Gabe ended up dragging the boys and I into a Macy's where he gravitated towards some clothes on a long rack. "Stand over here." Gabe said gesturing to me to stand by him. One by one Gabe held up different articles of clothing towards me. He'd tuck a hanger under my neck or to my waist to get an idea of what it would look like on me. I'm pretty sure he pulled down everything each rack had to offer. Whenever he didn't like something he would put it back and if he did like something he'd pass it to Nathan or Corey to hang onto.
I looked around and noticed that Victor had disappeared.
"Guys?" I asked looking over to the boys as Gabe walked away to look at some blue jeans. "Where did Victor get that credit card from?"
"Didn't ya' know? His parents are loaded." Marc said.
"Yeah, I thought so," I say quietly. "I'm pretty sure Raven calls Victor Moneybags, so it makes sense."
Marc laughed as Corey shook his head. "I told Raven to stop calling Victor that."
"But it's true," Nathan said as he adjusted the clothes he was holding. "They gave that card to Victor the moment he was born."
"Won't they notice all of this?" I ask holding up the Victoria Secret bags.
"Probably not," Nathan said with a shrug. "If they did, they wouldn't care. As long as he plays his concerts they'll be happy."
"Concerts?" I know that Victor plays the piano and was really good at it, but I didn't know he played professionally for hundreds.
"Yeah, he hates them though. It's his parents who sign him up to do them. They love showing him off."
I sighed, it was very kind of Victor to buy all these things for me, but I don't know how I could ever make it up to him. A warm spot in my heart fluttered as I thought of Victor. I reminded myself to thank him again. My insides rattled as I think of all the money he's spent so far.
"Okay," Gabe said as he passed some jeans for Corey to hold. "Let's try these on." I nodded my head.
I followed Gabe as he led the way to where the fitting rooms were. They were unattended and empty. The boys joined me inside where Nathan and Corey dropped the clothes into a large pile on a seat outside one of the changing rooms. Looking at all of it felt overwhelming.
I locked the door of the fitting room once the boys left. I turn to see myself in the mirror, tracing my fingers over the buttons of Kota's shirt. His shirt didn't look terrible on me, even if it didn't fit me like it should. It felt a lot better than wearing Derricks clothes. It sounded silly, but wearing their clothes made me feel comfortable and safe. I wonder what they thought when they see me in their clothing?
I undress and slip on a pink cotton t-shirt and jean shorts.. I look at myself in the mirror and felt myself smile. I looked so pretty, not only did I look it, but I felt it. I hope the boys like it as much as I do...
I open the door to show the boys. The boys were speaking to each other, but stopped as soon as I stepped out. Marc and Corey both smiled at me. Nathan's eyes beamed. Gabe however frowned.
"Terrible."
My smile dropped. "What?"
"Those don't fit." Gabe said as he looked through some of the clothes on the pile. "Try these instead." Gabe held up a pair of black shorts.
I sighed and walked back into the changing room. Looking at myself in the mirror the clothes I was wearing fit me well. The shorts looked a bit weird as they sat on my hips. Is this what Gabe was talking about.
I spent about an hour trying on different items of clothes and in different combinations. Gabe was very picky with whatever I put on. Putting clothes in a "absolutely" and "never ever" pile. I honestly forgot which pile was which.
I would hover inside the dressing room every time I tried on something new. I was getting tired of stepping out each time. Gabe would hit me with his opinion before the door was fully opened, "Too tight. Too much. Doesn't fit." I was getting tired of shopping but at least Gabe was happy.
"What do you mean it doesn't fit?" I asked when he quickly rejected a shirt. "It feels fine."
"No," Gabe said waving me off. "It doesn't fit you. Your personality, your style, it's not what we want."
"Well what do we want?"
"Clothes that tell everyone who you are." Gabe tells me.
"What am I supposed to be saying?" I asked confused, how can people know who you are based on your clothes.
Gabe chuckled, his bright blue eyes lighting up. "You'll know it when you feel it," he says. "trust me."
