Chapter 4

I swallowed thickly, unable to shake the feeling that I was in the same position as a fly caught in a spider’s web. “Sure, but Ava-“

I was cut off with a wave of her manicured hand. “I’m doing this for myself as much as I am for Darrien. I know we’ve never really talked in the past, but I promise I’m not going to try and swindle you out of your wages.”

I nodded hesitantly, “What do you mean, exactly?”

She had been sorting the items into stacks of tops, bottoms, lingerie sets, and evening wear; but paused when I asked about her intentions. With a wistful sigh, she turned back to me, “Darrien is strong and he’s a great guy, but my family won’t let us be together unless he passes the warrior exam and begins his official training. Here, try this on first.”

I took the clothes she offered; a simple black turtleneck with dark wash jeans and a black lacy underwear set. I opened my mouth to protest. The jeans and turtleneck I might do, but new undergarments were out of the question as far as my budget was concerned. I would make do with my old sports bra and continue to go commando if it meant spending less money. However, before I could get a word out Ava cut me off again. “If you buy the full outfit I can bundle it and make it cheaper per item, so just try it on.”

With a small huff, I took the clothes into the dressing room and pulled the curtain behind me. I heard the clack of Ava’s shoes as she followed me to the dressing area. “It’s been really hard on Darrien basically raising you alone all these years. I mean I know his parents are technically still around, but they’ve never been present, less so after Darrien decided to take you in.”

I bit the inside of my cheek as I changed into the selected outfit. These were things I already knew to be true, but the last thing I wanted was to hear them come from someone else. I tried to slow my heartbeat as Ava continued talking, “I mean, no one really blamed you. How could we, you were a four-year-old human child, but Darrien was only three years older than you when your town was attacked.”

“He should have left me there to die,” I stated drolly as I swung the curtain back to show Ava the first outfit and was met with a slap across my face. Shocked, my hand flew to my cheek.

“Don’t you dare minimize the sacrifices Darrien made for you.” She said venomously, her shoulders shook with rage. “I remember my father talking about how Darrien had personally petitioned the council to allow you to stay, and how much harder he worked than everyone else so you could stay, how he stopped hanging out with the other cubs so you wouldn’t be alone all the time, all of it.”

I turned my head in shame, I had known I made life harder for Darrien when he convinced his family to take me in, but to have it thrown in my face was something I tried to avoid. Having said her piece Ava ran her hands over her blouse to smooth away any imaginary wrinkles. She took a deep breath before continuing, “Now, let’s look at you. The cool black tones from last season compliment your skin tone nicely, but we need a different cut of jeans. The straight leg isn’t giving.”

After a couple of hours, Ava had amassed a stack of ten outfits that I could mix and match to make at least a month’s worth of different combinations. She had also added two different types of boots that were both practical and stylish. In truth all the outfits were. Ava had also selected a dress for me to wear the night of the festival.

“It’s going to be cool that night.” She stated, wielding the burgundy gown as she strode back over to the dress shoes. She muttered to herself while looking through the displays, “The long sleeves will help keep you warm and compensate for the open back since humans get cold so easily. A closed-toe shoe would be best, low heel since you’ll be wearing them for at least fourteen hours, not white, not nude, onyx, maybe charcoal?”

I watched as Ava selected three pairs of shoes for me to try. I was quickly learning that while Ava was kind enough, she also insisted on dressing me to her standards. I sat in one of the armchairs with the shoes laid out in front of me. “Start with the darker heel.”

I picked up the chunky cross-strap heels and slid them on my feet. Ava motioned for me to stand. She asked, “How do they feel?”

“Clunky,” I replied turning so she could see the shoes from every side, “like I can’t run in them.”

“Okay, do the mesh block heel next.” I changed into the instructed pair, the rhinestones glittered as they caught the light. When I stood and looked at Ava I was met with a nod. “I like those, it gives the impression of a strappy sandal while keeping your feet covered. What do you think?”

“They’re comfortable enough. I think I can move around in them.” I replied, slipping them off.

“Then I think we’re done,” Ava stated, she put the other pairs away and added the last two selections on the counter with the rest of what I was apparently going to be buying. It’s for Darrien, he can’t continue his training if I don’t comply. I reminded myself, sucking in a breath to brace myself for what was sure to be an astronomical bill.

I fidgeted uncomfortably as Ava began to ring out the items. I about choked as the number climbed higher and higher. The petite brunette glanced at me from beneath her lashes, “Calm down, I’m not done.”

I nodded shakily but said nothing. She began to softly speak as she continued ringing out the items, no doubt for my benefit, “Ok, there’s all the items, now, outfit bundles, which takes that off, out of season discount, brings it down to here, and you’ve never been here before so a first-time shopper discount, and—hey, when’s your birthday?”

I blinked a few times, shocked by the question before answering, “I don’t know. Darrien has always celebrated my ‘found’ day since I was too young to remember.”

“Fair enough,” she replied, “that’s coming up soon, right?”

“In three months.”

“Close enough,” Ava continued, “that means you get the most expensive item on the ticket free, plus these bir—found day gifts.”

I felt my eyebrows raise as she reached below the counter and pulled out a miniature makeup set and placed it beside my clothing stacks. I also felt myself let out the breath I’d been holding as the price tag continued to dwindle. “Shoes are buy two get one, and we did that, spring equinox discount, annnnnd, we’re done. Your total is $52 and 96 cents.”