Surviving the Dark

Chapter 6 - Home

When I was younger, I would try to make friends. Being a pre-teen girl, I craved that social interaction. I knew that it was risky and that I could never be as close to them as I would have wanted to be.

Before I worked out how long it was safe to stay in one place, I would stay until it was almost too late, leaving my friends without so much as a goodbye.

I felt awful. Still do to this day. They may not have known who I truly was, and they wouldn't fill the gap that was left in my heart from being the last pixie in existence, but I still cared for them.

I was now twenty-three. Thirteen years have passed since I lost everyone I cared about. I have learnt the hard way, how long is safe enough to live in one place, and how close I can get to those around me.

I knew I needed to get out of Quelia. But I was stuck here for another day since I missed the bus.

If I weren't careful, I would stay here. The pull of nature was strong which is why I ended up here in the first place. It wasn't helping that I had met a small group of people that seemed kind.

Olivia was sweet despite her edgy look. Once Jamie and Xavier left the café, she came up with so many different ways for me to leave Quelia today instead of waiting for the bus tomorrow. She didn't know why I needed to leave so quickly, but she also didn't question it and tried everything she could to help me.

Unfortunately all her ideas were a bust. Either costing too much money for me or wouldn't work for other reasons.

"I'm sorry I couldn't find a way for you to get to where you are going," Olivia said.

I offered a small smile.

"It's fine; you did try your best. I appreciate it."

"Well, you are here for one more day. How about I show you around? I have to meet my brothers later, once Xav has finished school. But we can hang out, and if you want you can come with me when I meet them."

"Sure, on the way here you mentioned a boutique. Could we stop in there? I could use a few new things."

Her eyes lit up, and she let out a small squeal.

"Oh gosh. I almost forgot about TreeLife Boutique."

For someone who dresses like she doesn't give two shits about anything, and does not come across as girly, Olivia sure does some girly things.

We left the café, and Olivia led the way to the strip of shops. It wasn't much. The town is small. There was a supermarket, a bakery, a newsagent, and a few small boutique shops. One of which was the shop Olivia was talking about. TreeLife Boutique.

When we walked into the shop, the door rang, from the bell above the door. We were instantly greeted by the sales lady. Even though Olivia said this place just opened, she seemed to know who greeted us, but then this is a small town. I guess everyone would know everyone.

While Olivia was talking to her friend I went to browse the store. I found a rack with basics and pulled out a few. Most basics usually cost around the $15 each mark. Here, though they were $6, which is cheap for basics. As I was walking to the counter to pay, I spotted a cute dress. It was a light blue skater dress, with a pattern of the little female kitten Marie from the Disney movie Aristocats. I stopped and picked it up. It looked like the last one unless they had more out the back. It was in my size too.

Olivia came over to me and admired the dress.

"Go try it on!" She says as she pushes me towards the fitting room.