Another night of poor sleep. More disturbed dreams, with him both causing anguish and peace. How is it possible to anyone to find tranquility near someone like him? This goes against any self-preservation most basic instincts.
-This way you'll reach the 29's looking like a zombie. - Clarice smiles, making fun of herself and her recent dark circles in her eyes in front of the bathroom mirror- If there's a next gift, it better be makeup to hide all this you caused…- she rolled her eyes and enters in the shower.
Arriving at work, Clarice find's Ardelia near to her desk, looking at some papers.
-Good morning, Ardelia.- she smiles
-Clarice! Hi… Did you sleep well…? -she sounds worried after looking to her friend.
-Oh, yes, just some neighbors in the building next to mine throwing a party or something with music out loud until late of night… - She sighs, lying.
-I'm sorry… I was going to ask you to come with me buy some clothes to you birthday. I'm not trusting you and your 'I'm an FBI agent wardrobe', sorry…
Clarice rolls her eyes.
-No need to exaggerate, Ardelia… But I do think some shopping can be good… - she was more worried about thinking about anything else, them him.
-Great! Wait for me before you leave then.
Another long day finishing paperwork with half of her concentration to her task until it was time to leave, but she finally made it through the day.
They went to a street with a few stores that might interest them both. Ardelia was much more excited than Clarice, although Clarice did try her best to appear excited and find something to wear.
She notice then that all her possible choices were considering her recent gifts.
-You are only trying black dresses. I know it is a nice and easy color to wear, but it is your birthday! Should you try something with more color?
-I know, Ardelia, but like you said, all these dresses I can use after that in many different occasions… besides… I can always wear some accessories to contrast it…- Clarice says casually
-Alright. Next stop? Something to eat, please! Than, shoes.
-Fine, fine…
Leaving the store, while Ardelia was busy with her own shopping bags, Clarice sees with her peripheral vision a figure that seems familiar and her heart races the pace. She immediately turn her head to look better, but there is no one like the person she thinks she saw. 'He would not risk be seen in daylight just to… watch me shopping… would he?'- she thinks
-Clarice? Are you ok? - Asks Ardelia
-Hm… Sure… I was just… trying to find a nice place to eat… - she smiles, trying to hide from her friend what was going on.
-Ok - She did not seem to notice anything from Clarice.
A few more hours of shopping and they both end their shopping program. While approaching her own building, Clarice realizes she is anxious, as looking forward to something.
She goes upstairs fast, just to find a new bag. Bigger than the previous ones, she could not help and slightly smiles. Leaving her own shopping bags on the floor to take this one. It was big white bag with a white box in it.
She reaches for her keys fast, taking the other bags and entering her apartment. She keeps holding only the mysterious bag, placing it at her table and removing the box from the bag. Opening it, there is a white silk paper, involving a black fabric she unfolds as a beautiful black midi dress with a deep neckline.
-That's kinda revealing…- She thoughts, but immediately she undresses her own clothes and tries the dress. It fits perfectly, precisely adjusted to her body, showing slightly her curves. It's almost like he knew her body measurements, which makes part of her feel flattered, but, again, the other part of her mind cut it off.
-He could have guessed… - 'No, you know he is not the type that would risk buying an expensive gift that would not fit' her both voices in her head are arguing.
-You do not know him, what we would have or would not have done in such circumstances, Clarice… If he knew you measurements, it is not normal… this entire situation is not normal… - she sits, still wearing the dress, looking in a large mirror she have in her living room.
-This could be from some random creepy guy and you're fantasizing about him… This time, not even a card with my name… Because now I know they're for me…?
