Chapter 12
Hey humans... or any other species.
Finally exams are over! No more school. No more useless subjects. No more dealing with the same people daily.
3250 words. I couldn't find a good spot to end it. I hope you guys enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
Until next time...
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"Lexi! Can you get the door please? It's Astra!" Axel calls from his room. Smack. "Ouch! Ok fine, I'll get it. There was no need to hit me, idiot."
"Then maybe stop asking Lexi to do everything for you and get off your lazy ass, for once," Dante grunts back.
I would find it funny if I wasn't anxious to meet someone new. Why am I even nervous? That's right, she's rich and I most definitely won't meet her expectations.
"Go away Ax. Where is she? I didn't come here to see your ugly face," a feminine voice rings through the house. Yeah she definitely seems humorous.
"Lexi! I'm being bullied," Axel whines. I step out of my room and walk towards the front door, watching my feet to make sure I don't make a fool of myself and fall. I look up and see the prettiest girl I've ever met in my life.
A girl, probably a year or two older than me, stands next to Axel. She has dark brown hair with streaks of red and light periwinkle in her perfectly wavy hair. Her eyes shine a caramel brown and minimal makeup covers her face. Only a natural blush, clear gloss and mascara.
She has a lean hourglass figure, clothed in ripped blue boyfriend jeans with a half tucked in, high neck sweater paired with white sneakers similar to mine. I become self conscious of her beauty compared to mine, which is non-existent.
"What the fuck guys, she's so pretty!" Astra squeals, rushing over and squeezing the life out of me.
Dante, Ian and Axel just smile from in front of me. Now I can see where the outgoing side of her comes from
"I'm Astra which I'm sure you know by now and I finally get to meet you. I can not believe that it took Ax so long to tell me about you! It's about time too because these men are literal hermits. If a girl even looks in their direction they scare her off so obviously it's a big thing if they accept you. Also I need some female company because these guys are-"
"Shut up! You're so boring when you talk about girl stuff," Axel complains, "now we're gonna go to work. If anything happens, call us. Princess, make sure you answer us straight away if we call or message, ok?"
I nod at him as Astra let's me go and shoos the men away, not before they each kiss my cheek. "I'm Lexi," I say, "nice to meet you."
"I'm so glad there's another female. And a pretty one too. Finally the boys are gone. Now, let's go shopping and spend our lives away!" She walks out the front door and I follow behind her.
"We'll take my car. It's a pink ferrari. Axel got it for my birthday last year," she explains. We stop in front of a hot pink car that definitely looks expensive. I'm not good with cars, but even I know this wasn't cheap.
Astra gets in the driver seat and I sit in the seat next to her. We put on our seatbelts and she begins to drive through the streets.
"So, how is it like living with the three guys?"
"Not really sure. They seem very nice. They've done so much for me," I respond.
"Only to you. I can't believe no one told me about you. Those guys are literally joined at the hip and no one can separate them. I didn't think any of them would settle down or find a girl. It would split them up and they don't want that. Anyway, today is about you. I have orders to provide you with a new wardrobe and basically a new everything. There's this massive shopping mall about fifteen minutes from here so we'll obviously go there."
Usually I find it annoying when people talk non stop, but something about Astra seems different. I don't mind her talking so much. It's actually a change, a good change, to hang out with someone who's bubbly nature lifts up my mood.
"We'll find a cafe to sit down and have something small to eat so we can have energy to buy clothes. Then we'll have lunch and dessert and buy some shoes. Finally, we'll look for some other thing you want and some stuff the guys told me to buy and we'll order some food and eat dinner at your house."
"Technically I just live there. It's not really mine," I correct her.
"Nope. It's yours as much as it is the guys' house. Whatever is theirs is yours now. They've literally made it clear to me that whatever you look at I better buy it or else they won't let me see you for a month. And I plan on seeing you quite a lot. But don't worry, I'll know what to buy. Also they said to use your gold card so they know that you actually bought stuff."
I should have guessed they told Astra to buy me a lot of things. "They can be a bit extra from what I've seen. They don't like to trouble me. Maybe Axel does, but the others don't. I literally stacked their plates and Ian carried me away. They refused to let me clean. They make sure I don't need anything and I'm comfortable. They're really sweet."
"Trust me they only do that for you. Even for me, I have limits with them, especially since I'm closest to Ax. The amount of times I've had to leave them alone for months so I don't become too close to Ax is unbelievable. They think that I'll separate them. They literally let you live with them and they've known you for less than a week. That's definitely saying something. Don't worry, if they make me stay away from you, we'll go on a holiday overseas. Maybe they'll rethink their decision. I'm kidding. They'll have my head for that."
I think I like Astra. She's really comfortable to be around. She's that person that would brighten up the room, steal the show, make things less awkward.
She drives through the busy streets of London, parking in front of a huge building, which takes up at least five houses worth in width and about three storeys high. I can see how this is a main shopping centre. Or shopping mall, as they call it.
