Cecilia Scarlette Locke’s Point of View
I am not sure how long we have been here already. It feels like being forever in the mall, and yet Kinsey and I haven’t bought anything since we set foot in this place.
“I hope we can find a fridge here.”
“Oh, if you do hope, then what more am I? I am basically praying.” I said it ever so seriously, but Kinsey thought it was a joke and laughed it out.
We walked into yet another store we ought to flip upside down when I saw a glimpse of Kinsey’s face. He is a looker, so he is quick to draw salesladies’ attention. That’s already given, but what I’ve noticed is the way he is grinning as if he is truly enjoying himself. I’ve only seen that expression whenever he painted when we were kids. That goofy smile with those starlight eyes like they were powered by the whole country’s electric company. It’s magnificent to look at and never gets old. It must be one of the reasons why I let this drag on this long too.
Maybe I am not that too immune to his charms like I thought before after all.
“Hello, ma’am and sir. How may I help you with?” A saleslady greeted us. By the look on her face, I could literally tell that she is already smitten by Kinsey.
“We are looking for a fridge. If you could show us the three best units in your store, then that would be lovely.” I answered way before Kinsey, hoping that cut would help us speed things up for him to finally get ‘the one’.
Kinsey smiles at me before taking my hand. “Now don’t go anywhere. We ought to buy more stuff after the refrigerator.”
“Seriously… Where am I to go? If I so badly wanted to wander around then I already should’ve done so after the second store.” I replied as I followed him to follow the saleslady.
“What type of refrigerator are you in search of?” the lady asked as we continued on walking. “Top freezer refrigerators are our best sellers since they are budget-friendly models with different sizes that would fit different family needs.”
I looked over at Kinsey. I was never aware of refrigerator types to begin with, but with the past hour of refrigerator shopping with Kinsey, I am well knowledgable with the basics already. “We are looking for refrigerators with the freezer in the bottom part.” I said, beating Kinsey into speaking.
I honestly do not want to go to a fifth shop.
Kinsey wanted to have the freezer on the lower shelf so that he would easily be able to navigate and organize the fridge, since it would be on eye level. “We would also like something that won’t let the chill air go through as much as possible when opening the doors. So we won’t want a side-by-side kind of refrigerator.” I stated. “Oh, and it would be lovely to see if you have any French door fridges. That’s what this man prefers.” I added quickly, remembering how much he also wanted something that could chip into our ‘limited’ space.
The saleslady understood the assignment with a nod. “Yes, ma’am. Please wait for me here for a bit.” She smiles before leaving momentarily.
That’s when I decided to acknowledge Kinsey’s intense gaze since the very beginning of my exchange with the saleslady.
“What? Do not act all surprised now. I’ve heard the explanation from you more than thrice already today.” I said. I do not really judge him for his passion for whatever this is called, but I do not wish to be categorized as a fridge enthusiast.
Kinsey chuckles, “I haven’t said anything yet, Cecilia.” He said in defense.
I am only hoping that Kinsey will finally meet the fridge of his dreams. I am so ready to move on from this already.
…
“I think this is it. We will be getting this. This is perfect.” Kinsey announced after giving the manual a skim through. He was so happy, I could adorn his beauty with flowers to get along with it.
“Right away, sir. Are you going to purchase other stuff? I could already line this unit up and wait until you are ready to check out.” The saleslady inquired as I looked over at the unit one last time.
“Sure. Than-”
“Wait. Wait, Wait a minute.” I frantically butted into their conversation. My hand placed on Kinsey’s shoulder out of disbelief. “What did you say? Are you really sure that this is the fridge you wanted to buy?” I asked.
He gave me an amused look. “Yes? Do you not like it? I think it is just right for our kitchen. If you want, we could browse through other models.” He said.
I couldn’t help but then let out a piece of my mind, seeming as if he is teasing me. “You don’t give that tone to tease me, Kinsey. That’s the same unit as the very first one you examined in the first store we walked into!” I exclaimed.
Kinsey scratched the back of his head. “Is it?”
“It is.” I pressed, giving him the eyes. There’s nothing for me to do about it, but imagine the frustration flowing through my very veins right now. I feel like they’re going to pop!
“Heh. Sorry, Cecilia. What’s important is we get the good stuff, right?” He chuckles, feeling him shift away from me a little.
“I’ll make sure not to let the next appliances drag us this long.” I commented before I gave the saleslady the go signal. One last glare over at Kinsey, and I was ready to move on. It’s not like there’s anything more I could do. What’s done is done.
“Say, we need plates and utensils. Can we get matching ones?” Kinsey asked. I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry at his question. I had no idea how serious he is in this kind of thing.
“Whatever you want, but we are not hopping to multiple stores.” I reminded him.
“Gotcha.” He laughs before taking my hand to drag me to whatever it is we are going to buy next. To think that he thought he would be able to shop for the house in just a day with that shopping mindset of his.
