Cecilia Scarlette Locke’s Point of View
I’ve finished my ice cream cone, and it was the least I could ask for on this physical day of ours. I wiped my face with a tissue upon realizing Kinsey’s stare against me. He must be indirectly telling me that I have something on my face. But no, he continued on with looking even after I tried my best to subtly wipe every corner of my face.
I look to the side briefly before flickering my hair off of my shoulder. “So, uhm… Kinsey. What are the things we need to be buying in the groceries?” I asked.
“I am used to buying groceries with a list, but since we went in ahead, I hadn’t really managed to do it. So I guess whatever goes now.” He said after running a hand through his hair as if I’d woken him up from one of his day illusions.
“That’s fine. We could always come back. We just have to have stock for the meantime.” I smile. To be honest, I didn’t expect that I would enjoy this even for a little. This is a chore usually done by our maids, so I never really get the chance to implore and explore this kind of task. I would not dare say that I’d fancy doing this often, but this is no easy fit, and now I appreciate our workers more.
“That’s what I’ve been thinking. Ready to go?”
“Yes.”
The two of us both stood up. Our next stop, with all the hopes that we do not cause havoc, is the supermarket.
I am not a household name, but I always try my best to not stand out too much in the crowd still. I ought to keep it that way since I want to appreciate this simple and ordinary life Kinsey wants me to experience. But I guess, having effortlessly good-looking Kinsey by your side, it is also normal that you would have girls gushing over him. Some are even too starstruck that they ought to ask for his autograph even if he is not even really a celebrity.
We have to stop walking every two feet. It’s honestly starting to get my patience thin out. What wonders me too is the fact that they approach Kinsey as if I am a hollow fragment beside him. I mean, sure we have some space between us, but they, for a split second, haven’t even thought that maybe we are in a relationship? Isn’t that how people are supposed to be? They always like to assume things where their opinion doesn’t even really matter.
No, there’s only one logical way to explain this. Kinsey’s magnetic force is just too strong for anyone to think. How charming could he get into the eyes of someone who’s not used to him?
“Uhm… Excuse me, sir? Can we have a photo please?” I gave Kinsey a brief look but nodded in the lady’s direction. He seems like he is enjoying himself, so who am I to say no.
“Sure. Do you want me to take the picture?” I suggested. We are already doing this, so might as well do it right.
“Yes. Yes, please. Thanks.” I took the phone and watched as the two ladies posed beside Kinsey. I feel like his secretary now. I’ll make sure to make him buy me an ice cream for this.
Suddenly, the idea of taking multiple pictures doesn’t sound that bad anymore.
“Okay. One, two, three. Smile.” I said the usual. Even those words are foreign to me. I’m used to being the one being photographed rather than the one taking the picture, and I do hope that’s not evident in the photographs I’ve clicked. Else, they would want a retake for sure.
Nevertheless, I hadn’t had the time to fully check since the other girl took the phone already. She recklessly took it from me to my surprise, but I decided not to comment on it. “Oh my gosh. Are you sabotaging us?! It’s blurred. The photos are blurred.” She demanded while pointing a finger at me.
“I could just take anoth-“ I cut myself off. “You know what? I do not want to. Please stick with those pictures and leave us alone.” I said with a frown. How dare she try to humiliate me? Isn’t she aware that I am a Locke? I could easily wipe her life out if I wanted to.
I took a step back. Wait, no. I am not that Locke anymore. But if I am not a Locke then what am I supposed to be? What am I supposed to do?
“Ladies?” I felt an arm being gently wrapped around my waist with a light tug. I looked up and as if reaching unto the end of the tunnel, I was reminded of Kinsey and I’s conversation before all of this.
I do not have to be a Locke to live. I just have to be Cecilia. His Cecilia if I may.
I am still not sure how to transcribe that, but if jill has jack, flowers have bees, and the moon has the stars, then I’ll have Kinsey by my side. If that’s the answer for now then I ought to accept it. For now.
“Hey. Aren’t the two of you the girls on the hike?” I heard Kinsey’s voice in surprise before my thoughts completely eat me up alive. “What a small world, indeed.”
“I’m surprised you remember that.” I replied with a raised brow as I saw how their faces lit up in realization.
“Yes, we are! We had forgotten to ask for a picture, so we took our chance today. What are the odds of meeting again.” Both ladies have brunette hair, but what differentiates them are its length, so I’ll distinguish it as such for now,
They’re the same ladies I bumped into and told upon the facts of wildlife. And now I had to take a dumb photo of them. What are the odds for real? If worst comes to worst, we might have to spend some time with them.
Internal groan. Does Kinsey have the hots for one of these ladies?
