"Excuse me, do you know where Pablo's Plaza is?" Mariette was asking around. It was a not-very-well-known jewel shop tucked away in the back alleys. Mariette preferred not to go into back alleys again, after her traumatic experience with them and bullies in elementary school, but she recalled the conversation she's had last night with her parents:
"Hey mum, do you know of any jewel shops where I can get a necklace for my crystal?"
"Pablo's Plaza."
"What's that?"
"It's the jewel shop where your father bought my engagement ring." (with that, her mother grinned mischeviously at past memories.)
"Okay... Where is it?"
"Oh, I don't know. Ask your father that. Besides, you're a big girl, you can find your way."
Mariette left that conversarion feeling somewhat odd, and concluded to ask her father.
"Pablo's Plaza? What about it?"
"Where is it located?"
"Ah, that place brings up warm, happy memories..."
"Uh-huh, I know, but where is it?"
"Hmm... Sigil Street, hidden really well behind the market place."
"Thanks!"
So obviously Pablo's Plaza was important to her parents, and they wouldn't stand it if Mariette went shopping anywhere else. "Pablo's Plaza is right there," A plump lady gestured to the right, "But I warn you, dear girl, he's wacko! Don't trust him!" Mariette blinked, "Er, thank you for your very helpful advice. I'll be going now." She began to feel a sense of dread in her heart. Was Mariette really walking into a back alley, to meet a nut-job named Pablo, who most likely stole the jewels he sold?
But then again, in front of the back alleys was a bustling market place. Tents of varying colors lined the sides filled with fishes, cheeses, artwork, fruits, soaps, and things Mariette couldn't even name. Shop keepers shouted out prices and bargains while customers tripped over each other, trying to purchase the greatest deal. Maybe it would be safe-ish.
Mariette swam through the crowd towards the alleyway to which the plump lady had pointed. She could see a tiny store nestled inside, but it appeared to be dark and abandoned. Usually, she would just strut right inside. But at that moment, Mariette felt as if she must knock first. Her fist connected with the dark blue wood of Pablo's Plaza's front door.
It swung inward, and Mariette found herself face to face with an old man. He had a long, braided gray beard. He said, "I remember your father." "You do...?" "Yes, a kind young man with soft brown eyes. He was buying a diamond ring for a pretty red-head." "My mum," Mariette gasped, "How can you tell?" He replied warmly, "Your eyes. They speak of magic and secrets, like his." "I don't- I don't have any secrets." "For now. Trust me, I am wise. I am wise old Pablo. Please, come inside!"
Mariette entered, feeling bewildered and cautious, but without meaning to, she fell in love with Pablo's Plaza at first glimpse. A fountain trickled in the corner, filling the shop with its music, and coi swimmed lazily inside. Bright green plants ranging from bonsai trees to mini palm-trees sitting in decorative pots throughout the store. And best of all were the jewels. Rubies, emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, and more glittered from their home in glass cases. Their sparkle sprouted the exotic feeling of a fairy's lair. Mariette never wanted to leave.
"What can I help you with today? Do you need an engagement ring?" Pablo asked in that innocent old man voice of his. "Er, no. I'm still in high school..." "Back in my day, girls like you got married at age thirteen!" Mariette blushed, wondering how old he was, "To be honest, I've never even thought of marrying."
"You should."
An awkward silence followed that comment, which Mariette filled by asking, "Do you have a chain to fit this crystal?" She held up her stone. Pablo's eyes shot wide open, "That stone is special!" Mariette nodded, "Mmhm, I know. That's why I want to turn it into a necklace." "Well I don't have anything on stock at this present moment, but if you let me measure the jewel, I'll build something to suit it."
Mariette held the stone close, she didn't want to give him her precious crystal, "Are you sure...?" "Of course, child, you can trust me. This stone belongs to you, you'll never lose it. And I won't steal it." She blushed, "I wasn't thinking you would... but..."
Pablo held out his open hand. A tiny little voice in Mariette's head screamed to keep her crystal, but she ignored its feeble cries and hesitantly handed over her jewel. "I'll get you a necklace and mail it right on over," Pablo promised. But as Mariette left the store, something didn't feel right. She was alone, lost, and doomed. She hugged her arms around her yet still shivered in grief.
