Love That Lived In The Next Life

22

Author's note:

I hope you all enjoy. 

Caiden walked with Donna to the market the next night after some encouragement from Alicia to go explore it. The two joked and dragged each other along the well-worn dirt path to the village. Donna awed at the streets that were alive with tourists. Caiden escorted Donna by the wave of an overextended hand. The two walked through the streets with genuine interest of every stand and store it had to offer. Alicia gave off her credit card to the two with the promise of a limitless budget. A keen grin crossed Caiden's lip to see just how limitless the credit card was.

Balls of light danced over their heads as they embarked on the village square. The fountain spewed the midnight water out against the golden glows of lanterns and dancing fairy lights. Donna's grip tightened on Caiden as people crowded and walked around them. Subtle music sang into their ears as they made their way to a small little shop. A smaller bot that was built out of little knacks guarded the register. The two awed at it with delight as they continued to peruse through the shop.

"Oh look!" Donna almost squealed as she pointed. Little handmade dolls lined the shelves. She squealed as she made her way over to one that resembled Angie almost identically. Her hands clamped down on the doll and brought it off the top shelf. "She's almost exactly like Angie!" Donna's enthusiasm only grew as she recognized the symbol that was planted on the face. The crescent moon of her family's dollmaking company. Donna's eyes lit up in delight as she stared up at the price. "Oh..." Donna held the doll a bit tighter as she stared at the price tag. Caiden's eyebrow lifted. This was a remake of the original doll collection that the company was founded on. 20,000 lei. A deal it said on the side of the sign. Donna's lips quivered into a slight frown as she went to put the doll back.

"Oh, please," Caiden said as she stopped Donna with a hand on her forearm. "Alicia gave me her credit card and she did say it was limitless. Go buy it, love." Donna's eyes lit up in a way that Caiden never saw. It was like her life was given back to her. Caiden handed over the credit card. Excited footsteps ran up to the animatronic similar to a child with a new toy. She handed over the credit card and came back moments later with a receipt. It was stuffed in Caiden's pocket while Donna held the doll in a deathlike grip. "Are you happy now?"

"Ecstatic!" Donna's smile rivaled the stars as it gleamed for Caiden. Caiden's hand fell through the doll's veil and length of the wedding dress.

"It really is an exact replica."

"And tailored specifically for your special return!" Animatronic at the cash register stole the two's attention. The voice had no doubt to who controlled it.

"Duke?"

"At your service as always!" Caiden's smile grew slightly at the energetic tone.

"And the best service in the world at that," Caiden commented.

"If you don't mind, I was hoping you'd stop by! My carriage is at the far corner of the square! Near the food vendors. Mind stopping by?"

"We'll be right over." Donna's stomach rumbled a moment later. "After we get Donna something to eat."

"By all means! I'm here all night." Caiden's face melted into concern as she stared back at Donna. The two walked from the store with a little less pep in their step.

"I was afraid he'd want to talk," Caiden admitted quietly.

"Everything will be alright, my love." Donna's free arm wrapped around Caiden's and kissed her cheek. "He just wants to say hi, I'm sure." Caiden's eyes spoke the words that she could not say. Donna only hummed. The two trailed their way over to the food vendors and found something that caught their eyes. It was fried dough with ice cream on top and covered in peanut butter and chocolate sauce. Their mouths watered as their eyes guided them to the delighted treat. They each ordered their own and paid with the credit card with a snicker.