Authors Note: Hey everyone. I'm really glad to see some new reviews. I'm going to start a new goal, if I can get 3 reviews per chapter that will make me want to update all the more. I was very pleased to see so many people comment about last chapter being cute. It makes me happy to write stuff like that. Also, has anyone seen what happens in the drill scene of the game where you don't fight back? IF you haven't, I would NOT suggest seeing it; the most disgusting thing ever and it hurt my soul to watch it! Anyhow, a bit off topic. Enjoy the story please!
Chapter 3: Shopping
Elle woke up and looked around slowly, the pale yellow light flooded into the room through the light maroon curtains. She felt something heavy across her shoulder; looking she realized it was Alex's arm. Looking up her eyes met his face. He was clearly sleeping peaceful; he used to look like this when she'd find him passed out on her couch in the morning.
Smiling softly she watched him for a few seconds. Alex really hadn't given up on her like she thought. He had been sent away from her, against his will. Elle felt silly believing he had just left without saying goodbye to her. Alex was loyal, now she knew the truth at least.
Placing a hand on his face she decided it was about time he woke up. "Alex?" She tapped his face lightly watching him stir.
Alex opened his icy coloured eyes and looked at her alarmed. She smiled, "We should probably get up its ten thirty." She looked at the digital clock as she spoke.
Alex nodded and began to stretch, "Alright." Elle moved so he could get up; it was high time she took a shower herself.
Alex got up from the bed and leaned down willing himself to wake up. Slowly he stood up and sighed before getting down on the floor for some push-ups. He did fifty push-ups before he stood up and stretched again. Looking around he was wide awake feeling ready for a new day. He smiled, his life was finally starting begin it seemed.
Elle walked out of the washroom just as the clock struck ten fourty seven. "So, new clothes you said?" She smiled at him.
Alex smiled back, "I knew that would get your attention." He stated.
Elle crossed her arms looking at him playfully, "What is that supposed to mean, Alex?" She cocked her head to the side.
Alex released a low laugh, "I haven't forgotten all those weekends you drug me to the shopping center."
Elle had to suppress a giggle; she used to force him every chance she got to take her to the shopping center since he could actually drive at that point in time. "So, tell me how much you're planning on spending on me Mr. Money-bags." She joked.
"Maybe if you're good I'll let you pick out some nice socks." He received a light smack on the arm for that comment.
The two left the motel room and climbed into the car. "So, seeing as this place is a little bigger than home, it might have better stores and a few options to pick from." Alex made a point of telling her.
"Are you saying we can go on an all out shopping spree?" Elle perked up.
"Don't get too excited, you know I'm only suggesting this since we really need it." He explained.
"Don't worry; I'm not as much of a girly girl as you remember. I've changed over the past few years." She informed proudly.
Alex looked over at her, "Elle, don't you dare lie to me. You haven't changed a bit." He smiled.
Elle shot him a look, "I have too changed. I'm much stronger, I had to be. How else could I have survived that place and my mother?" She asked him.
"I guess you're right. You definitely showed some spunk back there. I'm proud of you, Elle." He nodded.
Elle smiled at his statement. For once, someone realized the change. She had spent so much relying on him when he had been back home that when he left she was alone; it was hard to live without someone to talk to that she trusted so much.
"Walmart or the shopping mall first?" Alex asked her as they pulled into the shopping district.
"The mall." She crossed her arms.
Alex looked over at her, "Just couldn't wait to ride the escalator could ya?" He asked receiving another smack on the arm, "Ow!"
After parking a short distance from the entrance, they headed towards the building. "We really should have made a list you know." Elle looked up at him.
"What do you mean?" He asked as he opened the door for her.
"Well, no offense but, I think we could both use some good hygienic products." She raised a brow.
Alex sucked air between his teeth. "You know, I'm glad I didn't have to be the first to mention that." He began laughing at the expression on her face.
"Alright, here's the plan. We'll both shop around for some clothes and then we'll go pick up some of the important products at the drug store." Elle suggested.
Alex nodded, "While we're at it, I think we might as well get some new shoes. The sewer kind of took a toll on my boots." Alex reminded himself of the grimy water he and Elle had waded through just below Shepherds Glen.
Elle stared at him for a second before she burst out laughing. Alex looked around wondering what on Earth was so funny. She held her hand over her mouth and began trying to contain her amusement. "I never thought I would hear you say the words 'I think we might as well get some new shoes' in this lifetime. You HATE shoe shopping, Alex!" She gasped in some air.
Alex shifted his lower jaw and nodded realizing how odd it sounded coming from him, "It's an emergency." He stated seriously.
Elle made a small laugh before clutching onto his arm, leading him around the mall until they found a store to shop at. Alex remembered years ago when she used to get him to take her to the shopping center back home every Saturday.
"Come on, Alex! I need new jeans, all mine have holes in them!" He loved the look on her face when she begged him like that.
Alex couldn't resist, he loved excuses to spend time with her. "Alright, what do I get out of this?" He asked her.
"Um, you can hold some baggage if you really feel a reward is in order." This was something she never failed to say to him.
Alex could only laugh, "I change my mind. Jean shopping is enough of a reward for me." He would then be lead by the arm around the mall.
He had to admit, even though she had her girly and serious sides, Elle definitely had her fun side as well. She and Alex would play effortless matches of Mario Tennis on the demo stands at the game store. Sometimes they went into the hat store and would try ridiculous things on just to get reactions from each other. They would often do the exact same thing to the sunglasses rack.
Alex allowed her to lead him inside of a clothing store that clearly would be a problem dragging her out of. Elle became transfixed on the sweater rack; it seemed she loved every single hoodie she came across. "Alex, which one should I get?" She asked as he stood there looking entirely lost.
