Twisted Wish

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Louis

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On the road again! Something, something, something, on the road again!” I sang on the top of my lungs. An alto voice rumbles through my vocal cords. There was absolutely nothing I could locate in the CD player. I chose to turn on the radio instead. It was the only decent station I could discover. When I had heard Bailee’s words “the voice said go and have fun.” I manipulated a massive excuse to escape her dreaded employment. Of course, Julian didn’t buy into any of my shingagans. But, he’s not my boss. That’s his problem not mine.

Which leads me to why I’m driving in the car. I want to explore this strange new land. I don’t really know where I am exactly. However I rummaged through her neat, spotless car. Items were thrown every which way, like a massive savage animal ravaged the scene, as I was trying to find my prize.

Didn’t take too long to discover my target and then my destination.

Riverside Mall.

“Did you find everything you were looking for, Ma dam?” the cashier asked.

“I did and much more,” I replied, bringing my purse on the counter.

Guys have it easy. We don’t have to carry a load of items. Perhaps that’s why the fashion industry has made purses prettier. It feels weird to carry this.

I reached for Bailee’s wallet. Two cards were in it. One was her license and the second one was a debit card. A Visa logo in the corner, I’ve used this throughout the shopping day. Whenever, Bailee and I get back into our bodies. I promised to pay Bailee for the expenses. Hopefully she doesn’t kill me first when she sees the bill later.

“Good. The total is $75.”

I handed her the card and waited for the button to appear. I pressed credit, hoping I didn’t have to sign Bailee’s signature. I didn’t have a clue to how Bailee writes her name in cursive.

Don’t want to mess that up.

Nope, there was no need for me to sign.

Hallelujah!

“Here you go, you’ve saved five dollars on your ear rings today. Have a good day.”

“Thank you.”

Boy, does Bailee have a surprise when we are ourselves. It’s not an enormous change and she didn’t have to undergo through the pain. I glanced into the miniature mirror in the store. My ear lobes were inflamed and ruby. The stub earrings were small sapphire gem. Simple and pretty. Bailee should like them, and if not, no big deal.

She can take them out and the skin will reform again. Not the end of the world.

Pushing her brunette hair behind the inflamed ears, I smiled in the reflection. I will never tell Bailee this but she was a bit attractive. Even if she had no sense of humor, no adventure, or a good attitude. Believe me, she is attractive.

I’m sure she hasn’t had a compliment from a boy. Earlier when I ate in the food court, I was checking her contact list. She only has six. Two of them weren’t real people; they were her work and high school number. The others were her mom, Julian, and her bosses. She has no one to talk to.

I pulled out her cell phone from my jean pocket. On my shoulder, my purse held the small Claire’s bag. A new text.

Julian, no doubt.

From: Julian

To: Bailee

Message: Hey Bailee. What was the hurry? Why did you leave early? Is everything alright?
I dismissed the message. He didn’t know how to stop. Julian has sent tons of messages. I’ve ignored every one of them.

Thank God, Bailee doesn’t have an iPhone. If she acquired one then Julian would know I’m purposely ignoring him. I placed my cell phone into my pocket. Straightening my back, I glanced at the mirror. There were three eight-year-old girls. One girl had her brunette hair was braided. The other two girls had their hair free, but one had dishwater blonde and the other dark brown almost black hair. Their eyes were particularly falling out of their eye sockets. The brunette girl had her mouth open, her teeth had the “invisible” braces.

My heart plummeted to my stomach. Perspiration was accelerating on the palm of my hands. I was breathing in deep breaths, but not creating a noise.

They want autographs. It’s okay.

Overlooking my nervous, I searched for a utensil.

“All right girls, what would you-”

The girls zoomed passed me. Their arms reached out to a collection of items. The merchandise was organized and tidy. Each one of the girls grabbed a different item. My face was plastered on every fabric, paper, or jewelry. The girls were fangirling over One Direction merchandise.

Mentally I reminded myself.

