Chapter 67 Snakes At The Mall

KIA

The startling beeps increased in volume while I lay calmly, delaying the hit to turn off the sound. As the number 6 faded, I rolled over and swung my arm at it, knocking it off the side table. I threw up, scratched my head, and walked down the seemingly endless corridor to the restroom. After entering the bathroom, I took off my clothing, turned on the water, and waited. I kept feeling the water until I thought I had enough. My cold shower was terrible. I discovered nothing in the kitchen. Ares is absent. He had breakfast for me before he left for work. Sitting on the chair, I started eating. I then took a short walk.

* ringing * ringing * ringing *

“Hello?” I answered.

[Kianna! I have been calling your house, but no one is answering. Where are you right now?]

It’s Miaree. I looked at my phone and saw that it was still 7 a.m. Why would she even call me this early?

“I went out for a walk. What’s up?”

[Oh, is that so? Well, I am planning to invite you to shop today. A new Robinson Galleria has opened in the south. I want to check it out. Are you free?] She asked on the other line.

I stopped for a moment and started thinking about whether I would do anything important today, but I guess there is none. “Hmm, yeah, I’m free—”

[Great! So I will pick you up at 10. It’s fine if you do not bring any money with you. Today is my treat.]

“Gladly you said that. I don’t have any money, actually.” I chuckled.

[Don’t worry, girl. I got you. Oh, by the way, I also invited Marcy, but as expected, he is still busy, so, yeah, see you later! 10 a.m. okay? Don’t you dare to forget!] she said before dropping the call. She didn’t even let me speak before ending it, but it’s fine.

It was still early, so I decided not to rush on my way home. I enjoyed the cold breeze touching my face as I jogged my way through the house.

THE ROBINSON GALLERIA SOUTH

The shopping mall we visited was one of the largest in the city and was conveniently located near my home. The size of the structure left my jaw dangling as I observed it. In my neighborhood, it covered a distance equal to ten houses. I sensed a rush of chilly air coming from inside as we got closer to the entrance. It was a novel experience for me because I'm not really used to air conditioning. Inside the mall, there was a sizable crowd, and loud music was playing. A music performance was going on in one particular location.

The time we walk into the shopping center. We enter through its wide door and feel as though I've left the street behind. The complex's air is noticeably cooler. The cooling system works incredibly well. It makes sense why I see so many kids hanging out in the area aimlessly. Outside in the blazing sun, it can be rather uncomfortable.

Near a few goldsmith establishments, armed guards in uniform are positioned. These two guards appear to be old and weak. They must be former members of the military or police. I doubt they would be useful in the event of a robbery. The guards at the businesses may as well not be there at all, based on the expressions on their faces that convey boredom.

Suddenly a sales lady approached us, “Good day, Ma’am! Can I help you with anything? Are you looking for some clothes? We have a lot for you to try!”

I was about to say ‘no thanks’ when Miaree suddenly pulled me inside the store. “Oh! Look there! That is the cutest skirt I have ever seen!” Miaree gasped as she went towards that skirt.

“Well, then buy it.”

“I can’t…” she uttered with sadness.

“Why not?”

“I stuck to a different style for this month. I can’t wear some cute clothes that will make me look like a doll,” she answered.

What kind of reason was that? She wants it, why wouldn’t she buy it?

“Whatever,” I said as I rolled my eyes.

We simply needed a few minutes before we decided to leave the business. When Miaree needed new shoes for herself, we went to a shoe shop. In that store, she was unable to find what she liked. After that, we went to almost ten other shops. We went to lunch after purchasing the shoes.

The mall's restaurants were all spacious and welcoming. There were a variety of food options available, including pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and more from Indian, Chinese, and other cuisines. Miaree took me to a Chinese restaurant, where she placed an order for ginger chicken and haka noodles. It had a superior flavor to any other fast food I'd ever had. Ice cream was then served as dessert.

“How was everything with you and Dave? Did he ask you for a date already?” I asked Miaree.

What I said made her choke right away. “Wha—what?? What kind of question is that?”

“Just answer it Miaree…”

She sighed as she took a sip of her drink, “Nah, I was waiting for him to ask me out, but nothing happened after that vacation day. But! But we are still messaging each other. He keeps me in touch and updates me every single time. You know, actually, I forgot to update him to today, so... Miaree mumbled and grabbed her phone. “Say hi, Kia!” she said and turned to face me with her phone.

“...Uhm…Hi?”

“Oh, come on, bestie, don’t be so grumpy! Anyway, we are now here in the mall doing shopping. You can drop by if you're not busy—Nah, I’m just kidding. I know you are busy with stuff, so it’s fine. I will just message you later when I get home!” she said while taking a video of herself.

“You must be mad, Miaree. I never thought you would act like this when you’re in love…” I said, astonished at what just happened.

She bites her lower lip and smiles at me. She didn’t say anything and just focused her attention on her phone. Oh, well, I should have known better.

…

After lunch, we made the decision to go shopping once more. The improvement in shopping had barely started. We bought some accessories and casual clothing this time. We also came upon a candy shop that sold a wide variety of toffees and chocolates. They came in the form of dolls and creatures. The elevator is used to take us to the second floor.

The sound of people playing video games permeates the atmosphere. We pass a lot of arcades and other stores as we go. There are fewer people on the second floor. On the ground floor, there are mostly shoppers. The majority of the complex's operations take place there. There is more space to browse and roam around up here. Additionally, business owners are friendlier. As we walked leisurely around the whole floor, we bumped into the most dangerous snakes we have ever seen.

“I thought we were at the mall, Kianna, why are there some snakes roaming around here?” Miaree sarcastically asked.

It seems like they heard what Miaree said, as they immediately rushed toward us. “Excuse me? Are you calling us snake?” Vera asked.

Miaree looks surprised as she looks at Vera and Asteria. “Oh, no! Snakes can talk now? I thought all they knew how to say was "ssssss," but it seems like they evolved as the generation changed.”

“Yeah, they can even steal your boyfriend if you are not careful enough. So high-tech.” I added while staring straight at Asteria.

“Oh drop it out, sister. You still haven’t moved on? Why can’t you accept that I am much prettier and sexier than you? I guess, maybe even my brother-in-law will fall for me,” Asteria grins.

Miaree suddenly burst out laughing. All of our attention went to her. “Are you still dreaming, Asteria? You stole Kianna’s ex just because you seduced him, not because you are beautiful enough to get what you want. You never get what you want; you just stole something you didn’t have. That's what you are, a spoiled brat with a jealous personality.”

“It’s fine, Miaree. Actually, thanks to you, Asteria. Thank you for doing that; now I am saved from that kind of man who can’t be faithful to just one woman, and please, don’t be so full of yourself. Don’t you realize? Yes, you have him; you now have a cheater man, and there is nothing to be proud of about having that kind of man, sister.”

“Shut up! You are just jealous, just because I have everything and you do not! I have a complete family and a fiance who loves me. How about you? What do you have?” Asteria said, she looks so proud of what she said.

“She is proud of being a two-timer and a cheater!” Vera interjected, and they both started laughing.

“I don’t need to brag about the things that I have, you might die of jealousy if I tell you one by one,” I said and pulled Miaree to leave.

“Enjoy those happy moments, my dear sister! Because the exciting part is just about to start.” Asteria said before they left.

I look at Miaree, but she looks at me with a "don’t mind them" expression. Besides, Asteria will do everything possible to make my life a living hell. What could be new?