Secrets Downtown

Chapter 3

Someone grabbed my hip. Before I could react, a mysterious person spun me around to face them, catching my hand in the process. And it was him- the man with intelligent eyes. I giggled, surprised by his choice entrance.

"Are you a Richmond?" He suggested, remaining still as people around us danced. I shook my head, keeping the grin on my face.

"No. I'm a Lorinda. And whom might be before me?"
"Grayson Lewis," Grayson responds, beginning to move along to the music. I gently place a hand on his shoulder, moving along with the beat. We seemed to be very good a this. Whenever I took a step back, he moved forward. Whenever I took a step forward, he'd move back.

"Tell me, Lorinda. What brings you to the slums?" Grayson sought. That was an easy question to answer. "To escape from the restrictions that my parents set at home," I answer confidently. Grayson smiled. "I was just like you once. Eight years ago".
"Oh?"
"When I was sixteen I moved to Quensuvia to fend for myself from a miserable life I was living here," explained Grayson.
"Quensuvia, the kingdom of the fair and equality. It's a kind place, is it not?" Grayson nodded.

"It is. Notably kinder than Esterin". My eyebrows arched down in complexity. "Why did you move back?"
"I missed my friends, and Esterin only accepts letters between districts, as you know," Grayson claimed, spinning me around and catching me graciously. "So when do you plan to return?" I asked, leaning over in his arms. Grayson let out a small chuckle. "I don't. Not until I get this revolution through working," he pulled me back up.

Our faces were much closer now. My heart thumped in my chest, but I refused to let my embarrassment show. His eyes were lovely, and they were staring into mine deeply. His eyes suddenly blinked and the next moment; they were turned away onto the flag that stretched above the stage.

I stared up at the revolutionary flag that waved in the night breeze. "Will you join us in our fight, Lorinda?" Grayson glimpsed back down into my eyes. I avoided his gaze, sliding my hand down his shoulder. I didn't respond. I wasn't too sure myself if I fully supported the revolution.

Something tugged on the back of my skirt. I turned around, remaining in Grayson's arms. Iris stubbornly put her hand on her hip. Her other arm pulled onto a frill attached to my dress. Beside her was Florence, who booming with happiness."Come on, Lorinda!" Iris complained. I gently let go of Grayson and stepped away. "My sisters", I turned to the girls. "I know. Let's hurry home now". Iris sighed with satisfaction and turned to leave the markets. Florence followed, letting the dandelions drape over her arm. I caught her winking at me when I chose to stay behind with Grayson. "You should get going," he mentioned.

"I want to talk to you more," I claimed. It was true. I don't know why I wanted to talk to him - he's from the slums.
"What?"
"Please, send me letters to me... I'd love to get to know you more," I admitted. I bit my lip.  Was that alright to say?
"Alright. Expect a note at your doorstep soon," Grayson accepted, softening his eyes. My smile was wider than ever. Even though I just met this man, I already considered him as a close friend. He waved me goodbye before I caught up with my sisters.

Florence nudged my arm with playfulness when I pushed between her and Iris.
"Even attracting men in the slums, huh?" Florence snickered. "I don't know, Flora. He seems like a horse in the running if you ask me!" I shrugged. Florence facial expressions shifted from an affectionate smile to realising despair. "Lori... you know that father would never allow that," Florence sighs.

"I know"