C5

ISABELLA

For almost an hour in the ride things went smoothly.The music stayed loud and Jaden kept his mouth shut,then around the hour mark he turned the volume down.

"I will be parking my car right outside the city,a driver will be picking us up to chauffeur the rest of the way,"he told me.

"Why don't we just stop at a station and ride in?"

He twisted his lips then finally said"why would I ride on a dirty transport when I have a driver who get paid to drive these streets."

Well,I wasn't the biggest fan of public transport either,I wouldn't have gone that far.The stations and subways were very useful in the crowded city.We'd probably be sitting

in traffic longer than it would take to ride into the city.I didn't argue though.I figured my words would fall upon deaf ears.Jaden seems the type to do whatever he like no matter what anyone said.

And I am getting paid to do this,so i didn't have much to say anyway.

"Where are we going?"I asked looking at my beaten up sneakers.Hopefully wherever we are eating didn't have a dress code.I'd look differently.

"It's a surprise,"he responded.

"So I'm going to guess that what i 'm wearing isn't going to cut it."

"Did yout hink it could.?"

I closed my eyes for some moments,trying not to feel embarrassed."I couldn't find any of the dress I owned and I am sorry"

"You don't have anything to apologize for"he said smiling,"I mostly likely could have made you change anyway."

Breath Isabella breath."Do you have to sound so condescending,when you talk to me?"Iasked,turning from my seat giving him a sharp and dirty look.

He looked surprised"I' m I been condescending?."He didn't even realize it.Oh my God.I was dealing with a special kind of arrogance.Just what kind of mindset does this guy have?If I have to deal with this all night,I doubted I'd survive.

As promised Jaden parked his car in a parking garage and had us picked up by a man in suit driving more modest Porsche.Both of us climbed to the back seat,when we were buckled in the driver took off.The building around us grew taller and the streets narrower,I knew we were getting close to the heart of the city.Predictable,we hit traffic,I expected him to complain,but he kept his cool,just staring out the window.I turned to my own window,watching crowds in sidewalk coming in and out of businesses and apartments.Crowds usually bothers me but they rather suit the city in a special pleasing kind of way though.

"Pull over there,"he ordered the driver almost startling me,"Isabella we are getting out now."

The driver did as he was instructed,I opened the car,wanting some fresh air,I looked around not recognize where we were.All I knew it wasn't Times Square.The older I got the less I went into the city.The environment so busy and the air stuffy was at least ten degree higher than Homestead.

"This way"Jaden said and took my hand in his.

I stared at our hands wondering if i should pull mine away.He'd mentioned it could be part of the deal or contract,though so i decide not to.

We walked down the street a little bit and I followed a few steps behind Jaden so we wouldn't crowd the sidewalk.He was pretty intent on not letting my hand go.Eventually we came to a store around the corner of Grand Street with a wide fancy window and lettering.Alexander wang under them.

There were couple coming out and going in the store.I concentrated on a couple the man wore suit while the woman wore beautiful tight black gown and the highest heel I'd ever seen."I can't get in there"Immediately I said to Jaden pulling his arm.

He stopped turned to me with a frown "why?"

"They'd kick me out before I did take to steps in,"I told him but was afraid that my words may not be actually to far from the truth.They might think I am a homeless person.

Jaden smiled a bit,"They are expecting you,they know you are coming as I said I made appointment for you."

I raised an eyebrow,but before I would say anything else,he had pulled me in the store.As I'd expected,the,inside of the store was big and held an incredible sight.Everything was so organized,the presentation,the mannequins and displays.Even the sales people looked like there were pre-postioned.The minute my foot landed on the beautiful tiles all eyes were on me.Then most of the eyes left me maybe deciding I look to poor to be worth their time.

One of the sales lady made up an eyes contact with Jaden with her lips in a predatory way "Mr Castle."

Jaden greeted her with a wave"Kerry,this is Isabella the one I spoke to you about earlier."

