Luke tried his very best not to grumble and to be cheerful but, good grief, he hated shopping and Black Friday shopping, he suspected, was the worst shopping of the year. But Mara really wanted to go and Luke wanted her to be happy so he smiled and followed her around the mall, carrying her bags and doing whatever he could to maintain a good attitude. To his surprise, he actually began to enjoy himself after an hour's steady going. They had started after breakfast at around eight in the morning and had gone into almost every store in the mall by the time two P.M. rolled around. Both of them were lugging their third arm load of stuff to Luke's car - which had a fresh paint job and new, legitimate license plates on them. The dozens of tiny cars that signified his victories were gone now and the car was a dark silver-gray color. Now it was filled, both the trunk and the back seats, with bags from there shopping trip. Mara surveyed their handiwork with pride. Luke gave a low whistle and said, "We spent a ridiculous amount of money."
Mara nodded and pulled out a stack of receipts. "Yup, but if you look at these receipts here, you find that we saved over twice the amount we spent. Not only that, you have enough new and more fashionable clothing items to fill a dresser drawer and at least half your closet, you have a new coat - one that looks a whole lot nicer than that carhart - and have several new video games, movies and television series seasons. Oh and a whole new set of tools that I question whether you really need but can still see the use in."
Luke chuckled. Mara had bought a new purse, several scarves, a new watch, some jewelry, a couple movies and video games of her own, some CD's and numerous gift cards and gifts for her friends and family. Unknown to Luke, she also ducked into a underwear/lingerie store and picked out a few items she was certain he would enjoy while he was perusing the tools in the store across the hallway. She had also forced Luke to get some workout clothing that actually fit, saying that there was no point in working out if you didn't show off the results of the hard work. Grudgingly, Luke agreed, knowing full well that an argument would be futile.
Mara grinned at him and said, "Alright so what do you want to do for lunch? I'm absolutely starving."
Luke nodded and re-locked his car before heading back towards the mall, Mara's arm around his. After lunch, they noticed that a movie was playing in the theater so they went and saw it. The place was empty and they spent thirty minutes after it was over making out and talking nothing to each other. One of the custodians had to yell at them to leave and, when they finally got into the light of day again, Luke had to duck into the men's room to wash the lipstick off his face - and his neck - and his ears. He came out clean but blushing and grinning like an idiot.
As they went back to his car, Mara said, "There is one place left that we need to go and then we can be done. Best-Buy's the last stop, Farmboy."
Luke almost blanched at the thought. "Babe, Best-Buy is still going to be crazy. Are you sure that's a good idea?"
Mara nodded. "Yes. There are a couple things I need to pick up and finish my Christmas shopping. It won't be that bad - it's like five pm. I'll be fine - especially if a big strong man comes with me."
Luke chuckled and shook his head, knowing, once again, that arguing with her would be so much wasted time. They got to the store and it seemed a little busy but not too bad. "I'll be back, Baby. Go see if there's anything you want;" said Mara, planting a kiss on his cheek before giggling and wiping the lipstick away again.
Luke chuckled and found a few more CD's, games and movies that he wanted. After taking them, paying for them and rushing out to the car, he rushed back in and began looking around. Mara was walking toward him, a large gift box in her arms. Suddenly, a man walked up and grabbed her box. Luke saw red for two seconds and he ran over. "Hey. What the hell are you doing?" he snapped angrily.
"I wanna see what she has, kid;" said the other customer. He had the look of desperation and anger in his eyes and Luke didn't like it.
In a voice that was all too calm, he said, "Take your hands off, or I'll take your hands off."
He and the man locked eyes. The man gritted, "This is none of your-"
"THIS," Luke snarled, "is my girlfriend. That MAKES it my business. Now take. Your. Hands. OFF!"
Mara was a little nervous. She didn't want to be one of THOSE shoppers who got into fights over stupid things. Suddenly, two large hands planted themselves on the irate man's shoulders. "You're leaving buddy - without the boxes."
Luke remained protectively between the customer and Mara until the two police officers had the offender safely out of the door, shooting death glares at them the whole time. Mara smiled and said, "Thanks. My hero - now shew. I need to pay for this."
Luke shook his head resolutely. "Uh-uh; I'm not letting you out of my sight."
She sighed and said, "Luke, in this box is your Christmas present. The surprise is already partially spoiled so please let me pay for this without a fuss. Look, everyone else is being perfectly reasonable."
Luke looked around and saw that she was right. Even so, he was still hesitant. Suddenly, a cheerful voice came from nearby. "Actually, why don't you just give me the receipt and have him turn around and not look. We won't say what it is and we'll keep it in the box."
It was a kid, probably not even out of high school. He was grinning ear to ear and Mara said, "That would be great. Thank you."
Luke stayed nearby but made sure he didn't look until Mara said, "Right, I'm ready, Luke. Let's head back to campus."
They dropped off the bags at Mara's apartment before heading back to the storage unit where Luke kept his car and carrying his bags back to his dorm. When they got there, Luke put all the stuff on the table and plopped down on his bed with a tired yet satisfied sigh. Mara crawled into his arms and said, "You're not going to fall asleep on me, are you?"
Luke chuckled and said, "Maybe for just a few minutes."
Mara gave a tiny little growl and jabbed her finger into his chest. "No! Up, up, up. You have to model all your new clothes for me."
"WHAT?" Luke asked in surprise, waking up a little. "I don't think so. You saw me try all of them on already!"
"Come on, Farmboy. If you do, then so will I."
Luke chuckled and said, "Yes but I got more clothing then you did - which is kinda sad now that I say it. It's not quite fair."
Mara gave a promising grin and whispered conspiratorially. "It is when you see what I got; I didn't show you everything, you know."
Luke studied and said, "Really? What all did you get?"
Mara shook her head. "No, no. It's a surprise! Now go on and get changed."
Luke was still a little hesitant but complied, trying on everything that he got for her. She would giggle and whistle and bat her lashes at him and comment on how good he looked and how stylish he was - to which he would blush profusely and mumble a thanks before trying on the next thing. When he was all done, he sat back down next to her. Mara ruffled his sandy blond hair and cooed, "See, that wasn't so bad, was it?"
Luke chuckled, "No not at all I suppose."
Mara winked at him and snuggled up to him again. "Tomorrow I'll return the favor. I got a few new things, some pajamas and a few... other things... that I think you'll really enjoy."
Luke perked up again and said, "I can hardly wait."
Mara smirked and said, "You're really going to like it, I think. Now, I'm hungry. What should we do for dinner?"
Luke pursed his lips and said, "We could order in. What do you think?"
Mara pulled out her Iphone and began to peruse the menus of some of the local restaurants that delivered. When she found one that sounded good to her and that she was sure Luke would like, she looked up to ask him but found him fast asleep. He looked so adorable and peaceful when he was asleep. Brushing his too long hair aside, she kissed one of his temples and ordered the food before snuggling up to him again and singing a sweet love song to him and stroking his rough right hand.
Updated 10/15/2018
