LUNCH AND VIRGINITY-E

Apparently Ace Wagner was on a mission to get some of the best clothes for her because he did not stop at Versace but proceeded to Burberry. Hadwin helped Ace to choose dresses for her. Astrid sat on the couch and waited patiently.

From Burberry, they got a modern looking corset detail check technical wool blazer in monochrome, an expensive-looking crystal embroidered technical linen blazer in grey melange, deer print silk chiffon pussy bow blouse in monochrome, and a box-pleat detail wool-cashmere a-line skirt. It looked like office attire to her.

They went to Dr. Martens and Astrid's face lit up. This time she picked Kamin Archive lace-up leather boots and a 1460 Vonda floral leather ankle boots with rose embroidery detail. Before she could pay, Steven Hanks the manager simply waved his hand and they refuse to accept her money.

Astrid was getting angry because both the brothers decided to head to Fendi and started hunting a dress for her. She put her foot down and selected only one dress; a Princess dress with fitted top, wide shoulder straps, and a full skirt, made of multicolor duchess silk satin with jacquard parrot motif stitched in silver thread.

Her mood turned sour when she had to be hauled to Hermes, by both the brothers who seem to enjoy seeing her pissed. Hadwin selected a monochrome mosaic strappy dress for her which costs an astronomical amount in her opinion.

It was already 2.00 pm and she felt pangs of hunger. Before she can utter a word, Hadwin yanked her hand towards Zara. This time Ace stood outside and fiddled with his mobile.

`One more dress and I will kill you', Astrid was livid.

`Just one for your friend and we can eat.'

`Deal?'

`Deal!'

Astrid allowed herself to choose a short dress with a straight neckline, thin straps, and sequin appliqués. Matilda most likely will wear this. In less than 10 minutes, she completed her last shopping of the day.

`I am hungry', Astrid leaned on Hadwin.

`Sir, Ma'am, allow me to bring you to our best restaurant with a vegetarian menu' Steven Hanks played the perfect host to the t.

It was a Japanese zen-like restaurant, with quaint tables and actual pebbles pathway leading to tables. And the entire place smelled of fresh pine trees. Her mind felt at peace but her stomach grumbled loudly.

`Someone is hungry', Hadwin selected a table in a corner facing a glass wall. They sat on a tatami mat and opened their menu. Astrid was excited. She ordered a veggie bento meal, with miso soup. Hadwin insists she try the curry noodle and she relented after much pestering. Both Wagner siblings ordered a few dishes of salmon fish, octopuses, and inari. They ate in relative peace and silence.

`That is delicious. Do you come here often?' Astrid spoke in between mouthful of food.

`I had a Japanese girlfriend whom I dated and she introduced me to every Japanese restaurant in Anubia.' Hadwin ordered a dessert of Matcha Cake, Tiramisu Cake, and Chocolate Mousse Cake for them to try.

The cake melted in Astrid's mouth, its soft creamy texture exploding her oral sensory. Ace glanced at her and smirked.

`Astrid, have you eaten Japanese food before?' Hadwin burped loudly earning a stare of disgust from Ace.

`I rarely eat outside. Grandfather cooks and I do the washing. I'm not a good cook'.

` We seldom eat out for safety reasons. But what about you?' Hadwin was surprised at Astrid, she is much more simple than he thought. She disliked shopping, seldom eat out, what else is she up to? Hadwin was glad he met her, albeit in a drunken stupor.

`Maybe I don't see the relevance of eating outside. We have a small garden patch with all this vegetable, like how you cultivate your flowers.'

`That is amazing. But don't you hang out with friends somewhere. Or eat out together?'

Astrid went quiet. She recalls in all her life, the only acquaintance she made was her co-workers at Mc Phearsons and they turned up to be a riot. She was envied in school for her looks. Astrid has seen the same stares of jealousy she saw earlier back in school. In a nutshell, she became the school wallflower to avoid trouble.

The insecurity of her house being in Mellow Forest prevented her from trusting anyone. If a friend can't accept her as she is, they are not worth being called a friend. That is what Grandpa Jones advised her.

`Earth to Astrid', Ace snapped his fingers, bringing Astrid's attention.

Astrid took a deep breath and spoke `I live a very simple life in a modest house. I was a wallflower in school. My friends as you call it is botany. I can talk to them, care for them, and get their love in return. No questions, no hassle, no nitpicking. I don't want to fit into a concept or a mold just to be accepted. I don't desire materials things. I can live my life like a hermit and still be content.'

`I mean aren't we all searching for that happiness, that one thing that makes us love ourselves and our life? That's why I couldn't have any friends. Both of you are probably the only males to be precise, and that to vampires that I am at ease with.' Astrid finished sheepishly.

`Wow, that is deep', Hadwin stared at her.

`You don't trust people enough in fear of getting heartbroken.' Ace deduced.

`You can say that.'

`You mean you never had a boyfriend or a male friend?' Hadwin was quick to answer.

`I have you both now!' she beamed a smile.

