Seven: Shopping Trip

I sit quietly in Austins lap, looking over at Jace drumming his fingers on the wheel of the car in time with the music. He bobs his head, his light brown hair bouncing and flopping around against his forehead. His cap is gone now and probably sitting on the ground by itself, back in Austins room, most likely kicked under the bed.

I can't help smile softly and turn my attention to the window high above me. I see a blue sky, a bright contrast against the trees and white fluffy clouds. This planet is lush with life, and the giants like to keep it that way, unlike us humans.. We destroyed ours, so now the Giants have pretty much banned anything that pollutes the air. I sigh and blink slowly out at the world I'm yet to discover, leaving me to wonder what a giants daily life could be like. I'm too small to be able to walk the streets myself, and then there's those anti human Giants to look out for.

"What you thinking about, Tessie?" I blink and quickly turn my attention back to Jace. Jace looks at me briefly, his eyes flicking around the road in front of him before landing on me. He smiles, winking down at me before focusing back on driving again.

"Nothing... just looking outside" I roll my eyes and laugh under my breath as I cross my legs, looking up at Austin who's laughing softly at Jace as well, rolling his eyes.

Music plays softly in the background, thrumming from the speakers that are on either side of the car. I look back up, seeing Austins smile brightening at Jace doing a terrible dance move with only his head and one hand, the other on the wheel of the car so he doesn't crash. I laugh and roll my eyes, idiot.

After a while, the car is pretty much silent except for the music, Darrick not having said a word the entire trip while Austin and Jace have been bobbing their heads along to the beat and lip syncing the words of their terrible taste in music. It's a mix between rock and heavy metal and something else. It's not good. It's like a screeching animal with someone playing a guitar in the background.

I sigh loudly through my nose, crossing my arms over my chest. I listen to every peep and tap, hearing a horn blare outside, making me wince a little. I look around the filthy car, seeing wrappers scattered across the ground and cans of drink shoved between the seats. I lean to the side and notice a melted lollipop in the cup holder, it's sweet odour wafting up and hitting my nose. My nose scrunches up and I turn away, trying to focus on something else and not the garbage in the car.

Im then looking outside again when I hear Darrick let out an annoyed breath in the back seat of the car and then some shifting, the leather seat groaning under his weight.

I wonder why he's so quiet? Is it my fault? Is he one of the human haters that I've heard of, is he secretly plotting something in the back seat. My eyes widen at my own stupid thoughts and I slowly lean to the right on Austins knee, looking around Austins huge body and into the back to see Darrick looking down at a phone. He's huge, taking up most of the back seats with his large frame, man spreading and giving me a displeasing view of his crotch .

When he was standing before back at Austins, he was at least another head taller then Austin and Jace combined. I look to his hands clasped around his tiny phone, realising he could easily envelope my entire body inside his cupped hands.

My blue eyes travel up and look into his soft, glowing hazel eyes. A smile tugs at my lips, but I hide it seeing that his jaw has been locked into place and his plump lips are being chewed on by his perfect white teeth. His finger swipes over his extremely small phone screen, his eyes wondering over whatever he's reading. He's completely engaged on the screen and on nothing else that's happening around him.

What is he reading? Am I the only one that's interested in what's grabbed his attention?

I lean forwards and see the screen reflecting back onto his golden-hazel eyes, a white square reflecting the texts that he's reading over. He looks angry and sort of sad at the same time, his eyes softening even more but his jaw hardening as if it were made of cement.

I can't stop staring, wondering who this Darrick is? He hasn't said much, so I have no clue what he's like. He could just be a really shy guy, with a face of a god. I need to stop.

Austin and Jace haven't even tried starting a conversation with him either. He's grunted and made a few sounds to acknowledge his existence, that's it. No hi's or hello's, no nods in my general direction, not even a sneaky glimpse up in my direction. I wonder if he even knows my name?!

Wouldn't that be weird? I know his name but he doesn't know mine. Actually, no, that wouldn't be weird. I grew up knowing all the populars names and none of them knew of my existence.

I focus back on Darrick again and watch quietly as his hand comes up and he pushes his dark jet black hair back off his face and under his beanie, showing a slither of a small scar on the corner of his forehead. A flaw! I've found a flaw on one of these guys! I feel like that shouldn't be something that I should be proud of, but who's that god damn perfect!?

I look back at the small scar, it's most likely from falling or hitting something sharp. I look down, seeing that his fingernails are short, chewed down from nerves or a bad habit he's grown up with. His brows pull together, his lips mouthing the words of what he's reading on his phone. He licks his bottom lip nervously, his tongue travelling over his bottom lip then his teeth returning to bite down on it.

I bite my own lip for some reason, my heart hammering in my chest as if I just went for a run. God damn he's hot, extremely hot actually! Whyyyy!? He's heaps better looking then Austin and Jace put together. I shake my head at myself, I need to stop checking out all these giants, it's getting really weird now.

