9.8 Meters a Second. [Complete]

7: The Fall Season

We got to the flea market and parked a fair distance from the other vehicles. Dad's ego, really. We stepped out of the car and I put my headphones away. If I'm gonna enjoy this trip with Dad I'll have to block out thoughts of Inaho. I may be... Feeling for him but I can't let that affect me.
Dad and I look around for a bit, but I realize why he was okay with coming here; The Vers family. I see Aseylum and I blush.
Dad hands me a large sum of money and says to me,
"I'll be discussing some business with Saazbaum and Mr. Vers. Be safe Slaine. I'll find you when I'm done with my little meeting."
"Okay dad," I shrug, and as he starts to walk away, I say, "thank you for the money," with a smile. He doesn't smile back. Weird. Asseylum is walking towards me and I feel intimidated. To be honest I kind of thought I was crushing on her until I met Inaho. She makes me feel secure, though... I'm not high class like Cruhteo or anyone, really in this side of town.
But she accepts me anyways. I guess Cruhteo does too, but... He picked me out, I guess.
"Slaine!" She smiles as she approaches.
"Hello, your highness," I reply. She hears that joke from me a lot yet it still makes her smile.
"Oh, please!" She giggles. "How have you been?"
I stiffle a laugh and smile back at her.
"I've been good. A lot has been going on, though."
"Well, maybe we can talk about it?"
"Sure," I respond. I can't help it but to keep my smile. She's too nice to me, I think.

We walk around for a while and I let slip a bit about Inaho.
She stops for a moment and looks me dead in the eyes.
"Do you have a crush on him?"
I can't help but be honest.
"Yeah, I do."
Her smile brightens, and then it dims back.
"Then what's the problem?"
"I don't think he likes me." I say with a bit of pain behind it.
"Keep your head up. You're a cutie and you have an awesome personality. I think you can woo him over."
My eyes fall to my shoes and I smile again.
"Thank you Asseylum."
"It's no problem," her light and pretty voice chimes. "Slaine, didn't you say one time you know how to play the violin, you just don't own one?"
"Yeah?" I nod, looking to where her eyes seem to go.
I see an old, vintage, slightly dusty chinese style violin. It's beautiful. I don't recognize the brand... It looks custom. Cherry wood body with a yew neck. An enchanting mix of white and red.
I approach the table and pick it up with the utmost of care, and run my fingers down the strings.
I hear a familiar voice ask; "You interested?"
My eyes look up to see a guy I know from school. He's an upperclassmen named Harklight. He's got dark hair, dark eyes and a calm aura. He's a nice guy, but he has some weird fixation with me.
"Oh, hello Harkness," I reply, though it doesn't exactly answer his question. "Yeah, I'm pretty interested,"
"Well, for you, a discounted price. $75."
"Is there a bow to match?"
"Yes, indeed there is Slaine."
"Case included?"
"Of course,"
"Deal."
I take out the money Cruhteo gave me and placed $80 on the table. He hands me back a five. "Thank you, Harkness." I reply, as he hands me the bow. I pack the violin into the case and take it off the table.
I turn around to see Aseylum talking to one of her richer friends.
I'm wary to go to her, but eventually she comes to me.
"How is it Slaine?" She asks, looking at the case I hold.
"Absolutely perfect." I reply in total honesty. "This violin is... Very, very expensive and I got it for a really low price," I say, though I don't think about it too much.
"Good deals and good steals," she laughs.
I find myself laughing too. She grabs my free hand and starts pulling me through the market at her will, and the crowd seems to part for her. She leads us all the way up to what looks like a book store almost. "Slaine, don't you love books?" I nod as a reply. "Then we should find some new reads!" I shrug, and say,
"I just started a couple books though,"
"Then find a classic to start!"
Out of nowhere, a head is propped up on my shoulder.
"Could I suggest a book?"
I jump, not aware of any person even being there, but I look to see Inaho.
"Oh!" Asseylum says, greeting him. "Hey there, you must be Inaho,"
"How would you know that?" He asks, looking embarrassed.
"You're just like how Slaine described you!"
His embarrassment is more obvious now, and he looks at me with a blush.
"Well, you'd be right. That's me. And you're the princess of the school, Asseylum."
"That's me," she smiles.
I don't know why, but I'm not happy she's smiling at him.
"Well Slaine," Inaho starts up again. "Mary Shelly's Frankenstein. If you haven't read it, that is."
I nod, and look around for a copy. Those two talk while I do so. Am I jealous?
Eventually I find a copy, and purchase it from the owner of the stand.
I return with the book and Inaho notices it in my hand.
"Good choice," he nearly says sarcastically. "Well I'll see ya around," he finishes. Inaho waves at us and walks away. Aseylum looks at me and says,
"Slaine, are you okay? Your cheeks are so red..."
"I'm... I'm fine," I reassure.
I've read this book too many times to count, and I already own a copy, but... I had to buy it.
Just had to.