I went up to my room tired and sleepy, quite a day that was. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about Anna. Sure, she was cute and adorable, but sometimes she was weird, and not just a bit.
Sometimes I felt like questioning her and inquiring about her family or relatives, but I didn't think that was a good idea considering the state I found her in. *Who hasn't had pizza?* That girl was really something. Yet, I felt so drawn to her, like I needed to protect her or something. Goodness knows what state she would be in if I didn't take her with me, or if she was found by the wrong person or group of people.
Well, I was too tired to solve this Anna of a puzzle. Time for a nice, not-so-long nap.
I was deep in sleep only to be woken up by a screaming Anna.
"Sir, sir, wake up!"
(Rubbing my eyes) "Anna? What's wrong?"
"We're under attack!"
"Attack? By who? Can't you hear the attack sirens?"
"What? What are you talking about? The sirens."
"Wait, don't tell me." I got up from the bed.
"Where are you going, sir? You need to hide."
"Just come with me."
She walked behind me cautiously, like something was going to pounce on her. "Sir, you should be hiding."
I led her to the alarm clock in the center of the house. We both stood and stared at it for a few seconds.
"Anna, it's just an alarm clock. " I suddenly burst into laughter, unable to stop myself. The look on her face showed complete embarrassment and confusion. "Okay, jokes apart, who exactly are you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Sure, you've never had pizza before, but no one reacts this way to an alarm clock. Well, at least no one I know of."
"Alarm clock?"
"Yes, alarm clock. Have you never seen one?"
"Well, you see, the thing is..."
"Go on, I'm listening."
"I come from a small village, and we are very much underdeveloped, so we do not have modern technology."
"So underdeveloped that you've never seen an alarm clock?"
"I'm afraid so."
"Where exactly is this place?"
"I'm sorry, I can't say. We are not allowed to disclose the location of our homeland."
"Why? Is there some kind of secret research going on?"
"No, why would you think that?"
"I don't know, maybe because I've never heard of such a place. Also, what was that about sirens?"
"Oh, um, it's just a myth."
"Myth?"
"Yes, we believe that such sounds mean an attack. Like I said, it's just a myth. Sorry for the disturbance, I'll leave you be."
"It's a little too late for that. Besides, the point of the alarm is to wake us up."
"Oh, I see."
"Since we're both up, we can as well get ready."
"Isn't it too early to open the bakery?"
"Who said anything about the bakery?"
"So what are we getting ready for?"
"Shopping, of course."
"Shopping?"
"Yes, shopping. Don't tell me you don't know what that is."
"Of course I do."
"Good, so we are going shopping. What do you mean why? I can't have my PA repeating one outfit. So we need to get you a bunch of casual and work clothes."
"No, no, you've done enough for me. I couldn't possibly let you spend anymore. Besides, I don't mind repeating one outfit."
"Well, princess, it's not about what you want, it's about how I want you to look. My Personal Assistant must look fashionable and beautiful at all times."
"But sir..."
"No buts. I'm the boss, and my decision is final."
"Yes, sir."
"Now go get ready. We still have to go to the bakery when we get back."
Anna wore the same gown I had bought for her the previous day; she still looked as stunning as ever. While I wore my usual suit and tie, I locked the house and we zoomed off to the mall.
"It's huge," she whispered.
"I know. I was shocked when I saw it the first time. Central Mall, the biggest mall in all of Green Mill Town."
"So there are others?"
"Of course, a lot of them, really. But none come close to the size or worth of Central Mall."
"It's so much bigger than the bakery."
"Wait till you see the inside."
"I'm pretty sure it won't get more surprising than this."
"We'll see about that."
We stepped into the building, bright, colorful lights illuminating the place. Anna's eyes widened, her jaw dropping in disbelief.
"So, what do you think?"
"It's graciously beautiful."
"I told you so."
"Even the sky would bow before such grace."
"Woah, I don't think that's possible, though."
"You never know what wonders the world behold."
"What does that even mean?"
"Who knows."
"Princess, you say the strangest things. We should hurry, sir, we'll be late if we don't."
"Eric, not sir. I guess you're right, let the shopping begin."
We took our time, checking out different outfits and shoes. Most of the colors didn't blend with her pale skin tone. After everything, we managed to find some gorgeous fits for Anna, under my expert judgment, of course.
I paid and we got on our way.
"So, do you like the clothes, princess?"
"Yes, very much, I love them."
"And the shoes?"
"They're perfect."
"Glad to hear that. I see you enjoyed shopping."
"Indeed. The place was gorgeous, and the people were nice. There were so many floors, I thought I was going to get lost."
"Well, then, I believe I did a good job keeping you safe. Can't have my PA missing, can I?"
She giggled. "Guess not. Thank you for everything. I'll pay you back one day."
"No need, I'm just being a good boss. If you do want to pay me back, then just keep smiling."
She smiled. "Whatever you say, boss."
"Then how about you stop calling me"
"I'll try my best, boss."