Xanthopsia

Chapter 3 - Boyd's Day Out

 Boyd walks out of the house, bag in hand. "Don't forget the milk!" his mother calls after him.

"Won't do." he replies, turning to smile at her.

"You said that last time."

"I'll remember ma, don't worry." he replies, winking at her as he shuts the door. He hears her whispering something as he leaves, but ignores it. Probably scolding him for something or other. As he walks down the street, a light bounce in his step, the neighbourhood kids giggle. "BOYD'S OUT!" a young girl exclaims, jumping around ecstatically. He grins as he sees this, her little pigtails bobbing up and down with her head.

"Hey Amelia, how are ya?" he asks her, stooping down to her level and ruffling her hair.

"I'm very good sir, how are you?" she replies, giving him a twirl to show off her dress. He chuckles at this, whistling in approval. "You shouldn't whistle at a lady." Amelia says, huffing at him.

"Oh I'm very sorry ma'am, however can I make it up to you?"

"Airplane ride." she replies, a devilish grin on her face.

"You know once I give you one the whole street's gunna want one."

"I don't care. You whistled at a lady and that's not allowed, is it Bruce?" she asks a young lad who is approaching them.

"No 'tis not. And if you're giving Milly a ride I want one too, else that's not fair." he pouts. Boyd nods, standing up and stretching.

"If you insist."

"Boyth, boyth, me as well!" Francesca says, practically tackling him.

"Easy there kiddo, one at a time." he replies, wobbling a little. Putting the bag down he stoops down and lifts Amelia into the air, hearing her scream in delight at he twirls her around. Shaking his head to rid himself of dizziness, he puts her down and picks Bruce up, then Francesca. "Thaaat's enough for a day I think." he says to himself, swaying a little.

"Milly what have I told you about being outside on your own?" a stern voice says. Boyd glances up and smirks as he sees Amelia's older sister, Tamsin, approaching them.

"Hey there Tammy, how are you this fine morning?" he asks, picking up his bag.

"I'm perfectly well." she replies curtly. "Come on Milly, back inside." she adds, turning her focus to her sister. Amelia pouts, folding her arms across her chest.

"Why can't you be more like Boyd?" she asks.

"Yeah Tammy, be more like me eh?" he jokes, raising his eyebrows playfully.

"Because Boyd is a silly boy, in his late twenties yet he's still postponing his chores to play on the streets like a child."

"Ah, come now that's hardly fair of you Tammy. I'm merely entertaining the kids!"

"You're an overgrown baby Boyd, God only knows if you'll ever change." she replies exasperatedly.

"You love me really." he parries, stepping away from them backwards, "and now if you'll excuse me I have some real, grown up chores to be doing." he adds, saluting Tamsin in a mocking manner before turning around and leaving. The children start to complain to Tamsin as he walks off, a satisfied smile on his face.

Approaching the market, Boyd scans the stalls. As he makes his way through the throng of people, being asked to stop by multiple vendors, he finds his way to his favourite stall. An old lady looks at him approaching, knitting needles in hand, and smiles. "Hello dear, back so soon?" she says, her voice cracking a little. Boyd chuckles and winks at her.