I am Bailee Nash. I am Louis Tomlinson in Bailee Nash’s body. I’m at peace.

“Clara, don’t you agree that Harry has the most beautiful eyes?” the blonde asked.

“No, I would say Zayn does-” the brunette replied.

“What about Liam? He does too-”

“Louis and Niall as well.”

“Alright, all of them have beautiful eyes,” the blonde stated.

“Unique in their own way,” the dark brown girl said, for the first time.

I stood next to the window watching those adorable fans.

If only they knew it was me.

You already made your wish. No take backs.

The voice. It was back.

What do you mean no take backs?

Silence answered. I shrugged my shoulders and headed out the entrance. There were benches in the middle of the Mall hallway. Along with stands selling products like phone case protectors, hair products, and make-up. A woman dressed in a black suit was speaking with the ongoing people.

“Would you like to try our lotion?” the woman asked.

She held out a bottle of lotion about to squirt.

“No, thank you.”

“You sure? Your face needs all the help it’s going to get.”

A feminine voice declared behind me. The sells person sensed the tension and walked away in search of a new customer. My brain was deducing whom the voice belonged to. No face came to mind. There a curly chestnut hair girl stood with her hands on her hips. Two other girls - her minions - stood behind her giggling away.

“Who the hell are you?”

“Did your mother drop you when you were a baby? You’ve got a horrible memory, Nash.”

She walked closer to me. Her buddies were staying on the sidelines, observing their diabolical friend.

“Or are you purposely forgetting?”

Bailee’s memory told me who this Evil Queen was. Hannah Reynolds. A bully.

Hannah leaned against the counter of the lotion stand. Her perfume engulfed me, taking my mind to the Bailee’s last memory. Before the switch up happened. There was a party. Julian’s party.

Of course the party would be Julian’s.

Bailee was speaking with Julian until Hannah rudely interrupted. She attended and created a scene. She mentioned Bailee’s father. Bailee left before the remarks of her peers escalated.

What happened with her father?

My mood was shattered, anger and frustration increased with each millisecond. Hannah’s green eyes held success. Her lips curled into a smirk.

“That answers my question. See you later, Goodie-Two Shoes.”

She turned her heel. I couldn’t let her have the last say. No! This isn’t my fight, but I won’t let Bailee seem submissive. Not if I have anything to do with it.

“Hannah.”

My voice roared with confidence over the mall customers. Her hands were on her hips, she extended her legs displaying her Levi jeans.

“What Nerd?”

“You might want to buy warmer weather clothes.”

“Why?”

“You’ll need them when you go to Hell.”

That statement triggered within Hannah.

Her eyes flamed with anger and revenge. She cracked one of her hands, her minions looked in awe. Not knowing what to do. She started to speed up towards me and I started to run away from her. Then the chase began. In a mall with multiple people around us.

It sounds easier than it appears. Purses and bags are a horrible thing to deal with when running away from a Drama Queen who is going to rip my eyes out.

“Get back here, Nash!”

Think before speaking. Bailee will have a field day when she hears about this.

I looked for an escape routine; anywhere, any store that Hannah wouldn’t think of stepping into. I was pushing passed people, hollering out, “Excuse me! Pardon me! Sorry, mad Drama Queen on my tail!”

Hannah was no longer running. Instead, she was fast walking pushing past people. I was coming to the end of the mall, but there were escalators. I hopped on the escalators and took gigantic steps, causing me to reach the top floor sooner.

Where can I hide? I need to go somewhere.

In front of me, a sport goods center called and signaled to hide in there. The store was enormous, like the size of Dillard’s or Macy’s. Without the four floors, there was only one floor for the sports store.

I hope Hannah’s not a sports fan.

I pushed on the doors open. Manikins displayed the basketball shorts, tank tops, T-shirts, and regular shorts. There were signs hanging from above, telling where the equipment and items were located. My mind was everywhere; I had no idea where to hide and where Hannah will not find me. On the right, there was the golf center. In the right corner, bicycles and treadmills were located. In the back, there were the shoes for cross-country. Fishing and hunting equipment was on the left.