But seriously, why are all Giants so good looking? Is it a giant thing? Perfect teeth and hair, bulky builds and great sense in fashion. Maybe it's just Austin and his friends. Maybe I haven't met one of their 'nerds'.

My eyes wonder over Darrick's outfit. A white shirt with a small design over the breast pocket. Black ripped jeans, the rips located over his knees. He's got a red flannel, tightly wrapped around his waist, his shirt tucked into the flannelette and showing off his obvious toned abs. He has a black beanie with a picture of a rose on it..

I look up and my eyes travel to something black on his skin. I squint and realise it looks like he has a tattoo on his chest, the collar of his shirt just covering it up.

"Cool.." I say softly, squinting to try and figure out what the black ink could be.

My voice seemed to trigger a reaction and I watch, in complete shock, as everything begins to move in slow motion. I watch Darrick's eyes wonder up from his phone and then settle on me. My eyes widen and I stare back into his eyes focusing on me sitting on top of Austin leg. I don't move.

We both just stare at each other, his still soft and mine probably wide and scared. I breathe in, sucking in a sharp breath and not knowing what else to do but stare back into his hazel gold eyes.

I'm embarrassing myself, why can't I just look away? I don't do anything but stare. I stare into his hazel eyes with the golden ring around the pupils, my heart rate picking up and beating loudly in my own ears.

My heart slams against my rib cage, telling me to look away! I can't though, seeming to be in a trance, stuck inside Darrick's eyes. Darrick jaw clenches and unclenches, not moving to look away either.

It's like a switch flicked on and my darkest fears come true. His eyes become hard again, darkening as if he'd just murdered a puppy and stolen a kids balloon. He looks evil, his hotness dialling down a notch at the look he gives me. A glare. Just like the rest of his features he becomes as blank as a wall, unreadable and empty like before. A dead end.

I gasp again and quickly hide behind Austins body, running my fingers through my tangled hair.

Im so stupid! He caught me staring and now he probably thinks I'm the weirdest human out there. Why am I always embarrassing myself? Why?!

I sigh annoyed and try turning my attention to something other then Darrick sitting in the back, probably still death staring me. My heart races in my chest and I move further around so Darrick cant see me at all behind Austins frame.

╳╳╳

The trip was long, silent and above all painful. I kept to myself, looking down at my hands as Darrick shifted in the back more, Jace drove and seemed also uncomfortable by the silence, then Austin, who didn't seem bothered and just looked out the window as I sat on his knee.

We drive for a while longer, the car silent until Jace pulls the car into a parking spot, turning to all of us.

"We're here!" Jace suddenly yells, scaring me and Austin, both of us jumping in our seats at the sudden outburst. I hold my chest, feeling my heart racing in my rib cage again, my poor little heart is never going to get Use to this. I glare over at him, shaking my head "nice to know" I grumble.

"You didn't have to yell, we are all sitting right here!" Austin glares also at Jace as he unbuckles his seatbelt. I nod, agreeing with him and feeling my heart slamming against my chest as if it were trying to escape.

"Sorry.. you know I hate it when it gets too quiet, it's so awkward and gross and ugh..." Jace cringes, scrunching up his nose then quickly getting out of the car, slamming his door behind him.

I flinch, my hands moving up instinctively to cover my ears at the loud bang. I don't think I can take anymore of this loudness from Jace, what happened to his shy side from earlier? I liked that Jace better, when we sat in awkward silence together.

"Sorry, Jace is the louder one out of all of us.." Austin says over me. I look up at him and peep softly as his hands move and slide beneath my body, lifting me up off his knee then lowering me into his shirt pocket, a POCKET! "you'll be safe in there. Just be careful not to lean over the edge too much, just in case" Austin pats the pocket with me inside.

I yelp softly at his hand against me, hitting me in the head and into his chest. I groan and look around the dark pocket, there's just enough room for me in here. My eyes widen and i push some of the fabric away from me with my legs, kicking it away before I try standing up, but just end up falling over into his hard chest as he moves. I groan, pushing myself away from Austins chest and trying to stand again. The entire pocket sways and I end up on my face again from Austin standing up and getting out of the car, the door slamming loudly behind him.

I have to cover my ears. It's so loud out here. Cars honking, somewhere there's music playing, people talking, Austins pocket doing nothing to block out the sounds of the giant world.

I try standing up again, my feet swaying side to side with Austins body. I manage to just be able to peer over the edge of the pocket anyways, my hands holding on for dear life. I don't trust the thin line of fabric that's keeping me safe, for now, from the drop to the ground below me.

I shake a little, looking around at my surroundings. The place is full! Giants walking and pushing each other around to try and get to their stores, people carrying bags full of most likely useless things and spoilt children crying to their parents. I see one boy having to be dragged by his mother across the room, screaming at the top of his lungs while people only stare. The mother is obviously very flustered and embarrassed, but she seems to be handling it well.

