15 Let Us Never Shop Again

"You weren't supposed to live!! You said you'd be back! Liar!!"☻

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After leaving the car I led Miguel through the shopping district, he seemed to choose the most expensive stores he could find, disregarding the fact that I'm just a college student. He never misses a chance to mildly torture me, such a sadist.

"Can I buy a cellphone in this area?" He asked, finally turning to me as I struggled to carry his numerous bags.

"There's a supermarket about 10 minutes..." I began but noticed his face was showing disapproval so I used my phone to locate the nearest electronic retailer. While I was doing the web search, I noticed Miguel taking his bags from me; that made typing on my screen easier, "I found it, it's!" Miguel cut me off with a sudden kiss,

"I'm sorry... where?" He inquired and I hung my head, unable to look at him,

"It... doesn't matter... I'll call for a ride." I tried to keep my voice steady but I failed, I did my best to stay focused on calling for a driver

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We were back at my mother's house about an hour later. Mom threw her arm around me and hugged me as soon as I came back, she and Jasper were holding hands for some reason, and seeing that made me nauseous

"I'm back..." I stated weakly, hoping she'd let me go.

"Wow! You bought a lot, I never knew you were such a shopaholic." I laughed awkwardly in response.

"I'm ... going to put my things away," I said, hoping I could leave the room for a moment.

"Nope, Miguel can put your things away by himself; there's no way I'm letting you guys be alone together." She teased, and to my dismay, Miguel left ahead of me with no argument. So I had no choice but to follow Mom to the dining area to continue our chat, at least it was just me and her in the room, Jasper had left for errands. We were sitting next to one another quietly with her staring at me smiling, many seconds passed before Mom finally broke the silence "So how did you meet?" I wish I wasn't here right now, I hate lying, and just thinking about doing it made me feel sicker than I already did, but there's no other choice,

"I met him at school," I explained, hoping I could keep the details vague.

"Oh? What field of study is he in?" She investigated, I swallowed hard before answering,

"Culinary." She tapped her chin after hearing my response,

"I don't want to be rude..." Mom began, making it clear whatever she was about to ask would be rude, I readied myself as best I could "I've been to your campus and the Culinary area is very far from yours, but it's close to the music area... did you meet him while you were still dating Jack? Or maybe he's one of Jack's acquaintances. Give me the tea, I'm not judging, it just makes sense." I felt insulted but hid it from my voice,

"Of course, not." My mom's smile went away and she waved her arms slightly as she started to panic,

"I'm not accusing you of anything! It's just... I remember you telling me the Culinary students have their own cafeteria and you always go home after classes end... and! The past few years you haven't looked your best honey... so it would be easier for you to meet a guy who uh... knows your potential. That's all I'm saying."

"Thanks, mom." I replied, sarcastically, and I could literally see her spirit sink so I sighed and said "I understand what you mean but I really only met him recently, just by chance." Since my tone softened she perked up, she's so easy to read.

"Are you sure it was by chance? Maybe he saw one of your plays and wanted to meet you, I don't believe in coincidences. Your meeting was fate!" At that moment Maxell placed a Margarita on the counter in front of mom, "Wow! Max! You know me so well. I can never let you leave me, you have to work here forever." Mom stated giddily while taking a sip of her drink

"It would be my pleasure madam. Would you like anything, Lemiette?" His eyes turned to me, so I just shook my head no,

"What are you talking about?" I jolted, noticing the voice was coming from Miguel who had planted himself in the barstool next to me.

"Nothing!" I blurted, hoping my Mom would avoid saying anything unnecessary. She finished off her Margarita and exhaled

"So... how did you and my daughter meet?" She asked him; as if our conversation never happened, I opened my mouth to speak but she shushed me, "Let him answer, please."

"We... met at school... admittedly I saw her about 3 years ago, I had wanted to meet her ever since," Miguel informed my mom, he even seemed a bit bashful as he spoke... it's official, he's a better liar than me. I know he's lying but ... even I could be fooled into thinking he's being sincere right now.

"See I told you!" Mom teased. I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah, yeah." I replied dismissively.

"Did you see her in a play or something?" She investigated further. I warned her to shush with my eyes but Miguel answered her,

"No... she was locally famous because she's your daughter and looks a lot like you. I was just lucky enough to see her up close one day. That's not what made me fall for her, of course, but it was enough to get me interested. I'm glad we finally spoke, even if it took 3 years." He's really creating an elaborate story with this facade.

"That's so romantic! And thank you! I always call her my little twin! See Lemiette! It's fate! You two are meant to be! I'm so happy now, you both need to have a drink with me!"

"No," I said, but Miguel said

"Sure," at the same time, and all she heard was his answer.