Kerry turned are attention to back to me,her expression falling the slightlest bit.I tried to offer her a smile,but I think it came out more as a grimace.She looked intimidating.Fit at lest 3inches taller than me,pin-straight hair,she must have been a model when she was younger.

"I don't want this to take to much time,so please have her try on what you have selected,"Jaden said pushing me in front of him.

I did my best not to let him move me.There was no way I am going with the woman alone.

Kerry looked a little disdainful but she motioned me to follow her"Yes we will see what we can do about her."

"I am eager to see the result,go along Isabella."

I gave Jaden a quick glare before walking towards Kerry.He made me sound like a dog or something.As I walk by the displays,I couldn't help but judge them.Almost all they called dresses just looked like black curtains wrapped on the mannequins.I peeked at one of the price tag and nearly screamed.It cost more than I could make in three weeks!

Kerry didn't say a word to me as we walk deeper in the store.I have to admit despite the horrific prices and weird designs,the minimalist design of the place really suited it.The floor were open and airy.It indeed very shiny,colourful and clean as most of the clothes did.Unless I thought about many of the employees just stand around and staring me down. It seems Jaden and I were the only people in the store currently.

We went to a back room,I assumed was a fitting room but also felt more private than that.I wondered if it was open to the public.Kerry turned around and gave my body a once over,then paused her lips.Then she pulled a measuring tape from God knows where and measured,"You have a nice body shape and attractive boobs,"her face expressionless.

"Huh.oh um,thanks"I responded.

"I know what style Jaden likes,so I'll go put some dresses over for you to try on."I will choose the one which suits you most and then we will find a pair of heels that match it."You will wait in the fitting room and I will bring them over for you to try on"She ordered pointing to one of the stalls along the back edge of the room.

I nodded mutely,unsure how to respond.I didn't have a saying on what I am going to wear?Something was a little wrong with that.But then again judging by the prices I saw on. displays,I wouldn't be offering to pay Jaden back for it.There is no way.

It felt like almost fifteen minutes before passed before Kerry returned with me with three different dresses.I didn't understand why it took so long because the store looked to have only few different designs.I shimmied out my clothes and pulled on the first dress and turned to look at the mirror.

I almost burst into laughter.Dress was kind of stretch to call a material I was wearing.It looked like I'd thrown on a black sheet with holes for my arm and head.I look like a statue but still,I showed Kerry.

"Hmmn that looked alright"commented Kerry.

"I looked like I' m wearing a trash bag,"I said before I could stop myself.

She narrowed her eyes at me like I'd offend her on purpose,"That's one of Mr Wang most popular designs."

I wondered how.

"Tasteless"she muttered then on a loud pitch"Go try on the next one."

I rolled my eyes as I went back into the dressing room.I really couldn't understand people with money.I could make a dress that look like it for five bucks.All i need is some fabric.but just because it was a branded name,people would pay several hundred dollars for it.

The second dress was worst than the first one.It makes my tits look huge,"I am not wearing this one"I announced as I came out of the dressing room.

Kerry raised an eyebrow at me"What is it this time?"

I turned to my side and gestured to my chest.The fabric was pulling away to tight against my skin and my boobs looked like small mountains from the side view.Not to mention that if i raised my leg too high.My ass would Surely show.It was so short,I look

ed ready to work the street corner.

"That design is for mostly for ladies with desirable body types."Kerry responded smiling a little.

I refrained from saying anything back.It wasn't good to attack other ladies even if said other ladies were rude.

"Every size of the body is desirable "I said instead and marched back into fitting room.

I prayed for good things about the last dress,if it's awful,I didn't care about the job anymore,I wouldn't wear it.I wasn't going to parade myself around like some fool in a sheet of black material.

Just like the first two dresses,the third was also black.Unlike the other two,this one was a long dress reaching my ankles.There was a thigh-high slit by the side of the dress though.Then it wrapped around my chest nicely and tightly,like a bustier.Which was perfect because i didn't want my bra to show through.It also has a satin belt that rested nicely a little higher than my hips.I looked at the mirror but why i wasn't too impressed,i found it more acceptable.My boobs didn't look too huge and i actually looked a little sexy when i pushed my leg out the slit.

