Chapter 6, Part 2: A Visit to the Mall

  “I-it’s okay...” Laura said in a quite tone. Nothing more, nothing less...

  My face started to blush, and I stayed silent, mesmerized by her beautiful, brown eyes. She started to get more embarrassed and cutely looked back at the chef in the kitchen.

  No way... Is this really happening to me?? Oh God, she’s so cute... I thought as my gaze was still locked onto her.

  Laura looked back at our food and continued to take multiple bites. As to not look weird, I followed along and waited for her to finish so I could do the same. Since she was eating the burger, I decided to try the side of steak fries. I’m not usually one to like these kinds of fries but they were surprisingly pretty good. Nothing that deserves an award though. Laura looked at me trying them and said, “Oh yeah, I forgot about those!” and grabbed a handful and shoved them into her face with a huge smile.

  This girl is always so happy... And that smile of hers is so contagious...

  Looking at Laura being so happy gave me a huge smile as well. This really is the woman of my dreams. When Laura finished eating her fill of the burger, I took my arm off her shoulder and grabbed it to take a bite as well. It was basically falling apart due to the number of patties stacked on top of each other. They looked like patties that would be on a smash burger, so it wasn’t as tall as the ceiling or anything. Once I finished taking my bite and swallowed it, I asked Laura a question, “So what’s it like back at home?”

  Laura stayed silent, trying to think of what to say, “Oh, home?” she said, “Yeah, home life is good... My mom’s nice...”

  “Oh yeah? That’s good to hear!” I said excitedly.

  She stayed silent for a few moments before asking me the same question, “What’s it like with you?” with her head down.

  I took a few seconds to think also, “My mom’s nice too...” I couldn’t really think of much to say about my family as a whole. I mean, my dad has been out of my life since I was a child, and before that, he was an abusive father and husband, so I don’t really have anything to say about him. But even if that was the case, I still had plenty of things about my mom I could talk about, “I mean, she’s really proud of me, and supports my dream of becoming a pro soccer pyer... She did let me py in the World Cup after all, despite knowing all the risks.”

  “Oh y-yeah?” Laura mumbled, “T-that sounds nice...” her voice was starting to break.

  “Hey what’s wrong?” I asked, “It’s okay, we don’t have to talk about this if you don’t want to...” I told her we could switch the topic and in fact, that’s actually what I want right now. I’m watching the girl right next to me almost cry because I got too carried away bragging about my own circumstances. Something bad must’ve happened to her mom a while back for her to be acting like this.

  “No...” she sniffled, “It’s alright... My mom...” she said, “She’s just on a long business trip and I haven’t seen her in a while...”

  Oh, I guess I was overthinking after all... Laura did seem like a soft person the moment she pointed out those flowers on the way here.

  I was also curious about her father. I know this may be pushing the bill but still...

  “And your dad?” my question seemed to make her shudder, but she carried on and told me about him anyway, “My father actually hasn’t been in my life since I was a child.” she said, “My parents got a divorce, and I was left with my mom. Though I never really liked my dad anyway, so I guess I got lucky ending up with her.” I suspect her dad isn’t as sensitive a topic compared to her mom, but I won’t pry any further. I know people have boundaries and I don’t want to intentionally push them.

  “I guess were alike on that term. My dad hasn’t been in my life since I was nine years old.” I said, “He was never a good father to me or a good husband to my mother, so I’m actually thankful he left us. However, I don’t know where he is now exactly, but I am curious. Not saying that if I had the chance to meet him, I would though. He was a terrible person. A while back, my mom told me a story about how he got into an accident and his personality changed and everything. He became a new person, you could say. But that was before I was born, so I don’t know all the details.”

  Laura paused and I felt a wave of connection between us. She seemed curious about what my father was like, “And when he was in your life, what was he like?” she asked, “You know... other than the abuse...”

  “I’d much rather not get too in depth about that...” I said, not wanting to ruin our date.

  “Yeah, I understand... I wouldn’t want to talk about my father too much either...” Laura stated.

  I totally understand where she’s coming from.