People turn to stare at us and the car. It's not everyday you see a pink ferrari driven by a model-like girl like Astra. "You'll get used to it," she whispers, slinging a handbag over her shoulder and locking the car.
"They know who I am so no one dares to try anything to me or my baby, I mean my car. She's practically my child seeing as I don't really plan on having kids. I'm too selfish for that. Wouldn't want to bring them into this world only to neglect them. Now, let's go!"
As self indulgent as she seems, she really does care. At least she cares enough to not have children for the sake of it, cares enough to make everyone feel welcome and I'm sure she's helped Dante, Ian and Axel a lot in their lives if she still hangs out with them.
We make our way through the entrance and many shops come into view. The place is crowded, which is exciting. It's a buzz filled atmosphere which makes the experience of shopping more enjoyable.
Astra seems to know where she's going as she heads in a specific way and turns in certain directions. We end up in front of a small cafe in the middle of the place, 'Patrick's Patisserie'. There is a display window filled with hundreds of different pastries and desserts.
"Astra! It's been so long! Who's the cutie?" a man greets Astra from over the counter, sending a wink my way. He looks to be in his late twenties, with brown hair and green eyes and tan skin.
"This cutie here is Lexi. She just came from Australia. Lexi, this is Patrick, my favourite guy in the world. Only because he gives me food. I'll have the usual. Lexi?"
I step a bot closer to the counter to see the menu displayed. "I'll have a small hot chocolate and a chocolate muffin please," I say, smiling at the way Patrick smiles at us. I take out the gold card from my pocket but he only shakes his head.
"This one's on me. Welcome to London. I'll be with you guys soon," Patrick says, writing down our orders. Astra takes a seat on a nearby table and I sit across from her.
"He makes the best drinks and desserts in the whole world. I always come here when I shop at this mall. Patrick is one of my close friends. Here he comes."
Patrick walks over with a tray in his hands and sits to my left. He hands Astra and me our drinks and food before putting a drink and donut in front of himself.
"No one's ordering now so we can chat. So what brings you to London?" Patrick asks.
"Just wanted a new experience," I say, sipping on my hot chocolate.
"Did you come on your own?"
"Yeah."
"That's so cool. It must've taken guts to move on your own at a young age. How old are you, twenty or something?"
"Yeah, almost twenty one. I actually like it here so far. I've met these guys that have welcomed me into their home and they've helped me settle in. It made the move heaps easier so I'm really grateful for them."
"That's so cool! I mean yeah it can be pretty busy here but it's actually quite nice when there's people bustling about everywhere. You should come here in a month and a half's time, around Christmas. It's usually packed and business is great for me. If you want a job to work with me I wouldn't mind."
"Oh, no thank you. I already got a job but I'm not sure when I'll be starting. But if I do change my mind I'll let you know."
"Great. Here, put your number in and I'll send you some basic details about the job and machines and stuff." Patrick takes out his phone and gives it to me. I quickly put in my contact details and give him his phone back.
We continue our basic conversation while I eat the muffin, which is pure heaven, and drink the rest of my hot chocolate. Astra wasn't lying when she said he makes the best drink and desserts. And I've only had two things. I should try a new thing every time I come here.
"Thanks so much, Patrick. It was the best muffin and hot chocolate I've ever had," I say once we've all finished and Patrick has to go back to work.
"You're welcome, cutie. I'm glad I got to meet you. Visit again soon. I'd love to see you again," he replies with that smile of his. Astra and I wave bye to him before we begin our journey to buy myself a new wardrobe.
"Isn't he hot?" Astra squeals once we're far enough away. She definitely had a thing for Patrick.
"He was alright. He's a nice guy though, just not my type," I say, laughing at her excitement.
"He is more than alright. He's super hot. I cannot believe you don't see it. Anyway, onto our first stop."
The next few hours, we go from store to store, buying hundreds of shirts, pants, jeans, both short and long, jumpers, jackets, dresses ranging from casual to formal and lots of other clothes. Not one style of clothing is left out, including undergarments and swimming costumes.
The biggest relief was each store measured my size so I don't have to try on anything. Well, Astra told the workers to make sure I don't try anything on. Apparently it was Dante's orders. He doesn't want me moving around too much, especially since I'm not fully recovered.
We make a trip to Astra's car to put all the shopping bags in, which are all in two trolleys, one pushed by me, the other by Astra. For lunch, of course I order cheese pizza and a lemonade soft drink, or 'fizzy drink' is what they call it here. Sometimes I call them fizzy drinks, but usually it's just called a soft drink.
After lunch, we buy hundreds of pairs of shoes, which is highly unnecessary, but Astra put them in her trolley despite my protests. We also bought hats and jewellery and lots of accessories. Astra also took me to an electronic store where she bought me a computer, laptop, tablet and phone along with a smart watch and a set of earphones and headphones.
Astra took my gold card long ago, knowing I wouldn't give it to her when I saw what we were going to buy.
