A: Short Story Collection

Chapter 25

"Pink Diamond"

We walk into a jewelry store and I start to look around.

So many diamonds.

Ime said she'll buy me anything.

I wonder what one of these is worth.

I see a ring with a giant pink diamond.

"I want that," I said pointing at it.

Gloria and Miss Caroline look at it.

"Disgusting," Gloria said.

"You're disgusting," I retort.

Gloria grits her teeth. "I don't think any of these diamonds are going to look good on you."

Miss Caroline sighs. "Gloria, we're here to pay for what she wants remember?"

She? I'm not a she.

Gloria calms down. "I can't believe I'm doing this."

Gloria tells the cashier she wants to buy the pink diamond ring.

"That's be a thousand dollars," the cashier said.

Gloria reach in her bag and pulls out a thousand dollars.

She purchases the ring and we leave the store.

I put the ring on my finger.

It's so cute.

"So you like pink?" Miss Caroline said.

"Nah, I'm just a fan of Pink Tape by Lil Uzi. Reminded me of him."

"Oh..." she said.

We walk around the mall, going into stores and purchasing what I want until eventually we couldn't carry anymore.

"I think we're done," Miss Caroline said.

I groan. "One more teddy."

"No more!" Gloria said. "I can't believe I've wasted pocket change on you."

Pocket change? It feels like we're carrying teenage girl's luggage.

Miss Caroline begins to leave the mall and Gloria follows.

Guess we're done.

I follow and catch up to them.

"So, what you think? Enjoy your shopping?" Miss Caroline.

"Except Gloria, everything been great."

"Don't worry about Gloria she doesn't bite."

"I paid for this stuff," Gloria growl.

Miss Caroline walks closer to me.

"I was thinking about something I wanted to ask you," she whispers.

"What is it?"

"Marry my son."

My head split. "What?"

"You said you need money, so why not just marry my son. You'll have all the money you need. We'll take care of you."

"That... Sounds nice." I stare at my feet. "It's just I'm not ready for that type of commitment."

Miss Caroline stares at me. "Do you wanna know why Ime went away from home."

"No, not really."

"It was to find a bride."

My eyes widen.

Oh shit!

"And he came back with you."

I begin to sweat. "Mere coincidence. Like I said I just needed money."

"And I said you can have it. Just marry him."

My arms start to feel heavy. "I can't."

Miss Caroline looks confused. "Why not?"

"I just can't!"

"You're pathetic," Gloria said. "Imagine all the praise you'll get being the CEO's daughter."

I can see the sparkles in her eyes when she said praise.

I grit my teeth. "You're pathetic."

Gloria looks at me.

"I'm tired of being around someone so stuck up. You aren't better than me," I said.

"In fact I am, cause I'm not the one having sex with someone for pocket change and shopping," Gloria said.

"Unfortunately for you, that person happens to be your boss's son, who can easily fire you."

"Whatever bit-"

"Ladies stop fighting," Miss Caroline interrupt.

Gloria goes silent and so do I.

I'm not a woman tho...

"Now shake each other hands and make up," Miss Caroline.

I gag. "Of course not."

"Yes, ma'am," Gloria said and puts out her hand.

I stare at her hand and back into her eyes.

"I hate you," I said then walked off.

First time saying that to someone's face.

How could it take so long for me to tell someone I hate that I hate them.

Gloria laughs. "I tried ma'am."

I could hear her say those last words with a smile.

Why would Miss Caroline want me to get married to Ime.

Can't she see I don't fit in.