Chapter 7: When shopping and conversations commenced

--SABLE--

“To think, after all this time,” Jamie exclaimed as he looked up at me while I stood in the middle of a closed off room inside the tailor shop. “One must simply sprout wings to grab the attention of a lord!”

The tailor let out a laugh as he used a long rope to take my measurements and Jamie spun around and sat upon the green, velvet sofa, still dreamily looking around as he bobbed his foot over his crossed legs. He continued rambling about strange concepts, occasionally asking the tailor for details of his efforts, and I sighed heavily, thinking it odd to be subject to tedious procedures on account of seeking to impress some nobleman who was interested in sharing a meal together.

Lillie and I had visited Jamie and Lara’s house that morning, only finding the bard lazily lounging in his home. Surprisingly, Lillie spoke very little with Jamie about the turn of events at her parents’ home, in which Jamie simply asked why we were no longer there, and she explained it was time for us to move on. He shrugged, stated it was probably for the best, and Lillie told him that we were living at the library with Historia, causing him to spring to action upon the request to help us find suitable clothes for a dinner event, and he swiftly took us to a tailor shop that was heavily scented with floral perfumes and natural materials to create clothing for the Tamarines of the city. Lillie was taken to a separate room with a seamstress, and Jamie joined me with the tailor, directing the man’s movements as the bard dreamily spoke about the dinner event that he seemed more excited about than anyone else.

“I cannot believe you’ve been invited to Lord Orvin’s house,” Jamie exclaimed. “Out of all the elites of this damn city, you caught his eye first.”

“Why does it matter?” I asked while peering over the head of the Tamarine tailor, and Jamie leaned forward while blinking aggressively.

“Whyyyy? Because he’s a powerful lord!” Jamie exclaimed as he flung his arms over his head. His hair had been significantly shortened, rather short on the sides, but pompously fluffy on top, and he lightly patted the sides as he continued to blink dramatically. “Someone from the Trinkuv District would never bother with those lowly commoners beneath their feet. You truly must have done something amazing to catch his attention.”

“Lillie thinks it was my attempt to fight the Keepers in the market when they nearly attacked her. She’s afraid they’re looking for a reason to throw me out of the city.”

“Pfft. That poor girl always sees the negative side of every incident. But, that is way too common to attract his attention. Brawling with the Keepers is hardly special, although I’m surprised that you survived—I heard it was a bloodbath.” My eyes lowered as the tailor grunted with his hands under my armpits, forcing me to lift my arms up as he began measuring underneath.

“Did you speak with Marie and Bene?”

“I went to their house to smoke, but they said that you guys had left after being attacked by the Keepers. I didn’t believe them at first, but then at the Old Bowl, people were speaking about the infamous Teragane fighting the Keepers in the market, and that you hadn’t been sighted since. At first, my heart broke, thinking how cruel it was for you two to not even say goodbye. Then, for a second, I began to worry something truly bad did happen. Well, until this morning. Seems you two know how to clean up after your shenanigans. Quite responsible and resilient—you two are quite the couple.”

The tailor stated that he had finished with the measurements, then stepped away from me as he spoke lowly about options with Jamie, who suggested that only the finest silk should be used for my clothes. The Tamarine tailor then left, and I drifted over to sit next to Jamie upon the velvet sofa.

“However,” Jamie said rather loudly as he moved his fingers through his golden hair. “You two should have told me that you got kicked out. The ol’ folks didn’t tell me why, but it was obvious to me that it was a rash decision right after the incident at the market. You should have come to me first.”

“Why?” I asked, and my wings twitched as I attempted to sit sideways on the sofa, but still felt rather uncomfortable.

“Because, I’m Lillie’s friend, whether you like it or not. You may be her boyfriend—lover dover—but I know how cruel her parents have been to her.”

“So do I.” Jamie leaned forward as he rested his elbows onto his knees, then slyly looked over at me with a rather audacious smile.

“Fine—but, don’t isolate her. Now that she’s finally free from her parents, I’d hate to see her spiral right under another person’s foot. She deserves to be free.”

“I feel the same. Actually, in fact, I want to speak to you about Lillie.” Jamie straightened up, still smiling, although less confident as his blue eyes darted.

“Okay, what’s up? Need some relationship advice? Is she picking on you too much? Has she got you pinned up every night now that you’re living on your own away from the parent’s ears? Need a breather from all the love you’re making?”

