AFK - Away From Keyboard

Chapter 25:

Emica's POV:

   The next day when I woke up, it was evident that my friends had left for school.

After feeding Snowy, I brainstormed ways to keep myself busy and entertained. After a few hours I grew bored of thinking and decided to see if there was anything I could help with around the inn. Downstairs I bumped into a woman carrying all kinds of baskets; which were filled to the brim with fruits, other food items, and some with laundry.

"I'm so sorry! Let me help you." I cried, grateful something had happened so quickly.

"That's alright. I've got it." The woman smiled.

I shook my head and took a basket out of her arms. "I'm so bored, would you be so kind as to let me help you?"

The woman grinned and let out a chuckle. "Alright then. I have to make enough food for about a hundred people."

"Excellent." I beamed and followed her to the kitchen. I was given an apron as well as a hair cloth. For the rest of the day I helped the woman (Cadence) in the kitchen. I enjoyed working with her and serving people. A few of the customers were rude and said things about Cadence, such as having faulty coding. I didn't know what that meant entirely, but the tone was enough for me to know how it was implied.

Other customers were indifferent. still others were actually very kind and thanked us for their meals. The whole thing was an interesting experience. I decided to help Cadence the next day as well. After all, the rest of the group goes to school in the mornings and I'm sure they'll be with their families for Easter. This way, I'll have something to keep me busy with.

   At the end of the work day, Cadence thanked me for my help and insisted upon paying me a small wage. Then she ordered me to go off and have fun like any girl my age should. I took a quick walk around the road and then made my way back to the inn.

Myra was inside, waiting for me in our room. "There you are! What were you doing today?"

"Helping in the kitchen." I smiled. "It was fun."

"Aw man. It would have been such great inspiration to see you shuttling meals."

"For your pictures?" I wondered.

"Yeah. I already started a few. There's an epic one where you and Ren are in this epic battle pose; I got that from when Kit and I came through the wall and scared the crud out of you guys." Myra laughed.

I watched as Snowy ran around the room happily.

"Soooo....Is Ren around?" Myra nudged me.

I shook my head. "Uh uh. He's going to be visiting his family and won't be back for a while."

"That's good. And upsetting. I wanted to hang out with the both of you. By the way, were you aware of how completely amazing Kit is at battling and temples?"

"What do you mean?" I inquired.

"I mean that he really knows his stuff. He must have already beaten Argor and that temple, otherwise how would he have known the safest way through and the quickest way to kill the boss?"

I sat down on the couch and propped my head in my hands.

"Did he ever beat any temples back in Kedron?" Myra wondered.

I thought a moment, then shook my head again. Kit had certainly tried once, but...it hadn't ended well.

"Weird." Myra shrugged. "Okay, now I'm bored. Want me to do your hair?"

"Why not?" I sighed.

"I'm not super good, but I have enough feminine skill to accomplish some sort of hairstyle." Myra grinned and positioned herself behind me.

The tightness returned behind my eyes. For the first time, my forced emotion was joy. I was alright with that. In fact, it was wonderful! Wouldn't it be nice to be happy all the time? I knew that all of my current thoughts would be positive no matter what. It was pleasant, but felt wrong.

"Tada! All done!" Myra exclaimed, conjuring a mirror from her menu.

I laughed and then spun around for her.

"You look so pretty!" She chimed.

I yawned. "Thanks. I think I might get to bed early tonight. I'm exhausted from all that waitressing."

Myra seemed to think that was hilarious. She said goodnight to me as I tip-toed to my room and cuddled under the covers of my bed.