  I decided to break the awkwardness by asking Laura about the food, “So, what do you think about the fries?”

  “They’re good...” she took another handful and shoved them into her mouth.

  “I’m gd you like them.” I said.

  A few minutes went by, and I waved one of the passing waiters to come over so I could order a different drink. Once the waiter stopped at our table I said, “Sorry for bothering you, but can I get a sweet iced tea please?”

  “Yes of course. Would that be all?” I looked at Laura and she shook her head.

  “Yes, that’s all, thank you.” I told the waiter.

  “All right, it’ll be out in a few.” she said.

  “Alrighty...”

  After another few minutes of waiting, our meat mountain burger was now over halfway finished, and I noticed a new waitress walking to our table with a gss of the iced tea I ordered. It looked like she was having a little trouble bancing it.

  “Here is your... i-iced t-tea...” the woman said on the verge of dropping the drinks.

  “Woah! Woah!” the waitress slipped and spilled the drinks she was bancing on Laura’s pants and the gss made contact with the floor, effectively shattering it.

  “Oh my god, I’m so sorry...” she looked up at us and then looked back down at the floor and started to clean up the mess, “I-it’s my first week on the job...” she awkwardly ughed to conceal her embarrassment. Everyone in the restaurant heard the ruckus and looked at the woman, drawing attention to us and our table.

  After the immediate silence, I overheard people in the building whispering things like, “Damn, that’s tough.” and “I wouldn’t want to be her.” referring to the waitress and Laura.

  The manager came rushing out to help pick up the broken shards of gss. Laura looked down at her soaked pants and patted them to double check what had just happened. I looked at her and asked if she was okay, “Are you alright... You’re not hurt, are you?”

  “N-no... But... my pants...” she said, embarrassed and anxious.

  “At least you’re not hurt. That’s all that matters.” I reassured her.

  I asked if she was done eating and ready to leave, “Are you ready to go?”

  Laura nodded and said, “yeah, but... my pants...” again.

  “Don’t worry, I’ll buy you new ones...” I tried to comfort her.

  “W-wait, what?” she said, “No please... That would be too much. You already payed for dinner so please, no.” she said, begging me not to spend more of my money on her.

  “Please, Laura. Let me do this for you.” I said, “I don’t want you going home with your jeans all wet and sticky.”

  With some protest, she agreed and said, “Fine, but just this once...”

  I nodded and asked the manager for our ticket to the exit, “Um, excuse me... Could we please get the check.” though I asked politely, deep down, I was annoyed. I really should’ve been me instead of Laura.

  “Oh yes, of course sir.” the manager looked at me and said, “Also, your tea won’t be included on the bill, so don’t worry.” he went to the back and got the check. When everything was done, and we were ready to leave, I took one st sip of my water.

  “All right, Laura, you ready?” I asked while trying to pat her pants dry with a bundle of napkins.

  “Yeah, we can go now.” she replied, slightly red from my sudden touch, “Oh also, how much money was our food?” she asked, concerned.

  “Don’t worry about it, I’ll tell you ter.” I said.

  I got out from the booth and stood up and said, “Okay, let’s get going.” I was going to take her to my car. Well actually Coach Vance’s car, but whatever. When we got to the entrance of the restaurant, one of the workers gave us a goodbye and we left. Now outside of the building, I looked back and said, “Farewell, L’Atelier Burger, you served us well...”

  And then I started walking Laura back to the car. On the way back, we came across those same flowers and Laura locked her eyes on them again.

  Aww, she’s so cute. I can’t get over it...

  After a little bit of walking ter, we stumbled upon the Porsche. Laura stared at it in awe and excimed, “I still can’t believe this is your car...” she said, “It’s so nice...”

  I looked at her a gave her a cute expression. To my dismay, she asked me a question I couldn’t really give her the answer to, “This looks really expensive...” she said, “How much money did it cost?”

  I stayed silent, trying to think of a reasonable answer...

  “I actually got it off a friend for around half the price it usually goes for.” I avoided the question, trying not to go too in detail. I know I didn’t give her the answer she was looking for, but I also don’t want to explicitly state that I bought it myself because I don’t want her to get the wrong idea of me.

