FNIA: The Forgotten Soul

46: Time Together

BALLORA POV:

It was... strange being outside the Convention.

For the past 40+ years I've been stuck to the confines of a building. So it was a strange experience sitting in the front passenger seat of a car again. And I will admit. It was also kind of uncomfortable. After all, The last time I was in a car I got killed.

Before we left the Convention Evan had gone through his box of clothes on the back seat and given me an old jacket to put over my leotard. A jacket that felt familiar, But I couldn't recall from where.

"It was Grandpa's." Evan mentioned suddenly, as if he knew what I was thinking. "I remember he gave it to Michael before he passed away."

"Oh." I said as I ran my hand across the old leather. I could faintly recall that day. But it's been so long now that it's not much more than a fuzzy memory.

The car fell into silence again after that quick word as Evan drove us through the city. Due to Willow's suggestion, Evan stuck mostly to quieter roads as he navigated through the streets. And it was honestly saddening seeing how much the city had changed over the decades.

Buildings both new and old stood tall along the roads and paths. Many shops that I once would have known were either replaced or forgotten. And the occasional car that passed us on the street looked unrecognisable compared to what I once knew.

"I know that place." I said as I spotted a familiar looking bakery. The view of it sparking what I thought was a lost memory. It had changed a fair amount over the years. But the name and sign still looked the same. "I used to go there after Ballet practice when I was young."

"Yeah." Evan said with a small smile as he turned and pulled into a parking space outside the bakery. "I remember you took me there a few times when I was little."

"Best pastries in town." We both said at the same time. I turned towards him in surprise as he spoke. How did he still remember so long ago?

"While it's a bit fuzzy." He began to say as he turned the car off and unbuckled his seat. "I do remember a little from back before you... You know. If memory serves correctly. You had a bit of a sweet tooth."

After he finished speaking he exited the car and walked over to the bakery that was only just opening for the day. The moment he left the car I had a momentary panic. I was in a public area, someone could spot me. But calmed down when I realised that with how early it was. The streets were almost empty.

A few minutes later Evan returned with a small paper bag in hand. While my curiosity peaked at what he got. My confusion was also at a high when I noticed the door close itself after he got back in the car, without him even touching it.

"Here." He said with a smile as he handed me the bag. "If my memory serves me correctly. This used to be your favourite."

With a raised eyebrow I opened the bag. My mouth quickly began to water at what was inside. A square of thick vanilla custard between 2 slices of pastry topped with sweet vanilla icing.

I wasted no time in getting the vanilla slice out of the bag and taking a bite. I will admit. I basically squealed like a little girl at the taste. It had been so long since I had this. And it was just as delicious as I remember.

"I had a feeling you'd like it." Evan said with a chuckle as he put the car in gear and pulled out onto the street.

"Mhmmmmm~." I hummed in satisfaction after I all but inhaled the last of the pastry. "Thank you dear."

"Haha. You're welcome, Ballora." He said with a smile as he looked at me through the corner of his eye. "Um. You may want to wipe your mouth."

"Hmm?" I hummed as l turned and looked at my reflection in the side view mirrors. My cheeks quickly turned bright blue as I saw my reflection.