The shopping mall was a hive of activity, with people laughing, talking, and clattering shopping bags. Selena led her mother, Jennifer, through the maze of stores. Her heart was full of joy. She couldn't help but smile as she watched her mother's eyes light up with excitement at the sight of the various displays and sales. The girls had gone on a much-needed shopping spree to celebrate. Cayden had given his credit cards to Selena, and she was eager to spoil her mother with new clothes and accessories. As they made their way from store to store, Selena couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that she could bring such happiness to her mother's life.
Jennifer looked around in awe. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and a touch of amusement.
"I must admit, Selena, this is quite the experience."
Anna, Maya, and Milli trailed behind them, occasionally busting out laughing at the oddest things they discovered. Selena grinned, enjoying her friends' contagious laughter. It warmed my heart to watch everyone enjoying such a good time together and making memories.
Maya held a bright neon orange scarf. "What do you think? Should I wear it for the next pack meeting?"
Anna laughed. "You'd be the centre of attention and Max would ground you."
"How about this miniskirt?" Maya asked while eyeing a cute skirt. "I think Jimmy would like it." She was referring to her latest crush in college.
Anna chuckled and playfully nudged Maya. "Well, if you want to get Jimmy's attention, that miniskirt might just do the trick!" The group erupted into laughter once again.
As the party resumed their shopping trip, they shared tales, laughed, and tried on costumes ranging from stylish to outrageous. Jennifer was astounded by the sheer number of options available to her.
"I can't believe how much has changed. The fashion, the gadgets, it's like stepping into a whole new world!"
Selena grinned at her. "Well, Mum, you have a lot to catch up on!"
Selena treated herself to some maternity clothes. She picked out a dress that was three times her size, and she looked at it with distress.
"Am I going to become that fat?"
Jennifer chuckled and reassured Selena, "Oh, don't worry! Maternity clothes accommodate your growing belly. You'll look beautiful and stylish throughout your pregnancy. I remember when I was pregnant with you, I gained almost 20 kg."
Anna teased. "Selena, your baby bump will make you look adorable!"
"Absolutely. Pregnancy suits you, girl."
And we'll be here to spoil that little one!" Millie chirped in.
Selena blushed, their words warming her heart. She felt grateful to have such supportive friends by her side during this exciting journey.
As they ventured through the mall, Selena noticed a familiar figure—Dr. Colin.
Jennifer's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink as Dr. Colin approached, his eyes lighting up with recognition.
He caught their scent and greeted them: "Selena, what a delightful surprise!"
Jennifer's gaze shifted to the man who had been by her side when she had woken up. Selena watched her mother's expression, her eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of mischief.
"Hello doctor, I didn't expect you here." Selena smiled at him.
Dr. Colin chuckled, his warm voice filling the air. "Well, I enjoy a good shopping spree now and then," he replied with a playful wink. "And it's always a pleasure to run into familiar faces like yours."
Likewise, Selena replied.
They chatted for a while, then it was time to leave. An idea struck Selna, and she turned to her mother and Dr. Colin with a sly grin.
"You know, Mum, there are quite a lot of shopping bags to carry. How about you leaving with Dr. Colin in his car? It'll be much more convenient with all these bags."
Jennifer exchanged a glance with Dr. Colin, and a playful twinkle danced in her eyes.
"Oh! I would not want to trouble the doctor." "Don't worry, Jennifer. It's no trouble at all," Dr. Colin reassured her with a smile. "I'd be happy to give you a ride and help with the bags."
"Well, that sounds like a sensible idea, doesn't it?" Selena grinned.
"Shall we?" He asked.
Jennifer looked baffled at Selena, but at her urging, she left. They headed towards Dr. Colin's car, leaving Selena and her friends behind.
"Playing matchmaker, are we?" Anna whispered to Selena.
Selena chuckled and shrugged. "I just thought they could use a little push in the right direction," she replied mischievously. Anna rolled her eyes playfully, and they continued to walk towards their car.
"Well, ladies, let's head back to our car. Our bags are waiting!" Anna said.
It was a long walk to the parking lot. The girls refused to let Selena carry any bags and hauled all the stuff themselves.
"I wish we had Max here to help carry these bags," Maya said.
"Oh, Max avoids this place like the plague. He knows how we are once we go shopping." Anna chuckled.
"I hope Kylie will drag him to every shopping mall in the world!" Maya grumbled.
Anna laughed and replied, "Knowing Kylie, she just might!" The girls continued their trek to the car, eager to unload their bags and relax.
"Did you have fun? Are you tired?" Maya asked Selena.
"I had a great time, and I definitely want to come back next month," Selena said. "Oh, thank God, there is the car. My feet are hurting!"
Maya laughed as she popped the trunk. "That's a good sign. It means you shopped till you dropped."
"I'm ready to drop into a pool and cool off." Selena exclaimed, wiping the sweat off her forehead. "This heat is unbearable!"
The girls waited until all their goodies were stored in the trunk before closing it. "I knew the first time I saw you that you were the one, honey. I hate how you and Cayden met, but I'm so glad he brought you into our lives."
"Me, too. I never knew..."
"What?" Maya asked.
"It's just... I never knew relationships could be like this." Selena opened the passenger door and got in.
What I saw between my dad and my mum wasn't like that." Selena paused for a moment, reflecting on her parents' relationship. "But with Cayden, it's different. It's warm, supportive, and full of affection. Though we started off on not so good terms,
Maya sighed. "I'm so sorry that your childhood was like it was. But I want you to know that things are different now. We care for you. And we will not harp on that and ruin our day!"
Maya reached over and gently squeezed Selena's hand, reassuring her.
Standing there, waiting for Anna to unlock her door, Selena noticed a patch of tall weeds had been flattened by the front of the car. Selena stood staring at it until she heard her door unlock.
"Whew, it's hot in here," Anna said as she backed out of the parking spot. "I'm going to roll the windows down and let some of this hot air out."
There was a four-way stop coming up, and Anna stepped on the brake, but nothing happened; the car didn't slow at all. She pumped the brakes again, waiting. Still, the car didn't slow, and the four-way stop was getting closer by the second. Anna clutched the steering wheel and slammed her foot on the brake. The pedal went straight to the floor. The car was picking up speed because of the slight hill they were on.
"Oh, my god," Anna whispered. "Girls, hold on to your seats."
"Of course, why?" Maya asked.
"The brakes are not working." Anna shifted down a gear at a time until she was in low gear.
"W-what? What do you mean, they aren't working?" Selena asked, her hand instinctively on her belly.
"Its just not working. I can't stop. Make sure you're holding tight! Oh god, there are cars at the stop sign," Anna said, turning on her hazards and blowing her horn frantically.
"Oh, Luna, Anna!" Millie yelled, grabbing hold of the door. "What are we going to do?"
"Pray." Anna veered into the gravel that lined the side of the road, hoping that the friction from the gravel would slow her. She knew this was a risk. This could cause the car to flip.
"It's coming up," Selena whispered. "Oh... shit..."
Anna slowly applied the emergency brake, slowing the car down a bit, but not enough.
"Get out of the way," Anna hissed under her breath at the other cars. "Don't stop in front of me."
Anna blew through the intersection, sending several cars skidding out of the way. Selena stared out of the window, eyes wide and terrified, as she watched a car just barely miss them. The other driver's face looked equally terrified.