"What about this one, ladies?" Sam asks, posing with a red lacy bra over his broad chest. He waggles his eyebrows at me as he sucks on a lollipop which he has been chomping out for the past half an hour. Eewwwww! that's so disgusting. Why is he acting so weird?

I groan in frustration. " What the fuck Sam?" Right now we are at the city mall where Emily, I and Sam planned to go shopping. But looking at Sam, now I regret my decision of agreeing to let him come with us. I quickly look around in fear to check if anybody is watching us and to my surprise find a little girl giggling at the corner of the row. Oh, God!

"Stop it! You are going to scare people here." I say through my gritted teeth. What if someone sees us and complains at the counter? we might get thrown out of this mall and That would be fucking embarrassing. As if proving my words right, I see a woman coming, she seems to be the mother of the same girl who was laughing at us. She looks at Samuel in a horrified look and soon I see her dragging the girl out of our sight. Fuck! this is terrible. We are probably setting a bad image before small children. I whack at the back of Sam's head making him whine like five years old.

"Ouuchh Nikki, I am just trying to help you guys." He pouts placing the bra back on the shelf.

I turn around to see Emily hysterically laughing at us. What the fuck? Is this funny to her? I shoot an irritated glare at her telling her to stop.

"No Sam, we don't need your help." I shake my head in denial. "Can't you just behave like a gentleman and stand there." I tell him pointing towards the counter.

"No" He again squeals like a little kid shaking his head frantically.

I sigh and look back to Emily. "Told you that he would be big trouble."

Now I realize why everyone labels Sam as a kid because the truth is he actually behaves like a fucking kid. I don't know when will he grow up. I look around and see Sam and Emily grinning like school kids over something. I have known Emily and Sam for a long time but we never really got time to hang out and apart from that I have always been a big introvert, So I never really go out and socialize. This is the first time that I decided to go out with these two weirdos.

When I shifted here in Los Angeles a year ago, to tell the truth, I wouldn't mingle much with other people. Emily was the first one to become my friend, as her store was beside my clinic and after a month of that, I met Sam at the cafe. Sam and I then became friends, at first I wouldn't talk much to him, but Sam was so persistent with getting a reply from me that eventually, I had to give up. sometimes when we got free time, Emily and I would visit the Cupcake story. In that way, Emily got to know Sam, and instantly we formed our little group. We never usually got time from our work to go out. it would be always the cafe or the book store where we used to meet. but I think we have gotten very close over a period of one year and this is the first time that we are going out shopping.

I see Sam jumbling through the things playfully as he walks with the trolley. What the fuck is he doing? I have always known of Sam's childish ways but I didn't know that it can even cross limits this way. He behaves like a freaking spoiled teenager. but however much he keeps irritating me with his behavior, somewhere I have to admit that I like it too. Because being around him even makes me feel like a kid, whenever I am with him I forget how old I am and behave like a little school girl. I forget all my responsibilities and try to live my life for the fullest. I like that about him.

I feel glad that things between me and Sam didn't turn to be awkward after we went on a date. He still talks to me like he used to before, we didn't get a chance to meet after that day as Sam told me that he was having his exams. I would never want to cause a disturbance in his exams so I didn't call him or went to see him. With that, we fell back to our routines. he didn't bring anything about that date after we met and I am grateful for that because I don't see him anything more than a friend. I don't know why but with Christopher coming in my life, my mind has been occupied only with his thoughts. and I hate myself for thinking so much about him. Fuck! I am happy that Sam forgot about it. I don't want any serious discussion with him right now. I just want to enjoy the day without worrying about anything.

After having a traumatic breakdown watching Sam display lingerie for us, we move on to the next section of clothes. Thank God!

"This is so awesome. we are going to try on some super sexy dresses." Emily chimes looking at the dresses hanging in front of us.

"No, we are not...it's only you who was dying to buy a dress."

"Come on Nikki, don't be so boring," Emily says looking at Sam as if asking for help from him.

"Yes Nikki, Don't be a party pooper." Sam sings along with Emily.

"But I don't socialize much, then why to waste money on an expensive dress?" I protest stating my point.

"Who said that you have to buy dresses only to publicize it to others? you can buy it for your satisfaction." Emily opposes. " I know you don't go out much but don't you want to live your life for yourself? and who would know you might even get an occasion to grab some attention by wearing it." Emily winks at me saying that.

I know I can't win with these two so I sigh and say " Fine. But I'll buy only if you wouldn't force me to try it now."

Sam and Emily make a sad face hearing the stipulation but then having no other choice, they finally agree with me.

We move back to choosing a dress for Emily. I smile at Emily as she shuffles through the dresses with her gleamy eyes. She finds a red strapless mermaid dress and races towards the changing room to try it. Sam and I wait for her outside. after a few minutes, Emily emerges out of the room.

"How do I look?" She asks twirling around a bit and then looks down at her dress.

"You look beautiful, Emily," I tell her sincerely. She then looks at Sam, Sam studies her for a minute and then bursts into laughter. I look at him in horror, dreading about the consequences his actions can lead.