"What should we get for dinner?" she asks me after we've put all the bags in her car, ready to leave.
"Maccas or something should be fine. I mean McDonalds. Sorry, I'm used to the slang in Australia. I forgot you guys speak differently," I say.
"Yeah we'll just get Maccas. It actually sounds cool. The guys don't usually eat fast food but it'll have to do."
Astra starts her car and drives to a close-by Maccas. She orders a whole variety of things before parking in the car park to wait for our order.
"Thank you so much for taking me shopping. I really enjoyed it, even though most of this stuff was unnecessary to buy. You're a really cool person and I hope I'll see you more often," I tell Astra with as much honesty as possible.
"Are you kidding? I'm so glad I got to spend the day with you. I can definitely see why the guys like you so much. It's a huge blessing for them that you came into their lives. They're the reason you're in my life, so you can leave them now," she jokes. "Seriously though, I like you and you're quite awesome so I'll be seeing you a lot more."
When we get our order, we head back to the house, where Dante, Ian and Axel are waiting in the lounge room, watching T.V.
"Go get the bags out of the car or we'll eat all the food," Astra demands as we walk into the house, each holding heaps of bags.
"Please," I add on after so it doesn't seem too rude. Dante takes the bags out of my hand and kisses my forehead, but I pull him into a hug. "Thanks so much for all this stuff. There was seriously no need for all of this but I really appreciate it."
"Anything for you sweetheart. Lucky Astra went with you because I know you wouldn't have bought any of this stuff. Go change so you can feel refreshed to eat," he responds.
I hug both Ian and Axel, thanking them for all the stuff we bought, before they walk outside to get the rest of the bags.
"By the time you change, we'll have all the bags inside," Astra says, "if you're up to it, after we eat we can arrange your closet."
"I'd rather do that tomorrow. It'll get me occupied," I answer, untying my shoelaces. I head up to my room and change into pink trackpants and a fitted, black, long sleeve shirt, tucked into my pants. I throw my hair into a messy bun and change my socks to fluffy ones to walk around in. I fold my clothes and hand up my cardigan, then walk back to the lounge room.
"Come here," Dante says, motioning to the spot beside him. I walk to the sofa and sit beside him, crossing my legs up on the sofa. He places an arm around my shoulder, pulling me closer to him. "Did you enjoy yourself?"
I smile at the new memory made today with my new friend and nod my head. "Yeah, it was amazing. I had a great time."
All the bags from Maccas are on the floor in this room. We all pick what we want and eat, as Astra informs the guys about our day.
"You know Patrick, right? Yeah, well we saw him and Lexi doesn't think he's hot, which I don't understand because he's splendid and yummy. Anyway, he got her number in case she ever wants to work there and then we went shopping for clothes. Yes Dante she didn't try anything on, you don't even have to ask. And I'm telling you this girl's soulmate is cheese pizza. I got all the electronics you wanted me to and I was almost murdered by this psycho, who thinks it's a waste of money. Pfft, nothing's a waste of money. We went to every single store, yes even the ones you're thinking of Ax. I think it would have been easier to buy the entire mall."
We spend the next hour eating our lives away and I couldn't have imagined a more perfect day in my life. I've settled in well and met amazing people. I have the chance to live the life I've always wanted, nothing to worry about.
After Astra leaves, my great spirits suggest to the guys that we all crash out in my room for tonight. We're all in a food coma. Literally. So instead of moving to my room, we lay down on the sofas. I lay against Dante's chest as he plays with my hair, with Ian and Axel on either side of me.
"So you don't like that Patrick guy?" Axel asks.
"Not really," I admit, "he wasn't ugly but I didn't really feel any type of attraction towards him. He was a nice guy though."
"Then what is your type?" Dante questions me.
They know exactly what I'm going to say, otherwise I wouldn't be sitting here between them all. "Now you're just teasing me."
"No, please do tell us. What is your type?" Axel teases.
"I'm into girls," I joke. The reaction is immediate. Dante tightens his grip on me and pulls me closer, Axel and Ian put an arm each around me. "I was kidding. I've seen lots of pretty girls, I just don't feel attracted to them."
"Good. Because we won't be expanding our group or splitting up," Axel says, proving Astra's words true. They won't let anyone split them apart or get too close to them.
"Question of the day," Ian starts, breaking the rising tension, "you go first."
"I'm gonna have to skip for today. I can't breathe after what I just ate," I sigh, too lazy to think of any question.
"Ok. Here's ours. What are you most grateful for today?"
"Easy. Astra. I'm so grateful for her. She took me out and bought everything, even after I practically begged her not to. She made me feel so loved and cared about and most of all, just her as a person hanging out with me, letting me share in her excitement, I'm really grateful for that. I've never felt so free and unrestricted before. It was the best feeling in the world. Thank you guys so much for all that you've done. I don't know what I've done to deserve you all, but I'm glad things turned out this way, I really am."
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