LOVING A MANNEQUIN

Chapter 36: Welcome Back

*NO ONE POV*

“Welcome back!" The five sales staff shouted as they entered the boutique door early in the morning, Barbie and Melanie, whom Denice had escorted. Not only did they just greet but they were also holding a big cake.

"This is too much!" Melanie smiled. "But thank you. "

"You are welcome ma'am Melanie. Glad you two are fine." Anica said before facing Barbie, "Barbie how are you? Just one day without you, God, I am exhausted attending my post as well as yours. I am tired to death."

"You don't seem so. You look even more glowing now." Barbie replied that she had examined her. "What did you use on your face? It's beautiful. Wait, you seem blushing too. Why?"

Anica quickly covered her cheeks. "No way. That is not true. I am not blushing. Early in the morning yet you are thinking dirty thoughts."

Barbie giggled, "Anica, blushing is not a dirty thought.  Look, you are really blushing. Hmmmm, Something is fishy to you."

"Shut up!" She acted sullen to her. "I am going to ignore you today."

Barbie quickly strode to her side and coaxed her, “Alright Anica. Enough, don't get angry at me. I am just teasing you but it's true that you really became more stunning today.”

Since it was early to enter the boutique, everyone enjoyed the said special strawberry flavor cake.

.

.

.

Barbie was startled when suddenly someone touched her elbow. Her chest was full of nervousness, Barbie turned around once ready to shout but she was flabbergasted to see a beautiful scenery as well as a beautiful man smiling sweetly at her.

“Angelo? What are you doing here?” Barbie tried to fret so everyone could hear her but halted to recognize who it was.

“I  am tired out there so I sneak here.” Angelo answered. “Don't worry no one will notice that one of the mannequins is gone.”

“You naughty brat, come back there.” Barbie pushed him slightly away.

Angelo smirked slyly. “Okay! Don't worry, no one will discover me. I made a deceit illusion here.”

"Deceit illusion?"

"Yes. In the eyes of others, I am still in my seat but they do not know, I am here." He said with a smile. "Besides, I want to give you company here. Hope, you don't mind."

"Of course I don't mind. I'm actually glad I can talk to someone here."

"Good! "Oh, By the way, I won't be with you later when you go home. I have something important to take care of. Is it okay?"

Although Barbie did not admit it, she felt that something was lacking in her heart in the thought that she would not be able to be with Angelo later but she didn't want to show it. Barbie forced a smile, "It's fine. Just go! But-- I am curious, you are a mannequin, what business could you possibly have?"

"It's a big secret."

"Again?" She sighed. "You have plenty of secrets huh. Fine, be careful. It was not because you are a mannequin there is no danger looming for you."

"Okay. I will always remember that."  Angelo smiled ear to ear and accompanied by his captivating eyes.

It was only a matter of time before Barbie jumped up when suddenly there were hands coiled around her waist from behind her. "Ahh, what is this?"

The owner of the hands acted crying and then said, "Barbie, I am over. My life is over. What to do?"

Barbie removed Anica's hands and faced herself on her, "What is wrong Anica?"

“My life is over!"Anica said and hugged her again. Barbie motioned for Angelo to leave and the young man followed.

"Tell me. Is there really a problem? Why do you always say that your life is over? Why?"

Anica remained silent.

"Hey, Why are you silent now?”

Anica stated helplessly. “I am going to get married. I'm done."

Barbie coughed as if she was being strangled. "Is that what you say your life is over?" Barbie poked her head with her index fingertip. "Are you stupid? You are getting married means your life is just about to officially begin. That is actually a big blessing. You should be happy."

Anica wiped off the hanging clothes, "Be happy? Damn, who would be happy in a marriage without love and in a hurry?"

Barbie chuckled, "Who is that lucky man?"

Anica rolled her eyes and emotionlessly said, "Eric."

"Eric, hmmmm, the name sounds familiar. Do I know him?"

"That man in the restaurant the last time. Gosh!"

"So it was him. No wonder. Then you agreed?"

Anica nodded, frowning. "Not really but they all decided it by themselves. I can't refuse either."

"Why?"

Anica walked around, fiddling her fingers. "It is all because of that car. I have to pay a lot of money for that damaged car and the ruined clothes of his blind date. God really punished me."

Barbie giggled. "Lesson learned. So next time, avoid being super curious."

"Tse! Oh, just earlier, you seem to be talking to someone. I almost forgot to ask. Who are you talking to?"

Barbie hesitated and rubbed her head and looked around, "Anica, I have no one to talk to. You may be mistaken."

Anica searched around but found no one so she wrinkled her face as she returned in front of Barbie. "Impossible! I clearly heard a voice of a man talking with you. Where did you hide him?"

"Anica, you are becoming curious again. Are you not afraid that there will be another bad result?" Barbie felt her forehead, "You have no fever."

"Did I really hear it wrong?" She thought as she and Barbie stared at each other.

Barbie grabbed her, turned her back and pushed her back to her area. "Go back to your post. I still have a lot of things to sort out."

"You are hiding something so you are eager to shoo me away. Oh, tonight, don't forget, we are going to Chix Bar to celebrate your discharge from the hospital. So don't be absent."

"Huh? Why bother?"

"Don't be a party pooper. Just come with Ma'am Melanie." Anica said before walking away.