Emily turns around to look at the mirror in the trial room and rolls her eyes. "Stop lying Nikki, I look like a baby elephant in this dress."

What? I wasn't lying. Yeah, Emily is indeed a little chubbier. She is looking a bit fat in that dress but still, she looks beautiful and apart from that I didn't want to sound rude to her by saying that. Who would want to do that to their friend?

She huffs and makes her way to choose another dress without letting me say anything in my defense. I glare at Sam signaling him to stop laughing. Idiot!

When I turn around I see Emily already walking towards the trial room. This time she makes quicker than the first time. As she walks out in a beautiful pink cocktail dress. It has a floral design with a halter neck which shows her shoulders perfectly. It fits her body appropriately, even making her look slimmer. She looks really good in it.

This time Sam beats me to speak. "You look really amazing Emily." He says with a genuine smile.

"Yes, You look gorgeous," I say agreeing with him.

Emily's eyes shine with happiness as she looks herself in the mirror. "This is perfect. I am taking this one." She tells excitedly. I nod to her as she walks back to the room to get changed.

After changing back to her clothes, she gets back to us. "Now time to get a dress for Nikki," she says in a mischievous tone. From her expression, I can get that she is planning something really naughty. Oh God please help me!

She searches through the dresses and within a few seconds hands me a dress. I take a look at it and notice that it's an orange bodycon bandage dress. It's extremely short barely reaching the knee length. it seems so inappropriate considering the type of dresses that I have worn. But my eyes pop out of my sockets when I see that it has a keyhole neck. that would totally expose my boobs. Fuck no! I am not gonna buy this in any case.

"I can't buy this," I tell in shock.

"Why? it isn't that bad." She pouts at me.

"I hope you remember that I haven't switched over to the stripping profession?" I ask her sarcastically.

She rolls her eyes and that's when Sam interrupts " Did someone just say stripping?" He looks at me amusedly. " I am sure you can never match my talent there. He places an arm around Emily's shoulder and continues "In fact, I am planning to start a strip club by the end of the year. If you want I can hire you. but first, you have to pass a qualifying test which includes a private strip show for me." He winks at me and I roll my eyes.

"You two shoulder definitely try your luck there. If not that you can go around whoring. You know I can be your lady pimp and earn a lot of money." Emily claps her hands in excitement as if we were actually going to start a strip club. I roll my eyes at them both.

"So you guys are trying to make me a slut?"

"It's not slutty girl, it's sexy... However, a little bit of sluttiness is good for attracting the male population." She says waggling her eyebrows.

"I don't want to traumatize people by flashing my boobs on their face," I tell her truthfully.

"Trust me, darling, they would enjoy it." She says with a smile on her face.

"True...I would definitely enjoy it." Sam says smirking." I pass a dirty glare hearing his comment. "Nikki we don't want to hear any more arguments, you are getting that dress and that's final," Sam commands crossing his arms over his chest.

"Okay Okay! Don't get all King Kong over me. I'll buy it." I scoff at him. It's just a dress Nicole. Probably I'll put it in a corner of the closet and never even see it again. No way I am gonna wear it in my lifetime. I see my friends hi-fiving and jumping with joy over their little victory. they are totally weird I must say.

-------------------------

We stand at the cosmetic corner as I find Emily fighting with a salesgirl about the Maybelline having better shades of lipsticks then L' Oreal. I roll my eyes for the hundredth time today. Girls can be so picky when it comes to their makeup. I turn around and see Sam examining the deodorants on the shelf. Looking at the fragrance rack, I go back to thinking about the incident that occurred a few hours ago before coming here. I remember how I stumbled while pulling Christopher, but before me knowing anything he switched our places so that he hit the ground instead of me. I smile at that thought. He looked so handsome that I could have stared at him all day. The only question that I keep asking again and again after seeing Christopher is that how someone can look so damn good? I remember how dark his grey eyes looked when I stared at him lying over him. For a moment I forgot everything, I would have even kissed him if it wasn't Sam's horn which distracted us. I am very thankful to Sam for that. But I couldn't forget how good Christopher smelled, his cologne was just intoxicating me and that was the reason why I immediately dusted myself. I saw the weird look on his face when I did it. However I had to do it otherwise I wouldn't have had control in me, if his smell lingered on me more than a second. I would have jumped on him and torn his clothes right there at that moment. Jeez...How horny I have become. But why is it that I feel so only when I am around him? I never felt that way for anyone else, not even Sam.

Suddenly a voice shakes me out of my thoughts. "I would probably starve to death if you guys won't feed me now." Sam whimpers.

"You are so dramatic," I tell him as I walk towards Emily.

We then go to the food court after Sam's whining whole time about dying out of starvation. It was really hard for me to get Emily from the cosmetics section because she was planning to buy the whole collection. Tough job it was, but I managed to convince her by saying that we will come again and buy the things that we left out. With a lot of arguments, we agreed that we have done enough shopping however Emily still looked unsatisfied with seven bags in her hands. On reaching the food court we ordered a lot of junk to eat. Although we hardly ate anything because whatever we ordered was snatched by Sam immediately. I don't know how does he has such a monstrous appetite considering how fit he looks. To be honest he was successful in troubling us all day. Thank goodness, we are done with everything now. I don't know how would I have survived if I had to spend one more minute with him in this mall. Fucking thanks!