When I finally finished with what Gabe picked out I got dressed and stepped out of the dressing room. The boys were out waiting for me while Gabe ran off to get a pair of shorts in a smaller size.
"I'm so tired." I mumbled.
Nathan laughed. "Sang you just started."
I groan. "Tell me that they'll be happy after we're done."
Marc sat up straighter. "They're busting their asses trying to make you happy." He said smiling.
"I'm fine though!" My voice cracked. "I keep telling you guys I'm happy." The boys face's told me they didn't believe me.
"Sang..." Corey began but couldn't seem to find the right words.
"Sang," Marc began. "Your mean as fuck sister just stole all your shit and left with you with absolutely nothing, and no offense but, your shitty parents keep you locked away, how happy are you?" I kept my mouth shut, Marc made a good and honest yet harsh point...
"Jesus Marc." Nathan mumbled narrowing his eyes at Marc.
"I'm just sayin' Sang, you deserve nice things," Marc says leaning back against the wall. "you deserve the world."
"B-but it's not all bad..." I say quietly. The guys turned to me. "I'm here with you guys...I'm grateful I really am...but it's a little overwhelming..."
"You're just not used to all the attention." Nathan said and I nodded. Nathan chuckled. "Well you've landed in the wrong group of friends."
"He's right you're stuck with us now." Marc added.
I smiled. "Heh, is this what it's always like with you boys?" I ask turning towards them. "Is this normal?" They stayed quiet for a moment.
"It's been different with you around." Corey answered.
My eyes widened. "In a bad way?" I felt a bit scared, am I ruining things for them? The guys seemed surprised hearing my question.
"Seriously?" Marc said narrowing his eyes at me.
"No, of course not." Corey said gently.
"No Sang, I-we love having you around," Nathan said. "You gotta trust us, we want you here."
I smile at the guys. I know that we're all close friends and I know they care about me but a part of me feels like their lives would be a lot easier without me around. If I wasn't around they wouldn't have to drop everything to come and take care of me. It wasn't long after Gabe came back with lots of clothes in his arms and dumped them into my arms.
"Last load," He said with a small smile. "Then we'll shop somewhere else, I think I might have looked through everything." You think?
After trying out the rest of the clothes picked out and getting Gabe's stamp of approval, he was the one who told me to go find Victor while he and others took the clothes to the registers. It was nice to get a breather. Looking through the different sections of the store I still couldn't find him. It wasn't till I was walking down one aisle where something caught my eyes.
Victor hovered over a glass case in the jewelry section, he held a pen as he signed the receipt the attendant gave to him. The attendant was young with dark hair and dark eyes, she was beautiful. She fluttered her eyes at Victor while sliding a small box towards him while she said something quietly.
I took a few steps forward close enough to hear Victor say "...it's just some beautiful girl I met at school." His words made me pause. The attendant only smiled at him before turning away to help another customer. Victor turned and looked surprised to see me just standing there like an idiot. "Sang?" His hand quickly picked up the small box and slipped it away into his pocket. "Is Gabe finished?"
"Um...Yeah." I put a finger on my lip as I look away. Did he not want me to see what he got? Has he met a girl at school? My brain ran through the possibilities, there were so many girls at school, which one is it? Not that it matters, Victor can see whichever girl he wants, any of the boys could if they wanted to, I don't mind, but still... why did the thought make my heart hurt? I pushed my finger against my teeth.
Victor tilted his head at me as he stepped closer to me. "Sang? Are you okay? What's with the face?"
I blink and gave him a fake smile. "Yeah...it's um...Gabe, He's made me try on everything in the store."
Victor laughed and shook his head. "I'm sorry I snuck off, I was just browsing. I'll stick close so he doesn't driver everybody crazy."
Victor's hand found mine and he held onto me tight. I felt a pang of confusion, what would that girl think if she saw us holding hands? I felt a pang of guilt. What would she think if she knew he slept in the same bed as me. I really enjoyed my time with Victor, but I couldn't help but slip my hand away from his. Victor looked a bit hurt at this, but he didn't say anything, instead he slipped his hands in his pockets.
