The Music Box

Part 3 - Friendship

Isabella was seated in a booth at a café, patiently waiting to be served. She noticed packets of sugar and salt on the table and promptly arranged them. Her best friend Ava, who was supposed to meet her, was running late - a common occurrence. Just about ready to order something while she waits; she spots a flash of gold. Ava was recognized as one of the most sought-after beauties in town. It occasionally amazed her how they crossed paths.

On a rainy day in August, Isabella stood on the pier, looking out over the large body of water. The calm waves and gentle breeze enabled her to catch the scent of the nearby beach. It was the sole location where she could voice her thoughts on her parents without any disturbances. It wasn't that she didn't love her brother, but sometimes you need a moment alone. I don't know Ava's thoughts on this, but she probably noticed me alone and decided to check it out. One moment I was alone, then she was there; bright and cheery. The two girls had sat on the pier and discussed everything they could possibly think of. It was Isabella's fondest memory of Ava.

As she was reminiscing about their meeting, she noticed that Ava and the unknown woman were just about at her booth. Smiling at them, Isabella shook the woman's hand as she sat down in the booth.

"Hello, I'm Isabella." She said.

"Hi Isabella, I'm Jessie!" The petite woman easily smiled to her greeting and picked up her menu. "Ava was just telling me you have a situation."

"Just a little" Ava piped in from across from her. Isabella gave her an unreadable look before focusing on Jessie.

"Ahh yes my situation." She paused. "What else?"

"Oh you know the music box and about that creepy guy before." The brunette rested her chin on her hand and watched the woman across from her. If she was going to put forth this information then she wanted to get to know this woman first.

"Well I'll tell you more." She raised her hand to beckon the server. "But first, food." All three women looked at the menu quickly before deciding their orders. The women conversed throughout the meal, but Jessie wore a thoughtful expression afterward.

"So we're thinking about a guard for you." Ava said. "Someone familiar, I think." She added.

"Or someone other people know." Isabella agreed. Jessie reached forward and placed her hand on the table in the excitement.

"Okay, I know this person isn't interested in the field..." She paused. "They may even not want to do it."

"Who are you thinking?" Ava encouraged Jessie to continue speaking.

"But - my brother is a woodworker and is big enough to be scary to anyone that comes to you." Jessie studied Isabella's face as she was bringing forth the information.

"Are you sure?" Ava looked at Jessie. She knew Jessie's brother didn't like to socialize very often.

"What's he like?" Isabella blurted. She didn't want Ava to change her mind about this. She would finally be able to find the music box. Jessie grinned and began listing qualities.

"Kind uhh... gruff, gentle, forgets to eat, wood focused, probably good-looking." She mentioned wistfully.

"He's majorly eye candy, Izzy." Ava piped in, Isabella stared at the two women with wide eyes. There was no way she was going to meet up with Jessie's brother and ask him to be her guard like some old romantic tale.