Before us...

Chapter Nine

Lila woke up early on the day that Milo moved to town. She was nervous, apprehensive of going to work for the first time since she had started a few weeks ago and she really was not happy of the prospect of running the store on her own today. Grace had called late last night to inform Lila that she had a doctor's appointment that day and would not be able to make it in herself leaving Lila in charge. Grace had a confidence in her that she could not yet see in herself.

Groaning, she rolled out from under the covers and slumped towards the bathroom to perform her morning ablutions with an equally exhausted pup following behind her, settling himself across his friends exposed toes as she brushed her teeth at a slow pace. Lila then dragged herself into the shower turning the temperature to as cold as it could get to try and force herself awake and rushed through washing to evacuate as quick as she could, shivering as she wrapped a towel around her body as she shuffled back to her room to throw some warm clothes on.

Her hands quivered as she opened her drawers searching for something that would sufficiently warm her before finally heaving a pair of black jeans up her legs and pairing them with a soft, deep, green jumper with sleeves so long, they had to rolled up several times to avoid tripping on them. It always made her feel snug and comfortable which is what she needed today to help her remain calm and collected.

Pushing on, Lila vacated her bedroom and traipsed down the short corridor that allowed her access to the small kitchen. She proceeded to walk forward and opened the back door wide open, allowing Zar a slight reprieve as he waited anxiously for his breakfast and morning walk that he had grown so accustomed to. Unlike Zar, she herself did not have much of an appetite as the unease settled on her again causing her to lean against the kitchen counter to try and pull herself together.

She had never been in the store alone, let alone run it by herself! She struggled to think what Grace would do if she messed it up or if she rung up a customer wrong or if she missed the bread delivery that was supposed to come in about an hour. Shaking her head and standing up straight, Lila sucked in a short breath, forcing it into her lungs and walked towards the cabinet which housed the bread and quickly made herself some toast, letting it settle her stomach and moved on to fix Zar his breakfast. He ran inside so fast and excited when he heard kibble hitting the metal bowl that Lila felt herself grin and relax at the sight of his happy face. She had forgotten that she would never be completely alone if he was here.

Watching the pup eat began to be a sickening sight as he greedily gobbled it up as quick as he could, so she closed and locked the back door through which the cool morning air had wafted through. She then walked through to the living area and towards the door to get her coat and shoes so she would be ready to leave when he was. Zar had moved onto his water bowl and was taking huge sips at this point. As Lila wrapped her warm scarf around her neck and pulled her zipper up, Zar bolted through the room, excited to leave the house for his walk patiently waiting for his lead to be attached to his collar. Adhering to his wishes, she attached the lead and opened the front door allowing him to shoot up to his feet and dart outside, pulling her with him.

"Zar hold on!" Lila laughed at him as he stood with his tail wagging behind him waiting for her to follow him.

Quickly locking the door behind her, Lila sped up to catch up to the pup to avoid hurting his neck as he began to rush forward, sniffing at the ground below him. It made Lila happy that although they walked the same path everyday it was still so intriguing for him.

As their home was stationed at the bottom of the cul-de-sac, they had a long way to go before they would reach there exit. Lila was grateful that although it was cold and icy, the sun was peeking through the clouds suggesting that it would be a good day for the people of Saratoga Springs. She looked along each side as she walked wondering who lived in these homes and wondering if she should made more of an effort with her neighbours, after all it had taken her over nine months to meet Nathan. Lila thought that it might not hurt for her to get to know the people who she shares a neighbourhood with. Zar was now waiting for her at the end of the street ready to move onto new territory causing her to come to a stop to catch her breath before continuing their journey. She had not realised that she had allowed Zar to pull her along so fast, too mixed up in her own thoughts.