“What about we take a selfie instead?” Kinsey suggested, fixing the trouble at hand. He gave me a quick glance as if telling me to behave indirectly. The other two agreed, which I rolled my eyes upon.
To my surprise, though, Kinsey was quick to pull me into the frame. His side of the face squished against mine, I instantly felt the blood rushing all over my cheek even if the photo was through already.
“It was nice meeting you again. We have to go now, though.” He waved off. I was so sure they wanted more time, but Kinsey already grabbed me away from the scene, for which I am thankful enough. I still haven’t recovered from the feeling of his cheek on mine. Talk about getting flustered for no reason.
“I’m sorry for having those girls bother you. I won’t entertain anyone anymore.” Kinsey then said as he pulled a grocery cart. I looked at him, feeling my brows furrowed.
“I do not mind, really. I just dislike the tone they gave me earlier. It’s my faulty picture, but still, they could’ve asked nicer.” I made face before shaking my head. “Anyway, I could only hope never to see them again. It’s not like they’re very fond of me either.”
“I thought you were jealous…”
“What now?”
“Huh? I said, let’s go buy some snacks.” Kinsey announced, pushing the cart with no problem. I could only imagine how much we are going to need for groceries. I’m a little bit thrilled as I look through the shelves packed with different and never-ending merchandise. I already forgot what transpired earlier.
“Let’s go to my favorite aisle first.” Kinsey seems excited again, and I would be lying if I said that I am not as well. His favorite aisle? It must be meat produce or something… “You could grab anything you’ve seen to your liking, okay?”
“I will. Thank you.” I said as I busily look around as if I was strolling into the park and colorful mascots were performing to persuade me to get me to take them home. I almost bumped into Kinsey when he abruptly stop.
“Huh?”
His favorite aisle is supposed to be a stack of instant goods. Horror riled up all the way to my face. “Are you being serious?” I breathed out, seeing him comparing two cup noodles at hand.
“What’s the matter?” He asked.
“Why are we buying food here? This is very unhealthy. Don’t tell me you always eat instant foods? They’d cause you cancer or kidney failure. There’s just lots of preservatives in a package.” I said hurriedly all in one breath if I may.
“Sure, but it’s not that bad every once in a while. It’s pretty convenient when I have so many things I need to finish through, and I wanted something to fill my stomach up.” He said with a chuckle. “It’s nice to stock up on these things, Cecilia. They’re easy to prepare too. Hence, the instant.” He tried to explain and defend his side.
“Okay… You’re the one consuming them anyway. But don’t tell me I didn’t warn you.” I murmured in defeat. I need to learn how to cook. I wanted to be able to tell him that I could cook when he is being swarmed up with work, but we both know what happens whenever I step into the kitchen.
“It’s not that bad really. I bet if you taste some, you’d like it as well.”
“I do not think so. All the chemicals in there would be the death of me just by gracing my tastebuds.” I replied as I watched him place the goods in the cart.
Kinsey laughs. “Now that’s just plainly being dramatic. I’ve eaten more than a dozen of these, and I am pretty much alive.” He sent over a mocking wink before he went ahead to push the cart so we can proceed.
“Ha. Ha. Good for you then.” I shot back as I walked beside him. “I’ll look into fruits instead.” I announced.
“”Hmmm? You positive you could go on your own?’ Kinsey checked. I could feel my cheeks heat up. He is practically pertaining to his experience with me on the wet market.
“I’ll be fine. I am no toddler.” I replied. Sure, I have a learning curve in these kinds of things, but I’ll be able to do it. If not, I’ll just ask someone somewhere.
“Go ahead then. I’ll be at the dairy section for cheese and milk.” He said, waving me off.
Fruits. I’ve been eating them since I was able to walk, so there’s no way I could get this wrong. At least that’s what I told myself as I searched for that section. I’ve been going around and about, checking every aisle only to see it near the dairy division. I groaned. I should’ve gone with Kinsey.
How come one doesn’t get lost within this sea of goods?
“There you are. Where had you been? Don’t tell me you were in a rendezvous with someone?” Kinsey made that pouting expression where he tried to look adorable by puckering his lips like a straw tube.
“First, I was lost. Second, please stop doing that. It is embarrassing me.” I replied.
“You were lost?”
“I was lost.” I repeated even if I knew I would not hear the end of it from him.
He lets out a soft sigh, but I could tell that he was stifling a burst of laughter. “What am I to do with you, Cecilia? Just stick by me, okay? We will go where you want to.” He gave me a comforting smile. It’s not like I needed it for I am not frustrated nor scared of being lost. All my life I’ve been nothing but lost.