  “Well, how much is that?” she said, “You can tell me, silly, don’t be scared... But if you’d rather not, that’s okay too...”

  “I don’t like talking about big purchases, you know...” I told her.

  “Oh, then sorry if I pushed too much...” she said, before keeping quiet for a bit. Once done talking, I brought the keys out of my pockets and accidentally dropped them, “ha, clumsy me, am i right!”

  Laura bent down and picked them up for me, even though I was already halfway bent down, “here, i got them, don’t worry.” she said.

  “Oh, thanks...” I said. Laura responded back with, “Of course! i’m always here for you...”

  I feel like she’s moving really quickly, but I’m not entirely opposed.

  “Thank you, Laura... Same goes for me too, I’m always here when you need me.” she smiled at me, and I clicked the keys to unlock the car.

  I walked Laura over to her door and opened it for her.

  “Oh, that’s very kind of you... thanks.” she said, thoughtfully.

  “Don’t mention it...” once she carefully sat down, I closed the passenger door and walked over to the driver’s side and sat down. But the thought just hit me, “Wait, you do not have a car? Or did you not bring one?” I asked, kind of confused. How would she get all the way here without a car?

  “W-well... Yeah, but since I live so close, I just decided to walk here.” she said, “It’s healthier that way anyway.”

  “Is that so...” I said, “How far is the walk?” I asked, curiously. If she was able to walk all the way here from her house, and be here seven minutes before me, then that means she lives around... hmm... Actually, I’ve quickly come to the realization that I’m not good at math.

  “Around fourteen minutes or so... Why do you ask?” she said.

  Though I don’t know much about math, I can say that’s around a six-minute drive, I think. Or somewhere around there.

  “Just wondering...” I said, “I wouldn’t bother with driving either. Plus the traffic. That would probably make it take longer anyway...” I replied.

  A few moments went by of me turning the car on and pulling out of the parking lot. Since Laura’s pants were wet from the spill, and she kind of needs new pants, I decided to ask her if she would like to go to the mall.

  “Hey Laura,” I said, “How would you feel about going to the mall?” I asked. Even though I asked her, I had no intention of not going. My mind was already made up about it since the moment we left.

  “What?” she said, “No, no, please... Actually, stop this time, that’s too much.”

  “Well, I already made up my mind when we left, silly.” I said silly back to her because that’s what she’s been calling me this entire time. Honestly, I find it to be really cute.

  “oh...” she mumbled...

  “What’s wrong?” I said as we were driving out of the pza.

  “It’s just that...” she was thinking of the right words to say, “I-i’m sorry...” she said, “You know... If this date wasn’t what you expected...”

  She went on, “I’m a really boring person and I’m not fun to be around...” her head was down like st time, in the restaurant. But what I don’t understand is why has she been so hard on herself this whole entire time...

  “I keep asking the same questions over and over...” she said, “You probably think I’m annoying...”

  Well, this was completely unexpected...

  “W-what?” I said, in a confused tone, “You’re completely wrong...” I tried to reassure and comfort her. To be honest, I didn’t really have much to say. I mean I obviously want to make her feel better, but I’m not exactly sure how to actually do that.

  “Why do you think I think you’re annoying?” I asked softly, trying to understand her perspective.

  “Because... I keep worrying about you and you’re getting mad...” she said, “Also, I didn’t really talk much during dinner... so...”

  “You really think I’m getting upset because you’re concerned about me?”

  “Well... I don’t know...” she started fidgeting with her fingers.

  “I’ll answer that for you.” I said, “I don’t think you’re annoying and that’s all there is to it.” I told her, “You’re reading too much into it, Laura.”

  “...” she stayed silent.

  “Since the moment I met you in your shop, I felt a spark. It may have been a spark of connection, or love at first sight, but it was there. I felt it...”

  I just now realized what I said, and I looked over at Laura. My face turned red, and she was heavily blushing as well.

  I couldn’t properly form the right words to say but I knew I had to be honest, “I-I... u-umm... w-well...” I took a deep breath and said, “I’VE HAD A FUN TIME WITH YOU TODAY!”

