Rags To Ritches

"I managed to give him the medicine without much trouble. I guess I needed a little push last night." The thought of shopping and actually buying things that she could argue weren't needed was strange. "Anyway, what's wrong with what I have now? I've worn the same clothes for years and they haven't let me down yet."

"I'm quite surprised he remained in that much control...." Benjamin's voice trailed off as he wheeled her into the elevator before helping her into the van when they reached it. Rafael was in the passenger seat, sunglasses on, an arm lazily shielding his face as he groaned. "Don't mind him. He has a high sensitivity to light."

Strapping her into the back, he climbed inside the driver's side, starting the car. Before they could pull off, the curtains on the top floor where Alaric's bedroom was, shuffled, his face appearing for a split second for a glimpse down below. Then he closed them.

Ari shrugged nonchalantly though she had a rather proud grin on her face. "It was nothing." Shopping wasn't her thing but she was glad for a moment out of the house. Weird stuff kept happening and it was nice to get a breath of fresh air. She hadn't been away from home this long. Even though it was only a couple of days. She leaned against the armrest watching the world outside of the window.

"We gathered some mail for you at your house, I hope you don't mind. Here." Rafael handed her a large stack of mail that consisted of bills she owed and advertisements save for the one with a rose taped to the front. That one said, Lovely on the front in a fancy cursive writing, and when she pulled the letter out it was written in gold ink.

Dear, Ari I know we didn't meet on the best of terms, and I'd like to apologize for that night in the bathroom. I hope we can meet again. Very soon. —Mr. Briggs.

She wasn't one for littering but she didn't want anyone else to see it. The night she'd gotten hurt, Alaric assured her that it was her own clumsiness, but Ari knew. There'd been someone in there with her.

Her brows scrunched and her head felt like she was swimming while trying to dredge up the muddled memories of that night. The paper normally would have been too nice to wrinkle but Ari crumpled it before rolling down the window and watching it tumble in the wind. "They're getting creative with bills these days." Even though they hadn't asked.

"Why'd you throw it out the window? Then again we're going to pay for it." Benjamin said with a small smile on his lips. "Do you know why we have to take you shopping?" He asked.

Rafael rolled down his window, the air blowing his golden locks around as he inhaled the breeze. He still shielded his eyes from the sun despite the fact he wore shades. He glimpsed over his shoulder at her, a sweet smile on his mouth as well. "You'll be going with him on your first mission next week. And by then you'll be able to walk without rolling around everywhere." That smile turned into a smirk.

"I felt scammed. I was expecting something nice." Thank whatever God out there for Benjamin's sweet soul. She wasn't sure how someone like him could tolerate the constant peculiarity of everything that surrounded his master who was now her boss.

"You don't know how much I'm looking forward to ditching this thing. I want to drive or ride my bike again or just jump off of something." They couldn't see it but her toes wiggled in excitement, at just the thought of being free to move as she pleased. "Mission? Are we secret agents now?" She stuck her tongue out at Rafael who she was sure could see her in the mirror.

"There are many things Alaric does and you are to follow. At least you learn some kind of self defense in the process. The longer you stay, the more you'll learn that everything is not always as it seems." Benjamin pulled up into the parking lot of Westlake mall and got out of the car. They opened the door, wheeling her down until she could move around herself. "What is your clothing tastes?"

Rafael chuckled. "Dear, please don't say baggy shirt and baggy pants. You're too pretty for such things."

Ari tsked him, looking appalled. "Please! These curves deserve to be flaunted. I would never." She followed them to the automatic glass doors, blasting them with a gust of air conditioning scented with new clothes and cheap food. There were several major department stores taking up the bottom floor but that's not where they were headed. Ari led the way to the elevator. "I'm more of a business casual kind of gal."

As she was moving through the crowd, someone bumped into her and her wallet flew down onto the floor. A person leaned down to pick it up, a grey wrinkled hand extended out to her. "I'm sorry miss, but you dropped this."