"Next time, don't you dare touch my food." I hit Sam with my shoulder as my hands are occupied with shopping bags.

"Ouchh Nikki, stop hitting me," he complains as we descend the stairs of the mall.

"I thought you were kind and caring, from the way you appeared in your clinic."

"I am only generous when I am working and that too with only animals." I say " I don't have any soft corner for humans especially boys like you." I hit him again playfully.

When we reach the road, Sam goes to get his car from the parking, Emily follows him too. I am about to go behind them, Suddenly my phone starts vibrating. With much struggle, managing all the bags in one hand, I fish my phone out. A smile appears on my face as I see my sister's name flashing on it. I haven't spoken to her in a long time. I am happy that she called. I press the receiver icon and answer it.

"Hey, Nikki!" I hear a super excited voice from the other side.

"Hey Charlotte, how are you?" I ask her.

"I am fine but you know I am mad at you... Why haven't you called me in a while?" She demands.

"I...I was busy Charlotte, that's why I couldn't contact you. I really wanted to call you but I just caught up with my work...I am sorry." I lie to her. I want to tell her the truth but I can't tell her about the whole Christopher thing like this. I have to explain everything in detail and for that, I have to be mentally prepared.

"How is Francis doing?" I ask her about my little brother trying to change the topic.

"Oh, He is just fine. Having a super hot twin brother is such a trouble. You know all the girls of the school stick around me just to get a closer look at him. that's so annoying." she tells in a frustrated manner and I laugh.

"I hope you are doing well Nikki," She says in a concerned tone. after a long pause, she continues. "Da...Dad wants to see you, Nikki, he wants to talk." nervousness evident in her voice.

I clench my jaw in anger as I hear her talk about our father. I don't say anything to her.

"You haven't talked to him in a long time...I know Nikki what you have been through, but I think you should let it go now. You should forgive him. Come home and speak to him," she says in a sad tone.

This is the only thing that I hate about my sister and mother. How can they be so compassionate and merciful? How can they grant forgiveness to our father after what he did? I would never forgive him for what he did to my mother. That's why I didn't try to talk to him in such a long period. In that case, I and my brother are on the same page. I know Francis hates dad as much as I do. He didn't forget anything about our father just like me. Charlotte and my mother were the only ones to forget everything and accept him for his mistakes.

"I will think about it Charlotte, If I get time I'll try coming home," I tell her in an emotionless tone. She doesn't say anything for a minute.

"If not for him, come for us. I and Francis miss you so much." She then says in a nearly weeping tone.

"I miss you too," I say with tears starting to fill in my eyes.

"Okay Bye...I have some work. I'll call you later and if possible try to call me, when you get time. Love you, Nikki."

"I will. Love you too and tell Francis that I miss his burnt toasts in breakfast." I hear Charlotte giggling with sniffs in between before she hangs up. I smile keeping my phone in my pocket. When I look up I discover myself in a secluded alley. I look back and see the mall nowhere in the sight. I might have lost where I was going while I was engrossed in having a conversation with my sister. I see only darkness around me as I take in the surrounding, Strangely I get an eerie feeling as I begin to walk hurriedly to get out of here. I advance eagerly trying to find way back to the mall suddenly I find something tugging at my arm, I turn around and to my terror, I find a masked man standing in front of me. What the fuck? Who is he? what is he doing here? Why is he wearing a mask? am I going to get robbed? I gasp and try to run but before that, he grabs hold of my arm. He then clamps his hand over my mouth preventing me from screaming. muffled noises come out of my mouth as I struggle to get help. What is he doing? Is he trying to kidnap me? Oh no.... not. Why it has to be me every time? I try to kick and elbow him, but nothing seems to be useful as he drags me. I feel terrified at the thought of being kidnapped again.

Panic gets better of me as I find it difficult to breathe. tears soon start to stream out of my eyes as I see no hope of help. I close my eyes thinking that no one is going to help me and that is when I feel the hand over my mouth being unclamped. His grip on me loosens, I turn around to look what has caused him to do so and see Christopher in front of me throwing punches at the man's gut. His eyes flicker with murderous rage as he hits the man. I nearly gasp at the sight as he keeps hitting the masked guy. With the last punch, the man falls at the end of the alley but before Christopher can get hold of him again, I see a car screeching behind him, The back door of the car opens and the masked man hastily climbs into it. Within seconds the car speeds off the road. Christopher tries to catch up with it but the car already vanishes from our sight. He mutters a curse under his breath in frustration, then he turns his gaze towards me.

His expression softens as he looks at me. He covers the distance between us in two long strides as he stands in front of me. " Are you okay?" he asks with concern, scanning my body for any signs of injury.

I shake my head telling him that I am fine. I sigh in relief as I look back into his grey eyes.

Before I can speak anything he tugs at my hand gently. "let's go...we are going home." He says in a cold voice.