“I know that you had feelings for Lillie.”

“Oh, shit—this conversation. Look, it’s all good man. All is good, nothing else but consideration and respect as friends.”

“I don’t like it when you philander with her.”

“Philander? What are you, some grandpa? Hey, look—“ Jamie raised his hands and nervously brushed his fingers through his fluffy hair, and I narrowed my eyes further in hopes to only increase his obvious intimidation. He was rather petite, particularly for a man, nearly the same height and size of Lillie, and I felt rather delighted in the idea how easily I could squash him with the littlest of effort. Taking on three Keepers was bold and dangerous. Jamie? I could easily overtake him, but remembered Lillie advising me to rather use my words to overcome the audacious man who seemed to only delight himself in weaseling himself between my girlfriend and me.

“Yeah, fine, I liked Lillie awhile ago, okay? Can you blame me?” he said while avoiding my eyes. “Come on, the woman is—well, you know. But, she—“ he paused.

“I know. She has told me everything.”

“Everything? Like, even the—“

“Yes.”

“Oh, shit, well I guess that makes sense. Okay, you got me! I’m weak and I say stupid things. It’s a curse, call it the bane of my existence. Sorry for even attempting to make friends with you. I care a lot for Lillie as a friend, but, like I said—it’s just—“

“I know. Lillie also wants to stay as your friend—and,” I said, feeling my throat suddenly choke up. “Perhaps we could all be friends.” Jamie looked up at me, his blue eyes innocent, carrying a heavy burden of hidden pain. “But I want you to stop philandering with Lillie. Otherwise, I will subject you to a forceful lesson of my untethered wrath.”

“You know,” Jamie started, his menacing smile returning upon his face, “I think that sounds like a good deal. We can all be friends and skip along our merry way, forgetting my stupidity, yes? Alright, it is settled. No take backs!” I nodded, and then turned to face the other way, patiently waiting for the tailor to return. I sensed Jamie looking for some witty comeback, but he did not speak. Instead, I caught him from the corner of my eye smiling to himself, bouncing his crossed legs less nervously once again.

“Sir,” the tailor said upon entering the room. “It is time to choose the material.”

“Oh, yes, come,” Jamie said, and pounced to his feet. “This is the fun part.” I followed Jamie and the tailor to another room lined with shelves full of cloth material, and Jamie and the tailor discussed patterns and designs as if it was a different language. Jamie asked me only a few questions, like color preference and any delicate designs I may want to incorporate for cultural reasons. I simply requested for a black high-neck tunic similar to what clothes I had originally worn since the beginning of my existence, including the intricate design of securing the tunic above and beneath my wing blades, contradicting to the Tamarine clothing that usually either slipped on over the head or in the front.

After Jamie declared I was no longer of use, I returned to the private fitting room and sat upon the sofa, admiring my ability to address my concerns directly to one of Lillie’s friends that I felt rather uncomfortable with his audacious behavior. Yet, then again, perhaps his resourcefulness and capabilities of navigating through the higher end of society would be suitable for our future endeavors of making a place for ourselves.

“Take your clothes off!” Jamie blurted out while casting the privacy curtains to the side.

Then again, maybe not—I still hadn’t decided.

The tailor trailed behind him, carrying dark, folded material, and the rest of the day was spent being draped with the black silk with crimson embroidery. As I had described, it was similarly designed to the traditional high-neck tunic of the Teragane with an open back that was secured with silver metal buttons at the neck and just below my wing blades. In contrast, the tunic had short sleeves that sat upon my bicep and was longer in length, sitting mid-thigh, and the trousers were wider and floor length, as apposed to the slim fitting trousers of my culture that typically reached my ankles.

Jamie also insisted that I had a day-cape, especially for my entrance into a house of elites, and I simply shrugged, feeling odd to wear something rather obsessive on account to impress another who I had yet to even be introduced. Then again, that was the idea behind the ritual I was participating in.

“Now, what to do about your hair,” Jamie said as he tapped his finger on his pointed chin while eyeing my new outfit. “Ever thought about cutting it?”

“I have never given a single thought about my hair,” I said jokingly, and Jamie’s eyes bulged, but he quickly flicked his finger up.

“Oh, that’s why you look the way you do,” he said with a laugh. “Here, sit and I’ll fix up your hair.”

“The dinner is tomorrow,” I said. “I don’t need my hair done today.”

