Chapter 74: Mama bear
Lily’s POV
Mr. Mark had not once looked sideways or even removed his eyes from the road and I completely understood him. He had just visited his only child that had passed away as a result of questionable reasons that I wasn’t aware of but I knew she didn’t die a natural death.
So surely I did not expect him to be all jolly and jaunty at the moment. I realized he just wanted to stay quiet or preferably be alone at the moment but obviously he couldn’t. The least I could do for him now was to always remain quiet so he could at least have one of them.
“Where are we headed now ma.”. He asked with his eyes still on the road after a while of silence
I didn’t respond immediately. I did not want to go home yet, so I had to think of something else. I wanted to do something fun, something that would shift the cloudy mood to a much sunny one but something that would seem natural and not something that will be too obvious that I’m trying.
I looked down at the cup in my hands that I held tightly as I rubbed my stomach gently. The more I looked and caressed the cup, the more the next location became more certain.
“Madam?”. Mr. Mark asked again as soon as he had driven into the city.
“We’re going shopping!!”. I squealed excitedly. Everyone loves shopping right?. It would certainly shift our minds from his deceased daughter, even if it was for a short while. It would surely serve its purpose.
“Alright. Any place in mind?”. Mr. Mark chuckled and asked.
“Not really. I want to get some things for my baby.” I explained excitedly. It was high time I started shopping for my baby. I can’t get everything at once but it’s just best if I start getting necessities.
“Oh that sounds nice.” Mr. Mark responded with a small smile.
“Yeah, do you know where I could get them?”. I asked.
“Well, we can get everything at the mall, I guess.” He responded in an unsure tone.
“Oh alright then.” I nodded in approval.
“Is that okay with you?”. He asked with raised brows.
“Yeah, it’s alright. Let’s got there!”. I flashed him a reassuring smile.
“Alright.” He responded before focusing back on the road.
The bubbling city came into view after a while of driving. I rested my head on the window enjoying my the view of strangers passing by. I began panicking when I realized I didn’t actually have any list or any idea of the important things I intend to get.
I brought out my phone from my purse and quickly searched on Google for important things for a first time expecting mother for the baby. A long list of things popped up and anxiety level skyrocketed to the brim.
It was almost impossible to get all these things before I’m due for delivery. I began writing down a few things to my notes app and I wasn’t even done with half of them when I heard Mr. Mark’s voice. “We’re here Ma.” I under a bit in my seat startled.
I was so lost in my list that I had completely forgotten that I wasn’t alone. I had not said a word to him in the past thirty minutes. “Oh thank you.” I flashed him a nervous smile as he helped me out of the car.
The parking lot was filled with cars, signaling that there were so many people in the shopping mall today, and as we approached the door, we confirmed that assumption.
As I pushed through the heavy glass doors, a wave of cool air enveloped me, a sweet escape from the sweltering heat outside.
As I stepped into the mall, my eyes widening as I gazed around at the bustling hub of activity. The sound of chatter, laughter, and the distant hum of music filled my ears, creating a symphony of noise that was both overwhelming and exhilarating. People were swamped in the mall, moving to and fro, some with their families, some with their friends and it was just a few that moved solo.
The mall was so big like a typical one and one could easily get lost or lose a friend or family member if not careful. Regardless it was really beautiful.
I felt a thrill of excitement as I scanned the crowded corridors, taking in the vibrant colors and sleek storefronts that seemed to stretch on forever. The scent of freshly baked cookies wafted from the food court, making my stomach growl with hunger. I couldn’t help but smile as I gazed around at the sea of strangers, each with their own story and destination.
As I made my way through the throngs of shoppers, my feet carried me towards the active staff around and I asked for the direction to the children section. She directed us with a smile and I thanked her before finding my way to the section.
As we walked further into the mall to find the place section, my hand instinctively cradled my growing belly, a mix of excitement and nervousness swirled inside me. I had never felt so many emotions at once. The reality of becoming a mother was hitting me like a ton of bricks.
I gazed around at the bustling corridors, feeling a little overwhelmed by the sheer size of the mall. I had always loved shopping, but now, with a tiny human depending on me, everything felt different. I was no longer just buying for myself, but for this tiny, vulnerable being growing inside me.
My eyes landed on a store board with a bright, cheerful sign reading “Little Bundles of Joy”. My heart skipped a beat as I pushed open the door, and a gentle chime welcomed me into the baby paradise. Soft pastel colors and adorable onesies adorned the walls, making my heart melt.
I wandered the aisles, running my fingers over the soft fabrics, and cooing over the tiny shoes and socks. I felt like a kid in a candy store, except instead of sweets, I was surrounded by all things baby! I picked up a tiny onesie with a cute cartoon animal, and couldn’t help but imagine my little one wearing it.
As I shopped, I couldn’t help but think about all the milestones to come the first cuddles, the first smiles, the first steps. My heart swelled with love and anticipation, and I knew that this little being was already bringing so much joy into my life.
Mr. Mark took a seat as he watched fill my cart with so many cute things, I had begun to digress from my list. I didn’t even check the list matter of fact.
I giggled excitedly as I picked things after things and threw them into my cart. I was so engrossed in my not so crazy shopping when the door opened and the bell chimed, signaling that someone that entered into the shop, that I did not bother to check how it was. Usually, I would always do that, seeing that I loved being in people’s business but this time I just wanted to shop. It felt like I needed to take every cute thing in this shop.
“Hey Lily.” I stilled as I heard a male baritone voice call out to me. It was a familiar voice but that was the last person I envisioned would run into me in a place like this.
My back was still turned to the person and a cute tiny onesie I was holding hung mid air.
“Lily?.” He called out again. “Aren’t you Lily or am I mistaken?”. He put his hands on my shoulder and my body turned cold instantly.
I screamed internally, kicking my feet up in the air as I cursed my luck. Why did I have to run in to him here of all places.
I turned around rigidly and the moment was our eyes met, a series of emotions passed through his eyes.
I guess I knew what you hat was about.