Mirror

2

I shift my body slightly on the leather seat in a desperate attempt to feel at ease. Don't miscalculate my notion. It was not the seat; rather it was cozy and snug, but I was very knowledgeable about the watchful gaze of two sets of Hazel's beady orbs. And not to forget, with not so holy gleams inside them and that's what was putting me at unease; bothering me.

The intensity of his constant attention made my mouth dry and my stomach upset. I really didn't appreciate the way he was ogling at me with no hesitation whatsoever. He didn't even care that I caught him. Peter was constantly stealing glances at me time and again without getting discouraged or disturbed.

With each passing second, my skin crawled more and more in disgust even though he wasn't physically touching me in any way. Peter's shameless gaze fixed on me was making me feel molested.

As hard as it is to admit, it's something every girl has to go through and I am no exception. Some raise their voice against it and some like me choose to ignore it.

Even though all I wanted was to poke his eyes or yell at him for his lack of etiquette, I was too cowardly for my own good. All my life I have spent running or ignoring my problems because that was easy at the time and, sadly, that's all I know.

Clenching my fingers into tight fists which now were beginning to vaguely tremble, I relocated my concentration to the scenario right outside the tinted window as I laid the weight of my head against the cold glass.

Peter continued with his unprofessionalism. The actions of this man were concerning and alarming, not only because he was making me uncomfortable because of his actions, but also because he was driving. I was actually surprised that we hadn't had an accident till now, seeing the amount of attention I was getting instead of the graveled road ahead.

Acting oblivious to his still stealing glances, I just continued watching the trees, buildings and people passing by in a blur. Almost as if they were the fragments of my imagination. It's like I knew what I saw was real, but yet I doubt it.

***********

My body jerked forward when the car suddenly came to a halt. Shocked, a panicked gasp spilled from me. If it wasn't for my body being strapped to a seatbelt, my head, if not my body for sure, would have collided with the back of the driver's seat.

I don't understand why Ashley even hired him. He is such a reckless driver. He'll get someone killed if he doesn't change his ways and be responsible and sincere in what he does.

I closed my eyelids and inhaled a long breath in an attempt to get rid of my pounding heart that seemed to be exploding from my chest at any second. So loud I could hear it in my own ears.

"You are okay," came out of Peter's mouth.

My eyes shot open after hearing him, only to find Peter staring at me. His facial features twisted in what seemed like concern. I lowered my eyes, feeling conscious, but averted back to his face within brief seconds.

"Ya, I'm fine," I lied, forcing a smile, not wanting to stretch the matter more.

I just want to get out of here as soon as possible. I just can't stand in the presence of this man any longer. I almost let out an exaggerated breath of relief when he didn't respond and instead jumped off the seat.

I proceeded to unclip my seatbelt and I had just done it when the side of the car door abruptly opened, taking me by surprise. I craned up my head only to find Peter's towering frame hovered over my petite one. My brows knit in uncertainty.

What happened to him now?

He stretched his hand for me to hold. I almost rolled my eyes at this. This is ridiculous. If he really wanted to play the role of gentleman, maybe he should start by keeping his eyes to himself first.

Pushing my hateful thoughts away, I unwillingly placed my hand on his. He helped me out of the car. Murmuring a small thank you, I waited for him to release my hand from his but he showed no intention.

I carefully pulled my hand out of his and forced another awkward smile. He visibly looked not so happy with my action, but I couldn't care less.

Right now, I just want to quickly get over with the shopping and go back to my home and fall down on my bed. I was tired beyond words. My body almost felt as if it had been run by a train.

"It might take some time so I'll get a cab on the way back home. You don't have to wait for me and thank you for driving me here," I said, slanging my bag on my left shoulder.

"It's okay, I'll wait until you hear I can't leave you here. Miss. Weed has strictly ordered me to leave you safe outside your house,"

"I appreciate it but you don't have to worry, I'll inform Ashley, you left me out of my house. You don't get in trouble," I exclaimed in reassurance.

"It's not about Miss. Weed. It's not safe for a young beautiful woman like you to travel alone at this time. You know how people are these days," Yes, example you. I was tempted to say it out loud but of course I didn't. Remember I am a coward.

"And I have all the time in the world-" That I'm sure you do... "-but I won't leave you alone and helpless," Alone and helpless?

I bit on my inner lower lips softly in frustration. My lips parted in refusal but he must have ascertained my intention as a dark look crossed his face. That was enough to press my lips back together. My shoulder slumped in defeat before giving in with a single nod.

"So, I'll be waiting for you here," He chirped like a teen girl.

I tucked my hair behind my earlobe before nodding again in agreement. Without wasting any moment, I began towards the entrance of the mall, passing by Peter. I could feel Peter gazing at me and giving extra attention to my ass. I grimace in disgust.

Pig...

*************

"Thanks for shopping, have goodnight," The younger cashier said with a smile on her face.

I threw one of my own. As I grabbed my plastic bags full of groceries in my hands. I was about to walk to the exit when my stomach decided it was the best time to growl. A part of me wanted to ignore it but I was feeling light- headed and a headache started to form in my head.

I had consumed only two pieces of bread throughout the day and worked like an abused donkey. It was best if I ordered something as take out. I'm sure I won't be using the kitchen tonight. I was totally drained and if I didn't have something I would black out for sure.

Agreeing it's best for me not to torture my poor stomach and give in to my craving. I changed the route in the direction of the food court. The auto door slides apart as the sensor detects a cue. Walking inside, the first thing I noticed was a group of teenage boys seated together and fisting on their food and chattering loudly.

A few heads turned in my direction at my entrance. I see the corner of a few lips curled into disgusting smirks. One of the blonde heads nudged the boy beside him with his elbow and muttered something and, to my dismay, every single head present on the table had their heads zeroed in my direction. It almost felt like they were metal and I was a magnetic source attracting them in my direction.

The place fell into an intense silence. The place which was just filled with roars, chatter, laughs and tapping on wooden tables just seconds ago seemed like a funeral suddenly.

Panic bubbled inside of me with all the unwanted attention. My knees buckled and it was a miracle itself. I was able to stand.

It's okay, Ocean. They aren't going to hurt you.

I began taking short breaths from my diaphragm and abdomen, rather than my chest wall, which has proven useful for me on multiple occasions. Once I thought I wouldn't collapse and embrace myself, I began to walk towards the food counter.

"Welcome to Yummies. I'm Kent. How may I help you?" The boy with the specs greeted me with a professional and polite smile. He didn't even look fifteen.

"Thank you," I let out a half smile in response. Tiredness had me even struggling to smile. "What do you recommend?" I added.

"These are the specials for today. These are all my favorites. I'm sure you are going to love something from there," Kent recommended, pointing at the chalkboard where all of today's specials were listed.

"Sweet onion chicken teriyaki looks great. Can I have one as a take out with some side fries please?"

"Sure," He fixed his specs and began to press the keywords sending instructions to the machine. "2.89 for your sweet onion chicken teriyaki and fries," he said.

I pulled out a five-dollar bill and handed it to him. "Keep the change,"

I almost giggled at the full-blown smile that appeared on his face. This wasn't a forced smile but a genuine one. His face had lit up.

"Thank you, ma'am, and your food will be ready in a few minutes. You can have a seat till then."