“No, but I want Lillie to appreciate you in your full glory—although, if she fell in love with you already, this will only entice what attraction she already has for you. Jeesh, no wonder she chose you instead of me. My hair is ten-times better than yours, then again—Lillie never seemed impressed with external factors.”

“I think Lillie is more concerned with someone’s heart rather than their looks.” I turned around and sat upon the chair in front of a large reflection glass, and Jamie moved behind it while maneuvering a metal comb through my hair. I watched as he moved his fingers along my long, black hair, slightly grimacing as he then plunged the comb through the strands.

“You’re right, absolutely. Which is why I think—oh my gods, do you ever comb this mess?” Jamie pulled hard against my hair as the teeth of the comb caught upon a tangled knot, causing my head to jerk back.

“Never,” I replied as I moved my head forward, observing Jamie suddenly gag as he turned his head away.

“Oh, how could you possibly attract a woman looking like this?” I smiled as Jamie continued to bicker at the state of my hair, reminding me of my friend Cami from the Teragane colony in which I was banished from. Then again, he also left, moving on with a new life, but I felt comforted knowing that perhaps his disdain was shared by others, giving me a rather intriguing perspective of Jamie being similar to someone who I truly cared deeply about.

Then again, the thought of Cami brought a sense of sadness, knowing all too well what judgement he would cast upon me if he ever were to discover my abandonment of my role as a Teragane, for he was one to uphold he roles in which we were designated to with the upmost esteem as a Sage in training.

Huh—I wonder how he is doing.

“Hey! Looking quite spiffy,” I heard Lillie’s voice resound from the other side of the room, and my heart fluttered at her sudden arrival as I quickly turned my head towards the privacy curtains where she stood.

“Lillie,” I gasped as she moved towards us, and Jamie gave up fixing my hair as I stood up, nearly knocking him over with my wings as I admired her new attire. She wore a rather elegant floor length gown that also was cut high at the neck, but exposed the shoulders and draped dramatically in the back. It was a grey-blue, like a lake in winter, and shimmered as she walked towards me. She twirled around while clasping her hand upon the day-cape, and winked while her green eyes glistened in the low, dim light of the candles and open windows.

“I’ve also got a cape,” she said as she showed off her dress. “Your clothes look really nice. Look at you. You really look quite handsome.”

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

“You too,” I said as my eyes darted to observe every detail, every aspect, and ever movement in which Lillie made, like the rippling waters shimmering under the moonlight.

“Ah, yes, so cute, sooooo cute,” Jamie said with conflict hidden behind his words. Yet, as he asked Lillie to spin around so that he could observe the work of the seamstress, it appeared as if he truly was admiring her looks based on the goal of appeasing our desires.

“Thanks so much for helping us today,” Lillie said after her dress stopped flowing and Jamie was satisfied with our new looks.

“Oh, naturally, my dearest lady, however,” Jamie said as he smoothed his hand through his golden hair. “You guys owe me big time. So, I’ve decided, my helpful service must be rewarded by allowing me to attend this dinner event with you.”

Both Lillie and I glanced at each other, then back at Jamie.

“You? Why do you want to go?” Lillie asked as she wrapped her arm around my waist, and her hand moved along the material and she looked up at me. “Oh, wow these are soft.”

“Duh, it’s a personal invite to a lord’s house,” Jamie proclaimed. “Do you know how much money I could make by performing for a LORD? And the amount of higher ups I could possibly perform for once they hear how amazing I am? Can you even fathom the gateway that has magically appeared before me this very day? Can you?”

“I think bringing Jamie would be suitable,” I said as I looked down at Lillie who was shaking her head. “He is a performer, after all. Perhaps it would help to appease Lord Orvin’s impression of me.”

“Yes! Yes!” Jamie shouted as he pressed his hands together and pouted his lips as he moved closer to Lillie, but his eyes darted up towards me, and he stepped slightly back. “Please, allow me to join this party of seeking out opportunity of fortune. Please, my ever so kind and dearest friend. I really need better prospects and suitable events to wear my best clothes. Taverns of the working class don’t appreciate the finest of silks, nor the tallest of boots, nor my wittiest of lyrics of musical creations.”

“Ah, fine—just don’t embarrass anyone, okay?” Lillie said with a serious voice.

“Oh, my dear baby girl,” —Jamie’s eyes flashed up at me, and I shook my head— “of course I won’t. I’m a respectable man. Yes. I am.”

