Finds You Well

Five: The Lunch Outing

Xavier

Iris Rouge is just as formidable as her elder sister. Her grip is iron-clad as she leads me towards the door. My heart enters panic-mode. He stated my soul is anchored to this building. I have made many attempts at leaving it, to no avail. She opens the door, pulling me outside. I stagger for a moment catching myself on the bricks outside. I stand there for a moment, breathing, actually breathing the fresh air.

"I do not believe this." I whisper.

"Are you okay?" Iris asks, worried. She rushes back inside; I hear her voice just before it closes. "Sissy! There's something wrong with Grumpy Man!"

"Xavier?"

I jump, feeling Aspen place her hand on my forearm. There is concern in her eyes. I now understand why I am able to leave. She signed the contract, The Tell-Tale no longer belongs to me, but to her. I can go anywhere she has been. It is the unspoken laws of the spirit. I give her a smile; one I hope is reassuring. Iris relaxes, jumping up and down in place.

"Where to?" I ask her, my guard still up, although Sindri's words haunt my thoughts.

"We are going to Suzan's." She replies. "It's the diner at the corner and—"

"It has the best ice cream ever!" Irish exclaims. "Let's go, Grumpy Man!"

For a young child, Iris has the strength of a full-grown man. I am powerless as she starts to pull me down the sidewalk. Aspen laughs from behind me, with Iris short strides she easily catches up. Lennon runs alongside her barking his enjoyment. Iris lets go of my hand in front of a circular table, sits down, and pats the spot next to her.

"You get to sit by me, Grumpy Man." She says sternly.

"Hold on, Ris." Aspen takes my hand; the action surprises me. "Why don't you go inside and grab us menus?"

"Okay!" She slides off the chair, heading inside.

"I'm sorry...I know she can be a handful." Aspen whispers, releasing my hand.

"I-It's quite alright, Miss Rouge." I stammer, taking the spot Iris designated for me.

Aspen takes the spot across from me. I can now see the necklace she has been fidgeting with. It is a raven resting on a writing desk. The charm appears to be homemade with great care. I admire the craftmanship. She notices my staring, a faint blush on her cheeks.

"Did you see something you liked Mr. Tale?" She mimics my formal tone.

"I was simply admiring your necklace." I take the charm into my palm. "The craftmanship is superb."

"My Uncle Rufus made it." She replies.

"Sissy!"

Iris sets the menus down breaking the spell. I lean back, shaking my head, and steeling my resolve. Being so close to her, I am captivated by more than just the aroma of her shampoo. The soap she uses has the aroma of roses. The flower holds great significance to me. It was my wife's favorite. We would have vases of them around the apartment. There were rose bushes behind the shop. I realize I can take care of them again.

"Do you know what you want to order?" Aspen's voice cuts through my thoughts.

"Grumpy Man is day dreaming again." Iris snickers from next to her sister.

"I am unsure, what do you recommend Miss Iris?" I ask, turning my attention to her. I see a smile appearing on Aspen's face as Iris climbs into my lap.

"Sissy always orders a cheeseburger and a basket of cheddar cheese fries." She points to the picture. "I get the chicken tendies and the curly fries."