Logan

Logan:

I hear the sounds of birds singing, that’s something I haven’t heard in a really long time. Bright light graces the room from the windows, it’s morning.

Layla is already wide awake making her bed, as she hums along to the birds.

“It’s been a while since I had something like this; you know”

“Having a sleepover?”

“No, waking up to peace and the sound of birds singing”

“Why though? You like quiet places, your house wasn’t like that?”

“Not really, the city I schooled at was always rowdy and noisy. Large cars passing by the second and the sound of street music”

“I see, well; you must be glad to be home”

“I am, I really am. I just had a shitty day yesterday but I’m going to put all that behind me and enjoy my time here”

“I’m glad to hear that”

“So….. I should get home”

“Aren’t you gonna stay for breakfast?”

“I don’t really think I should”

“Because of that stuff I said yesterday? I’m really sorry”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m apologizing for upsetting you last night”

“I’m not upset, I just feel embarrassed. I mean, I thought nobody knew about that”

“oh Layla, we rooted for you guys. Nobody was against it but the moon goddess had plans of her own”

“Can we not talk about this? I feel uncomfortable”

“Sure, I won’t bring it up again”

“Thank you”

“By the way Layla; I’ve changed my mind”

“Yeah? About what?”

“I do want to go shopping”

“Yeah? I’m glad!”

“Layla jumps with joy and embraces me, she still acts like a child after all these years.”

“I just remembered I need some new clothes, I didn’t bring much”

“Aye captain, new clothes you shall get”

“You’re so goofy”

We both chuckle as I enter the bathroom to brush my teeth.

After preparations, Layla helps me pick out a dress and we make our way to the mall.

“It’s been ages since I’ve come here, this place looks way bigger than I remember”

“That’s because it is. Few years ago, it was brought down and rebuilt to be bigger”

“So much happened in 5 years huh”

“They do say change is a constant thing, shall we?”

“Yes, yes we shall”

“We link our arms and excitedly walk into the mall”

“What section should we check out first? Clothes? Shoes? Bags?”

“I want a teddy”

“Huh? You have like a million teddies in your room”

“I DO NOT; you my friend; are exaggerating”

“I am not, but since you insist, we’ll check the teddy section first. Wouldn’t want you to start crying again.”

“Whatever, let’s just go”

“I’ll lead the way, we wouldn’t want you to get lost, your brother would have my head”

We take the lift up to the section where the toys are found.

There are a lot of animal toys on shelves all around us, my attention is not caught by any of them

“Do you think I should get a pet instead? I think I need a comfort animal”

“Why get a comfort animal when you have me?”

“You’re being dramatic”

“It’s my nature, you’re going to have to deal with it”

“I’ll get that one, there! I need that one!”

“The panda plushie?”

“Yes, it looks so cute”

I point at a toy at the top shelf, my height doesn’t allow me reach it even when I stretch

“Layla, couldn’t you help me get it?”

“How? You’re taller than me; if you can’t reach it, how do you expect me to?”

“Maybe I’ll help you up just like I usually did when we were younger”

We both laugh loud causing other customers to look at us weirdly.

*I’ll get a staff to help, wait here. I don’t want you to go anywhere, you’ll get lost if you do”

“Yes yes of course, I’m not a child you know”

“I’ll be right back”

Layla walks down the mall in search of a staff to help us get the panda down.

As I stand looking up in admiration of the cute toy, a hand reaches out from behind me and grabs it.

“You were trying to get this right? Here you go”

The person hands me the teddy from behind. I know the voice, I can swear I’ve heard this voice before, I know who this person is.

I turn around and confirm my suspicions, someone I didn’t expect running into

“Hello, miss Reid”

“It’s just Ruby”

“Oh, pardon my forgetfulness”

The person standing in front of me is alpha Logan. He looks dashing and his masculine features are more visible

“I didn’t expect seeing you in town, what brings you to the mall?”

“I came to get a new pair of shoes for a meeting away from town; If I’m being honest, I hoped to run into you soon”

“I came with a friend, I’m here to get clothes.”

“I see, Are you done? I’ll pay for them”

“That’s sweet of you but it isn’t necessary, I wouldn’t want to impose on you like that”

“You’re not imposing, I offered. Please let me pay for them?”

“Um, if you insist then I have no choice but to accept”

As we talk, I notice Layla looking at me from afar with a bright smile on her face, she dismisses the staff she called and walked up to us

“this is my best friend; Layla. Layla, Logan”

They both exchange pleasantries with each other then Layla whispers to me

“I have to go now, you look occupied”

“Hey! you’re seriously going to leave me here all alone? This isn’t fair”

I try to talk to her but she doesn’t listen to me; after a short chat with me, she leaves.

“Ruby, would you like to go somewhere with me? A café maybe”

Refusing him is the only thought that crosses my mind but for

some reason, I don’t .

“Of course, I love coffee. I’d love to go with you, Logan.”