Satisfied, Lillie and Jamie nodded their heads, and then we were guided to separate rooms again to change from our new attire and the clothes were packaged in small boxes. I felt rather exhausted, even though I was just standing around most of the day, but as all three of us entered the main room of the tailor shop, I felt relieved to leave and return to the library with Lillie.

However, Lillie and Jamie suddenly broke out in an argument who would pay for the clothes, in which Jamie insisted it be part of the debt he owed me for saving his life.

“I told you!” Jamie finally shouted. “It’s enough for Sable to allow me to partake in the opening of these gates of opportunity. Plus, I will be SO rich after a lord showers me with their enormous piles of money!”

“Stop being idiotic,” Lillie replied as she dug into her coin purse. “You’re embarrassing me. I can pay for my own clothes.”

“Ever heard of a gift? Oh, wait, yes I remember. You’re too proud to accept anything deemed sentimental. Yes, prideful Lillie cannot take any charity work, nor fancy clothes from her well-off friends—you know the good name of my grandparents gives me massive discounts here, right?”

Suddenly, Jamie bolted to the front counter of the tailor shop, causing Lillie to only curse his name and run after him. It was like watching children play a game, but I was completely clueless about the rules, left to wonder if it was fun or a battle of terror.

***

The next morning, I woke up early as usual, and left the house to hunt for the day. The stairwell was uncomfortably narrow, so I began exiting the upper house from a large window that had a small ledge directly over the front door of the library. The location of our new home was in an unfamiliar part of the Kavcii District, yet I felt relieved to start anew and no longer have ungrateful city dwellers looking for me on a daily basis, asking me all day long to help with mundane tasks. Although I liked helping those in need, it wouldn’t take long for my praises to turn into sneering for absurd reasons, however, it was the lack of any time spent with Lillie that I detested the most. She was much different around Historia, more relaxed and less agitated, and we were both hopeful of finding answers to her magic abilities, even if we kept it quite secretive around others.

I flew up into the canopy above the city, and carefully broke off hanging branches in order to make a new clearing for myself, allowing me to easily fly through the forest covering. I snapped the branches and then returned the new pile of firewood to the house, feeling happy to help in little ways, for Historia seemed quite grateful with anything I did, something starkly different than when I had lived with Lillie’s parents.

It took me only two trips to complete the exit for myself, and I was flying above in the sky still early in the morning. It felt good to be in the open air, especially as anxiety began to rise in my chest as I thought about the upcoming dinner event with Lord Orvin. I didn’t know what to expect, nor why some high-class man was interested about me, but Historia had assured me that it could be an interesting opportunity, even though Lillie seemed apprehensive.

I freshened up in the lake, plunging entirely in the cold waters, feeling completely rejuvenated as I used my wings to stroke underwater. The washing tubs or basins were hardly suitable for a bath in the city, so I took advantage of the opportunity to soak myself while spending solitary time at the tranquil lake. After bathing, I only gathered a few fish, and then shook myself dry before dressing myself in the only clothes I owned—well, besides the fancy attire Jamie had bought just yesterday.

Looking up at the cloudy sky, I observed the ridges of the mountain that I used to call my home. A slight tingling in my neck alerted me to scan the area, for often I felt as if I was being watched whenever I got close to Hira. Then again, I did my best to respect the wishes of the Sage and kept myself separated, never once even wishing to seek out anyone from the colony.

At least, for now.

Feeling refreshed, although slightly anxious, I returned to the cedar forest and dove through the newly established clearing and entered the house from the large window.

“Good afternoon,” Lillie greeted as she turned her head and slightly waved as she stood in the kitchen, preparing tea scented strongly of mixed herbs. I set the satchel of fish on the floor near her, and then wrapped my arms around her waist, and kissed her cheek.

“Hello,” I whispered in her ear as she bent her neck slightly.

“Did you have a good morning?” she asked while picking apart bunches of herbs, scattering bits of dried plants upon the wooden counter.

“Yes. I went swimming.”

“You can swim?”

“Yes. I’m actually quite good. Would you like to go swimming with me tomorrow?”

“Uh—I don’t know how to swim.”

“I’ll teach you.”

“Hmm, maybe. Let’s see how tonight goes.” Lillie shifted her hips, causing me to release my embrace, and she then walked over to the other side of the counter, seemingly avoiding eye contact as she mumbled about some herbs she was preparing, then picked up the fish and set the sack into a basin in the large sink.

