He bit back a smirk. But said nothing and followed me out.
He didn’t grab my wrists this time, but only walked close behind.
We walked out the double doors into the cold winter air. Despite the cold shiver that ran down my back, I loved being outside. It felt like I was finally grounded for a split second amid all the chaos that had entered my life recently.
I took a few breathes and smiled. The weather around suggested that Landon and Jess would probably be huddled on a couch by the fireplace watching Gossip Girl, since it was our all time favorite TV show. Except they’d probably be holding each other in comfort after the scarring incident that had happened at the mall.
I frowned and felt a sudden weight on my chest.
I had been trying my best not to think about them, but now that I did, I couldn’t stop the tears from welling up in my eyes.
I missed them so much, especially my brother who I hadn’t even seen on the day I had been stripped away from them all.
What’s wrong ? Nathan’s soft voice brought me back to the present.
I looked up to see vivid green eyes stricken with concern focused on me.
I wiped away a single traitorous tear and shook my head. Nothing, I’m-
Skylar, tell me what’s wrong. He said sternly, gripping my shoulders.
I held a steady gaze over his shoulder for as long as I could, but my strong front deteriorated and the tears welled up in my eyes and I found myself confessing to my kidnapper. It’s just I miss them so much. The end of my sentence came out wobbly.
Your family ? He asked in an emotionless tone.
My brother and friends. I corrected, knowing full well that my mother and step-dad couldn’t be bothered to shed a single tear.
He suddenly let go of my shoulders and took a few steps back, looking away from my face with an unreadable expression in his eyes.
Come on, we should get going. He said, turning to walk towards his car without a second glance.
I stared after his rigid retreating back. The heartless look in his eyes was adequate for me to feel the icy breeze creep onto my skin, along with the cold reality.
Taking in one last breath of free air, I put on an unreadable expression as I stepped into the passenger seat of his black SUV.
We drove in silence to the mall, him not taking his eyes off of the road and me not turning away from my window.
I was relieved when I saw a mall I had never been to come up, wanting nothing more than to be out of the car now.
This mall was much smaller and the parking lot was deserted, only about seven cars in total.
He parked the car near the entrance and pulled out the keys.
I opened my mouth to finally ask the question that had been burning on my tongue the whole time, but stopped myself as a thought occurred to me.
I had been wondering this whole time how we would waltz into a mall without getting caught, seeing as both of our faces were probably all over the news around here. But it could be that my kidnapper was too stupid to be aware of this. I knew for certain that at the very least, Landon and my brother would be going to every news channel and press company with this story and my pictures.
So following after my kidnapper, I held my breath as we both walked towards the front entrance. My eyes discreetly scanned the area for anyone close enough to be able to recognize me.
You need to stop underestimating me so much princess, it isn’t healthy for our relationship. He smiled, pulling out some dark ray bans and slipping them on.
What are you talking about ? I asked all too quickly, looking up at him with feigned wide innocent eyes.
Here put this on, try not to talk to anyone or make any eye contact. He instructed, pulling out a denim baseball cap. I wouldn’t be stupid enough to slip-up. I know we’re TV stars babe. You should also know that we look strikingly good together in HD. He winked at me.
I couldn’t help but blush, both out of embarrassment and bashfulness at his damned charm. I was about to defend my case but the hat in his hands caught my eyes. I saw it matched my outfit, going with my denim shirt-I mean my kidnapper’s denim shirt.
I pulled out my bun and let my hair softly tumble out. It had developed slight waves from the bun and made the outfit work out all the more.
I tugged on the cap with an excited grin and turned to see Nathan rolling his eyes.
We started our way towards the entrance again when I stopped in my tracks as I saw a large Toys R Us and gasped.
Seriously ? He asked blankly, looking at me and following my gaze to the store.
I ignored him and started freaking out. Dustin ! You left him at-
The daycare center that he goes to every Monday through Fridays ? He cut me off with a smirk.
I rolled my eyes. Wait, it’s Monday today ? I asked, my heart racing.
Yeah… He trailed off, not knowing what the big deal was.
That means in five days… I couldn’t continue, feeling my hopes and dreams all crush around me.
Take away my birthday, take away my chance of ever having true love, but don’t take away Christmas from me. That was what I had yelled into a megaphone in my school cafeteria at the principal when he tried to take down Landon and I’s Christmas Sleigh Ride which we had constructed using fold-able tables, sleigh-bells, and a hallway glazed with cooking oil. It seemed like another war had to be fought this Christmas.
No way was I missing the one day that I had been planning since 371 days ago. No way was I missing out on spending my favorite day of the year with my friends and brother…
It’s Christmas ? Nathan finished my sentence for me with a sad smile.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
I think he was expecting me to throw a whole temper tantrum when there was shock on his face as I walked past him and entered the mall, hearing his rushed footsteps behind which caused me to smirk.
I sat through a wordless breakfast and let Nathan drag me around to different store after, since I couldn’t just keep wearing his clothes. Although I did enjoy how they smelled and engulfed me.
So we walked store to store incognito, me letting Nathan swipe his card on the piles of clothes I dumped at every counter. As the bags I walked out with grew heavier, the feeling of disappointment and longing grew the slightest bit lighter. It still stung but I could see Nathan really trying and decided to mechanically get through our little shopping trip.
After shopping at five different places, I had three bags in my hand and five bags in Nathan’s.
I stopped on our way to the next store now, turning to face him. I couldn’t keep popping tags to make myself feel better. I wasn’t a Katy.
How long am I staying kidnapped ? I said firmly, looking up at him blankly.
Skylar, you know I cant-