Ida's POV

I changed my mind about going home first, so after Ethan dropped me, I took my car and headed to the mall where Engine and I were meeting up.

The mall was not that busy. I looked around at the different things placed on the show racks. Pretty dresses and pretty bags were lavishly placed, their price exceeding my income.

I hurriedly exited the shop before the saleswoman approached me, wasting her time in convincing me to buy something that I can't afford.

Then I decided to approach VOX. There were a couple of good movies screening at the moment, but being lazy comes in my blood, so I did not watch a movie either.

Leaving VOX, I drooled on the different ice creams that were on display in Baskin Robbins.

"Could I try vanilla, please." I requested the man on the opposite end.

I wanted more ice cream, that too Vanilla. It made me feel closer to Ethan.

And as for why I was trying the flavor out, It's for free.

"Hmm." Delighted by the flavor tickling on my tongue, I bought the small cup size.

Randomly roaming up and down the mall, making small kids stare daggers at me, it was finally eight.

I gave a small hug to Engine when she arrived. I was waiting for her near the entrance so she could easily spot me.

"How'd you come?" I ask.

"Took the bus." I felt a pang in my heart for not picking her up and delightfully enjoying an ice cream.

"I'll drop you,"

"Oh. Is your Mom going to pick us?" She asked.

"No, I came by myself,"

"How?" Engine looked confused.

"Mom allowed." I lied taking a scoop of ice cream and offered her some too.

"Ohh. That's interest-" Engine got distracted by the ice cream.

"Hmmm... Vanilla? Since when do you take Vanilla?"

"Since today." She looked at me, astonished.

"Girlll... spill."

×××

"You guys, KisSEd!!!!" She squealed, "tHAt's WHy You JUmPed apart whEn We CAmE!"

She couldn't stop squealing and telling how cute we looked. I rubbed the back of my neck, embarrassed.

"Engine calm down!" I hushed her.

"Tell me about you and Aiden." She immediately calmed down at his name.

"We... uh. We're hanging out as two normal people would."

"Two normal people?"

"Yes."

"Engine, you and normal?" I teased.

She laughed sarcastically.

Not pushing any further, we ordered pizza. The lady looked as if we had gone crazy when we added- half with and the other half without mushrooms.

Taking huge bites of the half part of my pizza, Engine and I were talking about random shit that made no sense... I won't be telling you guys about any of it.

Some secrets need to be kept.

Speaking of secrets. I need to tell Engine about the holiday with my Mom. I know lying is not a good option, but I can't tell her about any of this. What if she has a fatal heart attack?
I would mourn my entire life.

Angelin was the closest thing I had to a best friend, and over my dead body was I going to lose her.

After we both were full, I took the opportunity to bring out the topic.

"I am leaving; the day after with my Mom."

"A winter break?" She looked surprised since I had never stepped one foot outside this town.

"You will miss Christmas." She looked at me, a little upset.

"Yes," I added, "I know, I am sorry."

"Issok"

I shift uncomfortably on my chair, knowing what was coming next, "Ethan is coming too."

Her jaw dropped to the floor, I pushed it back up, but it fell once again.

"Come on." She pulls me away from the food coat.

"Where are we going?"

"Shopping." She winks.

After buying too many inappropriate clothes, I was finally able to convince Engine to stop. She manipulated me to buy one last thing.

"No."

"Come on, Ida." She pulled me inside Victoria's secret.

"Engine anything but this!"

"This is it." She pointed at a sexy lingerie. The bra was deep, with a small bow in the front. The straps were made of lace, leaving only the nipple area covered. The underwear was made entirely of lace. And might I add its RED. SEXY HOT RED.

"No." I look away.

"At least try it on." She gives me her puppy dog eyes.

"Fine!" I sigh.

Holy shit

The lingerie I tried on was just my size.

Engine knocked on the changing room door and started convincing me to buy it; it's like she knew that I was staring at myself in the mirror, admiring my figure in the garment.

The problem is, its fucking expensive.

"Come onnn, Ethan will love you in it." Engine induces.

I bite my lips, realizing the double meaning of her words.

"Finee."

She smirks at her success.

After dropping Engine off while it snowed for a bit, I try the lingerie on all the other clothes I had bought. Satisfied with everything, I plop down on the bed and let sleep take over.

×××

Today is the day. The day in which I am stepping foot outside this town for the first time.

Ethan insisted I focus on packing and that he'd take care of the travel and living quarters. So, I let him.

I had already packed most of the things, including the garments and clothes I bought with Engine from the mall. Engine was successful in planting the idea of wearing the red lingerie today. I quickly changed into the lingerie and gave myself a final look in the mirror before slipping down the white, super cozy sweater with a hoodie. I was wearing a black and white checked shirt paired with black jeans and a much necessary black belt. (image above)

Finding the right size of my jeans is mission impossible. Sometimes it's too loose from the waist but perfect in length; otherwise, it's a perfect waist size but way too short.

I am underweight and thin but have the perfect height for my age. So now you know why I get a B in PE all the time...

I applied slight Vaseline on my lips since they were super dry. After putting the toothbrush and toothpaste in my backpack, I place the water bottles on the sides, for not wanting to spend any money on buying them, I took two.

Yesterday I went to take my pay-for the day I had worked in the restaurant- but got only half the amount since I worked for half the hours allotted. I took whatever amount they gave; something is better than nothing. I had picked a good time, so I met Rebekha and Leo while they were working. I informed them of my little trip and said my goodbyes.

This was it. I was fully ready, waiting for Ethan to pick me.

Just minutes later, Ethan arrived. I opened the door for him to come in. I have to admit he looks hot. No wonder so many girls fall for him. He was in black jeans and a grey t-shirt. His arms were covered with the black sleeves of another full-length t-shirt he was wearing underneath the grey.

"Where are the bags?" Ethan asked, confused.

"I have everything with me." I pointed at the backpack that was hanging on my shoulder.

"Are you sure you have everything?"

"Yes." I shrug.

"I thought girls carry..." Ethan trailed off, "oh well, never mind. Let's go."

He looked me up and down before insisting on taking the bag.

Ethan puts the bag in the trunk, next to his handbag. To my surprise, Aiden and Engine were here. Aiden was driving, so I assumed the front seat to be taken my Ethan as Engine sat in the back.

___________

A/N

I know. I was supposed to write 3 chapters together and then publish them. But that PUBLISH button gets so irrisistable after editing.

Don't forget to vote and comment :)

Teaser- next chapter is gonna be a lil bit intense ;)