The Lion And I

(5) Part 1: The Lion - Shopping Spree

Celeste

“Celeste, breathe,” Obsidian ordered, his hands gripping my shoulders firmly, grounding me.

I took a deep breath as he commanded, waiting for him to tell me what he needed me to do in order to make it back home alive. My hands desperately gripped his wrists. “W-What do you need me to do?” I stammered, my gaze turning up to his as my heart pounded out a frantic rhythm. It took a moment for his frown to register.

“Celeste, what do you think is happening right now?” He asked softly, his hands on my shoulders gentling.

“We’re being attacked, aren’t we? That’s why you came down here. It was stupid of me to ask you to do this, to go flying when it’s still so dangerous—

His thumb moved over my bottom lip, silencing me. “We aren’t under attack, Celeste.”

“Then why are we here?” I demanded, possibly a little insensitively.

His lopsided grin made my heart skip a beat, taking no offense to my tone. “I’m taking you shopping.”

“Sh-shopping?” I stuttered. “What’s… shopping?” I asked, bewildered.

For an instant, I thought I saw sadness flash across his gaze. But just like that, it wasn’t there. Stepping away from me, he shifted and pulled his long sleeve shirt—which he had tucked into his belt before we left the demon stronghold—over his head, he replied, “You’re about to find out, bunty.”

Grabbing my hand, he led me out of the alleyway and we emerged into a crowded sidewalk that was bustling with humans and carts filled with goods and wares. Despite the cold and winter conditions outside, everyone was lively and enjoying themselves. There were lots of stores too. The sounds were a bit overwhelming along with the delicious smells. Obsidian patiently waited with me as I adjusted to the scene, his solid hand holding mine soothingly.

Once I had my bearings, for the most part, he led me through the crowd to one of the many shops. As we walked by, I couldn’t stop gawking at everything I saw. The beautiful trinkets. The necklaces. The little Knick-knacks. Scarves. Hats. There were little food carts too, but I didn’t know what goodies they had on them.

Suddenly, I found myself in a quieter space inside of a rather large shop. It was filled with clothing. I had never seen so many clothes in one space before. Slowly, Obsidian led me to the side, away from the door and I followed hesitantly, my gaze still taking in the sight of all the beautiful things here. “So, the goal is to start working on your wardrobe, Celeste. Not that there is anything wrong with sharing your sister’s clothes,” he started seriously. “But, it is important for you to have something that is your own. It is important for you to find what you do and don't like. And it is okay if it is different than Constance’s,” he assured. “There is no right or wrong to whatever you like. We are going to start here,” he nodded his head towards the inside of a clothing shop. “If you like something, grab it and try it on.”

“How do I know if it fits?” I blurted.

He smiled kindly. “We are going to go talk to the nice lady over there,” he indicated to the back corner where there were several floor to ceiling mirrors and a sharply dressed woman stood off to the side. “She will measure you and tell you what size you are.”

I took a deep breath. “What all am I getting?” There were so many clothes. What did I need? What would be considered unnecessary?

“Well, anything that suits your fancy,” he stated, but then noticed the deer in headlights look I was giving him. “But for starters, we will find you some shirts, pants, dresses. Underwear. Shoes.”

That was a lot. “How am I going to pay for all of it?” I whispered, knowing nothing came free. My heart was pounding in my chest and my throat was suddenly dry. What would he demand I do for him?

“Don’t you worry about any of that,” he stated firmly. “I will pay for it.”

“But—

“There will be no arguing over this, Celeste. I want to do this for you. Let me, please,” he pressed gently. "No strings attached."

“Okay,” I gave in after a moment. I wasn’t used to anyone doing anything for me, and I had to wonder if this would come back eventually? If he would hold this over my head somehow and force my compliance because I ‘owed’ him something.

But he wasn’t Victor, I reminded myself. Obsidian was different. He wouldn't do those things to me.

Obsidian led the way to the back of the shop where the lady stood. She smiled and helped me up onto the podium where she started wrapping a little measuring tape around my chest, waist and hips. She called out something, but the blood rushing through my ears didn’t allow me to hear her. I saw her mouth move, and I just nodded and smiled back until she indicated for me to step off. She was done.

I couldn’t breathe right until I had Obsidian’s hand back in mine.

What was wrong with me?

“So, you are a size small. Which isn’t surprising,” he stated softly, leading me towards the front of the shop again. He mumbled off some other numbers, such as a bust size and pant size, but I didn’t really hear him. And then he released me, waving towards the rows and rows of clothes.

Taking a deep, steadying breath, I stepped forward and started walking by the racks of clothes. My hands, seemingly of their own volition, reached out and brushed them as I walked by, feeling their different textures. Most of them were very soft. While others weren’t. I paused before a bright dress with a turquoise bust and an intricate white patterned skirt. Around the hem of the dress was a strip of turquoise ribbon. It was simple and it was beautiful.

I hesitated but remembered Obsidian said I could pick anything I wanted. Biting my bottom lip, I reached up and picked the size small. Stepping forward, Obsidian offered to carry it for me as I continued looking. Muttering a thank you, I turned back and continued.

Soon, I noticed I was drawn to bright colors and lace. A lot of the tops I chose had a lace design, overlay or vest that was paired with a bright or pastel colored shirt. I stayed away from very revealing outfits. I was more modest. There were some jeans I picked out too and, as I headed for the back to try on everything, I noticed a set of leggings had made its way into my pile. “Just to try on,” Obsidian stated with a shrug. “I’ve heard they are very comfortable.”

Once I was set up in the dressing room, I tried on the clothes. They all looked so beautiful, but I was having a hard time seeing their beauty on me. I looked like some kind of clown pretending to be something I wasn’t.

Frustrated tears streamed down my face and I shoved my body back into my sister’s clothes. She was rather modest as well, I noted. She tended to stick more to jeans and graphic t-shirts that were a size too big. But, I knew she had other, nicer outfits too. Very revealing outfits…

Before I could go storming out of the dressing room, Obsidian was suddenly there, blocking my exit.