  That’s... not... what....

  Laura had a shocked expression and kept her eyes locked on the road and said, “thank you, Hai-Chi...”

  “I had fun with you too...” she said, “Thanks for asking me to come out today...”

  She looked over at me, saw my smile, and looked back at the road with a smile of her own–

  “That was faster than I thought it was gonna be.” I said as we were pulling into the parking lot.

  “Woahhh!” Laura said astonished, “This mall is huge!”

  “Yeah, I know right.” I said, “I assume you’ve never been here before?” I asked while unbuckling my seatbelt.

  “Yeah, never...” she said.

  When I got out of the car, Laura took her seatbelt off and did the same.

  “Well, you ready to go in?” I asked her.

  “Yeah...”

  “But this pce is so big, how will we know where everything is?” she asked.

  “Don’t worry, I’ve been here plenty of times within these few weeks of me living here.” I said, “Trust me, it looks bigger from the outside.” Laura walked next to me, “Oh okay...” we started making our way onto the sidewalk.

  Out of nowhere and to my utter surprise, Laura took her hand and held it against mine. Though we weren’t interlocking fingers, it was still progress. Progress that made me happy. I gnced over at Laura whose face was red. But because I didn’t want to break the moment, I decided to stay silent. That felt like the best option for now.

  As we made our entrance into the mall, Laura stopped walking, “I-it’s... so clean!” she said, “And so nice...” she looked at me waiting for a response.

  “Mhm.”

  “The custodial staff works really hard.” I said, “Unlike most pces where the custodians aren’t well payed, the custodians here get good pay and like their job. That’s probably why they try their hardest to keep it clean.”

  “That’s good...” she said before pausing, “How do you know all this?” Laura asked.

  “To be honest, I just come here like every other day, and I’ve also looked this pce up online a few times.” I said.

  “What made you come here so much?” she asked.

  “Mainly just window shopping...”

  “Anyways, I know a good store we should go to.” I said.

  “Alrighty.” she said.

  I started walking Laura in the direction of the store I was talking about, still holding her hand. The store in question was a streetwear clothing shop with affordable wares. I don’t know what kind of pants Laura’s looking for or likes, but I’m told this pce has like everything so I’m sure she’ll find something.

  Some of the janitors we passed greeted me, and Laura chuckled and looked at me and said, “You weren’t lying when you said you’ve been here a lot...”

  On our way to the store, we passed a stuffed animal shop that caught Laura’s attention.

  “Woah, look!” she pced her hands on the gss, “They’re so cute!!”

  I stood next to her, thinking about how much money I’d have left if I bought her one. After a bit of consideration, I concluded that I would have enough for a single teddy bear, a pair or two of pants, and maybe a shirt, depending on the prices.

  “Would you like one?” I asked.

  Laura looked at me. She was probably thinking about how much money I would have left, but even so, she couldn’t say no to my offer.

  “Mhm.” she murmured.

  “Alright, go pick one you like.” I said.

  “Can I really!?” I could tell she was thanking me with her eyes.

  “Yeah, why not.” Laura lunged up and gave me a huge hug, “Thank you thank you thank you thank you!” it sounded like she was about to burst with joy.

  I brought my hand up to her head and rubbed her hair. But then... I saw the price tags through the window. Laura sensed something was off and looked up to see my expression, “What’s wrong, Hai-Chi?”

  After I realized what I did, I snapped out of it and replied, “Oh nothing...”

  “Anyways, go on...” I motioned my hand to the entrance of the store.

  “Okay, okay, okay!” Laura went running inside, excited.

  While she was running all over, I was slowly following behind and I was at the perfect distance to hear her cute mumbles, “Hmm, this one? Wait no, this one is way cuter!”

  Once she found ‘the cutest one’, we made our way to the counter. The man across the desk asked if we found what we were looking for. Laura nodded with a gigantic smile. But I noticed her shaking, “You alright?” I asked.

  “Yup... I’m just so excited that you’re really getting this for me!” she was practically squealing, bouncing up and down.

