Autumn Secrets ✓

T h r e e

~ H a n n a h ~

"I promise, I'll finish it by next week."

I tried to calm the furious looking customer in front of me.

"Look, Hannah, you said that last week, too!" Jenny pointed out, clutching her handbag tighter.

I gulped nervously, "I know I'm—"

Suddenly, I was cut off by a new voice.

"Woah woah, calm down, old lady!" My eyes widened as I saw Joshua intervene, stepping into our tailoring shop.

"Josh, no." I shook my head to warn him, but he didn't seem to listen to me. Great.

"Jennifer, Janitor or whatever your name is—you don't shout at my sister," He walked towards us and stared down at her.

I held him by his upper arm, "Joshua, please stop."

"There aren't any other stitching shops in this town, so if you wanna leave, we'll gladly allow you," He said, giving her a fake smile.

Biting down her rising rage, Jenny gave me a piercing glance and stormed out of the shop.

I sighed and settled down on a nearby chair.

What a nice way to start a week.

"Was that seriously necessary?" I asked my brother, who was now sitting on a table, fiddling with different sewing threads.

He innocently blinked at me, "Yes, it was indeed very necessary."

He jumped down from the table, "Just be glad that Levi didn't see how that old hag behaved with you. The situation could've been worse."

I sighed again.

Also, there was no point in being upset about one customer leaving, when I might get another one. A little nicer ones.

"Why were you late today?" I frowned at him. He wasn't the one known for tardiness, at least, not when something was related to me.

He rolled his eyes, "That stupid Asher painted my face while I was asleep."

Despite what happened minutes ago, I couldn't refrain from smiling, "Why?"

"For your information, he doesn't actually need any solid reason to annoy anybody." He said sassily.

"Felt bad to get the taste of your own medicine?" I smirked.

He looked at me, offended, "Hannah, not you too!"

I laughed, "Sorry, I can't help it. It's not every day we see the great prankster getting pranked."

He gasped dramatically, "How is that considered as a prank? It's just plain fuckery."

I coughed, "Language."

"Yeah fine, whatever." He then pouted at me, "I'm hungry."

Just a moment ago, Joshua was mad at Asher and now he's hungry?

"You came from home just now, how can you be hungry?" I narrowed my eyes at him.

"So what? Kids needs more food." He grinned.

I raised an eyebrow, "Kids? I didn't know that nowadays, twenty year old were called kids."

"I think I should get going," Saying so, he stood up and walked towards the exit.

"Joshua, I was just joking!" I yelled after him, "I get it—you're still a kid!"

He went through the door but a moment later, poked his head inside and smiled at me, "I was in a little hurry to come here so I couldn't have my breakfast but don't worry Han-han, I'll come back after munching on something."

I smiled in relief, "Come back quick, I'll be bored here!"

"Will do!" I heard him answer even though he was not in my sight anymore.

About an hour and five customers later, I heard the entrance door open and close.

"Took you long enough," I stated without taking my eyes off my stitching work, assuming it was Joshua.

Strange enough, I received no reply.

Feeling a little nervous, I looked up towards the entrance, expecting my brother, but—

It wasn't him.