…
“I think that’s a lot of eating utensils If it’s just going to be the two of us, Cecilia.” Kinsey responded as I was carrying a cutlery set of fine stainless steel.
“Hmmm? Do you think so? I think it’s necessary… I mean, how could you eat without at least having the table fork, side fork, soup spoon… and there’s also the butterknife and dessert spoon…” I tried to enumerate in my mind the most important utensils, so that I could shed off the extras.
Kinsey gave me that yet amused look once again. “Just a spoon and fork will do, Cecilia. If you’re not comfortable then maybe throw in a knife as well.” He said. I ought to debate, but didn’t since technically he is the one paying.
“Alright. I’ll be getting spoons and forks that would perfectly match these plates. I think I saw some there.” I announced with a small smile. I really had to make sure I said ‘match’ or ‘matching’ the ceramics. I do not want him to go crazy once we have returned home because it’s not to his aesthetic.
“Sure. Do that. Be careful not to break anything.” He warned, and I kept it to heart.
“What are you looking at there, though?” I asked as I placed the eating utensils on the basket that he is carrying.
“Mugs. I know how much you like drinking coffee. Even when we were little, you were already a caffeine fanatic.” He muttered, his eyes not leaving the mugs even in an instant. I could feel my face heats up at the thought of him remembering something from me that I did not even mention to him once.
“I- well… Whatever mug you pick, they’re still mugs, so don’t stress about it too much.” I said, but even the cold stone heart will melt if you know someone is thinking about you even within the simplest of things. It might not mean something, but for you, it could hold the meaning that even how worthless you think you are, there’s still a person that actually cares still.
Kinsey finally looks at me before chuckling. “It’s just like you to say that, Cecilia. But I’ve already made up my mind, so we are ready to go.” He announced. I never get to see the designs, but I’d eventually will sooner or later, so I didn’t stress out. Besides, if it’s Kinsey, I am well aware that everything would work out.
…
“Pots, saucepans, what else do we need?” Kinsey scanned the area as our basket turned to a pushcart already not long ago.
“I think this will suffice for now. This is already a lot, Kinsey.” I answered. “It is not like we are going to hold on a feast for our first week in the apartment.” I added. I barely even eat at times when work is topping out one after anot- Oh, wait. It is not like I am to go and do my usual work anyway.
“Anything else you wanted before we go?” He asked me one last time.
I simply shook my head. “I want a snack.”
“A snack? Sorry. I had lost track of time. Sure, think of what you wanted to eat while I pay.”
“Good. I totally deserve that.” I said smugly as I try to hide a small smile lingering from the corner of my very lips.
…
“Cecilia? Are you tired?” I heard him ask as we just left the store after paying.
“A little. You’ve dragged me around for a fridge!” I exclaimed before shaking my head. Kinsey replied with a laugh.
“I am sorry. I am sorry. I’ve gotten a little bit excited.” He said.
“Just a little excited?”
“sorry. I lied. I was too excited for the worth of it all.”
I cracked a small smile. “It’s alright, though. I’ve seen how much you’ve enjoyed the spree. Besides, what am I to complain about? I’m practically getting free stuff.” I chuckled lightly. I had forgotten how much fun it was to hang out with Kinsey. But instead of our small adventures, it’s the reality we are now traversing.
“So, want some soft served ice cream?” Kinsey asked again. I nodded. “Yes, please. I’ll take your order, sir.” I smile. “What would you like?”
Kinsey laughs but decides to play along. His fingers scratch his nonexistent beard. “Hmmm. Chocolate chip served would be nice, miss. Maybe add some rainbow sprinkles on top too.” He said.
I couldn’t help but giggle a little. I had to cover my mouth in realization before clearing my throat. “Okay. Chocolate chip with rainbow sprinkles. I’ll order it right away!” I gave him a salute and returned the gesture before I went up ahead to the lane.
What the freak did I just do?
I quickly ordered the ice cream and paid for it. I do not wish for Kinsey to wait for me that long. Turning around and spotting him, I suddenly felt a bit nervous unlike when we went to the park and hiked. I am not sure what it was that changed, but my stomach suddenly flipped a 360 when I saw him seated and then flailing his arms up at me so I could spot him. There’s nothing extraordinary about it, but I think there’s something to do with the empty stomach I now have.
As I walk over to the table he was seated, Kinsey was quick to ask. “What happened to you? You just froze up out there.”
He watched me seat down, and I shrugged with a small smile. “Nothing. Butter up. We will go do the groceries after this.” I announced.
He raised a brow at me amusingly before taking the cone. “Hmmm? I like what I am hearing.” He winks before taking a lick of his sweet cone. Mhmm. The last time I shopped food with him, I was completely and utterly useless, but I did my research. I am sure to be of help this time we go get groceries.