We found the rest of the guys waiting by the registers, the lady at the register eyes them curiously. When Victor and I stepped up to the registers she seemed even more confused. Victor looked at everything and nodded his approval to Gabe. I tried not to look at the total cost of the transaction.
"Say it Sang." Victor said glancing over to me.
I gave him an appreciative nod. "Thank you for everything Victor."
Victor smiled at me. "You're welcome Sang."
At the fifth store Victor snapped at Gabe for wanting me to try on another skirt in a different color when I already tried so many, so many I lost count. I was getting tired and when I went to sit by the guys my stomach grumbled.
"Me too Sang," Nathan said standing up with a smile, he began to stretch. "We're starving, we need to get some food."
"I agree," Victor said. "Let's hurry up and go."
"Oh thank God." Marc said putting a hand on his stomach.
"Aw," Gabe said sadly. "Fine, I'm getting hungry." I guess even picky fashionistas need to rest.
After leaving the store my arms were overloaded with bags. Shoes were now included. Gabe had told me what shoes go with what skirts, and which sandals went with what jeans. Gabe rattled on that I lost track and I felt dizzy as he explained everything.
"Here Sang, let me help with that." Gabe took some of the bags and pushed it over towards Marc and Corey.
"Is holding stuff for you the only reason you wanted us to come?" Marc said sounding a little bit annoyed.
Gabe grinned. "Maybe."
As we walked through the mall Gabe stopped short in front of a sporting goods store. Gabes eyes squinted as he scanned over the racks.
"Gabe, No." Victor said.
"But I just remembered Sang doesn't even have a bathing suit," Gabe turned to Victor towards me. "She needs at least one, just one, I swear!"
Victor looked over at me. "Do you have one?
At that moment I really, really, really wanted to lie. One reason was because I didn't want to spend another hour trying on different bathing suits. The second reason was because I felt guilty that Victor had spent so much money on me already, I know he was rich but I just can't take advantage of his generosity. But I've already done a lot of lying already. I sighed, "No, but I don't need it," I said. "I mean it's already September, how often are we going to go swimming."
The boys all laughed at me and I felt myself pout.
"Fine," Victor says. "but if you're not back in half an hour I'm taking Sang and leaving you here Gabe."
"Don't worry about it," Gabe said hooking an arm around my neck. "We'll be quick." I only sighed knowing that I didn't really have a choice, I was getting a new bathing suit whether I liked it or not. As I walked away from the guys I could hear them laugh and wished me luck.
Reaching the store's swimsuit section I noticed there were only a couple of racks with a limited number of swimsuits on them. I stood quietly next to Gabe as he looked through the different suits. He ignored most of the one pieces and mumbled something about mixing and matching tops and bottoms.
"Thoughts?" Gabe asked as he held up a blue and somewhat skimpy bikini.
I blushed. "It's...very pretty." I could never imagine wearing something, even if I did, if my mother saw it she would explode.
"Hm," Gabe took another look at it before putting it back on the rack. "Not really your color."
Gabriel was finally able to select a variation of different types of tops and bottoms and we both headed to the dressing rooms. "Alright Sang, we don't have a lot of color options, so just pick what you like."
I took a step into the small dressing room and noticed that there was only a curtain to separate me from the rest of the store. And then I realized that I would have to get completely naked to try on the swimsuits. I took a big breath, let's get this over Sang.
I first tried the modest two-piece Gabe picked out for me. It was a pair of black shorts with a matching halter type, this swimsuit barely showed any of my midsection. Perfect...
When I finished dressing I wasn't sure if I wanted to step out and be seen. "Gabe?" I cried out softly.
The curtain slid open quickly which caused me to jump back a bit. Gabe stood there as his eyes scanned me. "No," He said shaking his head. "That's just plain ugly. I said to pick your favorite."
"Sorry," I mumble. "I was just..."
"Nervous?" Gabe finished for me and I nodded my head. "Don't be, pick what you want or we'll be here all day...or until Victor comes in and drags us out."
