The silver haired princess

Mei

As the new day came, Nick awoke to the first rays of sunshine and the trills of Velvet; Saturdays were allowed to wake up a little late; his hair was very tousled and his face very sleepy after having slept so peacefully; he sat up in bed and stretched to get rid of the laziness still in his body; he got up fully and began his routine again; with the closed to open sign he started another day's work.

-Excuse me... A voice burst into Nick's room.

-Mr. Elvin wel.. come... But it seems that Nick finally realised that the voice was female.

- I'm sorry to interrupt you; I'm... Said a young woman from the entrance of the cafeteria.

-I know, the girl from yesterday; I have a very good memory, what can I offer you? Nick said to the stranger from the day before.

-I came to thank you for the gesture; it was very thoughtful of you. The girl thanked the young businessman.

-Not at all; it's something I like to do.... Oh! I'm sorry; come in. Nick spoke politely.

-Thank you. The young Asian girl spoke.

-Coffee? Nick asked, inviting her to sit at the bar.

-Please. What's with the cute bird? The young girl had noticed Nick's companion.

-It's my little red velvet cupcake. The young owner replied.

-And what's its name? asked the guest.

-Velvet. Nick said dryly, as he prepared a cup of coffee.

-I see, I think it's sweet that you called her that, it fits her like a glove.

-So... What do you do for a living? asked the gentleman out of curiosity and to bring up a topic of conversation.

-I am a painter. The foreigner answered.

-Are you recognised?

-Only in the continent where I come from. The beautiful lady took out of her small bag a notebook with clear pages and a black pencil.

-I see, and... What brought you here?

-I came to live here; the scenery is good and the people are very friendly; plus I love this medieval style that makes this town feel rustic.

-It's true; it has like a magical essence that attracts anyone's curiosity.

-By the way, cafe owner, what's your name?

-My name? Didn't I give it to you on the card?

-No, since you just put: "The owner of the coffee shop".

-Really? hahaha, looks like I didn't pay attention to that; sorry; again.

-No problem; but your name is? Said the girl with a flick of the wrist.

Nick; Nick Flamand and I'm twenty-four years old and you?

-I'm Mei Park and I'm 22 years old.

You don't look twenty-two; you look very young.

-Let's say I'm a vampire.

-Here's your coffee.

-Thanks a lot Nick... the taste is different from last time.

-That's true; it's a little fruity.

-It tastes very good; the smell is very relaxing and pleasant at the same time.

-That's what I said the first time I tried it.

-Yes?

-I have no reason to lie to you, Mei.

-Really?

-I swear it with my hand to my chest.

-Gentleman's word.

-Exactly.

At that very moment; outside the cafeteria Mr. Elvin was spying on Nick, and he was so surprised to see him talking to a girl, that he let him continue and left.

After a while a lot of customers started to arrive.

-Excuse me, Mei; I have to take this.

-No problem; I have all the time in the world to be quiet.

-Thank you.

-Go.

Nick was running around delivering and placing orders; he had never had so many people on a Saturday; meanwhile Mei was drawing the working owner without any mistakes, and when he finished he put his signature on it.

-It really feels good to be here; the smell of flowers and coffee is very pleasant.

-Hello miss; you look a bit bored, don't you want to have some fun?

-Who are you to talk to me like that?

-I'm the best thing you'll ever see in your life.

-Ah? don't joke; stay away; you make me uncomfortable.

-I don't want to. The guy was invading Mei's personal space little by little.

-Please; I don't want to make a scene.

-You have very soft legs. That stranger was not only a playboy; he was also a pervert.

-Don't touch me! On the edge of discomfort and anger, Mei defended herself by slapping the invader's face.

Nick heard such a racket and went over to solve the problem.

-What's going on here?

-It's nothing kid; go to work and get some tips.

-Mei, what's going on?

-This man touched my leg.

-Please apologise and leave.

-And who are you to say that to me, you midget?

-I'm the owner, asshole.

-You? All right; I'll leave but... The stranger grabbed Mei's wrist tightly so that she couldn't get free.

-Hey! Let go of me, stupid!

-Let go of her!

-And what are you going to do to me?

-I'll call the police.

-Yeah? -And what else?

-You'll sleep if you don't.

-Let go of me; it hurts.

-You shut up; let's go, you'll make me enjoy it now you little slut.

-Hey. Said Nick tapping him on the shoulder.

-What?

-You forgot this. And with one punch in the face Nick knocked the stalker unconscious.

-I told you you'd sleep. Sorry for the racket earlier; please continue to enjoy yourselves; I'll call the police now.

-Don't worry buddy; we already did.

-Nick!

Suddenly Nick felt a very strong and warm hug.

-What happened Mei? Are you scared?

-Thank you; thank you very much indeed. Mei said with tears in her eyes and hugged him tighter.

-You're welcome; I would never let a coward take advantage of someone else.

-Thank you.

-Come on; let's go upstairs for a moment; Velvet come with us.

Nick opened the cage and put Velvet on his shoulder.

-You live upstairs? Mei asked, her voice still shaky.

-Yes; it's easier to have my home and work connected; come on, don't worry, here you can disperse your mind and relax a bit.

-Thank you.

-I'm just glad you're okay; get some rest; Velvet stay here. -See you in an hour Mei.

-Sure.