13 Chapter 13 - Meeting(3)

I double-checked my outfit in the mirror to make sure I looked presentable, black jeans, white sneakers, a black long sleeve top, and a black jacket. My hair was pulled back and tucked under a black baseball cap which hid my slightly swollen face and shadowed eyes. Clutching my bookbag tighter I nodded, time to go meet Loretta Rockefeller.

I arrived promptly at 12;30. Entering the restaurant, I spoke with a waiter quickly and was directed to a window seat.

Loretta was seated at a booth and looking out the window. She was wearing an expensive-looking white dress. Coupled with a light pink cardigan, and brown sandals, she looked every bit a rich young miss.

Sliding in across from her, I gave her a reserved smile.

"Canary! You're here!" she almost cheered as I sat down,

"Hello. Sorry, I'm late."

"What happened to your face?" she asked, her face tightening up in anger

"I fell," I replied blandly. And technically I did fall into some fists so it wasn't a lie.

"On your face? If you don't want to tell me that's fine but don't lie to me." she pouted, "Should I beat them up for you?"

Watching her expressive face and childish manner, I couldn't help but laugh.

"Seriously, if anyone bullies you. Just let me know and I'll beat them up!" she continued,

"You?" I looked her up and down. No offense to her, but I couldn't see her lifting a well manicured hand to hit anyone.

"Okay, maybe not me directly. But I'll tell my brothers and they'll beat them up! So you let me know!" she continued, ignoring my doubtful look

"Okay okay, I'll let you know. Let's get some food."

After ordering our food, chicken, and waffles for me, eggs benedict and salmon for her, and juice for the table, she began grilling me.

"Age?"

"Almost 18."

"Birthday? Mine's November 18th."

"June 22."

"Oh, nice! That's in like a week. Favorite subject?"

"Math."

"Boring. Favorite things to do?"

��Clothing Brand?"

Throughout the meal, I just answered rapid-fire questions and learned a little bit about her in the process. I came to the understanding that although she was slightly airheaded, she was a very well rounded person. And...not as snobby as I thought she would be. I never thought I would think well about any rich young miss apart from my best friend, but Loretta Rockefeller was not a bad person. Thinking about it, I think her and Nayuns personalities would mesh very well.

I also learned that although she loved both her brothers, Avery was her favorite, and she was as equally scared and admiring of him.

All in all, It was actually quite a nice brunch.

As we stood outside together waiting for her driver, she asked me. "I'm heading into the mall to browse around. Do you want to come along?"

Not knowing what possessed me, I replied yes.

"Yay! Let's shop till we drop!"

Immediately rethinking my decision, I wanted to refuse but seeing her puppy eyes I rubbed my nose and sighed. Friends. Friends. I'm making friends and connections.

As soon as we arrived at the mall, I was dragged around from one designer store to another while being asked a million questions.

"Is this color pretty on me? Do you want this? I know you can't afford it, but I can buy it for you." wincing at the insensitive but true comment, I shook my head.

"I'm here to just look and accompany you."

Meeting my eyes in the mirror while she tried on a large floppy sun hat, she smiled sadly at me, "I do like you Canary. A lot. And I know this started out from my brother's request but I would like to try for real. I don't have any real friends. Since my brother is a very good judge of character I think it's worth getting to know you better. And since you might be in more contact with him in the future, it doesn't hurt to know me better as well. And also if you want anything let me know. The money isn't mine so I can buy anything I want. All my friends and acquaintances have me buy them things all the time."

"I don't mind trying to be friends but I'm not going to spend your money or mooch off of you. That's not what true friends do." I replied as I stared seriously at her. What kind of friends would have you buy them expensive things all the time? There was no way she would hang out with non wealthy people. So weren't they just using her for her family's money?

Looking thoughtful at my words, she just smiled softly and continued trying on different accessories.

We finally arrived at a toned-down jade antique shop.

"Don't be deceived. This place has some of the best jade in town. I want to get some things for my family to celebrate my brother coming back and for my graduation. It will be a good gift to bribe some elders with so the money envelopes are thick haha '', she chuckled evilly.

Smiling at her silliness, I followed her into the store.