Julian's POV
After loading all the bags into the boot, I returned to my brother and Madison. Madison was still picking out items, particularly from the makeup section.
"Should I get this color of lipstick?" She held up a lipstick and looked at all three of us, but none of us knew what to say.
"You look beautiful in all colors; you should take everything," Logan finally suggested after a few seconds of silence and hesitation. We don't know much about feminine stuff; there's still a long list of things we need to learn.
"I'll take this and the other set," Madison said, turning to the attendant after making her choice. "My birthday is next week; I hope you haven't forgotten," she mentioned as we moved to the clothing section.
"How could we forget your birthday? It's the most important thing to us," I cooed.
She gave me a smile and asked, "Have you prepared gifts? What did you get for me?"
"Shouldn't that be a surprise?" Thatcher chimed in.
"Yes, I know, but..." She pursed her lips and looked at us. "I'm just really curious; I'm pretty anxious."
"You don't need to worry; we'll make your birthday an unforgettable one," Thatcher assured her.
"Thank you." After picking out some clothes, we returned to the shoe section.
"I want these knee-high boots; they'll look good on me. I want these red heels too," Madison continued, picking out what she wanted. She can take as many items as she wants; money isn't a problem for us.
We could even buy the whole mall for her. In fact, we tried to do that once, but she rejected the idea. She said she loved the feeling she gets when she shops on her own. For her, shopping is a hobby.
We continued moving around the women's section and didn't notice that Madison's stepsister had joined us. I was the first to notice her—she stood at the entrance of the shop, watching us.
Why is she standing there and not coming closer? Thatcher is right; the relationship between her and Madison isn't like a typical stepsister relationship.
Something is going on behind the scenes that we don't know about. Thatcher claimed whatever it was, it wasn't good.
We came to this conclusion after yesterday's incident. Madison doesn't seem to like her, for reasons only she knows.
Thatcher advised us not to speak to the girl whenever Madison was around; he said it would be better for both her and Madison.
As for the connection he felt for her, he said he wasn't going to do anything until Madison's birthday. I agreed with his idea. Madison's birthday is only six days away; after she turns eighteen, we'll be able to confirm whether or not she's our mate. After the confirmation, we'll officially compete to win her heart.
I remember this is what we agreed on, and I was fully ready to go with the plan, but the connection I felt with the girl is giving me second thoughts.
To be honest, I haven't stopped thinking about her since I got back. What does this connection mean for us? I've never felt this way, not even for Madison. Why has she invaded my thoughts?
From where I stood, I kept sneaking glances at her until I noticed her moving. She was going somewhere. Curious, I slipped out of the shop and followed her. She made a sharp turn and didn't stop until she reached her destination.
The restroom.
Oh, was she coming here? I wouldn't have followed her if I'd known. But wait—why is she entering the men's restroom? Is she not seeing the sign on the door?
"Wait..." I tried to stop her, but it was already too late; she entered the restroom, but came running out almost immediately, her hands above her head, waving frantically as if asking for help. She was also screaming. I couldn't help but smirk, stifling a laugh.
Two guys appeared behind her, trying to grab her, but she escaped and immediately slipped into the women's restroom. What the heck! She's hilarious. Why am I only just noticing her?
She's always been around us. Why did it take so long to notice her?
I leaned against the wall and waited. I wanted to see her leave the restroom, but after about twenty-three minutes, I started to feel restless and worried.
Why is she still in there? She should be out by now; my brothers are already asking for me. Madison has finished her shopping and is eager to leave.
I shouldn't keep her waiting, but I also need to make sure the girl is alright. Wait—I don't remember her name.
Was it Linda or Linnea? Madison introduced her to us earlier, but I didn't catch her name. I need to see her; I need to make sure she's okay.
After thinking it over, I moved closer to the women's restroom and called for her.
"Linda..." I cleared my throat and called again, "Linda, are you in there? Are you okay?" But there was no response.
Is her name not Linda? Why isn't she answering?
"Linda," I called again, with the same result.
When I couldn't stand it any longer, I opened the restroom door and went in. Maybe she collapsed and needs help. I can't hear a single sound in here. I should help her.
I looked around the women's restroom, but it was empty. Where could she be?
Did she collapse inside one of the stalls? I should check. Taking a deep breath, I moved to the first stall and knocked. When there was no response, I opened it—empty.
I moved to the second stall—empty. Then the third, and finally the fourth. After knocking on the fourth door, I opened it, expecting it to be empty, but I was shocked by what I saw.
She was sprawled on the toilet floor, her hand stained with her own feces, and she was gasping for air.
Wait... What happened to her? Why is she on the floor? Did someone or something attack her?