The place is lit up like a Christmas tree and music is playing off to the side, people dressed up in greens and golds are hugging and waving to people. I look at them confused, not knowing what they were doing. Was it some kind of giant holiday?

My thoughts are interrupted by someone bumping into Austin, the force making me fall back into the pocket, causing me to hit my head on his chest again. My eyes widen and I stay down low in case someone bumps into him again and I go flying out of the pocket.

"Okay, first off, lets get you some shit for school, then we can get something to eat and then do whatever the hell we want" Austin says above me, making me look up at the bottom of his chin.

"Where are you going to get me things? Aren't I a little small to carry one of your giant books?" I raise a brow, crossing my arms and looking up at Austin. I watch as a smirk spreads across his lips and then suddenly his chest moves, throwing me to the side into fabric as he spins around.

"I'm not stupid, you know?" Austin chuckles as I groan, sitting up and rubbing my head. I push myself away from the pocket and stand back up to glare at this idiot.

"Your an asshole, I hope you know that.." I groan and kick him as hard as I can in the chest, crossing my arms and leaning against him instead.

"The best asshole out there" he chuckles and begins walking across the mall, making me roll my eyes at his stupidity. He continues walking, heading towards a more quieter area where there are less Giants walking around. I roll my eyes and begin to stand up, but am instead pulled out by large fingers, lifting me up off my feet and dangling me in the air.

"Austin!" I yelp, looking down at the ground beneath me and trying to grab onto his fingers above. I only get a snicker in return and am slowly lowered down to the ground, his fingers loosening and then plopping me down by his feet.

I groan, rubbing my back slowly as I stand. I look around to see a giant shoe, my breath gets caught in my throat at how big it is. I take a hesitant step away, eyes wide realising how easy it could be for Austin to step on me.

"Oi, see that door?" I'm pulled away from thinking about being crushed, death and my mangled body smushed into the ground and instead look up to see Austin crouching down and pointing to something behind me.

I turn my head and look to see a small door with a sign saying 'Tinys R Us'. I scoff at her he name and nod slowly, looking back up at Austin a little shakily "yeah?"

"That's where you go to get your stuff. I can't come though.. cause I obviously don't fit" he laughs, lowering himself further down and looming over me. I nod again, sort of glad that I didn't have to go shopping with him and the other boys, glad to just have some me time.

"Okay. Should we have a meeting place? So when I'm done I'll meet you-" I'm interrupted by Austin quickly placing his disgustingly large finger to my lips, my eyes widen and I shove away his stupid finger with a glare.

"Already sorted, there's a platform up top where I can collect you whenever your finished" he smiles, winking down at me. "I'll be waiting for you" he smiles and I roll my eyes and sigh, turning to the smaller doors to finally have some peace. I take a few steps when i hear Jace in the distance.

"Austin! Hurry up! The sports store has a sale!" Jace practically screams across the mall and i turn to just see Austins eyes widen and then he's up, hurrying away and over to Jace to do whatever guys do in a sport store.

I sigh softly and walk to the tiny store, wondering why I was so nervous being down by Austins feet. I take a shuddering breath before pushing the doors open to start shopping. I'm immediately hit with a blast of cold air from a conditioner, a shiver running up and down my spine "good god.." i whisper to myself, goosebumps exploding up either arm.

I head inside, walking down a small hall and then having to push another double doors open. Since when did shopping become a maze? I groan and slowly step inside only to come face to face with piles and mountains of boxes, piled high on top of each other and sitting on tables. I gasp softly, walking in further to notice the store almost completely empty. I see an old lady in the distance, hobbling along with her cane as she scans through the boxes of wool.

The next thing my eyes land on is the large yellow signs that say 'FREE'. My eyes light up as I turn in a full circle at the sight before me. It was heaven, a dream "someone pinch me.." I whispered again to myself, closing my eyes then opening them again to see once again 'FREE' signs scattered across the room.

I couldn't help but let out a soft squeal before hurrying in, walking around excitedly as I look at clothes and grab a bunch. I was going to use this for my advantage, you don't get many free things in life so I might aswell take what I can carry. I laugh and head over to the electronic isle. I see phones, iPods, iPads, stereos and much more! I grin brightly, picking up the latest iPhone and iPad. I smile brightly, jumping around a little excitedly as I then have to grab a shopping cart to push everything around. I giggle to myself, never having felt so happy in my life. This was probably the girliest moment I've ever experienced .

As I'm pushing my heavy cart through the boxes of food, I then remember the one reason why I'm here. School. I groan softly and begin pushing the shopping cart to the school isle, getting there to see unopened boxes with labels saying pens, books, pencils, highlighters, etc. I sigh and begin opening the boxes to look around inside.