Alex looked over at the far corner of the room, "Why not take a few to the dressing room?" He suggested.
"Really?" She looked completely shocked he'd suggest that.
Alex shrugged, "Might as well be happy with what you get, right?" Alex asked her hoping it would keep him from making a decision that really didn't affect him either way.
Elle nodded and carried a few over to the change rooms. Alex looked to the other side of the store where the men's clothing was located. Deciding it was more natural to be in that section he headed over and began browsing for anything that would fit him.
Alex spotted a navy zip-up sweater and decided it would be a good choice. Looking on one of the tables he picked up a random black T-shirt and decided it would do without giving it too much thought. Next he checked for some jeans that would be his size. Holding all these items, he wondered why it took Elle ten minutes just to decide if she wanted to try something on. Women seemed so complex.
Elle emerged from the dressing room holding two sweaters in one arm and the other five on the other arm. "I really hope the arm with two sweaters isn't the reject pile." He said to her with a brow raised.
Elle rolled her eyes "Other way around." She made her way over to Alex. "Is that all you're getting?" Elle asked him.
Alex shrugged, "I don't need all that much." He tried to tell her.
Elle crossed her arms, "You really should read the signs Alex. It's a better deal if you get two sweaters for twenty five dollars and three shirts for fifteen. I bet even the jeans have a sale." Elle said to him.
Alex turned back to the shirt stand, he hadn't even paid attention to the fact signs were there. How was he expected to pay attention with so many colours surrounding him like this? It was too damn misleading in his opinion. "Yeah, I guess you're right." Alex nodded.
Elle picked up two other shirts, clearly picking colours she thought he should wear. Alex picked up a black sweater similar to his navy one and checked the jeans rack. There was no sale, but he decided to grab another pair just in case. "There, now you're set. I'm going to go look at some pants now, want to come?" Elle asked him as if he had a choice.
Alex nodded and followed her. He hated to admit to it, but watching girls picking out clothes was rather mind numbing. He decided it best to grin and bear it for now. Before long he was at the cash register paying for the items they bought. Alex didn't feel the need for her to buy the items; he had more than enough since he hadn't used his money in years.
"Hygienic supplies or shoes?" Alex asked Elle as they passed through the store doors.
"Shoes first," She wrapped her hand around his arm, "I really love forcing you to shop." She smiled at him excitedly.
Alex shook his head with a small smile, "I'm sure it's very amusing. You seem to love getting me in these situations." He walked with her into one of the stores titled "Shoe Warehouse" and hoped she would be quicker this time around.
Alex decided to head straight for the men's shoe isle. He quickly found a nice pair of black hiking boots similar to the ones he was wearing. After checking the size, he decided these would do for him. Tucking the box under his arm he found Elle browsing the wall. He rolled his eyes before approaching, "Any ideas?" He asked her.
"Nope, and I'm going to take extra long just for you." She smiled up at him.
"Great." He nodded unable to hide his smile. "What about these ones?" He asked picking up some white running shoes.
"No, too bright." She smiled at him.
He pulled off a pair of black ones and held them up. "Too dark." Elle laughed as he made a face at her.
"You're on your own for this." Alex shook his head and sat down on the small bench used to try on shoes.
After about twenty minute she tried on three different shoes and was finally happy with one of the pairs. "These work. I guess we can go now if your brain hasn't melted by now." Elle nudged his arm with her shoulder.
"Can we run out of this store instead of walking? I think the faster I get you out of here the better." Alex joked as they headed up to the till.
"Alright, only one last place to go." Elle looked up at him once they were outside the store.
"The drugstore." He nodded as they made their way around the now crowded mall in search of it.
They were fairly quick about picking out important products without going too far over budget. Elle made sure to spend some of her money on some cheap make-up to Alex's great confusion. By the time they made it to the cash register Elle turned back to him, "I forgot just one thing." She said once they placed their items on the counter.
"What?" He asked confused.
"My um… Well next week there's a chance I might start my time of the month…" She carefully explained.
Alex raised both eyebrows, "Oh…" He wasn't sure what this meant.
"Could you do me a favour?" She asked feeling slightly bad about it.
Alex looked down, "What brand?" He asked looking back up at her.
"Tampex." She told him.
Alex nodded and headed off down the correct isle. "You're very lucky to have a boyfriend who will do that for you." The young cashier said rather breath-taken.
"Oh, Alex isn't my boyfriend." Elle's face flushed slightly as she shook her head.
"Oh…" The cashier looked slightly interested.
It couldn't be that hard finding tampons with the brand given to him. It should just be a quick look and then he could leave the aisle. Alex traveled down the aisle and watched as several women passed by. He looked at the wall and saw how many different packages were on sale. "Oh God, which one do I pick?" He asked himself out loud.
"Can I help you?" A store clerk asked him.
Alex looked over at the fairly attractive blonde woman. "Uh, my girlfriend asked me to get her a package of these but, I don't really know what one is… best?" He asked slightly embarrassed to be having this conversation.
The store clerk smiled at him, "Well, Maybe if she wasn't specific she doesn't need a lot of absorbance." She handed him a package of the regulars, "I think she can't go wrong with regular in this case." The clerk explained to him.
"Thanks." He smiled as he quickly headed up to cash, giving a dirty look at the guy giving him a double take as he passed.
Elle smiled at him once he made it back to the counter, "Thanks Alex." She smiled thankfully as she read the package, "Wow, you got the right ones. Good job." She smiled broadly.
Alex made a nervous laugh, "Well, I'm very observant." He looked around quickly, "We ready to go now?" He asked after they paid.
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