Uncomfortable Feeling

Kurt arrived a few minutes after the call ended. Annika was very excited to shop for new clothes. She remembered how many clothes she used to shop before and this made her a little sad. Annika followed Kurt attentively. Annika was a little surprised when Kurt went to the most expensive store. She didn’t need to research it because just by looking at the store, she knows it’s a hella expensive one. The manager from the store offered them a free champagne. 

Annika was amazed by all the beautiful dresses. She can wear some dresses that celebrities have worn to the red carpet. She felt shy because she thinks this is too much for Kurt. Kurt tapped her on the shoulder “go look for clothes. I’ll wait for you here.” She replied. “Isn’t this too much?” Kurt smirked. “You’re not gonna spend a single penny here. You don’t have to worry.” She still was going to say something when he cut her off. “It’s not your money anyway. You shouldn’t really worry. This is not that expensive.” 

Annika’s feelings were hurt when Kurt said that. This proved how rich he is. It almost felt like Kurt insulted her. She was still a little hesitant to buy clothes from this store but she thought that Kurt cannot be persuaded anyway. She tried to find the cheapest clothes in the store. The first one she tried in the dressing room was a red peplum dress. This dress highlighted her small waist and her wide hips. Kurt smiled at her and clapped his hands. “I like it.” This made Annika blushed a little. She proceeded to try on the other clothes she got. When she went out the dressing room, Kurt didn't seem pleased. “I don’t like this one.” Annika was disappointed because she liked this dress. She sighed and went back to the dressing room to try another one.

Kurt still wasn’t pleased with the next dress she tried on. Kurt asked her “Did you pick the cheapest dresses here?” Annika nodded. Kurt can already tell if the dress is cheap or not. The dress was cheap for him but not for other people. This dress alone costs $1200. 

Kurt started looking for other dresses. He picked each one carefully. Annika was stunned when she saw the prices of the clothes that Kurt picked. “Here, try them all please.” Kurt smiled. She nodded and went back to the dressing room. The next dress she tried on was a black halter neck maxi dress. Kurt can’t help but smile because she looked perfect. He told the store manager he would buy that. He took a sip of champagne while waiting for Annika to try more clothes. The next dress she tried on was a nude bodycon dress. This highlighted her body shape better. Kurt bought all the dresses that he picked for Annika. They all looked perfect for her. Annika was happy but she still was a little sad because of what Kurt said earlier.

She was quiet the whole time. She was thinking about what he said. Kurt noticed her silence. “Hey, aren’t you happy with all the dresses?” This question made her more uncomfortable with him. She started to think about their agreement and she felt a little regret. She didn’t think that it would feel this way. This made her think about how her current life situation sucks.

“I’m just tired, that's all.” Kurt didn’t believe her. He knew there was something going on in her head. He knew that something was bothering her but he didn’t have the guts to ask her. It’s getting dark, Kurt offers to eat dinner with him.

“Do you want to eat something?” Kurt asked Annika sincerely. He thought that food would cheer her up. He was surprised when Annika just nodded and didn’t seem excited. Annika thought that this would be another show up from Kurt. She felt that he’s gonna take her to the most expensive restaurant and insult her again.

Even though she felt this way, she was also hungry that’s why she didn’t say much about it. She just wants to go home after this. As expected, they went to the most expensive restaurant. “Order all the food you want. This is my treat.” Kurt smiled. She just nodded in reply. This made Kurt think about everything he said. He was thinking if he said something wrong.

Annika ordered steak, macaroni n’ cheese, and mashed potato. Kurt ordered steak with buttered corn. Kurt asked her if she wanted to order red wine, she refused. There’s a huge silence during their dinner. Nobody is talking. This is very unlikely. Kurt thought in his head. He wasn’t used to Annika being quiet.

“Annika.” He called her. Annika felt she can’t look at Kurt right now but she tried her best to look at him. “Hmm?” she replied. Kurt still didn’t have the guts to ask her what’s wrong. He didn’t know what’s wrong with him. He was confused as to why he felt scared. 

“Nothing. Enjoy your meal.” He faked a smile. They finished their dinner. Annika thanked Kurt for the meal. “I’m gonna take the bus tonight.” She spoke. She was uncomfortable to be with Kurt. She didn’t like the idea of Kurt insulting her. Although it really wasn’t Kurt’s intention.

“No. You’re coming with me. I’m gonna drive you home.” Kurt’s plan was to talk to Annika once they got inside the car. “It’s getting late. I don’t want to be blamed if something happens to you.” He convinced Annika to come with him. Annika thought she needed to bear with him a little more. 

When they got inside the car, Kurt prepared himself to ask Annika what’s wrong. “Annika, are you okay? You’ve been quiet since I got here.” He asked sincerely. “I told you I am just tired.” She lied about her true feelings. She thought that it would make her more pitiful if she said the truth. “You said you’re okay but your face, your silence says the opposite.” He sighed. “Please tell me what’s wrong.” Annika shook her head. The situation made her feel like crying. She didn’t want to cry in front of Kurt. 

“Annika, please.” Kurt pleaded. Annika composed herself before talking. Since they were on a deal for a couple of months, she thought that there should be a proper communication between them. She told Kurt about what he said earlier and what it made her feel. Kurt was surprised because he didn't think about it that way. He was being sincere earlier. He thought that Annika would be happy about the clothes and not having to spend a single penny. “I am sorry that you felt that way, Annika.” He sighed. “I thought that would make you happy and it wasn’t my intention to insult you. Believe me.” He didn’t expect that Annika would think about it that way. He was happy to give Annika everything she needs, because of course it would also benefit him. He wanted to prepare Annika for the big night. He was planning to take her to their five-star family restaurant to meet the people there. 

He was about to explain more when it started to rain hard. My day already went bad, what could possibly go wrong? Annika said to herself. She was pissed. She wanted to go home but she can’t let Kurt drive because they might get into a car accident. The road will be slippery for sure.

“Honestly, I was thinking about our deal.” Kurt got nervous. Annika was feeling a bit of regret that she agreed to this. But this is the first that it happened so she thought of giving Kurt another chance. “But this is your first offense. I hope that it doesn’t happen again.” Kurt felt relieved when Annika said that. “I am sorry, Annika. It won’t happen again.” He promised. 

“I think it will take some time for the rain to stop. Shall we listen to some music?” Annika nodded. Even though Annika forgave Kurt, she still feels a little ache in her heart.

Playing: Tie Me Down – Gryffin 

Don't lie, I know you've been thinking it

And two times, you let it slip from your lips…

This was Annika’s favorite song but Kurt didn’t know about it. She felt a little lighter when the song started. 

…You can take me home

You can never let me go

Hold me up, hold me up…

Kurt was quiet the whole time. He was thinking about his words. He didn’t want to insult or hurt her. Any girl would be happy if they were in Annika’s position, he thought.  Annika is really different from all the other girls.