I stepped back into the changing room and closed the curtain. I looked through my options trying to figure which was my favorite that also didn't show off too much. I ended up picking a black, white and pink plaid suit. It had a moderate bra-like top and the bottom was plain black with some pink plaid material that made the bottom look like a mini-skirt. At first I thought it was a little too bold for me, but I really liked the colors together, I also think the boys might like it.
After trying it on I inspected myself in the mirror. It fit me perfectly. When I moved the skirt part covered my butt. Although the suit sat a little lower on my hips than I expected, I couldn't help but notice how good it made my hips look. The top felt like one of the bras I just bought and the top fit me well.
I called out for Gabriel as I folded my arms around my stomach waiting for his judgment. He opened the curtain quickly as if he was standing outside the entire time waiting for this. His blue eyes looked at me up and down. I noticed that his face changed, his eyes started to shine, his lips parted slightly and his cheeks tinted red. He blinked as he stepped inside the dressing room abd closed the curtain behind him.
I took a small step back to give himself more room. "Gabe?"
His eyes drank my body in as he opened his mouth. "Move your arms?" His voice was so gentle, probably the softest I've ever heard it. I did as I was told and my eyes couldn't help but sink into the old dingy carpet below Gabe's shoes. "Turn around." I did, slowly. "Okay now do it again and bend over."
My head shot up as I looked into his intense blue eyes. "Gabriel..." My voice trembled at hearing his weird request.
His head jerked back looking shocked. He tripped forward as he closed the gap between us. His palms held my cheeks as he held my face up until I was looking straight into his eyes. "Sang," He said. "Will you please trust me?"
I opened my mouth to say something, but no words could come out. I closed my mouth.
Gabe's eyes darkened. "I will never hurt you." He said assuring me. "I handle all the clothes, alright? I know the guys's bodies because it's what I do, I've been styling them since I was little. If you stick with us, and if you'll let me, I'll do my best to know your style and what fits you best."
I still couldn't say anything. I felt myself blushing at the thought of bending over for Gabe. But it wasn't just bending over anymore, but his words and those blue crystal eyes of his.
Gabe leaned in and pressed forehead against mine. "Please," he pleaded. "Don't look so scared. I swear on my mom's grave I'd never lay a hand on you. Never ever."
My eyes winded in surprise. "Gabe...is-y-your m-mom?"
He lifted his forehead and moved slightly away from me. "Yeah, when I was little," He pulled some of my hair back behind my ear. "But I'm talking about you right now. If I'm asking you to do something, there's a reason for it. I just want to make sure it doesn't slip when you move, that's it."
I sucked in a breath as Gabe backed away from me. I turned around and bent over at my hips until my fingers were touching the floor. I couldn't see behind me but I could feel Gabe's eyes on me.
Gabe then told me to move certain parts of my lower body and I did exactly as I was told.
"Oh God, okay, yes it fits fine." Gabe said quickly. I stood straight and noticed that he was slightly turned away from me, his face and ears red. "We're fine."
"So this is the one?" I ask gesturing towards the bathing suit. Did Gabe feel sick?
"Yeah, yeah..." Gabe mumbled. "You're perfect." Gabe went ahead and opened the curtain quickly without looking at me and stepped out.
The moment he did a voice boomed out. "Sir!" A male voice said. "There can't be two people in the same dressing room." I could feel my heart jump as I quickly started to get changed into my regular clothes.
"Who says? There's no sign anywhere so..."
"I'm the manager." The man states.
"I'm sorry," Gabe said in a low voice. "do you not know who that is?"
"I don't care who she is." The voice said although a lot softer.
"That girl has a shoot tomorrow and we're here to find a new suit to put her in. I need to make sure she looks good." Gabe explained.
"And who are you?"
"I'm her photoprapher."
I couldn't help but smile as I slipped Kota's shirt on.
The manager huffed. "You still can't-"
"Sorry 'kay? This isn't some type of pervert show, I was just giving her my opinion. Besides, you should let boyfriends have opinions on their girlfriends bathing suits, some girls get it all wrong."
