𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒔 ☆ The Glorious Series ｟ BOOK 1 ｠

Closing Time [Part 2]

Inside, Store, Cosmetic Department, Day...

"Trust me, dearie, this will do wonders for your combination-skin." Craig heard a familiar and distinct Scottish voice say as he walked through the shop on his way to the children's department, pushing Alfie's stroller as he went.

He looked to his left and saw Lexi standing behind the counter as she applied toner to a young woman's face.

"Now, be sure to apply this before you put on the exfoliant and you'll be good to go." Lexi said to the woman as she put the toner in a small bag for her.

"Thank you so much." The woman said as she took the bag from Lexi.

"No problem. Have a good rest of your shopping trip." She told her before the woman walked away.

"Oh, this can't be good." Craig thought to himself as he walked over to the counter. "What are you doing here?"

Lexi looked up and smiled at Craig. "And hello to you, too."

"Something's going on, isn't it?" He asked. "Why else would you be here?"

"Whatever do you mean?" She asked as she walked out from behind the counter before beginning walking through the rest of the store.

"Come on!" Craig called after her as he rushed to catch up while pushing Alfie's stroller. "Seriously, what is going on?"

"Nothing whatsoever." She answered as they entered the toy department.

"Come on, like I haven't heard that before." Craig rolled his eyes, pulling his phone out of his pocket as he felt it vibrating before answering it when he saw it was Sophie.

Craig's conversation with Sophie faded out as Lexi watched a certain bow tie wearing alien demonstrate a toy helicopter to a small group of children a short distance away.

"Yeah, Soph... Just enjoy your holiday!" Craig said to Sophie over the phone, bringing Lexi back to reality. "Yeah, coping."

"Nobody panic, but I appear to be losing control." The Doctor said as he flew the helicopter, trying to regain. control over the toy but not really succeeding.

"Yeah, love you." Craig said before hanging up.

The toy helicopter then came down behind Craig and Lexi, surprising Craig since he hadn't noticed it and just making Lexi shake her head at the whole thing.

"Oops." The Doctor muttered before getting up from the display table and kneeling on the floor and gathering the children around him. "Guys, guys, ladies and gentlemen, while I deal with this awkward moment you go and find your parents/guardians. Try in lamps!" He exclaimed, giving one girl a high five before they all left. "Craig! Lex!"

"What the hell are you doing here?" Craig asked, pushing the stroller as he and Lexi walked over to him.

"I'm the Doctor, I work in a shop now. Here to help. They gave me a badge" He pointed to it. "with my name on in case I forget who I am, very thoughtful, as that does happen."

"And he's not kidding." Lexi chimed in, pointing to the name tag that was pinned to her grey sweater. "See? I've got one, too."