I was very glad i shaved my legs.

I walked out of the dressing room,feeling more confident.The longer I was in the dress,the more I began to like it.Kerry's expression told me she was also impressed as well but she quickly schooled it"I knew that one was your size and it suits you perfectly."

"Out of the three this is my choice."

"That one is the most expensive of all the dresses,of course I'm sure Jaden is paying for all of these,"she said looking petty.

"Personally I won't waste money on these crap."I said in a very low voice.

She scowled"Let's move into shoes."

I gathered my old clothes and slipped on my sneakers before following her out of the back room.Jaden was in the main room chatting to another one of the sales girls.He didn't noticed me as we walk by and made our way downstairs to the sections of shoes.

"With the gown,You will want to go peep-toe -pump ."Kerry was saying as we made our way through a section.I have the perfect in mind.

I nodded dumblybecause I had no idea what that meant.

She instructed me to sit down on one of the leather sofas,so i did.After measuring my barefoot,she immediately took of to retrieve a pair of heels.I lifted my led up in the air to watch the fabric of the dress favours my skin by falling back to reveal my skin.I liked how sexy it looks and I haven't own any anything with a slit on it.

"Try these on,Let' see."

A pair of beautiful four inches heels dangled before in front of my face.I took them and slipped my feet into them.My toes peeked out at the bottom of them and then I understood why they were called Peep-toe-pumps.Kerry assisted in strapping them for me and then told me to walk around.I pushed myself up the couch and wobbled for some moment because I was unacustomed to heels.She gave me a surprised sudden look but I ignored.The chunky heels clacked loudly on the floor and I feel shy and a little embarrassed.I couldn't even remember the last time I wore heels.

"Have you ever walked on a heel before"she snapped at me as I almost broke my ankle while turning.

"A couple of times though"I replied.

"Where in the world did Jaden find you?"she muttered to herself.

I didn't mind and I knew she wanted me to hear it though."Is that something you should be saying to a customer?"I asked.

"You are not a customer"Jaden is.I should have expected you'd be like this from what he said earlier.o

We had a mini glare match for some moment then I looked away.I didn't care what she thought of me.Much more I didn't even about what Jaden have said about me either.I was just doing this for the money.I had to put of with it.

I heard someone coming down the stairs,I turned and I saw Jaden.His eyes feel upon me and he stopped mid-way on the stairs.Suddenly feeling conscious now,I pulled my legs in so tight so that no skin will show through the slit.

"Mr Castle,"Kerry started"I know she doesn't look her best––"

I started to make faces with Jaden but he stopped me with his voice.

"Isabella you look stunning,"he complimented,completely taking over her.

My eyes snapped at him and i felt my mouth open wide.Had those words really come out his mouth?Did he mean it?Jaden thought i looked good.?

I wondered if it was the brand name.

"Fine clothes suits you well"coming up to me and totally checking me out while walking around me.

Kerry watched us for some moments with her hands crossed.Feeling cheeky I moved so that the split would split and reveal my skin in other took look sexy for more compliments.

Jaden eyes travelled from my ankle all the way up to the middle of my

thigh where the split end and he made a noncommittal noise.

I almost rolled my eyes.Guys were so simple.

Clearing his throat he turned his attention to Kerry."we have to leave for her hair appointment."please can you ring us out?

"Of Course Mr Castle let's head back upstairs."she answered giving him a wide smile.

I made sure to walk in front of the group knowing that the dress would sculpt my bottom.Flaunt what you got and all that.

The total for the dress and heels almost made me want to cry."I'm assuming you are paying?"Kerry said directing her question to the richer of us.

Jaden put a hand on my shoulder.

"She would refuse it,if I make her pay. "Well though who pays a thousand dollar for a dress and a pair of shoes?