There is no place to hide! Crap!

Time was ticking away, Hannah was on the escalators by now. I was terrified to see if I was correct.

I turned to the left to see what else was over there. Footballs, American footballs, basketballs, baseballs, and other balls were on shelves against the wall. There were tents in the area.

Tents! Perfect hiding spot!

Glancing around, I didn’t see any employees. Crossing my fingers I hobbled over to the tents to find ten of them. I unzipped a dark blue tent and then went over to the emerald green tent. I unzipped and go in that one, zipped the zipper from the inside. My heart was pounding in my chest, taking breaths to calm my nerves and lack of oxygen.

I wiped the palm of my hands on my jeans. I laid my head against the backing of the tent. Footsteps were heading this way and then they stopped. A faint shadow was near the opening of the tent. It was definitely Hannah. Over on the right there was a blob.

Another person? Hannah’s minion?

“Excuse me, sir.”

Shit.

“Have you by any chance seen a girl? She has curly brunette hair, mid height, and hazel eyes?” Hannah asked the mysterious person.

“I have not. What’s your relationship between this person?” a masculine voice stated.

An employee. Was he standing there the entire time?

“She’s my sister. We’re playing a game of hiding go seek.”

“I’m sorry but I haven’t seen her. If I notice someone by that description, I’ll let you know.”

“All right. Is it okay if I check the tents?”

“Of course, by all means.”

Shit! Shit! Shit! I’m in trouble.

Hannah walked over to the dark blue tent, noticing the zipper halfway unzipped. She peaked in. Nobody was in there. She came towards the emerald tent I was occupying. Hannah reached out towards the zipper, I closed my eyes waiting for her voice.

“There she is!”

“Where?” Hannah asked. She left the zipper alone.

“I saw her leave the store. I think she’s heading towards the pet store on the left.”

“All right, thank you.”

“No problem.”

Hannah headed out the door and towards the pet store. I placed my hand over my chest, thanking God she didn’t open the fabric door. The employee unzipped the zipper and peaked in. It was a guy. Seventeen years old if I had to guess his age. He had a buzz cut, melted milk chocolate eyes, and a mole on his neck.

Who’s this guy?

“The coast is clear, Bailee. Hannah has no idea where you’re at.”

How does he know Bailee’s name?

“Thank you.”

He held out his hand, I took it for support and help. I stood outside the tent with him, stretching my aching back.

“How do you know Hannah?”

“How does one not know Hannah?” he questioned.

He has a point there.

“I go to the same school as you and Hannah.”

My eyebrows scrunched together. “You go to the same school as me?”

“We even have a class together. Ms. Sprouts, British literature class.”

There was no memory of this guy.

Bailee doesn’t know him, but he knows Bailee? Way to go Bailee.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t recognized you.”

My eyes glanced at his nametag.

“Theodore.”

“My friends call me Theo.”

Oh duh. Of course, that makes sense.

“Thanks, Theo. I couldn’t have gotten away from her clutches without your help.”

“No problem, I help out anyone who talks back to Hannah.”

How does he know? Was he at Julian’s party?

I rubbed the back of my neck. “Are you friends with Julian?”

“More or less,” he answered with a gentle smile. He was holding something in his hand. It was a brand new football.

“Nice choice for foot- I mean soccer ball.”

He glanced down at his item. “Thanks, I saw it the other day. I wanted to get it before a customer bought it.”

“Good idea.”

He nodded his head. He was smiling, producing small dimples.

Theo seems nice.

“I need to get going before Hannah catches on that I’m not in the pet store.”

“I doubt she’ll catch on. She might stay there all day looking behind the dog food,” Theo declared, chuckling.

I chuckled along with him. “True, she probably will.”

Theo held out his hand. “See you later, Bailee.”

I shook his hand as I looked at his eyes. He was staring at my body or should I say Bailee’s chest. He was giving good eye contact. “Thank you again. See you at school, Theo.”

