Leaves

Transaction

Squaring my shoulders I forced myself to look away.

In front of me stood another petite woman with beautiful shining brown eyes. Her face was kind of shielded by the pale light blue hat she chose to wear, informing me that she was someone of noble birth. Only they could afford a hat of that grandeur and color, and her dress didn't help her blend in anymore as it was also made of high-quality fabric and was decorated with tassels and intricate beading.

I side-eyed her and looked around to check and see if anyone else was seeing what I was. Her shiny straight long black hair danced around her as she moved to look at the last of the lip stains I had. All I could do was stare, she was breath taking-ly beautiful.

Her brown eyes were back on mine but this time her doll-like face was smiling at me, as if she knew the effect she had on people.

I'm sure she knew the effect she had on people.

Clearing my throat I turn my face from her for a moment to settle myself.

"What was it you were looking for again my lady?"

She gave a tinkling laugh, throwing her head back as she did. Some people walking by slowed just to watch the picture she created.

"I was hoping to buy one of your face creams. I'd heard you were the best when it came to cosmetics so I wanted to see what all the fuss was about for myself. Do you happen to have any more face cream to lighten your skin and clear up blemishes?"

My face scrunched as I looked over her again, why the heck would she need that kind of cream? Her face was blemish free and it glowed as if someone had placed a light on the inside of her that only she could snuff out.

Seeing my confused face she did nothing to clarify or give further reasoning, she simply just waited for me to finish my assessment of her, again.

From the corner of my eye, I could see that the crowd in front of Raike's stand had died down again. Alicia and Raike's new love interest were in a lively discussion as he stood on the side smiling proudly at them. Alicia threw her head back and laughed at something the girl said and my right eye twitches, Alicia doesn't laugh with anyone that isn't Jender. Even Raike had a hard time making her laugh, and he was her son!

The lady in front of me shuffled, as she reached for another item to browse, "I assume you know them?" her question was harmless but unwelcomed all the same.

My eyes burned as I turned to speak to the lady in front of me, still reeling from what I'd seen but quick to make profit. "You're in luck! I have one more left, did you also want to buy that rogue you have in your hand?"

Blinking rapidly I handed her the face cream tin. Staring at her hands as she opened it but unable to stop myself from sneaking another glance at Raike's stall.

By now they looked to be finished with today's sales and Alicia was smiling at the girl and Raike. I watched as she brought her hand up to rub Raikes's cheek and then pull the girl into a loving hug.

This was it, this was the end of me and him. Or at least all imaginations that he'd ever be mine. I lost him.

"You know he's the one who's missing out." the posh lady whom I'd assumed had already left by now distracted me again from what felt like the world crumbling.

Glowing brown eyes met muddy brown ones as I looked at her, wondering what she was talking about. My face must've asked the question before my voice could because she was quick to continue.

"That guy over there you're in love with, it's his loss he doesn't see you for all that you are. And by the time he figures it out, it'll be too late."