12 | ikigai

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After leaving Ambria's "house", I contemplate going to my own house

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After leaving Ambria's "house", I contemplate going to my own house. Work had made me filthy and grimy and meeting with Cayden like this felt stupid. I wanted to look good in front of him. Definitely not smelling like horse poo.

But I decide against it because I know Nona will be at the house. I couldn't let her know that I was leaving my work place—not a smart move—and talking to Cayden. Nona had warned me not to associate with him, but I decided to anyways.

It was rare of me to not listen to what Nona said. She had raised me up with strict rules and to be obedient. That was partially why Nona and I had such a good relationship together.

The large clock tower in the middle of the centre square showed that it was 4:15. I had around 15 minutes before I was supposed to meet Cayden.

Suddenly a brilliant idea comes. I decide to go into a store and buy some new set of clothes to wear. I really didn't want to smell bad on our first time together. Even if it would be the last.

The shop I enter is one of my school friends' shop. I had barely talked to her over the years unless we saw each other in public or if I came shopping here or even if she came to the stables.

Lilliana had been one of the few people in the village to also have black ebony hair like mine. But what made us very different was her beauty compared to mine. Everyone in our village knew she was very attractive and possibly all of The North.

"Hello Everly. What can I do for you today?" She asked when she saw me come in through the front door.

"Im not looking for anything to fancy, in fact something more casual. I just need to get a new set of clothing instead of staying in these all day." I say gesturing to the clothes—that rather look like rags now—that I am wearing.

"I got just the thing. Come on" she leads me towards the back where a table of clothes are neatly folded. She picks out a pair of pants a white top. "These should do. And they look like they are your size."

"Wait, you don't have a change room that I can change in?" I ask burrowing my eyebrows.

"No sorry Everly."  I sigh but then give her the right amount of money. I head out the store and check the time. I spent around ten minutes in the store. I head towards the coffee shop where Cayden is supposed to meet me.

Luckily the coffee shop has a bathroom at the back to change into my clothes. Using the mirror I quickly tame my hair by brushing my hands through it.

When I exit the bathroom, I see Caydens back turned towards me looking out the window. I smile to myself.

My palms start to sweat as I make my way towards the table and I realize just how nervous I am. I take a seat opposite from him and when he sees me, he smiles. "Hey, I didn't know if you'd show up" He says.

"No, I got your message." I say smiling.

"Well thats good. I got a bit nervous when I didn't see you. I ordered a coffee for myself because I didn't know what you wanted. Should I call the waiter?"

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