Compassion and Oblivion

Chapter Eight: Meet the Town (Part Three)

TW-Alcohol Mention, Alcohol Use

You begrudgingly stand up to answer the door. Standing on the other side is a woman, maybe a couple years older than you. She has lovely, bright blue hair cut in a wavy, chin-length bob, her bangs loosely pinned above her left ear. Her casual red dress and warm, inviting smile leads you to believe that she has a bright and bubbly personality. The warmth in her gaze Instantly causes you to soften and smile in return.

"Hello!" she chimes with exuberance. "I'm Emily, I stopped by to introduce myself."

"Hi Emily! I'm (Y/N). Thank you for coming!"

"Ooh!" Emily exclaims with wide eyes. "I can read it on your face. You're going to love it here in Pelican Town. If you're ever looking for something to do in the evening, stop by the saloon. That's where I work! In fact, Gus sent me here to invite you to have dinner there tonight, it's on the house!"

Who am I to turn down free food? "Why not, that sounds great!"

As you head out the door to join Emily, she mentions that she would like to stop at her house quickly to pick out a different pair of shoes. She wanted to break her current pair in during her shift, but after the short hike to the farm, her feet are over it.

On the walk to town, she told you more about herself. She lives in her parent's house with her sister, Haley. Her parents are wandering souls, and they've been traveling for the last few years. She's been working steadily at the Saloon to pay the bills, but she doesn't think she wants to be a barmaid forever. She loves sewing and tailoring - she dyes fabrics and makes all of her own clothes, and sometimes clothes for the other people in town. She loves using fashion as a way to express herself, and wishes others would do the same with their wardrobe choices. She also meditates and collects rare crystals and gems, and strongly trusts in the healing properties that they carry.

You told her about yourself, too. You might've even over-shared a little bit about your past, if you're being honest with yourself. Emily didn't seem to mind, she listened intently and offered small bits of comfort when you shared some of the painful details.

It's strange, but you can feel a connection with Emily. You feel comfortable sharing these things, even though you just met her. You hope the feeling is mutual, she seems like she would be a really good friend.

"I am sensing a strong connection between us!" Emily comments, just after you noticed it yourself. "I feel like we are going to be fast friends, (Y/N). Do you feel it too?"

"Wow, I was actually just feeling the same way! Maybe Haley and I will get along quickly, too?"

Emily doesn't say anything, but gives you a wary smile. You approach their front door together, the residence immediately right of Sam's. The house is similar in style to Sam's, only a pretty off-white instead of blue. To the right of the doorway is a rose bush, and another empty planter box. I can't wait to see all of these planters full of beautiful flowers come spring, you think to yourself as Emily opens the door and invites you to come in.

Immediately through their door is their living room, a matching set of red couches to the right, bookshelves and a computer desk straight ahead. To the right of the living room is a large, eat-in kitchen, and behind that is a craft room. Dye pots, shelves of fabric, and an old school sewing machine are efficiently arranged around the small area. Standing in the kitchen by the stove is a girl, a little younger than you. She has long, blonde hair with beachy waves. She's wearing a powder blue ruffled tank top that was tucked into a pleated pink skirt, embellished with a belt around her waist.

"Make yourself at home while I change my shoes," Emily says kindly, as she approaches an assortment of shoes, neatly lined up by their front door. "Sis! This is (Y/N), why don't you say hello?"