer an inaudible mumble. He leaves the bag on his lap, letting the fabric and plastic warm up his bruised knees. Maybe he will see her again during his next visit. Maybe then, they can laugh at how insane they were to pull off such a heist. “A little.”
“What did you pick, mister? Show me, show me!” “It’s too dark, Théo. You won’t be able to see a thing!” He answers as he pries the youngster’s hands away from the bag, grinning not only at the boy’s enthusiasm, but also at the lime green scarf flattering gently in the wind. Théo pouts and crosses his arms, but the young boy’s irritation is quickly replaced by sheer delight. His eyes widen and sparkle as he says: “You smiled, mister!” “I did?” He blinks. “Is…is that good?”
“The best!”
“Alright, big guy. Since you’re such a good friend…I’ll pick one for you!” “…You? No thanks. I—” “Oh c’mon, don’t be like that. I was just fooling around before.
This is where the real fun begins!”
~~~~~ Double update!
That brings us to the end of Chapter 3! Thank you so much for your patience. >v< Unfortunately, this would be the last update for a while. School is coming back in session and Life is kicking off once again. I'll try to come back between breaks...hopefully then I'll have a better idea of how to continue the story. xD
Well, so long! ^-^ Have a lovely day. Don't worry... We'll meet again.8)
Aww. . .
Oh, noo. . . I'm going to miss the more active schedule. This is a good story. That'd be great.
An uncomfortable silence follows, and even he feels the guilt hanging about in the air, damping their spirits. Lillian peers up wearily, her diminishing attention now back on the stranger. “Why don’t you pick out something, mister? I think a final top would be nice. Just meet us at the checkout area once you find what you want.” “…Mom?” “Don’t mind him, mister. You shouldn’t have to follow us around like a little kid. You’re an adult, after all. Go on.” The mother then disappears into the dispersing crowd, the soft clanking of the metal cart closely following her quiet footsteps. Théo hesitates for a moment before he, too, runs off in her direction.
He remains in place for a while before finally setting out, sticking close to the borders of the store as he circles its entire layout. Section after section of different styles swing into his view, yet nothing seems to pique his interest. His mind races as he scans one outfit after the next without aim or purpose; his feet quicken with each step, pressured and uneasy with the thought of finding the perfect top. What would fit him? What does he even like? What are his preferences? What—?
His…friend…scowled. “Nothing is ‘perfect,’ bud. People just do the best they can under the circumstances. You need to realize that someday.”
He suddenly trips and falls, narrowly avoiding the worst of the impact with his outstretched hands. Searing pain runs up his arms as he struggles to stand, and his knees sting and crumple uselessly onto the ground. The blanket flatters down and reveals a big, ugly hole at its center. The culprit of this very disaster was a nearby metal rack rolled out of its position, strayed far enough to hook an unsuspecting corner of the flowing fabric. He can feel the judgmental eyes of passing shoppers bearing upon his hunched-over body, and embarrassment weights down on his already burdened heart.
“Red and green don’t go together.” He sighed. “Just like you and girls, apparently.” A flinch. “Since when are you the one with the snarky remarks?!”
“Now, before we get there,” The attendant directly leads him into the inner parts of the store, chattering away with an eagerness unusual for such a small ordeal. “Tell me a little bit about yourself. What’s your favorite color?” “You’d laugh.” He answers. “We strive to not offend our customers, sir. You have my word.” “I…well…I don’t know. I don’t remember.”
At this, the young woman halts, spins around and examines him for a good minute or two before resuming their shopping journey. “Nice hair.” She comments. “I think it fits very nicely with our lighter selections. What do you think?”
He just nods in response, completely baffled by her odd and decisive behavior. There is no rebuttal to her suggestion since he has no clue about his actual appearance, other than that his hair is a puffy mess as a victim of the icy Birchwood air. He can only hope the attendant has a good taste. It took him a few minutes, but when he returned, his friend did a double-take. Was it out of shock? Was he pleased? He wasn’t sure, but he probably picked well. As expected of him.
