Bluebell - l.t.

XXIV. The Town of Broken Promises

Monica Fausta

I was the one to carry the flowers we've bought. I am too afraid that Louis might get reckless in handling it. It's not like he minds either. "Uhm... Where are we going next?" I asked. I am more than afraid to hear that we are going home already. I want to look in some more. But it seems to me that Louis is not really the outgoing type. He only states business then off he goes. "Are we going home already?" I added.

Home. I couldn't believe that I will think of the mountains as my home.

Louis holds out his hand again for me. I couldn't help but smile at the gesture, knowing well enough what that meant. "Where do you want to go?" That is his answer.

I could feel my heart jump a little from within me. I clutched the bouquet tighter against my chest as I try not to hyperventilate out of excitement. I slowly place my free hand against his. He grasped it with his large hand before he anticipated my next words. Unfortunately, though, nothing came out. I was simply tearing my lips apart by trying to contain my wide smile.

Louis couldn't help but chuckle. I do not even care if he makes fun of what I look like right now. I probably look like an idiot, but this is all I've ever wanted since I've entered my teenage years. "What about we take something to eat first? We need to build your battery up as we stroll around the place." He said, which I nodded unto. Whichever is music to my ears, so long as I get to spend the day here.

Louis bought me in a place with a lot of people for me to take in. I'm not nervous at all since I'm not actually to converse with them. If ever, I am more than excited to feel the spirit and energy of the people. It's a bit tad noisy, but somehow it blends into the background music. The ambiance is just right, not too bright nor too dim either. If only I could look at everything at once, I would. From the rough walls, and the wooden crates, to the metal-like design that's out of my taste- and yet managed to please my eyesight.

After we sat down, a girl handed us the list of food we could order in the house, and I must say that I was bewildered. I need to keep my composure, but I am afraid that Louis will eventually see through that I am not used to placing an order. I'm so used to sitting down and having the food served upon me. Yes, that was my life, but lately, I've been frying burned eggs and heating up food from the fridge. Fantastic.

I leaned closer to the table. "Louis, I am not sure what to get... Could you please order for me instead? I'll take what you're getting." I try to whisper as softly as I could.

"Hmm. Okay. Why are you whispering, though? No one is going to bite you here, love." Louis smiles.

What did he just call me? If it's for pleasantries then the more I should be on posture. We didn't use pleasantries back in the woods after all, which is absolutely understandable.

"I don't want to embarrass you here." I whispered with a soft smile. I badly want to frown since I still have to point it out for him, but I tried my best to be on my best behavior since we are in the public eye.

"You're not going to embarrass me, Monica. I'm not really sure if you're just shy or something else." Louis said. For a second, I thought he is making his scowling face, but it's more of curiosity. I guess it's a little bit of storytime with him. I mean, if it's Louis, he probably had an idea too already. "Is it your first time here?" He asked, which made me fidget.

"N-no. It's not uhm like my first time. I- I've seen photos, I mean..." I tried my best to not look at him looking at me because I was sure enough that I'll burst once I see that judging look in his eyes. But the jokes on me, I looked at him and boom "...Yes, it's my first time." I admitted in defeat.

"I could tell." Louis said amusedly.

"Then why did you have to ask me?" I spatted. I couldn't help but raise my voice, but I quickly retracted when I caught myself. "Sorry. You could say that it had something to do with my upbringing." I sighed.