Chapter 36
Shopping
Nathanial and I head over to the mall. We pick out a few things for our families and a few close friends. I am enjoying myself, just walking around the mall like two teens in love do. We do a little window shopping, and we even run in to a few of Nathanial’s friends. It is nice to feel part of something after so many years. Being that we do not know each other’s families too well yet, we decide to purchase gifts from both of us as a couple. I pick out gifts for my family, and he picks out presents for his. I encourage him to get his parents something really nice, something they would never expect.
“I don’t think I have ever gotten my shopping done that fast before. You are a shopping machine,” Nathanial jokes.
With a little chuckle, I respond, “I’ve had a little practice.”
We finish our shopping, and decide to head back to the house and wrap the newly purchased gifts.
“Maybe we should pick up some wrapping paper and ribbon before we leave the mall,” I suggest, remembering that we don’t have wrapping supplies at home.
“That may help a little,” he agrees with a chuckle as we head back into the mall.
S S S
“Sophia, these look too nice to open,” Nathanial compliments.
“I perfected my wrapping skills a little while ago,” I joke.
We both have a good chuckle over it.
“I have a feeling you have perfected many things.”
“Well, you know the saying. Practice makes perfect. With all the practice I have had, I’m near perfect at everything.” I wink.
“The only point I will argue is that you aren’t near perfect–you are completely perfect. That’s just part of what I love about you.” He leans in and kisses the corner of my mouth. When we finish wrapping all the packages, Nathanial says, “I need to talk to Alexander. I need him to help me with something.”
“That’s fine because I need to visit Ebony for a bit.” I’m sure she can help me find the perfect gift for Nathanial. I phone Ebony and we make plans for a shopping trip, and boy am I in the mood for this one.
“Why don’t you and Alexander do what you need to, and I’ll head over to Ebony’s for a while? Maybe Alexander can drive you home if I don’t get back in time,” I suggest.
“Sounds great, sweetie. Have fun. I love you and will see you later.” He gives me a small kiss and heads toward Alexander’s room; I hear the knock on Alexander’s door.
I brush my teeth and grab a sweater. As I leave, I notice Alexander and Nathanial have moved into the office. They are deep in discussion and being very quiet. I try to hurry by, so as not to overhear what they’re talking about. They pause and wave so I don’t hear anything. They are acting very secretive and I find myself wondering what they are up to. Easy enough, I brush it off and jump in my car to head to Ebony’s house.
I drive the speed limit today. I am not in a hurry and just want to enjoy the scenery. The stores are open until midnight tonight for last chance shopping, so we have about four hours to find our guys the perfect gift. I arrive at the manor and walk up to the door.
Ebony is all ready to go.
“May I come in and say hello to everyone?”
“If they were here you could, but they are all shopping too,” she answers.
“Typical women we are,” I laugh.
We get back in the car and go out on our shopping mission. Once we arrive at the mall, we begin to hunt and talk as we look for bargains. Ebony and Matt have been getting closer. I’m happy for her. In all my years, I’ve never had such a good friend. She is kind, caring, honest, sincere, and extremely loyal–not to mention a very talented witch. I really enjoy having a girlfriend to share things with. We’ve had a few slumber parties with our sisters–just the usual stuff like pedicures, manicures, and girl talk. It’s so much fun, and it is nice to have others around besides just our family for a change.
“What on Earth are we going to get the boys?” I ask.
“I have no idea. We have been up and down this mall, and I can’t think of anything. They are both so special. We have to get them the perfect gift,” Ebony emphasizes.
“I got it!” I yell.
“What?” Ebony asks.
“We should get the guys something like a ring, a watch, or a wrist band, and then you can put a protection spell on it to ensure that others’ powers can’t influence them unless they allow them to with full understanding,” I whisper.
“You are amazing. That is perfect. With all the craziness going on around here right now, I would feel better knowing our little mortal boys are protected,” she agrees enthusiastically and reveals, “I have had a sense of evil approaching.”
“What do you mean?” I inquire.
“I don’t know. I just have this feeling that something bad is heading our way and we should be prepared,” Ebony informs me. “You know; like something wicked this way comes.”
“Let’s discuss it with my family later and see if they know anything. But for now, let’s go shopping.” I grab her hand and pull her in my direction.
We start walking to the goldsmith shop. When we get there, the gentleman explains that he makes most of his jewelry by hand, with the exception of the watches, which he can custom order from a friend of his. He does keep a few on hand though. Both Ebony and I find a few things we like. The store owner places all the items on a black velvet mat so we can have a closer look.
I decide on a nice watch. “I remember Nate telling me one day that he wants to own a collection of nice watches. What better time to start?” I decide. The watch has a silver wristband and a white face, and small emeralds mark each hour. It’s perfect.
Ebony decides on a black leather wristband with an attached silver medallion that can be engraved. She chose to have his name put on it in a Celtic script since he is of Irish decent.
We stop at Starbucks, where Ebony gets cafe mocha and I enjoy a double espresso.
“I know the day crystal helps you digest human food, but why are you having coffee? I know you don’t need it,” Ebony inquires.
“Well a few things help to decrease vampire cravings, and caffeine is one of them. Plus, it’s a great way to spend time with friends,” I explain. “Besides, who can pass on Starbucks?”
Immortal Embrace Page 36