“Here we are!” The young woman announces in a sing-song tone, her hands clasped together in sheer anticipation. Her gold earring jingles along as she rushes ahead toward a collection of hoodies lined in a discreet location deep within the men’s section, partially sheltered by heavy winter jackets and fur coats probably too fancy to the likings of this suburban community. She expertly picks out several tops and compares them under the yellow-orange lightings of the store. “Let’s see: Sharp? Crisp? Clean?” “Wait, wait,” He backs up, at last aware of the situation. “I…I can’t wear this!” She raises an eyebrow. “Why not?” “…I don’t have any money.” “So?”
“You have very kind intentions, ma’am, but I’m afraid—” “Expensive or not, why not try them out first?” The attendant shrugs. “This is the true shopping experience, sir. It’s not about perfection, but fulfillment…entertainment…satisfaction, if that’s even possible.” As she is saying this, the young woman dangles her final choice in front of the troubled stranger, and they both gaze into a mirror placed several feet away.
What on the plant is she trying to do, make a sale? Guess I'll have find out.
The fabric feels smooth to the touch and is surprisingly thick for such a simple-looking hoodie. And he…he sees himself for the first time.
“How…” His friend laughed. “How did you know I like orange?” “It’s not much of a secret.” He handed over the suit. “Besides, I think I’ve known you long enough to guess your color preference.”
“White it is,” She declares triumphantly. “Though with the black…it’s a bit monochrome. We can try other colors, sir, if you—" “No,” He quickly responds, still dazed by his reflection. “No, it’s...H-how much—?” He draws in a shaky breath when the attendant reports the price. He can’t take this…not with Lillian’s money. She has already done so much for him, and he has nothing to give back to her generosity. He is asking too much of her, of them! A shameless part of him wants it, however, and he is stuck in between, nowhere to go.
“Sir?” “…Thank you so much. But like I said, I don’t have the means—"
The store attendant suddenly lets out a sharp gasp. She dramatically pulls back the hoodie and brings it closer to her eyes. “I can’t believe this!” “What happened?” Full blown panic sinks into his voice. “Look at this! A terrible stain!” She frantically shows him the left sleeve, where the “stain” is clearly the third arm stripe. “A defective product here in Birchwood?! This cannot stand!”
“Uh, ma’am, I think—” “No, no!” The young woman covers his mouth without any warning and violently shoves him toward one of the display shelves. Her face is rendered pale and entirely drained of joy. “Listen to me, if my supervisor finds out about this, my career is over! Finished! FINITO!” She spits out the last three syllables like poison.
“We cannot let anyone else know about the defect.”
“Did you have fun?” Lillian asks. She looks like she’s in a better mood now, and her voice is no longer an inaudible mumble. He leaves the bag on his lap, letting the fabric and plastic warm up his bruised knees. Maybe he will see her again during his next visit. Maybe then, they can laugh at how insane they were to pull off such a heist. “A little.”
“What did you pick, mister? Show me, show me!” “It’s too dark, Théo. You won’t be able to see a thing!” He answers as he pries the youngster’s hands away from the bag, grinning not only at the boy’s enthusiasm, but also at the lime green scarf flattering gently in the wind. Théo pouts and crosses his arms, but the young boy’s irritation is quickly replaced by sheer delight. His eyes widen and sparkle as he says: “You smiled, mister!” “I did?” He blinks. “Is…is that good?”
“The best!”
“Alright, big guy. Since you’re such a good friend…I’ll pick one for you!” “…You? No thanks. I—” “Oh c’mon, don’t be like that. I was just fooling around before.
This is where the real fun begins!”
~~~~~ Double update!
That brings us to the end of Chapter 3! Thank you so much for your patience. >v< Unfortunately, this would be the last update for a while. School is coming back in session and Life is kicking off once again. I'll try to come back between breaks...hopefully then I'll have a better idea of how to continue the story. xD
Well, so long! ^-^ Have a lovely day. Don't worry... We'll meet again.8)
-last edited on Sept 23, 2018 22:28:39 GMT by TeaLeaf❀
Post by TeaLeaf❀ on Sept 23, 2018 22:27:00 GMT
Suggested Music: "Lucir Shadow"-ARForest & YUMU This shouldn’t have happened.