  I’ve never seen her happy like this before. I mean even though this is our first date, it really doesn’t seem like it.

  The cashier scanned the teddy bear, and I proceeded to insert my card into the machine and purchase it. Then the cashier said, “You two have a good one.” and we left the stuff animal store, still in search for the streetwear shop. The shop I’ve been referring to this entire time is called Void Supply. I’ve never actually been to this specific location, but I’ve seen good reviews.

  “Here we are.” I said.

  As we approached the store, Laura looked up at the sign and said, “This pce looks cool...”

  “Yeah, I mean I guess.” actually, it sounds pretty edgy now that I think about it.

  When we stepped inside, my thoughts had been confirmed. It was like a clothing store for delinquents.

  So much for the positive reviews.

  I knew this pce had the only stuff I could afford. And to be honest, I’m still very surprised that the burger we had earlier didn’t eat my entire wallet. So I just hope Laura will understand that I’m not able to buy her any nicer clothes.

  Laura went scouring around trying to find something in her style. She went off without me and I took a seat on the chairs adjacent to the changing rooms. I scrolled through my phone on TicTak when I got a call from my mom.

  I haven’t heard from her in a while. I wonder how she’s doing... I thought as I answered her call.

  “CHI-CHI! HOW’S MY BABY BOY!” I flinched and nearly threw my phone across the room. My phone’s speakers could barely handle my mother's deafening yell. Felt as if my phone would shatter if she got any louder.

  I yelled back, “MOM! PLEASE, STOP DOING THAT!” and quickly became the center of attention within the store. I looked up and gave a call gesture to the people walking by.

  “Could you not... Please.” I quietly whispered with my phone in front of my mouth.

  “I’m sorry Chi-Chi, but I’m just so gd I found time out of my schedule to talk to you!” my mother said.

  Before I had time to say anything back, she bombarded me with questions, “So how are you? How have things been? Anything new? You got yourself a girlfriend yet? How is life treating you at the World Cup facility? Do you know how much your mother loves you?”

  “Mom, slow down, slow down.” I said.

  “Well?” she waited for a response.

  Does she expect me to answer every st one of those questions? Shit was like an interrogation.

  “First off, I’m doing good.” I said, “I made friends with two of the py-”

  “Huh? What was that, Chi-Chi?” my mom asked.

  “Never mind, it’s nothing.” I said.

  “About your fourth question-” I quickly got cut off by Laura walking up to me, “What do you think about these?” she held up two simir pairs of pants in front of me.

  My mother took a few seconds of processing before saying, “Who’s that, Chi-Chi?”

  “This is uhh...” I wasn’t sure if I should tell her who it really was or just lie to her. Before I could make up my mind, Laura leaned into the phone and nervously said, “I-is that Ms. Sakka?”

  “Y-your son has been treating me very well!” she stuttered, “H-he’s a big gentleman...”

  I was instantly caught off guard by Laura’s sudden decision, “Wha-” I mumbled to myself.

  “...” my mother stayed silent before puzzling it together, “Oh... ha” she ughed, “If it isn’t the one and only Laura... how are you doing?” I could tell she was aggravated at the fact that I was going on a date with Laura, the same person who resurfaced old memories of my father. Her blood vessels were practically bursting on the other end. She can’t still be mad, can she?

  Laura heard my mother’s question through the loud speakers and leaned back into the phone, “I’m doing good! H-how have you b-been?”

  “Good, good... I’m doing very well...” my mom replied.

  “T-this date has been amazing...” Laura said, “I didn’t know Hai-Chi w-was so polite!”

  “...” my mother was speechless, “Chi-Chi... Let me talk to your lovely ‘girlfriend’ alright?” my face turned pale, and I reluctantly gave my phone to Laura without protest.

  Once I gave her my phone, I stood up and took the pants she was holding and said, “Let me buy those for you alright?” with an awkward grin and ugh.

  “B-but...” Laura stuttered.

  I ignored Laura and walked past her, making my way to the cashier. I told Laura I would buy the pants for her, which I was still going to do, obviously, but the real reason for my haste was because I didn’t want it to get awkward between the three of us. It would be better if they talked out their issues without my interference.