Once I was finished I push the large cart to the self checkout, scanning everything through to only see zeros. I smile, looking at all my stuff. I had two pairs of new shoes, a red skin tight dress in case I ever meet someone nice, you never know. I had three shirts, two shorts and three longer pants. And even some high heels. I bought a few books, pencils and other things for school. I even found some of the most expensive makeups and thought to chuck them in my load as well. And then there's the phone and iPad. I smile at myself, never having bought so much in my life. And the best thing about this shopping trip was that it was all free!

Once everything was bagged I had to lug all twelve bags to an elevator. My arms were killing me as I stumbled inside, taking a deep breath and sighing "reminder. Don't buy so much stuff that you can't even carry it" I chuckles softly to myself as I press the button labeled 'platform' where I'll be once again picked up like a child in school waiting for the dumb parents to arrive.

The elevator lifts up with a slight jerk, music playing in the background as usual and the occasionally beep of every passing level. I sigh and relax against the wall while I can, closing my eyes and sighing deeply, feeling relaxed and at peace whilst in the elevator. But then the doors had to open.

"Tess! We've been waiting out here for hours!" I hear Jace and open my eyes to see Jace's entire face blocking up the doorway. I groan softly and try picking up all my bags, using all the muscle I have to get out onto the wide platform. Jace moves his head for me and I see Austin and Darrick behind Jace looking down at me. Darrick is silent and his face is set rock hard, Austin is smirking while Jace is smiling brightly at me.

"Wow you got a lot of things!" Jace smiles at me and I smile back, nodding up at him.

"Everything was free so I grabbed whatever I could carry" I chuckle and my arms ache painfully from holding the bags for so long. Austin seems to notice my discomfort because he steps around Jace towards me.

"Need a hand?" Austin offers, stepping closer and setting his hand down in front of me. I look up at him with a raised brow but I take the offered hand, dumping all my thing in his palm and sighing at the relief .

"Thanks, don't break anything okay? I've got fragile things in there " I point at him seriously and he chuckles, fingers curling around the tiny bags and then dropping down to his front pocket.

"I'll be very careful, don't you worry" he chuckles as he lets the bags slide into his massive pocket, then takes his hand out and crosses his arms across his chest. I bite my lip nervously, hoping nothing will happen to my clothes and makeup and the iPad and phone. Why did I trust Austin to take care of my things? Of all people.

I try and shake it off, looking around at everyone, especially Darrick. He was staring off into the distance somewhere, over to the other side of the mall. I raise my brow, following his gaze to see he was looking at a man in a suit, eating ice cream with a child. The man was large, like Darrick, but his hair was almost white. The kid he was with looked sad as he licked his ice cream, looking down at his feet while the man tries hard to make conversation. I couldn't help but frown, feeling bad for the man who was only trying to be nice. Or maybe I should feel sorry for the kid? There might be a reason why he was sad.

"I'll be back." Darrick suddenly says, voice deep and rusty as he hurries away without another word. My eyes widen and so does Jace and Austins, obviously surprised that Darrick actually talked. I blinked and leaned over to the side to see where he was going, only to see his giant form get lost with the crowd.

"There goes the mystical beast, we won't see him again" Jace chuckles and I look to him with a small smile. He smiles back and lowers his hand to pick me up "milady, your carriage has arrived" he bows his head and I laugh, bowing myself before hopping onto his palm.

"Shall we head towards the food court first to grab a bite?" He puts on an accent, lifting me carefully up to his face and I smile, finding this stupid but sorta funny. So I play along.

"We shall, now go forth peasant! Take me to the court of food where we shall feast until our bellies burst" I point forwards, hoping I was pointing to the food court since I didn't really know where it was. Jace chuckles and nodded, turning around slowly before heading quickly in the opposite direction from where I pointed.

I blush a little that I pointed in the wrong direction but shrug it off, laughing happily as I relax in Jace's palm. I look back to see Austin roll his eyes and slowly follow, catching up so that he was beside Jace "maybe you should hide her?" Austin said to Jace, trying to whisper but I could still hear him clear as day.

"Why would I do that? A milady shan't be placed in a hot pocket, she deserves the very best!" Jace raises his free hand, raising a fist into the air. I laugh and nod, poking my tongue out at Austin.

"Whatever" Austin chuckles and rolls his eyes at the both of us, speeding up so that he wasn't walking with Jace anymore. I watched with a smile, happy and a little amused because of Jace. I sigh and relax again, looking around as Jace weaves and dodges through people towards the food court.

I shall explain, shall I? Okay, so I have recently had major writers block! Like I couldnt even write a single sentence without rereading it and hating myself. I hate myself rn because of this chapter. It's so short and not very good. But it's an update, and I can only get better, right?

Right?

... ... ...

Help?

Here's a picture of a cat wearing a hat and glasses, please forgive me!