Chapter 5 The uncomfortable change

Karla wasn't surprised when the doctor spoke about moving her mother to a different hospital. Her mother was frantic about it, but couldn't refuse. It was a hospital procedure, he said, and her mum accepted it like that.

"Do you know about this?" Karla's mother questioned her. "Why would they move me without my permission? This makes no sense! I have spent my whole life in this hospital."

"And you won't tell me why and how..." Karla frowned. Her mum said nothing.

Karla sighed and took her mum's hands, kissing them.

"There is a better hospital with better resources. They just want to make sure the surgery goes well, Mama," Karla said.

"That makes no sense. We do not even have the money to pay for the surgery!" Her mother argued.

Karla hugged her mum. The lady was getting out of hand again. Her agitated look calmed down at the sight of her stare.

"I was able to pay the bill. Do not worry, it's not something bad. It's a legal thing. I am sure you will understand someday," Karla wished she could explain better.

But that was the limit she could say.

"Is it Gabriel?" Her mum's voice was high pitched. "No, it's not Gabriel," Karla denied. "Look, mama, it will make sense to you later. At this point, just go with the flow." Well, good thing her mother didn't insist any further. After her mother was moved to an expensive hospital, Anderson's chauffeur pulled over before the hospital gates to pick her up.

The pompous CEO didn't tell her where she was going, or what plan he had in mind. All he said was

"Comply and you will be fine." Karla was moved to tears when she saw the news. This was all too much because nothing made sense anymore. She was freaking playing her mother and her fiancé.

"Welcome to Luxurious Quin Mall," the chauffeur introduced as he pulled up before a ten storey building. O! Boy! Karla has never felt so much anxiety in her life. "Why?! I do not think I...I do not think I deserve to be here," she declined, but the driver ignored her. He opened the door for her to step out, and she was feeling like a lost puppy. Her feeling intensified at the sight of 5 ladies approaching her. They were all dressed in uniforms, possibly because they worked in the mall.

"Come with us," they said in smiles. Karla followed without saying a word.

After entering a couple of elevators which made her feel light, she was introduced to a luxurious clothing section where they selected outfits for her.

"Change into this," each and everyone of them said, giving her different styles to change into. She did and they shook their heads in dissatisfaction.

"Again!" One ordered her back in. The clothes were freaking expensive, and Karla was scared to touch them. Just the price tag alone was enough to send her into a coma. Why the hell was Anderson Stone or whatever his name was, doing this for her? The workers selected 50 outfits for her and insisted that she changed her wardrobe. Karla could barely react.

"Next stop, the beauty salon," the chauffeur informed her when she got back into the car.

"Well, I know of one...," she wanted to suggest where she worked, but he pulled over before a very expensive brand. "No way...you all can't keep doing this..." she shook her head but was forced out anyway. Her hair was restyled and her nails were filed. She was given a tremendous makeover, causing her to feel different. She couldn't barely recognize herself before the mirror, because the person standing right there wasn't her. That was freaking someone else.

"Next stop, the fashion house!" The chauffeur announced when she was back in the car.

"There is more?!" She sounded despondent. A girlish guy dressed as a crossed dresser welcomed her in and pointed her towards a seat. She sat staring into his eyes timidly.

"Not like that, girl! Get up!" He lashed at her in disappointment. She hurriedly stood up. "As a lady with class, you sit with courtesy like this."

He stylishly sat on the same chair, tucking one leg behind the other, and placing his hands on his laps. Karla felt her brain frying. Like...what?!

"Sorry, I do not think it matters how I sit," she argued. "My love, it does matter. As a lady of class, you've got to stand out. Do not be a regular." He sat the same way, clapping his hands in the most non clapping way possible.

His palms were barely touching each other. What the hell?! "Now do the same," he ordered her. She reluctantly did as he did, feeling deep irritation. "Good girl! You are a fast learner!" He applauded. "Now we've got to work on how you walk!" "My walking step is fine," she frowned.

"No my love. Your walking step is embarrassing. One will think you have a baby in between your legs. O! Gracious. Horrible!" The guy was dramatic. Karla felt attacked. "Now watch what I do, and walk like a princess. Keep your head up high."

Consecutive days were like hell for Karla, but she gradually upgraded. Luxurious lifestyle became more keen to her. She had to learn to upgrade. Her mother's surgery was a success just as Anderson promised. But the doctor wouldn't release her yet. According to them, she was under observation. The poor lady was stunned by Karla's sudden appearance. Her look was...well... unusual considering her lifestyle.

"I felt like changing, Mama," Karla lied, hiding the pain in her voice. Her mother saw through her, but said nothing.

"As long as you know what you are doing," the lady said, taking her hands in hers.