“I’m sure everything will be fine tonight,” I said, attempting to ease her agitation, and she faked a smile while pulling out one of the fish to begin preserving.

“You should start getting ready,” she suggested.

“Can you do my hair?” I asked as I leaned against the counter near her. “Jamie said I need to look my best for you—I mean Lord Orvin.” Lillie looked up at me with conflicted eyes, but settled a knife along the scales of the fish.

“What do you want?” she asked.

“Can you do my hair like a Tamarine? Braided and pulled back?” I reached out and touched her braided hair with the back of my hand, allowing it to move down to her back. She had two braids close to the scalp on either side of her head that trailed to her nape where a loose string held the rest of her hair together, slightly exposing her long, pointed ears.

“Sure,” she replied. “But, first, go get dressed.” I obeyed, and undressed from my loose shirt and woolen trousers, remembering Historia’s kind gesture of offering to clean them while I was away. As I stood naked in the living area, I glanced over at Lillie, who kept her back towards me, which was something she often did whenever I was changing. She never undressed in front of me, often waiting for me to be away, or perhaps she undressed while I was asleep. Either way, as I pushed my legs through the new trousers, I began to wonder why I suddenly felt curious about her eyes upon my nudity.

Although I had been taught to keep my body private as a Teragane, something deep inside me wanted Lillie to pay more attention. It felt intriguing, enticing whenever her eyes observed my body, but felt curious to these growing emotions of nudity with someone special.

I wonder what—what she looks like underneath her layers of clothes…

I finished putting on my new silk tunic, and secured the cape on my shoulders, allowing my eyes to dart back at Lillie’s figure in the kitchen. The material was soft on my skin, but the new form felt odd at first, especially the trousers. Lillie soon approached me, telling me that she would also change, and then do my hair. She grabbed the box that held her new dress, and headed towards the stairs that led to the attic.

“You can change here, if you want,” I blurted out while reaching for her arm, and her cheeks grew rather flushed as her eyes darted down to the box in her hand.

“I—uh, don’t feel comfortable,” she stuttered.

“Oh? I can turn away, if that’s what you mean.”

“Yeah, then you’ll take a peak at me naked, won’t you?”

“Not if you don’t want me to. I promise I won’t look at you—if you don’t want me to.”

“Fine, turn around.” I spun around as she asked, and sat on my bent legs on a floor cushion. I placed my hands on my knees, and rubbed my new pants with my thumbs. I heard Lillie’s clothes falter to the ground, and suddenly the desire to see her overwhelmed my mind. I hadn’t thought much about nudity, or even Lillie’s nakedness, per se. I often removed my shirt in front of others, and felt comfortable only wearing trousers.

I was taught by my parents and the Sage that clothes kept us protected from the elements and injury. Nudity had never crossed my mind as something particularly interesting, so what were these feelings of desire to see Lillie? If people looked at me—all of me—it made me feel good. So, why didn’t Lillie want me to look at her? Would I ever be able to see her in such a way? Why did she not want to look at me or allow me to see her? Was there something wrong with my thoughts?

Suddenly, I felt her hand move through my hair on the top of my head, and I closed my eyes, enjoying her soft strokes. The desire to be with Lillie, to be close, and feel her hands drift further along my body overwhelmed my mind as I bent my neck at the gentle tugging . Then, ever so gently, her lips reached mine, and I shivered at the tantalizing feeling of her sudden affection.

No—if it feels this good to be with Lillie, it can’t be wrong.

“All done,” she whispered, then released her grip, and moved her face away from me. “Let’s start by combing your hair.”

“Okay,” I muttered, exhaling deeply. I felt Lillie’s fingers move through my hair some more, and she used a wooden comb to brush out the tangles. She moved quietly, and I kept my eyes closed as I enjoyed her gentle movements along my scalp. I fell into a trance as the sensations of her proximity, nearly putting me to sleep. I enjoyed Lillie’s warmth, even if she seemed hesitant towards me about some things. I did not always understand her vacillation, but I knew whenever I patiently waited for Lillie and did not push her, she would eventually come around to accepting my eagerness and my undying love for her. She tugged at my hair from the side with systematic movements, and I assumed that she had started braiding.

“Your hair is a little short for braiding, but I think I can make it work,” she said, sounding determined as she continued.

“I think my hair has grown a little since I left the mountain,” I said, and slightly shifted to see Lillie out of the corner of my eye.