Whenever she'd glimpse up, she'd see the same face of the old man that had been at the restaurant. Though this time he wasn't with jagged teeth. Still, he seemed eerie and out of place the way he upheld himself. Whispering, he said,"I hope we can have a coffee together when they aren't around."

He tipped his head towards the coffee shop and waved. "Toodles."

Ari snatched the wallet from his hand and slipped it into her pocket quickly. She wanted to roll away as quickly as she could but there were too many people, too many bodies between her and the exit.

Benjamin and Rafael would both think she was crazy if she suddenly turned down a fully paid shopping trip. Fear was instinctual. She was in full on flight mode with nowhere to turn, instead smiling and acting gracious. There was no way she'd ever take up that creep on his offer. What did she look like casually having coffee with a monster who nearly killed her?

Her vision swam and she took a few deep breaths to calm herself. "Let's hurry before we miss any sales." She gently tugged on Benji's sleeve to urge them onward.

"We're paying, why rush for sales?" Rafael laughed at how adorable he thought Ari was. She didn't come from someone rich, yet even with them offering to pay, she wanted to get everything on sale when they didn't mind paying for it at full price. "It'll be much more crowded since everyone flocks around those kinds of things."

Benjamin wheeled her towards the back where everyone cleared out. After dialing in some codes a door opened. Inside were a few people, dressed finely and dining with one another. Beyond that, a hairdresser waited, another gesturing Ari to enter so she could show her clothing.

"Come come, what do we've got here?" She sounded Russian.

"Alaric's secretary." Benjamin nodded his head.

"What do you vant? Any particular style?" The lady asked, short blonde bobbed hair moving like silk.

The reality of an all expenses paid shopping spree perked her right back up. The old creep had just been a coincidence. Everyone knew old people went to the mall for exercise. "Functional business clothes. Something along the lines of pants suits." Ari smiles, determined to enjoy herself. "Nothing too vibrant. It should match with Alaric's tastes and compliment well since I'll be following him around."

The woman nodded her head and gestured for Ari to follow behind her. She plucked a few outfits off the hangers and handed them to her. Some were business, others were nightgowns and club attire. "v'hese suit his taste." A smile formed on her lips. "Perhaps you should get some coff'vee afterwards."

"I try to stay away from caffeine. It's bad for your skin." She eyed the tall blonde warily. It could have just been a friendly suggestion but the timing was uncanny. Ari decided to focus on the new outfits in her lap, shuffling through them.

"This seems like a bit much." There were no price tags on any of the items. A sure sign that they were well out of range for anything she could afford. Accepting so many nice things was hard. She was a woman used to making her own way and having to provide for herself.

"Suit, vorself," The blonde said calmly. "I've always veen very good at making coff'vee." She gave her a small shrug of her shoulders before glimpsing down at what Ari said seemed to be a bit too much. "v'what do you mean too much? This is v'what Alaric requested. You don't have to wear it in the bedroom. He thinks it's much more comfortable for you."

Ari wasn't sure if the woman was insulted or not. "I'm sorry I thought you meant something else. One cup couldn't hurt. I guess I'm just not used to these sorts of things." Out of place in a world too rich for her blood. (1500)

"Caramel flavored." The woman said while moving to the fresh pressed coffee on the side tables. Beyond the room, Rafael and Benjamin were talking. She poured herself a mug full and handed it over to her. "Those missions are usually dangerous." Added the blonde.

The hot cup warmed her and she took a careful sip. As far as she knew, her new boss was the owner of a company that sold adult products. What kind of dangerous mission could he possibly need to do? "How? What's so bad about making dildos?" Her mouth scrunched trying not to laugh.

"He doesn't just make dildos. There are rivals who v'want to take his place." She smiled and sat down as well, leaning back. "Then there's you who catches a pretty price." Just when she had said that, the world spun and all the colors clashed together, leaving Ari tipping out the seat and in darkness.