Number 3: At the Mall

It’s a Friday. The first thing everyone has in mind is to go to the Mall.

Montessori High is just a few blocks from V-Mall. Myles and I walk in a hurry to get there to change out from our school uniforms. A lot of our school mates are walking too. The mall will be full of people for sure.

“Have you decided on the color of swimsuit you will buy?” Myles asks me aloud. The street is buzzing with other pedestrians chatting excitedly like us. The sound of cars passing also adds to the noise.

“You know what Myles, I’m not really sure what I will pick. What about you?” I shout back at her.

“I don’t know either. Let’s just take our time a bit. My parents will not be home early and my brothers have this party to attend. So, I guess we have time then.” Myles looks at me with her impish grin. What is she planning again?

Myles is a little childish that way. Not to mention she is a foot shorter than me. I look like her older sister for my height. Also, some people mistake me for a College student for my mature features.

We reach the V-Mall entrance and have our bags inspected by the security. The lady guard smiles at us and comments jokingly, “going to party girls?” We just return her smile and move along.

Myles and I head straight to the girl’s restroom immediately. We can’t wait to get out of our uniform to a more comfortable look, well a cool look for our Mall adventure.

After a few minutes, we are out of the restroom. Not a trace of our junior high existence. We are just young adults out for a girl’s date.

“Let’s go Jian! The swimwear selection in “Bench” is nice. We can try there first.” Myles is on a mission.

She grabs my hand as we walk hurriedly towards the shop. A lot of other kids from school are there too already swarming the swimwear stall. We hang around for a while waiting for our turn to have a look. It’s annoying to be bumping with the other kids.

After waiting for ages, we finally have our chance to look closely. Well, it is time wasted because we didn’t like any of the styles and colors there.

We try our luck at “Penshoppe”. Nope, there’s nothing interesting for us there.

Myles diligently inspects all the other stalls there is. With a glum expression and horribly aching feet, we reach the end of our quest. We might as well try another mall next time.

Myles leans on the wall with an exhausted demeanor. I scan around for a stall to buy some bottled water. The stall on our right catches our attention. A lady in her twenties is doing a demo on basic skin cleansers. She encourages customers passing her stall with a free demonstration, including free hairstyling.

Myles and I look at each other. My excitement is reflected on her face. We automatically forget our exhaustion. Carrying our bags on tow, we sprint to the direction of the lady with such enthusiasm.

“Hello girls! You have such pretty and fresh faces. Are you interested to try these?” The saleslady is waving her magic bottle of face cleansing with her full smile on us.

“Yes please!” Myles and I chorused.

“Do we get free hair-styling too?” Myles inquires. My best friend is really an expert in bargaining stuff.

“Of course, my dears.” The lady says with a nod. “Who will try first?”

Myles pushes me to the empty swerving chair beside the sales lady. So I will be the guinea pig first. Myles gives me the thumbs up sign for encouragement.

I cross my arm in front of me and pretend to frown. Myles laughs enthusiastically. She stands back to watch.

“What’s your name young lady? I’m Mandy…” the sales lady starts to rub something minty all over my face. “You have such lovely brown eyes.” She complements.

“You can call me Jian, miss.” I answer back.

“Alright Jian, close your eyes and relax. I will put this magic facial mask on you.” Mandy instructs carefully.

“It seems refreshing to watch. How long will that take, Ms. Mandy?” Myles asks.

“In about twenty to thirty minutes…” Mandy calculates.

“In that case Jian, I will just look for some fries for us, okay?” Myles informs me.

I nod, not daring to open my mouth. I’m a bit conscious with a mask thing on my face.

“How old are you, Jian?” Mandy makes small talk.

I signal the number one and six with my fingers to reply.

Mandy laughs and says “You look more mature for your age. You can pass for someone two or three years older than your true age.” She informs me.

“Just relax there for a bit honey. I will try selling to a few more customers while we wait for your mask to dry.” Mandy tells me.

From a short distance, I can hear people cheering. There is also a lot of applauding. I concentrate on what I am hearing…

“I love you, though you don’t see it

I will come to you, if you really want me to”

The crowd goes wild! I know that song…and that voice! Oh my gosh… It’s my favorite band playing. Here…right now…at V-Mall! I think I am going to have a heart attack! I can’t contain myself. I start to fidget on the swiveling chair. It’s like the twenty minutes seem like twenty hours!

Finally, I sense Mandy returning to my side. “Are you ready Jian?” she asks.

I open my eyes and nod.

Mandy removes the mask and applies some special cream that feels so gentle on my face.

I scan the mall, frantically searching for Myles. She is taking so long with that fries of hers…

“Um, Ms. Mandy, can you tell my friend Myles when she gets back here that I went there?” I point towards the direction of the concert. “She’ll be the girl with fries.” I add then I sprint with my bag, without waiting for Mandy to reply.

“Take a look in my heart, only your name is etched

You know there is no one but you…”

I follow the alluring sound with my heart running too…