Billionaire's Childhood Love

LVI. A Crowd

Once in a while, we would go inside a store. Jasmine would purchase something. Hailey would stare at the stuff, want to buy it, but won't due to shortage of finances. I would offer, but Hailey would say no. Jasmine would stare at us but wouldn't say anything.

It turns into a cycle.

While Hailey paid for a souvenir, she got for Alvin. Jasmine and I stood beside the exit and waited for her.

"You're not going to offer to carry my bags?" Jasmine question. She sways the dozens of bags.

I smile, "You're a strong girl."

Hailey skips towards us. "Alvin will love this!" She shows me a little video game. Hailey doesn't say it, but she loves her younger brother. I wouldn't be surprised if she used the last of her savings.

"Here. I got it." I grab the bag from her hand.

I notice Jasmine glare in the corner of my eyes, and I block Hailey from witnessing it.

When Hailey finally noticed what happened, she attempted to rebuttal, but I left the store before she could do it.

Then, it happened.

We ran into someone.

Ricardo lowers the cigarette between his fingers. The smoke exhales from his lungs. His eyes rolled towards the other side of the street, and he took a step away from us.

He pretends not to see us, but then Hailey said: "Hey Ricardo!"

He continues to walk.

He got long functional legs. Why isn't he running?!

Hailey cups her hands, "Ricardo!"

Why Hailey? Why?!

He stops and turns towards us. "Hey."

Hailey heads towards him. I exhale a sharp breath and walk behind her. "You're alone?"

"Yeah," he responds hesitantly.

Her eyes drop towards the cigarette. "You shouldn't smoke. It's not good for the lungs." They continue to stare at each other much to my discomfort. "Oh!" Hailey said. She grabs the cigarette and throws it on the snow. She holds his hand, "You're burnt!"

I waited for him to withdraw his hand. But, when his eyes met mine, he smirked.

I grab Hailey's wrist, and she releases his hand. "He's fine." I turn towards Ricardo. "There's a convenience store nearby."

Ricardo exhales, but he doesn't respond.

"Would you like us to come with you?" Hailey asks.

Sometimes, I want to strangle Hailey.

"That's a good idea," Jasmine input. She looks at me and smiles. She's doing this on purpose.

Ricardo's eyes met mine. "Sure." He's taunting me. I know it.

The four of us sat inside the cafe after Ricardo purchased the kit for his small baby burn.

He looks at Hailey, "Mind helping me?"

Before Hailey could respond, I grabbed the bag. "I would love to help you," I said. I smile and squeeze between Ricardo and Hailey. Steadily, Hailey moves towards my old seat. "Hand," I place out a palm.

He glares at me

I smile, "Don't be shy." I grab his hand. Without removing the smile, I hold the jelly and squeeze it on the cotton. I press it on his flesh.

Ricardo grunts but refuses to scream.

I scrap it back and forth, "Comfortable?"

He smiles, "Yes. Your touch reminds me of my mamma. Soft."