Forgotten

Chapter 23: Shopping Trip

For those who have read the original, you'll recognize most of this chapter as something from the first version.

I also wanted to point out that this is done with very little editing (grammar/punctuation is usually edited, but the content of it isn't.) It was pointed out to me that I should go deeper into her feelings about her parents being gone and her future being uncertain, and I definitely plan to do that when I rewrite this story. I just wanted y'all to know it has been thought of.

                  

Alex:  

            Rylan's dad was able to force me to shift back. I wasn't sure how he did it, but he claimed it was how he kept his pack in line. He also claimed that Rylan could have done it for me, but he'd never had to force someone to shift before, so he wasn't certain of his powers.

            We spent the next two evenings pouring over the book, trying to figure out how to get me to shift back. Thursday night, I had to get help from Rylan's dad again. Friday, his dad made him force me to shift. Thankfully they were able to do it while I was in the bathroom and they were right outside the door.

            I was thankful for Saturday. Today, we were going to go shopping for clothes, something I wasn't really looking forward to.
             The guys had all slept at Rylan's last night. Once morning came, I buried myself in my blanket. I didn't really want to go shopping, and I was cozy here. "Lexi, it's time to wake up." Tucker said in a sing song voice, hovering just above me.

            I shook my head, but since he couldn't see it, I managed the mumble, "Nope. If I don't see the light, it isn't there."

            Kane and Cedric giggled from where they'd been sleeping. Paris snorted, trying to hold back a laugh.

            Rylan spoke from the doorway, "Everyone up and ready for the day. We get to fix breakfast this morning. I volunteered us because my mom is busy today."

            I got out of bed quickly, not wanting people to go hungry because we hadn't been down there to make breakfast. I took a fast shower, got dressed in the most hideous outfit yet (purple leggings, a bright orange shirt that fell to the middle of my thigh, and a huge black belt to put it all together. I looked like a Halloween reject.), and threw my hair up in a ponytail. I pulled on my thin black socks, and then grimaced at the thought of wearing these stupid heels again.

            I carried my shoes downstairs and set them by the front door before joining the guys in the kitchen. I was impressed that they seemed to have a system that worked well for making pancakes, bacon, and eggs. I helped where I could, but was eventually given the duty of making coffee. I looked at the coffee machine, and then at... well... I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing here. I didn't drink coffee, how would I know how to make it?

            Rylan must have taken pity on me, because he sent Paris over to help, which meant Paris lifted me up, sat me on the counter, and then proceeded to make the coffee himself.

            Cedric handed me a plate of food. "Eat, Alex," he commanded, pausing briefly to brush his fingers against my knee. I swung my legs lightly as I ate as much as I could.

            Tucker moved past me with his own plate and I handed him what was left of my food as well. "Full?" At my nod, he leaned against the counter next to me and shoveled food into his mouth.

            After everyone had eaten and the dishes were done, Tucker easily plucked me from the counter, "Let's go Lexi-bear. The mall waits for no one!" He practically dragged me out to the black explorer.