I think I made a friend for Bailee.

I grinned to myself as I walked out the sports center, silently praying Hannah won’t notice my get away.

**********

“Where have you been?”

I walked through the front door, closing it behind me. The sun was setting in the west. The autumn time was losing sunlight sooner. I would have arrived home previously if the GPS wasn’t giving me haste. Though I have to thank God I had the GPS to get to Bailee’s house.

Bailee’s mom appeared out of nowhere. She was leaning against wall in the hallway. A glass of sparkling grape juice was in her right hand and the tellie remote was in the other. Her dishwater blonde hair was in a ponytail. Her ocean blue eyes observed my behavior.

“I was at work.”

Bailee’s mom took a sip of her grape juice.

“Julian called. He was concern why you didn’t stay at work today.”

Julian why? Why? Did you call?

I cleared my throat. “I went to Riverside Mall today. I wanted a break from working that was all. Nothing wrong with a break, right?”

Bailee’s mom stared at me. She was biting her lip before she responded.

“Nope, nothing wrong with it. I wished you told me. I really wanted those chocolates from the Godiva store. My cravings have been really bad today.”

She wanted chocolate? Wait, she’s not angry I left work?

“You want chocolate?”

“Yes or something with chocolate in it.”

I wonder …

Revealing the bags behind my back, I opened each bag I brought items from the store. I didn’t buy any chocolates. I wished - I meant I wanted to buy chocolates today. Perhaps I could treasure Bailee’s mom with something else.

“Here mom,” I said uneasily. The word felt foreign and weird, she’s not my mom. She is Bailee’s though. “I thought of you when I saw this. It’s for you.”

Pulling out from the Claire’s bag, I held one pair of earrings. The earrings were crystal dangly. They were sparkling from the lights in every angle. It was simple and elegant.

“Bailee,” she said, “They are beautiful.”

“Do you like them?”

“I love them,” she replied. She looked up noticing my ears.

“Bailee, when did you … I could have gone with you. We haven’t spent time with each other since.” Her voice faded off, her mind was in a different place.

My smile disappeared.

Since when? What’s wrong?

I placed the bags down on the ground. Not for sure what to do exactly, I walked up to Bailee’s mom and wrapped my arms around her torso. I felt her muscles relaxed as she wrapped her arms around me. The sound of the tellie was blasting from the living room.

“Do you want to do something?” I asked.

“I don’t know.”

“Want to bake some chocolate chip cookies?” I asked, loosening my arms.

She dropped her mouth open. “What a perfect idea!”

She ran off to the kitchen. I laughed a bit. I enjoyed the relaxation of the daily life. The “free time” with family and friends is nice.

“I found chocolate chips! If I remembered this, I would’ve eaten them all. Good thing, I didn’t. Cookie time.”

My small smile vanished. If only I was hanging out with my family … my friends. My lads, Eleanor, mother, and sisters.

Will I ever be me again?

You will soon see.

Why don’t you tell me now?

The voice never answered back. I was alone with my thoughts, and Bailee’s mom waiting for me in the kitchen. The only thing I was thinking about was Bailee.

I can imagine she was laying on my comfortable bed, looking up at the stars. I was busy with my thoughts that I didn’t hear my phone buzzing in the purse. From the person I was dwelling about.

Notes

Hello.

Please forgive me. It took me eight months to write in this chapter; mostly, because I was focused on college. There was multiple homework, quizzes, tests, projects, and papers. However, I'm on summer vacation now. I've got time to write in my stories! But later on, I'll be busy in the middle of the summer. When it approaches, I'll clarify what's happening but I wanted to give you a small warning.

Anyways, I want to thank you for commenting, reading, waiting patiently, and subscribing.

What do you guys think of Louis and Hannah's fight? What about Theo? He's pretty interesting. He will be back later (he is portrayed by Dylan O'Brien).

I wanted to thank HannahIndigo and Waiting for commenting! :D I've updated and I'm moving forward. :)

Thank you. -ChocolateStrawberries