Strawberries and Silk

Chapter 1 - Strawberries

Thank you for reading! I don't own any of Wednesday! Please let me know if you enjoy!
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Xavier Thorpe stood out against the other shoppers, stylish and dapper in his designer clothes as he waited in the boutique's busy line.

He frowned as he glanced around while he approached the counter, one step a time.

Five people in front of him.

Then four.

Three.

Two.

One........

"Hello, sir!" The friendly clerk, a young man in his early twenties, greeted him as he stepped forward, "How can I help you today?"

Careful to be discrete, Xavier bent forward and whispered his request.

He shifted on his feet and pretended not to notice the glances people nearby stole at him while the shop clerk disappeared into the back room.

Ten years after graduating from Nevermore Academy, it remained a mystery to Xavier which aspect of his life had earned him the most fame, his accomplishments as an artist, his celebrity father, or his-

"Here we are, sir! I have two of our best options here. Either of these should be suitable." The clerk nodded as he laid two black boxes on the counter, opened each of them, and allowed Xavier to examine their contents.

Xavier frowned as he stared down at the black bras inside.

"Are there wires in these?" He asked.

"Oh no, sir! You'll notice our patented design offers a great amount of support without irritating metal to get in the way!" The clerk laughed.

Xavier narrowed his eyes as he carefully examined the first bra.

His fingers went over the soft straps and then inside the silk cups.

After a moment, he moved onto the second offering.

His fingertips barely graced the garment's rough inner bits before he withdrew and shook his head, "Not that one, her nipples are too tender for that. I'll take the other instead."

"Of course, sir!" The clerk nodded, "Step right over here and we'll complete your purchase!"

A moment later, Xavier walked out of the boutique and down the street.

He smiled and nodded as he approached a middle-aged woman who stood next to a street stand stocked with boxes of ripe, juicy strawberries.

"Hello, Mr. Thorpe!" She greeted him in fond recognition.

"Hello, Ms. Mollins." Xavier nodded.

"How many boxes would you like today?" She asked, ready to serve her best customer.

"At least three." Xavier grinned.

"Will that hold you until later this week?" She asked.

"I'll probably be back tomorrow." He chuckled.

With his purchases in his arms a few moments later, Xavier walked back to his black sports car and sped away.

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The road that led out of town eventually became a gravel path through a deep forest which then evolved into a dangerous drive up a craggy cliff.

On the very top of the cliff stood a creaking, stone mansion, weary with age and gloomy with the passage of so many years.