DISTRESS

CHAPTER 8

"Puppy try this. I know you'll look good in this." Nina smiled, handing me a baby blue dress with frills.

"Try this on too puppy!" Mina said excitedly, holding a floral dress.

I frown, not even bothering to consider taking the dress from either of them. How did I even end up in this situation? I only agreed to come with the twins because manager told me to. She said that the twins are going to the mall to shop so she insisted I come along thinking it was a good idea since her and assistant manager needs to go to the city so the bistro is closed for the day.

I thought the two of them are buying something important for themselves but turns out I was thinking the exact opposite. They've been handing me different clothes which I don't usually wear. I prefer hoodie's and baggy clothes. It's more comfortable and it hides the bruises and cuts in my body. Honestly, all them are buying are things I don't use or wear at all. I feel like their plan to shop is solely because of me.

They pouted when I didn't even made any effort to check the clothes out, let alone accept it. I just simply shook my head before looking around, ignoring them on purpose. I heard them whine but I still ignored them. I wanna go home and sleep. I know I'll be able to rest since I'm sure that bastard is not there. He left again after I gave him some money. Since he won't be back for a while, I wanted to enjoy the time left where I can rest and not worry being beaten up by him. Yet her I am wasting my time following these two who did nothing but offer me things I don't want to.

"I don't want anything so could you two hurry up and buy what you need. I don't plan to stay long here." I stepped outside the boutique and waited at a nearby bench. They didn't follow me so I assumed they continued to shop and I hope this time they're shopping for themselves and not for me.

The mall is busy with people going in and out of different boutiques and restaurants but surprisingly it's not as as crowded as I expected. Well, you can't expect much from a small city. This place only has one average mall, apartment building, a hospital, a school and other necessary buildings needed. Along with a couple of small convenience stores, shops and restaurants. It's not much compared to the city but it's enough for the people here to survive.

Thinking back, it's actually been years since I last went to the mall and it was obviously with my mother and sister. Those were one of the good times. Back then we don't always go to the mall but during special occasions, mom would treat me and my sister. I miss those days where I get to spend time with mom and my sister. I let out a sigh and tried to not reminisce too much, not when I'm outside where many can see me.

"Dawn?" I didn't look when I heard someone called my name. I know too well who it was. She's actually the last person I expected to meet here. "I know it's you," she added. At this moment I'm debating whether I should leave or just ignore her completely. Both are somehow tempting choices.

"Let's pretend we didn't see each other today." I said glancing at her who is standing beside the bench.

"Are you shopping with your friends or just by yourself?" she asked as if she didn't hear what I just said. Shopping with friends? Do I look like I have friends? I thought she's already aware of that by now.

"I don't think that's any of your business to ask." I retorted standing up and finally facing her. She's wearing plain black shirt and faded jeans. This is actually the first time I saw her wearing casual clothes. Casual clothes also suits her but that's not something I should concern myself about.

"You know, this is not how you treat your teacher let alone your principal," she said. Her voice somehow sounded disappointed.

I glared at her which didn't even faze her, "I could say the same thing to you. This is not how you treat your student. I don't know what you're up to but I don't like you meddling too much with my life."

"Listen Dawn. I'm not doing this because it's simply my job as a teacher but because I'm worried about you."

"Then don't worry about me. As simple as that. Why would you even waste your time bothering me," she should really stop all these nonsense she's doing. It's bothersome and really uncomfortable. I'm not even asking her to do all these things for me. I'm not interested with her shallow sympathy.

Pain flashed in her eyes which almost threw me off. Then all of the sudden two pair of arms wrapped around me protectively. I'm guessing it's the twins. Honestly, I'm kinda thankful that they appeared just right on time because I don't have any idea what I should do if our conversation continues like this. The pain I saw in her eyes isn't something anyone would just show, not unless they genuinely meant what they said.

No! I shouldn't let myself be carried away by her. It's simply because of the spur of the moment that made her look like my words hurt her. That's what I kept telling myself yet why do I feel like something is tugging on my chest. Dammit, snap out of it.

"We're done shopping puppy. Why don't we head back now," Mina said, pulling me out of my thoughts. I furrowed my eyebrows when I noticed them glaring daggers at the principal.

"I thought we already told you not to talk to strangers." Nina said, tightening her hold around me.

"Who are these two?" the principal asked smiling. Finally recovering from a while ago though I doubt she has truly recovered. I'm sure she's only doing that out of courtesy.

I opened my mouth but the twins interrupted. "We're Dawn and Raven's special persons," the proud look on their faces when they said that honestly caught me off guard.

"How come I've never seen you two in school?"

"Well duh, it's because we're already adults," Mina replied sarcastically. They're actually not this rude to others so it's kinda new to me seeing them act this way towards the principal. I don't think they hate her. I think they're just simply not fond of her considering how overprotective they are towards me.

Principal Evans still smiled despite the sarcastic remark of Mina. But her eyes looked different especially when she glanced at me or am I just seeing things. Whatever, I think now's the time to leave. "I think we're done here now so let's go back."

I can tell the principal still has something to say but wasn't able to after the twins dragged me out of the mall and all the way to their car. Once inside the car the two of them faced me and opened their mouth but I immediately raised my index finger in front to shut them up. "Don't. I don't plan to listen to any of your complaints," The two of them pursed their lips as they give me an apologetic look. "Don't look at me with those eyes."

Mina and Nina exchanged looks before Nina nodded and Mina drove off. To be frank, I was thankful when they came and drag me away from the principal but right now I definitely don't want to deal with whatever it is they intend to say since they'll either scold or nag me to no end and I can't have that.

The drive back to the bistro was filled with deafening silence and I couldn't be more thankful for that. I don't want to talk and with them reading the atmosphere, I'm relieved that they understood my point. I wouldn't want to lose my temper and get angry at them.

"Thanks." I said stepping out of the car. The twins immediately followed suit.

"Before you go puppy. We want to give you something." Nina said, carrying a couple of gift bags.

"I know you said you don't want anything but please accept these." Mina handed me the gift bags she's carrying and Nina did the same thing.

I looked at the gift bags and then at the twins. Contemplating whether I should take it or not. Though I think I already know what I should do. "Fine I'll accept these gifts, for now." I finally said taking the gift bags from them. Their face immediately brightened and they tackled me in a hug while grinning like weirdos.

I still don't know if I should trust any of them and I don't want to get used to their affection yet. I don't know how long they'll keep this up but for the meantime I want to focus in protecting Raven and myself from any potential harm. Even if it means not letting any of them in my life. Though I'm not so sure how long I'll be able to hold out.