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I stared at the four of them staring back at me. I wasn’t going to win the stare-off, so I gave in and walked out. I had to think of something to talk about.
My cell phone. I could ask again about it. Nah, think of something else.
One elf was speaking with people in line while the other was taking pictures. I recognized the one that was there the day I asked about my cell, but the other one, no. I think I would have remembered the hair.
I walked around to the exit side and waited until there was an opening to speak to her. I was looking at the workshop and the candy canes and started laughing. I couldn’t help myself. I looked up to the surveillance camera and gave a thumbs up, then walked closer to the camera area.
I’ll just introduce myself as the new owner.
While I waited, I pulled my cell phone out and messaged my old cell.
Are you still hanging around the mall?
I was still looking at my cell for a response when I saw elf slippers appear just below my phone. It startled me and I fumbled my cell from hand to hand until it flew up in the air, hitting the elf in the face and sending her flailing backwards. It all happened in slow motion as Santa ran over in time to catch the elf before she hit the floor. There was a collective gasp from families in line watching Santa hit the floor with his elf next to him.
“Áre you alright?” I lunged for them but wasn’t quick enough. “Let me help you up.”
The elf was already on her hands and knees before I could lend a hand. Something about seeing her like that brought back day one in the mall. I looked up to the camera and took a bow, then turned back to the elf.
“Are you hurt?” I reached out to touch her face. “It looked like it hit your eye.”
“Yeah, it hit my eye. Is it bleeding?” She looked up directly into my eyes. “What is it with you?”
“It is you! I thought I recognized you when you were on the floor, but I’d remember those eyes anywhere,” I said. “Come with me to the food court, let’s get you some ice for that.”
“I can’t, I have to take pictures.” I tried to look over to Santa, but my eye was blurry. “Never mind, I’m having trouble seeing out of my eye.”
I waved the other elf over, then ushered the injured one to sit down by the fireplace where it would be less public. Before I could walk away to get ice, Gunner was in front of us with a bag of it.
“That didn’t look good. Do you mind if I take a look?” Gunner stepped closer. “I have some medic background.”
She wasn’t complaining and let Gunner look at her eye.
“It’s gonna swell and you’ll probably get a black eye, but I think it’s alright where it counts.” Gunner looked to me. “That was pretty special, there. Good thing it was just a cell phone.”
“It’s not all his fault. I shouldn’t have been standing that close to him,” she mumbled from behind the ice bag. “I’m gonna look like a real tough elf.”
“That’s one way to look at it. Maybe you should go home for the rest of the day and rest,” I recommended.
“I’m feeling much better now. Thank you for your concern.” She stood, exclaiming her eye was fine. “I’ll keep the ice pack with me.”
“If you’re sure,” I said.
“By the way, what did you come over for in the first place?”
Chapter 33
Asher
Icouldn’t believe I’d basically thrown my cell phone right into someone’s face, but when elf shoes appeared in front of me, I kinda lost it. I’d been seeing elves and even dreaming of elves. To make matters worse, I injured the same elf that I had a collision with my first day.
I wonder if she’d think it was funny if I said we’re even now?
“I forget why I came over,” I shrugged. “I’ll come back if I remember.”
“At least we’re even now,” she smiled.
“I was just going to say that but wasn’t sure if you would be upset.” I shook my head. “You beat me to it.”
