A Splash of Color

six [edited]

Mary
I was currently in my study reading one of the many books that I own when I heard the front door open and a voice call out for me. "Mom! I'm here."

"I'm in the study, Tristan." I heard his footsteps approaching, then there he stood at the doorway with that adorable smile I remember from when he was younger. "Hi, mom."

"Hi, honey, how have you been?"

"I've been good, I'm happy to be moving back here, I missed it." I smiled at him and I was reminded of why I had really wanted him to come back home. I stood up from the chair and walked near to Tristan and lightly patted his shoulder. "Why don't you rest up a bit? Your old room is still the same way you left it."

"Alright, I'll do that."

"When you wake up could you do a favor for me?" I asked, thinking of the book I had wanted to get, but wouldn't be able to since I'd be busy.

"Sure, what is it?"

"There was another book I needed."

"Don't you have enough already?"

"You can never have too many, Tristan." I smiled patting his cheek as he started to smile.

"Okay, mom, I'll do that for you."

"Alright, honey, go get some rest."

"Yes, ma'am." I lightly laughed as he saluted towards me and headed upstairs. I smiled to myself, I hope this works out.

Amber
Today I was called into work, despite Shanti's protests of me working, I chose to go so I could just be alone and think. Although Melvin felt bad for calling me, I let him know that it was fine and that I'd be there soon. "Amber, seriously, why did you say yes?" Shanti whined out to me.

"Shanti, it's only for a few hours. He said I could leave and lock up if it's not busy."

"Ugh, see this is exhibit A of what I was talking about the other day."

"Don't worry too much and if you want, come and see me during my lunch break," I suggested to her.

"Fine, I'll be sure to pack some food before I go."

"Thank you, Shanti." I pulled her into a hug and felt her hug me back tighter. "Hey, Shanti, it's not like I'm dying."

"I know." She mumbled.

"Then why are you hugging me as if I am?"

"Because..."

"Ah, you're too adorable, you know that?" I smile widely.

"No.." I pulled out of her grasp and held her at arm's length. "I will see you later, okay?"

"Alright." She walked me to the front door and I opened it to leave. I smiled at her before closing the door behind me and beginning my journey down the familiar path to the book store. As I was walking I couldn't help but feel like something big was going to happen, literally life-changing. I shook off the feeling and kept walking until I reached the store. As I walked in, Melvin was there at the register, he greeted me with his smile. "Amber, I'm happy to see you, although I don't like that it's so soon when I just recently let you have a break."

"It's fine, Melvin, this place is like my second home."

"Alright, well, I'm going to go now since you're here. Remember you don't have to stay if it's not busy."

"Got it." He waved to me on his way out, and I went behind the counter and dropped my bag onto the table. I plopped down into the chair and pulled out my book from my bag, so I could read since there weren't any customers.

I was a few pages into my book when I looked over and saw the cart of books beside the desk. I put my bookmark on the page I was on and stood from the chair. "Well, these books won't put themselves away," I muttered to myself. I rolled the cart towards an aisle and put the books that go there away. I found myself humming as I was putting the books away just to provide some noise since it was quiet with only myself in the building.

Later on, I was back at the front and the bells above the door rang. I looked up and saw Shanti coming in with our lunch that she told me she'd bring. "Hey, Shanti."

"Hey, it's not even busy, why didn't you just come home?"

"You never know, a straggler could walk in."

"Amber..."

"Look, it's fine, I'll stay just a little longer, and if it's still not busy I'll close up, okay?"

"Ugh, fine. I'll never get through your stubbornness."

"No, you won't. So what did you bring?" I asked her changing the subject. She came around the counter and sat in the other unoccupied chair. She set the bag down on the counter and took out a food container before handing it to me. We both began eating the food she had brought, which happened to be my favorite dish. "You know, I went to the store to buy the ingredients to make this," Shanti mentioned, while we were eating.

"Seriously, you didn't have to do that."

"Well, I felt like I had to. You always give me a place to stay whenever I need to get away from home, and you took care of me in your own special way since we were younger. I needed to do something for you too." She explained.

"Shanti..."

"Ah crap, why do I have to be all mushy now?" She wiped at her eyes, and I softly smiled before setting down both our containers and pulling her into my arms.

"Thank you, Shanti. I appreciate it, and you."

"Stop...I'm going to cry." I heard her shakily say while still in my arms. I lightly laughed and pulled away to wipe her tears that were already beginning to fall. She smiled at me before taking her container back into her hands. "I'm going to finish eating, then I'll head back." She said.

"Alright." I smiled, while also grabbing mine to finish. Shanti and I talked about work or any other topic that came to mind while she was here with me. When she finished eating, I helped her pack our containers so she could bring them back to my place. Then I walked with her to the door to see her out.

After about a half-hour after Shanti left, there were a few people coming in, which in a way was good. I at least had some things to do at work besides sitting at the desk or restocking returned books. I was working to check out books to the last few people in line when the door to the shop opened up again. When I took a quick glance at who was at the door, a wave of emotions that I thought I buried within me, came rushing.