Autumn Secrets ✓

T e n

~ E l s a ~

"Uh, I want to say something." I fiddled with my fingers.

"Okay." Levi looked at me as if I was crazy. "What's it then?"

"We are running out of groceries, so I decided to go shopping today."

"Oh." He took out his wallet. "So you need money then."

"No! I mean yes—but I want someone to accompany me for shopping." I finally managed to get to the point.

"Okay." He was deep in thought. "So you want me to come with you?"

"Yeah," I shrugged.

"Too bad kid." He innocently blinked at me. "I'm busy today."

"Fine then." I started to walk away.

"Wait!" Levi called behind me.

I turned around. "Yeah?"

He stood up from the sofa and walked towards me. "Seth will come with you." He then forwarded me some money.

I accepted it. "Thank you."

He nodded. "Also, don't forget to buy a strawberry shortcake for Joshua."

"I owe him one," He muttered under his breath clearly, not for me to hear.

After my encounter with Levi, I went upstairs and knocked on Seth's door.

He opened it after a moment. "Hi Elsa." He smiled at me.

"Hello, Seth." I returned the gesture. "I wanted to ask whether you can tag along with me for grocery shopping?"

"Sure," He said without hesitation. I beamed at him.

"Okay, then give a minute to get ready, hmm?"

"Of course." With that, I decided to go downstairs.

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"So you've written the complete list?" I asked while driving through the city road.

"Yes," Seth responded, skimming his eyes concentratedly through the grocery list.

"Perfect." I nodded in appreciation.

"Can I ask you something?" He played with the pen in his hand.

"Sure, go on."

"Why are we shopping in the city when we had grocery stores nearby?"

I shrugged. "My aunt owns a shop here, that's why."

"Hmm." He adjusted his glasses. "From what I've gathered, you seem pretty rich to work as a chef."

"Uh, that—" I licked my lips. "It's all because of my acquaintance with Joshua, yeah."

He hummed as a response, and I was glad that he didn't ask further on that topic.

"We're here!" I applied the car brakes. Thankfully, Levi's friend had repaired my car quick enough because of Levi's recommendation for me.

We unfastened our seat belts and got out of the car.

"Do we have to walk for long?" Seth asked, closing the car door behind him.

"No, it's right there," I said, eyeing my destination.

He followed me as I walked towards my aunt's store.

"Williams grocery store," He read aloud the name board.

We walked into the air-conditioned store, and it was a huge relief from the afternoon heat.

"Elsa!" I saw my aunt Clarice walk towards me.