Chapter 53

On the way to the food court, the two of them passed Dillard's Department Store and Allison stopped dead in the middle of the walkway. She had seen a display of Channel #5 perfume and was suddenly transfixed by it. This was the first time that she had seen that much of her mother's perfume in any one place. Taya saw what she was staring at and almost cried. Her daughter was so in love with the memory of her dead mother that made Taya wonder if she would ever be able to overcome that and allow her to gain Allison's respect and love.

Going into the store, Taya asked the clerk to see the choices of gift sets of Channel. Allison just stood there in awe of all of the choices available. As soon as Taya saw the triple gift set, she knew that this was she wanted to get for Allison. There was a large spray bottle of cologne, a tiny bottle of perfume, and a container of talc. She told the clerk that she would take it and then turned to Allison to present it to her.

"Why are there two bottles of perfume?" she wanted to know.

"Sweetie, the large bottle is cologne and it is to spray on. The little bottle is perfume and much stronger so you only need the tiniest amount of it. Then the talc is to put on after your bath. You can smell good all the time. The little bottle you could carry in your new purse that you got at Clair's."

"Okay," she said as she took the gift set from Taya. "I'm hungry, let's go eat now."

Taya sighed, she had at least hoped that she would get a thank you from Allison. Trailing after her daughter with all the purchases they had made during the long and arduous morning, they finally arrived at the food court. Taya gratefully sank into a chair, glad to be taking a load off of her aching feet, and asked Allison where she wanted to eat.

"I want pizza, nachos, a corndog, a milkshake, and a banana split for desert!"

"Allison, are you sure that your eyes aren't bigger than your tummy?"

"No! I am hungry, and you asked me what I wanted! If you don't want to get me what I want then why did you ask me?" she said as her voice rose higher with each word.

"I'll tell you what I'll do, I'll get you everything but the desert now, and if you finish it all, then you can have your banana split, deal?"

"Okay, but only cuz it will melt if you get it now!" Allison stated with a triumphant grin.

Taya left Allison at the table while she got everything on her list and picked up a plate of Lo Mien for herself. Returning to the table she watched Allison polish off every bite of everything on her plate. Amazed that the child could find room for all that food, she hesitantly asked, "Are you full yet, sweetie?"

"I have just enough room for my banana split, and maybe a pretzel," she said considering her fullness level.

With a resigned sigh, Taya went to get the desert Allison wanted, and then once again, watched in fascinated horror as the tiny child ate every bite. Looking up at Taya, Allison admitted, "I guess I'm too full for the pretzel now, maybe I could eat it later."

"Okay then, why don't I clear off the table and then we could pick out a movie to see here at the theatre?"

"I guess," Allison reluctantly agreed. "Would it be okay if I go and look in the store window over there?" she gestured towards the toy store just a short distance away and Taya agreed.

As soon as Allison reached the toy store window, she looked back to see what Taya was doing. Seeing that she was still clearing the mess from lunch, Allison ducked around the corner and headed towards the sporting goods store. She and Mackenzie had planned this get away last night and Allison was pleased at how easy it had worked!

To be continued…..