Chapter 8: Clothes Shopping.

POV: Thomas.

After Lady calmed me down, we decided to go ahead and get ready for the date we had planned. But I just had ONE problem.

"I really don't know how to put this, but I don't have a fresh set of clothes."

"Not like you had any control in the matter." Lady said to me as she brushed her hair. "Regardless, we better get you a fresh set, since you've been wearing those since yesterday."

"Yeah." I sighed. "But I'm nearly broke, so I can't spend anything passed 50 pounds."

"And that's exactly why I'm coming." The singer replied. "I know it's polite for the guy to pay for his girl, but realistically I find that quite unfair, for what if the girl wants to treat her guy. Mum, dad, Proteus and I see love and relationships as a two way street. If one contributes in a way, so does the other. For if you love someone, you'd do anything for them, right?"

"Yeah." Replied solemnly.

Hearing Lady's words, I couldn't help but think back to those girls who betrayed me for Geoffrey.

In those dates, I was the only who was paying for them, and ridding of my allowance just to give them a good time, but to only get humiliated in the end.

"Lady's very much willing to pay unlike those other two backstabbing stinkers that Geoffrey has since humiliating me." I thought. "Does this mean that Lady actually loves me?"

I didn't have much of a chance to think about this, for Lady was all set and ready to go. Taking my hand into her's, we went out of the hotel, and walked across the sidewalk near the streets.

It was still early in the morning as we walked, so there weren't as many people about.

"Gosh, it's actually quiet right now." I remarked, as Lady nodded.

"Back when I lived on Muffle Mountain, I used to take early morning hikes with my family amongst the trails." Lady began as I listened carefully. "Truth be told, Thomas, though it was in a time when we struggled financially, I loved going on those hikes. It was very peaceful, and if given a chance with enough silence, you'd be able to see different animals within the wildlife. Dad promised that he'd take me on a hike on one of Sodor's Mountains, but, he's often busy with helping Proteus with some of his university work. And Mum hasn't really been able to find the time since she's busy with trying to figure out songs for me to sing. So... we're kind of tight when it comes to times to do things like that."

"Those hikes must've been truly special to you, haven't they?" I remarked, as my girlfriend nodded.

"I just wish, I could do them again someday."

And THAT was something to keep a mental note of, IF I ever got a chance to go to Sodor after Lady's departure. From what I got, she REALLY enjoyed mountain hikes, and wouldn't mind taking time out of her day to go on one.

As we continued on, Lady and I continued to chat, getting to know each other more. I still kept my mouth shut about how my whole school treats my like a sandbag that's part of an arcade game, for I still felt unsure if she'll find fun in the idea too.

As then the clothing store came into view, Lady and I ended up being the first two people to arrive today.

Glancing at the shirts, there was one that seemed to catch my interest making me instantly check to see if it came in my size. It was simple blue polo shirt that had a red collar, three blue buttons, and a single red band on the torso as well as the sleeves.

"This one is not too bad." I remarked as I then grabbed the one within my size off the rack and checked the tag.

Lady, who was nearby, saw me, and smiled as she saw the shirt.

"Ooh. That'll look great on you, Thomas." She remarked.

"Think so?" I quizzed, as she nodded with a sincere look. "Okay. I'll get this one, and now just need a pair of jeans and..."

My body froze. A certain teen who was dressed in dressed in red was coming through the door.

POV: Lady.

"Thomas?" I said to my boyfriend as I saw him stand there with a face of fear coming over him.

Before I knew it, Thomas grasped my hand, brought me to a spot out of sight by a set of stairs. His breathing was heavy, and he looked panicked as his eyes were locked on a Teenage boy of his age who was dressed in red. Carefully watching his every step and movement.

Seeing how frightened he was, I thought it best to not make a single sound, for if my boyfriend was acting like this, and even grasping my hand, unwilling to let go, then that boy in red was a threat to him. A threat that he knew all too well.

As the boy in red then let out an angry scream, he marched out of the doors, in a major fit of rage.

Thomas finally exhaled, as I then looked at him worriedly.

"Thomas..." I began cautiously. "You don't have to tell me that boy's name or what he did, but, was he..."

"Bad to me?" He replied knowingly. "Yes. Very bad to be precise. I shudder and shiver whenever I see him. Anyways, sorry about that unexpected dash and hide maneuver."

"Don't apologize." I stated sternly. "I understand your reasoning, and I'm not going to be mad at you for it. Regardless, whenever I see that stinker face to face, I'll make sure he knows that I'm displeased with him!"

Thomas only stayed silent as I saw the look of fear and pain in his eyes, shuddering as if some horrid memories returned to him. I then caressed his cheek, before pecking him on the lips. His heart slowed down some, as he then nuzzled me.

"Darn it." He exhaled with a smile. "What did I do to deserve you?"

"Exist." I replied innocently as Thomas then pecked me on the cheek. "Anyways, you still have things to collect."

"Oh! Shoot! You're right!" He exclaimed as I then couldn't help but giggle.

"Well, go on mister. Don't have me keep you waiting. I'll meet you at the counter once you're finished."

"Right!" He then said as he dashed off to find everything he came in for.

"He's such a goofball." I chuckled, still smiling at the boy whom I gotten into a relationship with. "Now, what should I do while I..."

My words paused as my eyes glanced over at the jewelry section. Within the display shelf there was a necklace that caught my eye. It was made of gold, and in the shape of a number one, with diamonds and rubies outlining it. I didn't know why... But... something told me, that I had to get it.

"Excuse me! Miss!" I said to the woman who was working at the counter.

"What is... Oh goodness! Lady Stone! Interested in the jewelry we have here?"

"I suppose so." I replied. "Anyways, can you tell me more about this necklace?"

I pointed to the one that caught my eye, and the woman smiled as her eyes landed upon it.

"Ooh. Interested in the number one, ey?" She remarked. "Well, I can tell you more about it, and it's intended purpose."

She then paused impressively as she went over it's history.

"The number one necklace is one of a kind and is been passed from jewelry place to jewelry place, never getting purchased. People seemed to find it odd, and often ask: 'Why would you carry a stupid thing like that?' Often overlooking the intention of it and it's message that the one who made it wanted to get out. The number one necklace is meant to be given to one's own 'Number one.' Saying that you'll love them no matter hard far or thin, or how many mistakes you both make. You're telling them that they're your one and only, and you'll never leave their side."

"Such a wonderful intention." I remarked. "As a matter of fact... I think... It's perfect for HIM."

"Then feel free to give to him." The woman said as she then place the necklace and it's box on the counter. "To make things even better, I'll even give you a 99% discount for it. I wish I could do a hundred, but we are trying to keep this place a float."

"No, the 99% discount is fine." I replied. "Thank you. I think Thomas could really use this, a symbol that someone will be there for him, and to love him, no matter what. He's oddly just like this necklace, often being overlooked. That's why, I want to give him it. For he's MY number one."

The woman only smiled as she scanned the Number 1 Necklace over the scanner and placed in the discount. Once that was done, I swiped my card, and completed the purchase.

Placing the box within my purse where he wouldn't be able to see it, I smiled knowing that it'll make his day. He needed this necklace, for he needed it's message.

To be continued...