The Other Side

10 | iridescent

I make my way straight to the stable after exiting Margarets house. Ambria said we were friends which was a nice thing to know. I still took me by shock to know that it had been only 3 days since Ambria jumped into Diatora. It felt like a long time ago because I had already gotten used to Ambria.

Like yesterday, I check the front board to see which horses I am doing. Caydens' horse is on the list. Although everything is the same as yesterday, there is a little hop in my step. Today Apollo is working but he doesn't acknowledge that I am here. Margaret is also working but I can't seem to see her anywhere.

Around 3:00, Cayden comes to pick up his horse. Today he is wearing the same coat. His lashes are coated with snow from the small drift outside. He smiles at me when he comes in. "Hey, is she ready?" He asks when I come up to the front counter.

"Yep. But I just need to sign her off." I go to the stable that his horse is held in and bring it up front. "So did you like the dinner last night?" I say trying to make conversation. This might be the last time I see him.

"Yeah. Did you make the food or your grandma? It was delicious." He replies.

"My grandma. Well thats all done. I just need payment." I say.

"Oh right almost forgot." He grabs a roll of cash from inside his jacket. "That should be enough. Anyways I got to go to work now. Bye." He leaves the stable without a second glance.

I sigh to myself and unravel the money to put into the wooden box. All of a sudden, I notice a little note sticking out from the inside of the roll. I carefully take out the note and see it is Caydens.

I end my shift at 4:30. Want to meet at the coffee shop beside the forest around that time? ~Cayden

I smile to myself. Does this mean he likes me? If he asked me out to meet up with him, what other reason could there be?

I decide to ignore Nona's warnings against Cayden and accept this little meet up. I know so much things can go wrong. I know that he is a Protector. I know that if he found out about Ambria we would be in jail. I know that he might not be interested in me.

But I also know that maybe he is interested in me. Maybe he won't find out about Ambria. Maybe he won't take is to jail or report us to the government. Maybe I just really like him and I want to hang out with him again.

But first I decide to leave the stable, excusing myself for having a stomach ache, and start walking to where Ambria is staying. As she had said, we were friends, and I needed to talk to her about this.

The street isn't busy and there are a few Protectors working, but none of them are Cayden. I'm partially glad for that because I am feeling a bit nervous and I just can't face him right now.

Within a few minutes, I reach the forest which is coated in a thin layer of snow. This us why I lived The North. It had such beautiful serene moments that it was hard to give up this for The South. My grandma had told me that she lived there for a small part of her life and it wasn't nearly as welcoming as The North. She didn't like the constant sun in her face or the hot floors that the heat made.

I give a firm knock in the door and wait for an answer. Ambria peeks through the curtain and sees me then comes to open the door. "Aren't you supposed to be at the stables?" She asks questioningly. She opens the door wider for me to step in.

"Well I really needed to discuss this with someone and your the first person that came to mind." I take off my coat and set it on the couch then take a seat.

"Well I'm flattered. Mow get on with it. What happened?" She says impatiently.  Beside her I notice papers and pencils scattered everywhere. The drawings are beautiful intricate designs of... The village.  I realize that she must have drawn these all herself. They are amazing.

"Woah Ambria! Did you draw those yourself? They look great!" I exclaim.

She rolls her eyes while laughing. "Yes I did thank you. Now why are you changing the subject. Get on with what you wanted to say!"

"Oh right. So I kind of freaked out myself but Cayden wants to meet up in about an hour. I don't know what he wants. I pretty sure its harmless but what do I do?" I say nervously.

Her eyes widen with excitement. "What do you mean 'what do I do?' You go meet up with him. The way your describing him... I would be tearing this place apart if I knew he was interested in me."

"Ambria... Its not just that. Nona said not to associate with him. He is a Protector. And I am friends with you. If he found out, it wouldn't matter if he is interested in me or not. I'm just so confused right now." I say burrowing my eyebrows.

"Everly it's OK. Who knows he might even just be your knight in shining armour." She says smiling. "And you managed yesterdays dinner well. So it won't be a problem to just keep the secret."

"You're right. It's time I start rebelling  myself. And he is just so attractive."

"OK OK stop rubbing it in that you have a really hot boyfriend. Yeesh I got nothing."

"First of all, he is not my boyfriend. Secondly, he isn't hot he is handsome. There is a difference. Third, you and Orion can still work out. Who knows."

At my suggestions, she laughs. "Orion. After you bashed him this morning, you now want me to talk to him.?" She asks giving me a confused look.

"Im feeling a little more sympathetic now OK?"

"Well I'm gonna head out see you tomorrow or tonight even. Bye." I grab my coat and exit the door. Now time to meet up with Cayden.

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