At that moment I wanted to throw one of my shoes at Gabe, but instead I finished dressing myself. I opened the curtain with the pink suit hanging over my arm. I look up to see the manager looking directly at me.
The manger took on look at me and started to mumble something under his breath.
Gabe smirked smugly at the manager as he grabbed the suit from me before passing it over to the guy. "Will you ring this up for us?" Gabe then turned to face me. "Cab you please go fetch your agent?" Let him pay for it if he wants it so bad." My what? Oh! I turned around and quickly exited the store to go find Victor.
I found the boys sitting on a bench near the store. They sat and spoke to each other with the shopping bags sitting on the floor close to them. I ran up to Victor.
"Is Gabe done?" Victor asked and I nodded.
"Um yes, also your my agent now, apparently." I said. Victor raised an eyebrow in confusion while I just shrugged and gave him a small smile. He sighed as he stood up and walked into the sports store.
"You ready to have some lunch?" Marc asked glancing at me.
I nodded. "Yes, but, there was something else I wanted to buy but..."
"Something else you wanted to buy?" Marc smiled and looked at all the bags on the ground. "What else could you possibly want?"
I blushed and shook my head."It-it's not for me! I just wanted to get some cat food."
"Cat food?" Corey asked. "Do you have a cat?"
"Well, no," I said looking down at my feet. "There's a stray that lives around my neighborhood, I leave him scraps and water, but I've been wanting to get him some real cat food. I know it's not good to feed strays, but he's just so skinny..."
"Alright," Corey said picking up some of the bags. "Let's get some then, there's a pet store around here isn't there?"
I nodded. "Yeah, but I'm starting to feel bad having Victor spend so much money on me."
"Then I'll pay for it. Don't look at me like that," Marc said to me. "It's fine Sang." Marc said picking up some more bags. I picked some bags and we began to walk away from the bench. I turned around to look at the sports store.
"Shouldn't we wait for the others?" I ask.
"Nah, it'll be okay, we won't be long." Marc said leading the way.
We entered the pet store and Marc went to where the cat food was and I stayed back to look at some of the animals. I stayed to look at some of the fish that were swimming freely in their tank. Their bright scales standing out against the background of the tank. As I watch I can feel a pair of eyes on me, I turn to see Corey watching me watch the fish. When we made eye contact he quickly looked away.
"Do you like fish Corey?" I ask.
"Yeah, I like them," Corey said looking at the fish. "Axel likes them a lot more though."
"Really?"
"Oh yeah," Corey smiles. "Ask him about marine life."
I hear footsteps approach us to see Marc walk towards us while speaking on the phone. "Yeah, we're at the pet store, don't worry she's okay, jeez." Marc rolls his eyes at whoever was on the other end of the line. "We're buying her a puppy duh." Marc then hangs up the phone. "Alright you two, I got the cat food," Marc held up a bag with the pets store logo on it. "Let's go before the others lose their shit."
"Were they worried about me?" I ask gripping the bags tighter. The weight of the bags making my arms hurt.
"Those guys are always worried about you." Marc says to me as he turns around leading us out of the pet store.
We meet the boys next to their car where we put the bags inside the trunk.
"Where do you want to go Sang?" Victor asks me. "What are you hungry for?"
"Y-you're asking me?" I put a finger on my lip. "Um..." I glance over at Nathan who mouthed Italian. "Um, Italian?"
Victor rolled his eyes."What's your favorite food Sang?"
"Pancakes." I say with a smile.
Victor laughs. "Okay let's get some Italian.Only because Erica makes the best pancakes and we can't ask her right now."
"We'll follow behind you guys, k?" Corey said as he Marc walked away towards their car.
Victor opened the passenger and I slipped in and buckled up. Nathan and Gabe sat in the back while Victor adjusted the rearview mirror and turned on the car. As we left the parking lot I could see Corey and Marc driving behind us. My eyes watch them before falling onto my hand that had that boy's number.
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This is my longest chapter in a while I hope you guys enjoyed it! :))
(4265 Words)