5

LEXI'S POV

After I said everything I wanted to say to Chase, I just left him there in the restaurant. I let him pay for the food that he couldn’t even eat. That was my way of getting back at him for all the pain he caused me.

Now, I’m just walking around the mall because I’m not ready to go home yet. I still can't face my very kind sister, Shiela. I’ll go home later when I know everyone is already asleep.

"Ma'am, your card is really declined."

I glanced at the cashier of a well-known dress shop in the mall. I’m not the type of person who likes to eavesdrop, but I didn’t know why I was drawn to the woman wearing a simple t-shirt and shorts. I couldn’t see her face because her back was to me, and she was facing the cashier.

"Could you try again, please?" the woman said, almost in tears.

"I'm sorry, Ma'am. But I've already tried several times," the cashier hesitated, replying.

I took my card out of my wallet and walked over to the two of them. I quickly handed the cashier my card.

"Here. Try this," I said with a smile.

The woman turned to look at me while the cashier took the card and swiped it. A moment later, the card machine beeped, indicating a successful transaction.

"Here's your card, Ma'am. I'll just wrap the items," the cashier said politely.

"Thank you," I replied as I returned the card to my wallet.

"You can't just do that for someone you don't even know," the woman said emotionlessly.

I couldn’t help but smile slightly. "That’s exactly what I told a stranger who helped me once. But the woman said that when I see a stranger who needs help, I shouldn’t hesitate to offer it. So that’s what I am doing now."

The woman nodded slowly. "For sure, Dad cut off my credit card because I didn’t go with them today," she said, pouting.

"Here are your things, Ma'am. Thank you," the cashier said with a smile, handing her two large paper bags.

"Thank you."

The woman turned to me and smiled. "I have cash. Let me treat you to dinner. Let’s go."

I couldn’t refuse as she grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the store. I had no choice but to follow her until we reached a restaurant.

"Wait, I haven’t introduced myself. I’m Chelsea. I won’t tell you my last name yet," she said, smiling, once we sat at a table.

"Lexi," I replied briefly.

She paused for a moment, looking slightly pale. She cleared her throat before speaking again. "If you don’t mind, can I know your surname?"

I smiled again. Chelsea seemed harmless, and I felt comfortable with her. Perhaps I saw a bit of myself in her when I was her age.

"Castillon. I’m Lexi Ann Castillon."

"Oh my god!" she exclaimed, looking completely surprised.

I furrowed my brow in confusion. "You know me?" I couldn’t help but ask.

She quickly shook her head. "No. Your name is just funny. It’s so unique," she replied quickly.

I nodded. She had a point because many people had said that my name was unique. I didn’t get to say anything else because a waiter approached.

"Good evening."

"Good evening. Same order, please," Chelsea said with a smile.

"Right away, Ma’am."

The waiter left, so I looked back at Chelsea. "You seem like a regular here," I commented.

Chelsea nodded slowly. "Yes. I love the food here. Well, can I have your number? I promise I’ll pay you back once I get some cash."

I shook my head gently. "No need, Chelsea. Just take it as my help, since someone helped me years ago."

"Wait, I’m curious. A stranger helped you? How?" she asked.

"It was when I was in college. I didn’t know my dad had cut off my credit card. I was at the bookstore because I needed supplies for a project. I was about to return my items when this lady stepped in and paid for them. She told me that someday, someone would need my help, and I shouldn’t hesitate to help them," I explained.

"But I don’t really need these things. I mean, shopping is just a hobby for me, so I don’t think I deserve that kind of help," she said, sounding unsure.

I chuckled lightly. "But still, you need help. You know, my dad cut off my credit card because I didn’t go with them. Little did he know that I had so many projects to finish by that time. So, in a way, we’re similar," I said.

"Well, thank you, Lexi. You don’t know how happy I am that you helped me," she said, smiling.

"Just keep the process going. When you meet someone who needs help, don’t hesitate to help," I said.

"Of course. But can I ask, do you have a boyfriend?" she asked bluntly.

"Wait. What?" I couldn’t stop myself from asking.

"Sorry. I’m being honest here. I want you to be my sister-in-law."

I literally stared at Chelsea. She was so straightforward, and I didn’t know how to react. I just helped her, and now she wanted to set me up with her brother.

"I’m sure you’ll like my brother. So, just say yes," she added.

"Wait, Chelsea. Are you joking?" I asked, in disbelief.

"No. Why? Do you already have a boyfriend or a husband?" she asked, disappointed.

I smiled faintly. "I was supposed to have it tonight, but before I could say yes, I found out he was just fooling me."

"Oh my god!" she exclaimed happily, but when she saw my furrowed brow, she suddenly became serious.

"Sorry, Chelsea. I’m not happy that you’re heartbroken, but maybe your destiny is with my brother. You know, on the same night you got fooled, we met. Maybe I’m the bridge for you two. Oh gosh! I’m talking too much. But please, agree to go on a date with him. Please."

"Chelsea, we just met. Besides, maybe your brother won’t even agree," I said hesitantly.

I had never gone on a blind date, so I didn’t know how to turn down what Chelsea was asking. I couldn’t imagine myself dating someone I didn’t even know.

"Just once, Lexi. Please, please, please."

I just nodded. "Okay, fine."

Oh wow! I just agreed to a blind date. Sh*t! What have I gotten myself into? I only helped someone but it’s hard to say no to that someone like Chelsea.