The ride back to the Wesley house is a relatively peaceful one. Lillian isn’t charging at seventy miles per hour (like she was earlier, blaring unintelligible noises through the speakers loud enough to make his blood rush) but at a comfortable, reasonable speed of fifty-five. It also isn’t freezing cold because of the air conditioner; at Théo’s suggestion, the three of them agree to roll down the windows and enjoy the natural Birchwood breeze. For once, he can see the entire community and its kind ember lights from one corner to the next. The air is fresh, further stimulated by traces of ice and lingering snow that work together to keep him awake, alert.
Darkness has descended, and the headlights of the car are the only things illuminating the empty road ahead. No other vehicles are in sight except during their stops at the major intersections, where occasional pedestrians pass by without meeting their curious gazes. Hiding under the cover of the night, the mother and son start up endless discussions about the lives of those they come across while he, having no thoughtful input, listens along without a word.
“Who would come out at a time like this?” Lillian wonders aloud. “And—did you see that, Théo?—they were underage boys! Wait…they look familiar, don’t they?” The youngster shrugs. “I guess.” “Do you know them? I think I have seen them around once or twice before—” “They’re probably my classmates."
“Ah, that must be it! Still, what were they—”
“You don’t have to worry that much, mom. They were probably heading home.” “Good thing you’re not hanging out with them. I can tell they’re trouble-makers just by the looks of them.” “You don’t know that.” Théo mumbles under his breath. “Oh, that kid with the strange outfit…It’s Duck, right? The oversized raincoat, boots, duck hat…It must be him. What is he—”
“Why do you keep prying into other people’s business?” The young boy suddenly asks.
~~~~~~~~ In celebration of autumn and the Mid-Autumn Festival...Here's Chapter 4! (Weekly update on Sundays)^^
Suggested Music: "Lucir Shadow"-ARForest & YUMU This shouldn’t have happened.
The ride back to the Wesley house is a relatively peaceful one. Lillian isn’t charging at seventy miles per hour (like she was earlier, blaring unintelligible noises through the speakers loud enough to make his blood rush) but at a comfortable, reasonable speed of fifty-five. It also isn’t freezing cold because of the air conditioner; at Théo’s suggestion, the three of them agree to roll down the windows and enjoy the natural Birchwood breeze. For once, he can see the entire community and its kind ember lights from one corner to the next. The air is fresh, further stimulated by traces of ice and lingering snow that work together to keep him awake, alert.
Darkness has descended, and the headlights of the car are the only things illuminating the empty road ahead. No other vehicles are in sight except during their stops at the major intersections, where occasional pedestrians pass by without meeting their curious gazes. Hiding under the cover of the night, the mother and son start up endless discussions about the lives of those they come across while he, having no thoughtful input, listens along without a word.
“Who would come out at a time like this?” Lillian wonders aloud. “And—did you see that, Théo?—they were underage boys! Wait…they look familiar, don’t they?” The youngster shrugs. “I guess.” “Do you know them? I think I have seen them around once or twice before—” “They’re probably my classmates."
“Ah, that must be it! Still, what were they—”
“You don’t have to worry that much, mom. They were probably heading home.” “Good thing you’re not hanging out with them. I can tell they’re trouble-makers just by the looks of them.” “You don’t know that.” Théo mumbles under his breath. “Oh, that kid with the strange outfit…It’s Duck, right? The oversized raincoat, boots, duck hat…It must be him. What is he—”
“Why do you keep prying into other people’s business?” The young boy suddenly asks.
~~~~~~~~ In celebration of autumn and the Mid-Autumn Festival...Here's Chapter 4! (Weekly update on Sundays)^^
![[derp]](http://storage.proboards.com/6672327/images/YqNTPqyQUocVMYXZgUAI.png)
![[uni]](http://storage.proboards.com/6672327/images/mPKcREJAtrpeAXSOgaOH.png)
I'm going to miss the more active schedule. This is a good story. 
Smart, very smart. 
![[~]](http://storage.proboards.com/6672327/images/ozFsbNeZhKNyVxseYHGI.png)