LOVING A MANNEQUIN

Chapter 16: He came to Life

My eyes kept travelling back and forth to the faces of three mannequins in front of me. My head hurt a lot thinking about a set of clothes that would look great on them. But seriously, I really didn't know what to make them wear.

Both my hands were dangling random clothes: suits, shorts, shirts, summer wear and a lot more. 

"Angelo" I called the mannequin which looked more like a real human. He looked too fresh and a feast in my eyes. "If it is you to choose, what do you think is good for you to wear and them?" 

I was like crazy. I actually asked him and even waited for him to answer. 

I sighed. "Forget it. I know you can't talk but I still ask you. I am really insane, indeed. But--," I simpered. "How good it will be if you are alive? I am sure, girls will fight each other just for your attention. I wish you were alive." 

I caressed Angelo's face just like what I usually did and stared at him. Again, I felt the surroundings become too chill, making me feel goosebumps. But it was nothing for me, because staring in his eyes, I saw light and I felt warm. 

I was in the middle of daydreaming when my phone beeped. I was allowed to use my phone since Melanie went on a business trip. I assumed she talked to Denice about it.

I put aside the clothes and as I went on the screen of the phone, I got to read Melanie's message. I couldn't help not to smile reading her message. 

From Melanie: 

'You witch. Send me a message if you are still breathing. I am so worried about you. Love, Melanie. Hehehehehehe'

Seriously, I forgot again to send a message to Melanie this morning. What was I thinking? Why did I keep forgetting it?

I quickly typed a message for her. 

For Melanie:

'I am very fine. How about you? Hope you eat on time. Also, don't get drunk. I am waiting for your safe return. Love, your only doll, Barbie.' 

In the message I put a smirked emoji. 

"What are you doing?" Suddenly the same fierce superior voice came behind me that startled me, causing my hand to lose my hold on the phone and so it slipped. 

I lowered my head with my fingers fiddling in front of my skirt. "Ma'am Denice." The only words rolled out from my throat. 

"You really got some nerves huh? Playing with your phone during work hours?" Denice glared as she lightly whisked me aside. She got more furious when she found out that until now I still hadn't dressen 

up the mannequins. 

"What do you mean by this, huh?" Denice prodded my temple with her index finger. "Are you trying to provoke me?"

I stepped backwards seeing Denice's furious face. The way she looked at me was like she wanted to swallow me alive and whole. 

"Ma'am Denice, I am sorry but I really hadn't come up with an idea yet of what to make the mannequins wear. So until now, they are still---" 

"You are really a waste." Denice yelled as she raised her hand to slap me. Gladly, Anica came and called her with an excuse along but I clearly knew, she did it on purpose. 

"Ma'am Denice, I have something important that needs your assistance. Can you spare some minutes for it?" 

Denice angrily threw her hand down and pointed at me. "You better make it done before I come back to check. Or else, you won't eat your lunch and can't get out of this store room until tomorrow morning. You get me?" 

"Yes--yes- ma'am."

"Hummmp!" 

Before Anica left, she gave a worried expression. 

******

As I was the only one left in the store room, I immediately rummaged on things to look for better choices of clothes but I also quit as I realised that even though I turned every corner up and down, I was still unable to find clothes for them. Because I didn't have an idea at all. In frustration, I squatted on the floor with my elbows on my knees and my  face resting on my fists. 

I wanted to cry. 

I stayed for that position for quite long until my legs got sore and my feet got numbed. 

Because of it, I picked myself up suddenly only to make me feel dizzy. I lurched around with one of my hands rubbing my temples and the other one was groping something for support. But because I was unable to open my eyes due to my head that was tingling badly and my vision spun, I accidentally bumped with force at one of the wire storage stands that was twice taller than me and it swayed. 

Due to panic, I forced my eyes to open and it opened wider when I saw the big box above me coming down. I was stupefied and was unable to react. I could only watch the box coming to fall straight on my head which I was aware that it was full of clothes. 

4 inches, 3 inches, 2 inches. As the box was getting closer, my heart wanted to jump out from my chest until my eyes voluntarily closed. My mind counted for 1 inch. The only distance left for the box to crash on me. 

Until…. 

Two powerful arms hauled me swiftly backward and trapped me into his warm embrace. 

I felt that the beatings of my heart stopped at that moment and a deafening silence occurred. After mustering my courage, I gradually opened my eyes and My Goodness, as I turned my head to look at who had just saved me, what unfolded before my eyes was unable to make me believe. 

I felt it was just a dream. I was unable to move nor speak. My mouth was frozen open and my body stiffened like snow wrapped me all over. 

Because who would believe it was real to witness that the handsome mannequin I was fond about would come to life and save me? 

"Hi! Long time no see." He said that made me flinch. "It looks like I have to teach you how to get rid of your clumsiness." The Mannequin spoke in his most gentle and sweet voice I ever heard. But, it was a little familiar to me. Somewhat, I heard it many times before. I didn't know, I was too confused and surprised.

"An-Angelo!" At last, I managed to utter without blinking my eyes. I was afraid, if I blinked he would return being a lifeless mannequin.

He smiled with his eyes, showing his even white teeth. "Hmmm, Angelo, I loved the name. I loved to hear you calling me with that name."