The Last Corvus (completed)

Ch. 36 Meg-Elaine

Chapter 36

Meg-Elaine

"No, sir. Those do not come in size twelve. We have what we have; we're not a department store." So far, besides this guy, helping Jean Paul with the shop hasn't been that bad. Then again, I did only start yesterday evening, not to mention that we only opened a few hours ago. So really I've been working for about five, maybe six, hours.

Mostly it's just been wiping down display cases and running little errands like getting more pens or coffee. Then this guy shows up thinking this is a shoe store- no matter how many times I tell him of the contrary.

"Excuse me, sir. Are those size eight?" a little old man asks Stubborn Man. He nods, not knowing what else to do, and the old man snatches them out of his grasp and hurries to check out before he can catch him. Jean Paul, who had seen what'd happened through a lull at the counter, stares at the old man in disbelief and then looks at me.

I just shrug, Stubborn Man had it coming.

Turning back to Stubborn I stop, and try not to scream (in horror or happiness, I'm not quite sure). Standing in the doorway are Ryan and Jules, staring back at me with the same blank expression. Toree rounds the corner, sees me, screams, and drops her bag as she runs towards me.

Or wait, is that my bag? It has the telltale duct-taped strap, so I assume it is.

She launches herself at me and wraps her arms around my neck like we were seven again. She pulls away, tears in her eyes, and exclaims, "don't you EVER do that to us again! You had everyone worried sick!"

"What are you talking about? I told you I had to get away for a while, did you think I was kidding? You know I don't do twisted jokes. How could you think I would ever kid about something like that? But besides that, what are you all doing here?" I hold her at arms-length and stare at her questioningly.

She looks at me, confused, and then turns to Ryan, who shrugs and picks up and hands my bag to her. "We, um, came to give this to Jean Paul in case you should come here later. I know how you hate wearing the same things day after day. Apparently, we needn't have worried. You look hot by the way; who would have thought you actually had legs hiding under all those frumpy cargo pants?"

She winks and gives me an appraising look and I stand patiently as she takes in my appearance; my short hair wavy from where my shower brought out it's natural barely-there kink, my long legs shown off by the dark orange mini and the checked tights, and last but not least (shockingly) the white sequined tee and pushup bra. I had to work with what I had... this was the best I could do.

"Gee, thanks for that. But seriously, I don't want to be rude, but I want to be alone. Either you leave or I will. Give me a week of two, like I said before, and I'll find you guys. Now leave, please, I'm trying to work. I love you guys." I don't want to get into the whole it's-not-you-it's-me thing, but I feel like I might have to to get them to leave.

Jules looks crushed; didn't Toree tell them what I said? I walk past Tore and give Jules a hug, getting crushed by her in return. Poor thing; to lose a little brother and her older sister in one day. "Well, when you come back to your senses, we're on our way to Lyon. Hopefully we'll see you there before we move on."

I want to assure her that I will; but there's no way to be sure.

Tore returns to the others and I point to them, asking them all at once, "so, who's in charge here?" I watch as Ryan goes to raise his hand but then changes his mind at the last second and points to Toree. Smiling, I walk over and hug him (knowing full well he's always hated hugs) and whisper in his ear, "thank you for not disputing, I know you hate it. Even if you don't believe me, just trust me that this is for everyone's benefit. I love you, and take care of them for me." I pull away and look at him pointedly, practically staring him down, "but don't undermine her, or I'll find you. You know full well I make good on my threats." He pales and flinches and I repress a sad smirk. Oh, he remembers.

With that I push them all out the door, exchange solemn farewells with them all and, leaning against the door frame, watch as they turn the corner and disappear from view.

Taking a deep breath through my nose, I remind myself that, whether I like it or not (and I most certainly do not), this is best for everyone.

Leaving home wasn't even this difficult.

Walking back inside, I pick up my sack and walk up to Jean Paul, lift it, look at it, and look at the ceiling. He nods consent and I lug it upstairs and onto my bed.