Kerry smirked a little and I crossed my arms.Was she expecting me to be embarrassed?If I worked here,I'd

be embarrassed about the crap they were selling.

Jaden don't have a problem swiping his card for over a grand.I just couldn't comprehend his mind.Even if I suddenly became a millionaire,I would still shop low price to high price,sale rack first.

"You know we could find the dress cheaper like seven hundred dollar cheaper at Dolly wears"I said to Jaden as Kerry took my old clothes and put them in a bag for me.

Both of them turned to me,Jaden was smiling,Kerry shaking her head.

"You and your chain store clothing."He took the bag from Kerry with my clothes and said goodbye as he led me out of the store.

"Next we are going to a friend of mine to have your hair and makeup done,"He told me looking around for the driver.

The wind blew revealing my leg.Now they were out in the public,I wasn't trying to show off,I felt self conscious.I moved so that the split wouldn't open."Why do you have to do that?,What's wrong with my hair now?."

He glanced his shoulder over me"I could use some improvement."

I grit my teeth together."Gee thanks"

"There is always a room for improvement,Isabella"

I tugged on my blonde locks.Usually I tried to straighten my hair too look more presentable,but during the summer it's usually too hot,so I skipped it.I didn't think it look that bad though and as for my makeup who care?My skin wasn't that bad in the first place.

After finding the driver,we got back into the car walking would have made more sense but I kept my mouth shut because walking on this heels wouldn't be fun.For the first time,I was glad Jaden had a weird thing against the public.

My appointment at the salon went more or less like the one at Alexander or whatever.We got there they drooled over Jaden,I got weird looks they dolled me up.My stylist was pretty pleasant though she was a cute girl with curly brown hair.She worked on me for what felt like forever,snipping of dead ends and using every kind of spray in existence for me,but after all said and done,I wouldn't believe my eyes.It's been a while since i'd put an effort on looking good,so getting it professionally done was something else.I hate to say I barely recognize myself but it was true.

I look so amazing.

"You performed a miracle"I said to my stylist and I think she said her name was Kate.

She smiled down at me"I'm just bringing out what is already there."

"See?"always room for improvement?"Jaden said from above me.

I turned to scowl at him.He just smiled back at me pleasantly.I really couldn't tell if he was trying to be an asshole or was he just really ignorant.

"She's just as beautiful as she was when came in,"Kate said Shooting him a dirty look.

I decided i like Kate.

"I am sorry you will have to deal with him"she said to me."He really doesn't know how to deal with people Unless. it's business,he's been like that his whole life."

"He's........something else,alright."

"Don't be afraid to tell him as it is,He probably doesn't realize he is been rude."

Telling off Jaden,sounded nice but I am just trying to deal with it.I wasn't a very confrontational person.

"You all set to go,"she told me,taking the smock off of me.

I stood up facing the mirror and gentle smile and swing my hair.She curled it better than I could ever dream of doing myself."Thank you"I said as I follow her back to the front of the store where the register was.Jaden kept staring at me,but I pretended not to notice.

"You are welcome.It will be one-fifty for the hair and makeup."

One hundred and fifty dollars for hair and makeup,

this was crazy or maybe it was average.I didn't even go near salon.Begrudgely I pulled out my wallet to pay but Jaden stopped me"I will pay" he said.

I was tempted to let him,but I still had the ten grand he tipped me"No I,ll pay––"

"I will pay no need for you to spend unnecessary money."You should keep it,he interjected pushing my hand down and pulling out his card.Kate raised her eyebrow but took the card and swiped it.I turned my gaze to the floor,unable to respond.He was totally right i needed the money.I'd rather save the money he'd given me but it was the way he'd said it that irritates me.I got it––I was poor.There wasn't a need to remind me in every five seconds.

"Have a great night"Kate called to us as we exited the salon,"And Jaden try to act more like a gentleman."

I laughed a bit and turned it to a cough.

"Aren't I" He repeated,sounding more unsure of himself this time.

I didn't answer.The best is to let him wallow in that for the moment.