  After a few minutes of waiting in line, I paid for the pants. I slowly walked back to Laura, anxious about what they were talking about. I just realized, if I go back and find out she told Laura to never talk to me again, or to get lost, then it’s over. It may be the end between me and Laura.

  No, I take that back. My mother’s not the type of person to act on her immediate feelings so quickly. I turned the corner to see Laura ughing.

  “S-so...” I said, “How are things going with my mom... ha...”

  “Hold on, Ms. Sakka.” she covered the speaker, “Your mom is so hirious, Hai-Chi!”

  “I-is that so...” I said, “Well, that’s good...”

  “I assume you worked out your differences then?” I asked for confirmation.

  “Mhm.” Laura said before pausing for a moment, “Oh wait, Hai-Chi, she wants to talk to you.”

  “O-okay...” Laura gave my phone back, “Oh wait, here you go.” I extended my hand to give her the bag with her new newly purchased jeans inside.

  “Aww, you really did buy them...” she said, “Thank you!”

  I stepped aside and said, “So, mom, how’s Laura?” I asked.

  “Oh, she’s wonderful!” she replied, “She’s kind and so sweet, too...”

  “Well, that’s-” I quickly got cut off, “I was so wrong to judge her!” my mother excimed.

  I half expected that, but I’m just gd they’re on the same page now. I’m so relieved. A part of me thought she would tell us to separate...

  “Chi-Chi!” my mother said excitedly, “She’d make a perfect wife!” she whispered.

  “Wha-”

  I took a gnce at Laura, standing beside me. Well, she is extremely cute and pretty. She’s also very considerate as well...

  “Mom!” I whispered back, “You’re looking too into things... I mean, this is our first date!” I said, “Don’t you think you’re getting ahead of yourself?”

  “No, of course not!” she said, “You should really think about it!”

  I looked back at Laura again, “W-well...” I said, “If that’s what you think, then...”

  My mom paused before saying, “Oh wait, hold on... Sorry, Chi-Chi, I wish we could talk longer but I gotta go... It’s work stuff. But I’ll talk to you ter, okay!” she hung up before I had a chance to speak.

  Mom...

  Well, I guess that’s our queue to leave. I stood up and walked back to Laura, “Laura, you ready to go?”

  “Y-yeah...”

  “All right...” we started walking out the mall, “Thanks for waiting patiently...” I said.

  “of course...” she replied, looking lost in thought.

  “wait... Hai-Chi...”

  “Yes?” I said, waiting for her next words.

  Laura stood still, fidgeting with her fingers and standing in a timid pose, “T-thank you for today... I had a ton of fun with you...”

  Before my very eyes, Laura slowly stood on her tippy toes and gave my lips a shy kiss. Though it only sted half a second, it felt like an eternity. Her warm, reserved lips felt so soft. Like nothing I had ever experienced before. It was just a simple peck but that was enough for me.

  Right after, Laura’s eyes looked away from embarrassment. Her cheeks were bright pink too, “W-well...” she said nervously.

  “W-what did you think?”

  “...”

  “I-I know this is our first date and all, but...” she said, “It just felt right... You know...”

  I stood there in silence from complete shock. I’m sure my silence must’ve caused Laura to become even more embarrassed.

  “L-let’s go...” she took my hand and interlocked our fingers, ready to walk away.

  “W-wait...” I pulled her hand towards me, and I grabbed Laura’s head and pressed it against my chest. Laura’s eyes widened.

  “You hear that...” I said softly, “You did that...”

  Laura stayed silent and looked up at my smile.

  “Thank you... I mean it...”

  She proceeded to nod, and I let go. Without exchanging any words between each other, we started walking to the car.

  Once inside the car I looked at Laura again and said, “Oh here... The check...” I said, “Also, the receipt for your pants... You know, if you ever want to return them...”

  Laura said, “I’ll never return these... I’ll wear them forever...” and then proceeded to look at the restaurant bill. Her eyes widened in disbelief...