Now I'm Falling

~ c. • ~

    Alice Harley was an interesting character. Always doing her own thing, Alice had a mind of her own and wouldn't let anyone get in the way of that. It never seemed like a big surprise to her how it seemed none of the guys she ever met fell for her. That was in the years before 1776, the year when her and her family moved to New York City.

    The fine city, New York was all about making a change. That wasn't any different  for Alice. She had gotten accustomed to city life pretty easy, much to her own surprise. She thought it would be more of a struggle. After all, Alice had lived in a rural setting her entire life. 

    That was where she was able to roam free. The city was big, yes, but there were other people. Many men. Men looking for sweet women. 

    Alice knew of this, but figured the way some things were seen in her old rural home would be seen the same in the city. She was terribly wrong. Her parents made her wear dresses. She had to style her hair (or at least make it look good). She had to remember things she learned in her etiquette classes all those years ago since she should have proper manners. 

    Alice, as always, was walking around the city. She always found it interesting. No one used to look at her or even seem to notice her when she lived in her old rural home. Here in the city, however, she always noticed men looking at her when she roamed the streets. She never knew why, but she did. Alice was just trying to get to the bakery, and here she was, getting stared at! She doesn't like the eyes on her, it's too much attention. She's already used to it though.

    Alice pushed the door to the bakery open, the small bell at the top of the door rang as Alice walked in. She smiled as the smell of freshly cooked bread and yeast entered her nostrils. 

    "Alice? Is that you?" Shouted the baker from behind the counter as he was needing some dough. 

    "Yes, it's me, Robert," replied Alice as she straightened out the skirt of her pastel orange dress. She walked around the bakery, looking at bread and cakes through the display cases. 

    "The usual? Or are you going to change it up this time?" Asked Robert, the bakery owner and only employee, as he walked up to the counter with a messy apron and some flour on his face.

    "And hello to you too," Alice chuckled sarcastically. "No... I was thinking of maybe getting a cake this time. It's my father's birthday next week, after all," she said.

    Robert's eyes widened at that statement. "It's your father's birthday soon?" Clarified Robert questioningly. When Alice nodded, Robert smiled. "Well why didn't you say anything?" He chuckled. "Here, what cake flavor is his favorite? I'll make him a cake," said Robert.

    Alice smiled, but shook her head. "That isn't needed, Robert," she said, slightly shaking her head.

    Robert stood firm with his decision. "No, I insist."

    "And what happened to 'the customer is always right?'" Asked Alice sarcastically.

    Robert chuckled at that. "Seriously though, what's his favorite cake flavor?" He questioned.

    "You don't have to make a cake just for my father," said Alice sweetly.

    "I insist."

    "No, really--"

    "I'm going to make him a cake, like it or not."

    "Robert--"

    "I am making your father a cake," said Robert, placing his hand on the counter rather harshly. "That's my final decision."

    Alice sighed. "His favorite flavor is red velvet."

    Robert beamed and nodded. "Thank you," he said. With that, Alice bought herself a baguette and two croissants. Robert ringed her price up, Alice payed, bid Robert farewell, and left the store with the jingle of the bell at the top of the door. 

    Alice walked around the local marketplace, holding her woven basket holding her pastry treats. She stopped by a few carts, buying three apples and a pound of strawberries while there. She called a carriage, telling the carriage coach where to take her. The coach nodded and led the horses there. After about thirty minutes, Alice arrived at her townhome on the close outskirts of the city. 

    "I'm home!" Announced Alice as she entered her family's home, placing her woven basket on the wooden table and unloading the foodstuffs she gathered today from her trip into the city. 

    Alice's mother, Jaylen, came rushing down the starts to help her daughter unpack and to greet her. "Hello, dear," said Jaylen, planting a small kiss on Alice's cheek before taking the strawberries and putting the in their designated spot.

    "Hello, ma," said Alice with a smile.

    Alice's father joined the two downstairs soon after. "Hello, sweetie," said George, Alice's father, greeted, gently ruffling Alice's hair as he walked by her. "How was your day in the city?"

    Alice beamed as she attempted to mat her now frizzy hair down. "Hello, pa," she said. "Just the usual," she continued, "going to the bakery. Walking through the marketplace. Getting some produce and pastries while I'm there."

    George nodded. "Well, I have some news," he began, looking down, as if he felt ashamed to be speaking of this. 

    Alice instantly looked up and walked over to her father. "What is it, pa?" She asked.

    Alice's father took a deep breath before speaking. "I'm going to fight in the war," said George bluntly. 

    Alice blinked. "You're... fighting for our freedom?" She clarified.

    George nodded. "I am," he said.

    Alice walked closer to her father and gave him a hug. "When are you leaving?" She asked hesitantly.

    "In three days."

    "I'll miss you," said Alice, hugging her father tighter. She couldn't be mad at him, despite it being so close to his birthday. He was fighting for their country, and Alice would honor that more than anything. "Just stay alive. That's all I ask," she spoke desperately.

    George nodded. "I will. Just for you."

    That morning was a sad morning in the Harley household. Jaylen had always gotten up early to make breakfast for the family. Alice always woke up next, greeting her mother and helping her with breakfast. Then George woke up right after breakfast was ready, the scent of food awakening him.

    Today, George woke up first. He had yet to pack his things, waking up early to do so. Alice woke up next, her mother joining them soon after. The two females made breakfast rather quickly that morning. Maybe it was so they could try and forgot the fact that George was leaving later that day. 

    George joined them downstairs barely after breakfast was set out on plates. They all ate in silence -- a drastic difference from normal -- due to the fact that if anyone attempted to speak, they would all burst out in tears. 

    The rest of the day was spent with George attempting to mentally prepare himself, Jaylen packing most of her husband's belongings, and Alice silently waiting for that fated moment when the carriage would arrive outside their townhouse.

    It arrived around 1:45pm. The family bid their farewells, Alice shedding many tears, but she knew that if Jaylen was crying, she would be crying more. Alice knew her mother would cry later that day and Alice swore to herself that she would be there when Jaylen does cry.

    But focusing on matters in hand. Alice waved to the retreating carriage until it was completely out of sight from her teary eyes. She walked inside after a while, beelining for her room so she could cry in the comfort of her own room and bed.

Word Count: 1285