Fractured Fragments Pt.1 (BoyXBoy)

15: Changing

*Chris POV*

I can't believe it's been two weeks since Tyler told me he liked me. We've spent everyday together since then. I've even be able to start hugging him. "Chris! Come on, honey, we gotta go shopping for school supplies!" my mom yelled from the kitchen snapping me out of my day dreaming. With only a week left before school we had to go get clothes and other essentials. Quickly slipping on my Vans, I made my way to the kitchen. "Hey, Mom, do you mind if..." My words trailed off as I laid eyes on him. "Oh, nevermind, I guess," I muttered. Tyler walked over and gave me a careful hug, respecting my boundaries, making sure only our upper bodies touched. I still couldn't handle anything below the waist.

Whispering in my ear, Tyler apologized, "Yeah, sorry, I asked already. I wanted to surprise you."

"I figured he could keep you company while I go look around too," my mom said, giving me a wink. We made our way to the car, with Mom behind the wheel. As we drove, I watched the trees and the picturesque mountain view pass by through the car window. Evandale was a peaceful place, and I was starting to genuinely enjoy being here.

After a few minutes, we arrived at the outlet mall. It was much busier than I had expected. "Is it always this busy?" I asked Tyler.

"Yeah, it's the only mall for a while, so surrounding towns come here," Tyler replied. We circled the parking lot twice before finally finding a spot.

The mall was in a T shape, with stores on either side, all outdoors but with a roof bridging the gap between each side. All the major brands were present, but there were only two that caught my interest: Hot Topic and Vans. Well, maybe Zumie's as well. I was sure Tyler wanted to explore several of the athletic brands too.

The parking lot bustled with activity, filled to the brim with cars and people bustling in every direction. It seemed like everyone from miles around had converged upon this place, eager to take advantage of the back-to-school sales. Cars maneuvered through the maze of parking spaces, their engines purring as they vied for the next available spot. The air was alive with the sounds of honking horns, the occasional screech of tires, and snippets of excited chatter from shoppers.

As we slowly made our way through the crowded lot, I couldn't help but observe the diverse array of people moving around us. Families with children eagerly tugged their parents toward the entrance, their eyes sparkling with anticipation. Groups of teenagers, their laughter echoing through the air, meandered between cars, absorbed in their own conversations and fashionable attire. Elderly couples strolled hand in hand, their expressions filled with nostalgia and a shared love for shopping.

Navigating the congested parking lot proved to be quite the challenge. We patiently circled rows of parked vehicles, scanning for any signs of an imminent departure. The tension rose as we spotted other cars doing the same, competing for the limited spaces. Finally, we found one we spotted a vehicle slowly backing out from its spot. With a quick maneuver, my mom skillfully snatched the newly vacated space, eliciting a relieved sigh from all of us.

Stepping out of the car, we joined the group of pedestrians, becoming part of the bustling scene. The sound of footsteps mixed with the hum of conversations and the occasional burst of laughter. Shoppers moved with purpose, their arms laden with bags or clutching meticulously crafted shopping lists.

The outlet mall itself stretched out before us, a sprawling expanse of stores and walkways. The T-shaped layout revealed a multitude of options, each store beckoning with its vibrant displays and enticing advertisements. Outdoor kiosks added to the bustling atmosphere, their vendors energetically promoting their products to passersby.

As my eyes scanned the scene, I noticed the clusters of people congregating around certain stores. Sports enthusiasts flocked to the athletic brands. Fashion-forward individuals gravitated towards trendy boutiques, eager to find the perfect ensemble for the upcoming school year. And among it all, I spotted the unmistakable presence of Hot Topic and Vans, their stores radiating an alternative and rebellious vibe that instantly resonated with me.