“Yeah, I think so. It also looks wavier. Looks like you’ve got some curls at the ends.”

“Perhaps it’s the change of atmosphere. The air is much more humid in the forest.”

“Maybe.” She finished one part, then moved to my other side still standing behind me, and began braiding again as her body pressed against my folded wings. A loud noise came from below in the library, echoing through the narrow stairway. Foot steps and loud voices resounded, and the brother and sister duo emerged from the stairs.

“Stop complaining, you little—oh, hey you two,” Lara greeted as she emerged from the stairway, wearing her baker apron with the normal powder residue along her cheeks and clothing. Jamie came from behind, dressed for the occasion, and his lute strapped to his back. He had styled his hair quite full, and his pompous golden hair bounced as he appeared from the stairs. He wore a dark blue jacket that looked too short, a lilac shirt that plunged deeply, showing his gray chest beneath the silver laces loosely tied, and dark blue trousers with brown boots that came up to his knees. As always, he was dramatic, clean, and ready for entertaining anyone who glanced his way.

“Wow, you guys look amazing,” Lara continued while approaching us with a large smile. “And, Sable, your hair. Looking rather dashing, don’t you think?”

“Glad to see Lillie could do something about that tangled mess,” Jamie said as he and Lara stood in front of me, examining Lillie’s work.

“Hey, you guys found the library after all,” Lillie said calmly as she finished tying my hair up.

“So, this is where you’ve been living?” Lara asked while looking around the area. “When Jamie told me that you guys got kicked out and moved in with your old mentor at the library, I thought for sure he was lying. But, hey, I guess it’s true after all.”

“Why would I even make up a story like that?” Jamie asked while crossing his arms. “Seriously, sis, you make me sound like a terrible person.” Jamie then leaned down as he cupped a hand around his mouth, whispering in my ear. “Where do you even sleep? The roof?”

“The floor,” I replied, and Jamie’s eyes widened as he then straightened up and looked around the small living area.

“Like a dog?” Jamie stated and Lara suddenly smacked his arm.

“Hey, it’s only temporary—until we can figure out a better living situation,” Lillie retorted, and I felt her hand move onto my shoulder. “Historia was kind enough to allow us to stay until then. And, we have a folding bed we use. It’s better than sleeping in the streets—or the woods. We already stayed outdoors once.”

“What?” both siblings exclaimed, and I couldn’t help but smile, then Lara pressed her hands upon her chest and whined. “Lillie—you should have come to us!”

“Hey, sleeping outside wasn’t so bad,” Lillie replied while squeezing my shoulder with her hand. “Sable used to live up in the mountains.”

“In a cave,” I clarified.

“A cave?” Jamie squealed, and I nodded while Lara’s smile also turned into a grimace. “Barbaric—no wonder the floor is enticing for a beastly boy like you. But, Lillie! Can you really subject yourself to such living conditions?” Jamie raised his brows as he tapped the side of his cheek, and Lara began arguing that there’s nothing wrong with people sleeping on the floor or not having a bedroom, yet the silly man gave me a side glance that seemed rather concerned, mumbling about something keeping from relations advancing—whatever that meant.

“You’re all done,” Lillie said as she kissed my cheek. “Take a look in the mirror.” I stood up, and moved over to a large reflection glass hanging near Historia’s bed, and examined my new look. Lillie had braided the sides of my head and smoothed the top, pulling it all back into a loose tie, similar to how she and others in the city styled their hair. I twisted as I examined my whole body, feeling enamored with my elegant look, and my sharp teeth glistened as I smiled. I turned to face Lillie, realizing how beautiful she also looked in the new blue floor length dress, her braided hair pulled back, and her green eyes sparkled in the low light of the crackling fire in the kitchen.

Jamie and Lara were speaking loudly at her about subjects I didn’t care to understand, but she was watching me intently, also ignoring the loud sibling duo standing on either of her sides. Our eyes gazed at each other for a moment, and I felt mesmerized as we stood still, absolutely infatuated with each other, and my stomach felt queasy as if it was filled with butterflies.

She was like the mountain lake reflecting a stormy sky, but her gaze was more refreshing than the cold waters I had plunged into that very morning. Her admiration enticed my racing heart to only plummet deeper into the tranquility my soul desired, wishing there were no squabbling birds piercing through the wonderment, dragging her attention away as they squawked louder than my beating heart.

Would it always come to this?