Wendy

Chapter 11: Ice-cream & The Stranger

Margret tapped the business card on her palm and bit the side of her lip as she contemplated her next move.

She was seated at the verandah of an ice-cream parlour directly opposite the counselling centre she was supposed to go to.

She wore oversized sunglasses to hide her bloodshot eyes and her face was void of makeup. In fact, her face had been void of makeup for the past two weeks.

As she sat on a plastic chair, she managed to appreciate her surroundings. The place had several huge red umbrellas held by sturdy purple round tables.
The chairs went well with the colourful mural designs that covered the wall of the parlour. She was grateful for the glasses she wore, the colours where just too bold and screamed "Happy, Happy Place!". Why was she here again? Oh...her indecision.

She was certain she looked out of place in her somber black harem pants and equally black tank top. Recently, black had become her favourite colour. Her hair was packed in a messy bun and she moaned in relief as she itched a spot with a bobby pin.

"Take that, itchy scalp." She muttered, grimacing at the slight pain she caused herself.

"Excuse me. Hope you wouldn't mind if I seat here?" Margret looked from the card she held to see who spoke. She blinked in surprise as she took in his appearance. He looked...out of place in his gray t-shirt that hugged a lean torso, black jeans and a pair of all stars sneakers.

Margret didn't know why he looked out of place in his attire, maybe it was the scarf hanging from his neck that made him appear so.

"I don't mind," Margret said as she cleared her throat and looked around. There were several empty chairs, why did this stranger choose to seat with her? Maybe he saw how dejected she looked and thought to save her from her own miserable company.

"I'm Abel." The man smiled at her as his gray eyes twinkled. He extended a hand for a handshake. Margret looked from his hand to his perfect face then looked away, choosing to ignore his friendly gesture.

"Well, Abel the stranger, are you wearing contact lens? Your eyes look weird." Margret mumbled as she stared at the menu containing a vast number of ice-cream flavours.

She looked up sharply as she heard Abel laugh. Why did his laugh sound so soothing? She shook her head as if to clear it then focused on the menu again.

"This is how I was made," Abel said with laughter in his voice.

"Yeah right...complete with the wavy hair. I'm sure that's how you were made too." Margret muttered loud enough for him to hear.

When he laughed again, Margret stifled a smile that tugged at the corner of her lips. She liked the company of this stranger and for the first time in two weeks, she felt something other than the endless circle of sadness.

"I think you should try the coffee and chocolate flavour. Have them throw in some wafers." Abel pointed at two items on the menu. The man had perfect nails and she noticed a black leather wrist band with two miniature crossed swords etched in the middle.

"Interesting band you've got there." Margret nodded at the leather band. He looked down at it and smiled.

"Thank you. My master or should I say boss gave that to me." Before she could ask who he worked for or why he would call him 'master' in this age, he lifted a finger to excuse himself.

"Please wait right here. I'll be back in no time." He blessed her with a soft smile and walked into the parlour.

Margret exhaled and dropped the card on the table and at the same time looked at the building across the street.