Exposed

Chapter XVI: On An Edge

Chapter Sixteen: On An Edge.

"Hello?"

"Hi, I need your help." I cut to the chase as soon as Carter answers his phone. I'm currently at the mall, trying to find an anniversary present for Jake. We're in a Louis Vuitton store. Jake decided to buy a new duffel bag since the one he has is almost ripping from its constant use. I excused myself to call Carter while Jake was attended to by a worker. I'm still not out of it but I want to give him something special before his performance tomorrow and before I tell him. I know that materialistic things don't equal emotions but I want to give him something that will hold some kind of sentimental value like his necklace holds something to me.

"Ok..." Carter sounds hesitant, probably because of my abruptness to ask. "With what?"

"You do know my and Jake's six month anniversary was on Sunday, right?"

"No... But okay."

I roll my eyes. "I'm at the mall and I need you to help me find him an anniversary present by giving me some suggestions." I say. "You're a man, what would you prefer if your girlfriend were to get you something?"

"Are you alone at the mall?" Carter remarks, not answering my question.

"No, I'm with Jake." I respond. "Now answer my question."

"No. If he's with you, ask him. Why call me, Sky?"

"Stop being such a pissy asshole and help me." I murmur into my phone as I notice Jake approaching. "He doesn't know I'm buying him something."

"Doesn't he wear watches?" Carter says.

"Yeah, that's a good one. Thanks, I gotta go." I abruptly hang up. "Did you find anything?" I ask Jake as he comes empty-handed.

"I have a few choices but I need your help." I'm not surprised. The few times we've done shopping together -- most of those times online, Jake has asked for my opinion and acceptance on whatever he's purchasing. Dad also does this with Mom. I guess, it's a man-thing.

"Show me." I grab hold of his hand and he walks me to the shelf, showcasing several different bags.

"I was thinking about this one." He points to a bag almost the same size as the one he has at home. This one is only slightly bigger with the typical Louis Vuitton brown checkered print. "But then, I saw this carry-on." They both have the same design and I still don't know why he's struggling to choose one. "I'm not sure which one would be more convenient for me. I like having a duffel bag but do you think I should change to a carry-on? It would last longer, right?"

"It would but, you don't carry a lot of stuff. If you buy the carry-on, it'll technically be half empty every time you use it." I say. Men aren't like us -- women -- who take an insane amount of items when traveling for a short period of time. Jake always takes the same pair of shoes and jeans, only adding different shirts and a few sweatshirts and his favorite sweats plus his toiletries; shaving cream, razor, toothbrush, cologne. He only varies his outfit choices if he's traveling for something important. And even in those situations, the amount of things he packs aren't a lot. "I think you should go for the bag. It's the perfect size for the amount of stuff you carry and it's what you're used to traveling with."

"Okay." He says, "Thanks, Petal." Jake pecks me, quickly before turning around to get the employee's attention.

"Anytime." I reply.

She moves toward us. "Did you decide?" She smiles, politely and I'm thankful she's not one of the flirty employees we've encountered in other stores.

"Yeah, I'll go with the duffel bag." Jake answers, dragging me closer to him.

"Same color as this one?" She takes out a key chain, many keys colliding together. She crouches down and picks a key, opening a drawer at the bottom of the showcasing shelf.