[𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐒]

"𝐈 𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐕𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐌𝐄

sensitive."

"I can't believe you're still stuck on that," London replied. We had just left La Perla and were on to the next store.

During my little shopping trip, I had not only spent money on myself, but I also bought London a new pair of Jordans that just got into the stores. I got them secretly because then he would try to stop me and insist on getting them himself. I will never understand people who don't like nice things being done for them.

London's Audi arrival gave me car fever. I was supposed to get my car when I turned sixteen but I failed my driving test. Though I failed my driving test, I still thought I would get something to practice on.

"London, let me drive."

"Do you have your license?"

"No, I passed the written, though."

"No, sorry."

London opened the passenger door open for me. I got in, somewhat angry.

"Why the long face, love?" I bit my lip and looked away. I loved it when he referred to me as 'love,' it was better than 'babe' or 'bae' which he never called me. Plus it reminded me of those old romance novels my mom used to make me read.

He cupped my chin with his hand lightly and subtly turned my head to look at him. "You're tired of being driven around?" he asked, looking at the road.

"Yes. I was supposed to get my car last year, but I failed my driving test."

"I don't mean to be that person, but not everyone passes the road test the first time."

"You did."

"How about this, I don't know what day, but at some point this week, I'll teach you."

"You will?"

"Yes."

"Okay." I smiled, feeling better."

☽☽☽

"Ezra!. . Ezra! Ezra Haven!"

"Why don't you just go to his room?" Shannon suggested.

"Oh right."

I stomped out of my room and into my parents' room. I found Daddy in the walk-in closet, putting on a watch.

"Christ, Paris, what is it?"

I made a cat noise from swiped my hand at him. "Okay, hostile, that was a hostile greeting," I said, going over to my mother's side of the closet to tamper try on some of her jewelry. "Where're you going?"

"I'm going to go pick up some flowers for your mom."

"Why?" I never understood why Daddy would randomly surprise my mom with gifts, yet, I loved that he did.

"Why not?"

"Well, what kind are you getting her?"

"Daffodils."

"Ezra!" I wailed.

"Stop calling me by my first name."

"I'm allergic to Daffodils."

"No, you're allergic to Dahlia's." I could've sworn it was Daffodils I was allergic to. "Paris, what did you come in here for."

"Oh yeah," I remembered, chuckling. "Which car do you not like the most?" I inquired.

"Why?"

"So London can teach me to drive. If a crash, god forbid, at least I'll crash in the car you hate the most. Like the silver Rolls Royce."

"I like that car."

"Hm."

"I like all my cars."

"Oh my god, just pick one, please. I want to learn how to drive now and the day is coming to an end,"

I whined.

"Fine, take the Lexus."

"Thank you." I beamed, heading for the door. "You know, I can make A lot of money selling that watch at school."

"Get out."

I told London that we were using the Lexus for my lesson. Shannon joined us, she had to since she almost killed me her first time driving. London took us to an almost empty parking lot. We switched positions in the car.

"Okay, If you can tell me what everything is and its purpose, I'll let you drive."

"You got this, P," Shannon enthused.

I let out a breath and pointed to the car parts as I spoke.

London and I practiced parking which I felt that I was doing a good job at, although, I did hit the sidewalk a few times. But while backing out I didn't notice the little boy behind the car with his bike, but at the same time, why was a little boy alone in a parking lot with cars?

"Paris, Paris, check your mirror," London told me frantically.

"Oh . . . shit," I said when I saw the little boy on his bike.

I rolled down the window, ignoring London who asked me, "What the hell are you doing?"

"Hey, how old are you?" I asked the little boy,

"Seven and a half," he replied.

"Why're you not with your parents? Just because you are in the suburbs doesn't mean you can't get snatched up out here. I can snatch you up right now if I wanted to."

The boy rode his bike away and out of the parking lot.

I rolled my window back up. "His parents failed because as soon as I asked him how old he was, he should've yelled 'stranger danger.' "