My Best Mate

Chapter 5: Just Until The Time Runs Out

“Not this. Nope. Nada. No. No"

She grabs a few hangers of clothes from the rack and throws them into my arms. It just keeps piling up, that It's getting harder for me to see where I'm walking.

She twirls her heels to face me and after looking satisfied, Sandy finally stops handing me clothes.

I went to the dressing room, while she settled on one of the resting coucheses, with her back resting on a mirrored wall.

I thought running around and carrying heavy clothes was harder but I should've expected fitting would be much more tedious and tiring.

The only thing I heard from the golden-coloured woman was ‘Next’ after ‘Next’ and sometimes she would just shake her round face at every single clothes that she, a glam queen, disapproved of.

Looks like someone's going to have some neck cramps tomorrow.

The longer I moved from one dress to another, the more my back arched and my shoulder drooped in exhaustion.

When I no longer felt ecstatic from seeing and wearing the dresses, that's when Sandy nodded her head for the first time, returning the life in me.

“That is the dress." She commented satisfied. “Get me what she's wearing and the last two clothes."

I approached her immediately to refuse her offer.

“No, You don’t have to. One dress is enough." I pull her arm to convince her.

She took my hand that held her and grasped it with both hands. “It's fine. It'll be my gift to your coming of age. Anyways—" She hooks her arm around mine. "You have to have women's clothes."

“I have woman clothes."

“Real woman clothes"

“Because you need to sweep any single he-wolves off their feet." She added.

“Shouldn't that be the other way around, Sand." I snort. “And besides, there'll be no Kyle. He won't even bother coming to prom so he isn't going to be at the only event I’m gonna be all doll up for.”

The bridge of her nose folds. “That again? Just forget him." She gets her card from her wallet to give to the cashier.

She looks at me. “—But anyway, I'm a little curious why he isn't joining prom. Even the alpha-in-training, well–Chesmon, will be there"

“He will?" I hug my arms as I think it over. “It's probably because of me. I'm going to be there so he won't go."

Sandy rubs my back.

“Nichole, I know I don't have a right to tell you what to do here but shouldn't you give up on Kyle already? There are plenty of men out there, your mate even."

“Sand..."

“I know—maybe the Kyle that I see now is different from the Kyle you grew up with. But don't you think he is who he is now? I’m worried you're gambling at the wrong person, Nik.”

Sandy stared at me and was expecting to reach an understanding with me.

I only smiled at her. A smile that is not reaching my ears. “Just until the time runs out, Sand. Just until then."

“What do you mean until then?” She sounded confused. “When? How long?”

I was about to open my mouth when the saleslady handed me the shopping bags.

I reach my hand to carry them after saying “Thank you.”

“Let's go home. It's late." I fastpaced towards the entrance of the store, leaving a displeased lady.

“Geez. You're hopeless," she said exasperated.

•••

“Are you sure you're coming with me after your birthday?"

“Yeah, just for three days though."

“Great! Going home just to stay there for one night, and then going back here in LA is just too short." She moped.

I am face-timing Rebekah, my older sister, and my second most favourite person in the world. Kyle got the top spot now obviously. While my parents and his parents are nowhere in the ranking, they are too amazing to be included.

“I'm glad I get to have you here for three days. We can go shopping again!" She squealed behind the screen.

“I miss you, sis." My voice cracked.

It's been ages since I last saw her in person. She was my go-to person aside from Kyle and our middleman when we fought.

I'm relieved she can celebrate my birthday and spend some time with me even just for a short while.

“I miss you too." She wipes a stray tear that escapes from her eye.

I suddenly heard someone else's voice in the background, calling her name. My sister didn't fail to answer right away.

I assume that the person she was talking to, was a colleague from work. I was a little bit intrigued when she became flustered after that.

“L-Little Chole, I have to go back to work now. I'll FaceTime you again later. Kiss mom and dad for me?"

“Of course, sis. Bye, and take care." I waved at the screen and gave her a lot of kisses.

“See you at your birthday, little Chole" She blew a small kiss back before waving goodbye.

“Can't wait," I said before the video chat ended.

After closing my laptop, I went back to packing. I don't wanna be preoccupied on my special day, just to get ready to leave for L.A.