`But that means no boyfriend, no cuddling, and no…..?' Hadwin was surprised.

`Don't you dare finish your sentence!' Astrid was shocked at Hadwin's trail of thoughts that were shameless.

`No sex!'Hadwin said cheekily. As soon as those words left his mouth, she shut his mouth with one hand and another hand pinched his nose close.

`Everyone at workplace knows and now you both. Why are you so gung-ho about it?'. She shook his face and pinched her hand tighter around his nose.

`MMMMpmmppphhhhh' Hadwin was laughing on Astrid's hands.

`What do you mean by your workplace knows?' Ace narrowed his eyes and Astrid let go of Hadwin.

`They were pestering me if I had a boyfriend. I said no and one thing led to another. And now everyone knows that I…I....' her eyes were downcast refusing to look at them. Fuck, no one likes someone inexperienced. She knew that fact back in high school when everyone was eager to lose their virginity with any available Tom, Dick or Harry.

Ace lifted her head gently, but she refused to look to him. She looked anywhere but at him. She should not be ashamed of herself. Any man she bestows herself should be honoured, and I want to be that man for her, for life, he thought. Fuck, his mind is having a sexual breakdown with constant thoughts of her!

`You -and you alone decide the status of your body and your heart. Don't let anyone, man or women alike to evaluate you because your worth is infinite; just like the knowledge you imparted earlier'. Ace smirked at her, throwing her own words back at her

Astrid giggled. `You were eavesdropping'.

`So, Astrid does that mean you trust us?' Hadwin eyed her expectantly.

`Let me be honest with you guys, I feel safe being with you guys. Trust is a big word for me. But I have faith in you both, that you could do no wrong.' She punched Hadwin lightly on his shoulder. Hadwin chuckled.

`Let's cheers. To our newfound friendship between Astrid and the Wagners'. They all toasted their green teacups with a chink and drank it in one gulp.

Soon, they shared their cakes and chatted briefly before finishing their meal.

They bowed their head and exited the restaurant. Astrid walked in between the brothers. She was surprised to see manager Steven joining them. She thought he left!

`Ace, are we going to shop some more?' Astrid dragged her feet and stifled a yawn.

`If you want to?'

`No, I am tired'.

`Astrid do you have a swimsuit?' Hadwin asked.

`No. Why?' She narrowed her eyes at him.

`We have a swimming pool in our garden!' Hadwin exclaimed.

`Really? But I did not see one.'

`It's hidden behind the rose garden. We even have an orchard of fruits.' Ace replied.

`How about this? You come over to our house next weekend and we can do some outdoor activity' Hadwin suggested.

`But you need a swimsuit for that, shoes and outdoor gear.' Hadwin started thinking.

`Okay. We split up, Hadwin you look for dirt bike outdoor gear with Steven and I will accompany Astrid. Steven has her size. We meet up in 20 minutes?' Ace looked at Astrid and she nodded in agreement.

Finally, I get her all by myself. Ace was gloating but kept a blank face.

She went in the direction of Billabong and quickly selected an aquamarine one-piece swimsuit with belt detail. She was shy about exposing her body. Ace on the other hand was looking at the bikinis and an attractive busty sales attendant was talking to him. She gawked at him and stood too close to Ace. Astrid did not miss the stare of hatred directed to her so she quickly paid up before pulling him away from the shop. For once, she managed to pay for her clothes.

`Did you see the lady, hovering around you?'

`Which lady?' he raised an eyebrow.

`The one near the bikinis!'

`No, I did not realize. I was imagining you in the bikinis'. He winked at her and a small dimple formed on his cheek when he smiled.

Astrid face palmed herself again and said `You have raging hormones, you know that. Hormones that seems to appear when you are alone with me'

`I have reasons to be discreet with people I like, in this case, you', he said truthfully, rubbing her hands with his fingers. She merely nodded at him, not wanting to push further, afraid of losing this newfound friendship if she was being too persuasive. 

Ace smiled and looked at his watch. That was quick, might as well kill some time.

`Do you want to have some ice cream?'

`No. I am full'

`We have plenty of time?'

`Can we sit somewhere?'

`Let's go back to the car then.'

Ace called Hadwin and told him to meet him in the car. Astrid removed her shoes and pushed the car seat backwards to sleep. She was exhausted from all the walking and changing of clothes. Ace stared at her sleeping face. Her dark long lashes curved, relaxed brows combined with the apple of her cheeks, slightly flushed and her full lips were turning his emotions and feelings topsy turvy. He shifted closer to her and placed his soft lips on her both her eyes, the tip of her nose, and lastly her forehead. He wanted to kiss her lips, but he wasn't selfish. He wanted her to feel the same way he felt right now.

Ace pulled back and put his Ray-Bans on, turning the radio on to wait for Hadwin. Soon, Hadwin appeared with manager Mr Steven and both started arranged the clothes in the bonnet of the car.

`She's asleep. Keep the voice down'. Ace warned.

`Okay', Hadwin looked at Astrid and patted her cheek lightly before lying down on the back seat to look through his mobile.