Child Control

Getting Acclimated

This is a very short chapter. I felt it needed to be a stand-alone instead of making one of the other chapters extra long. 

Sunny and I talked for hours about the things we both had learned while her mentor read a fashion magazine on one of the other chairs. She glanced at her watch and stood up.

"Alright, girls that's enough chit chat. Sunny needs to eat dinner and it's getting late. You can visit again at any time Torana."

"Thank you," I said to her and said my goodbyes to Sunny, promising to visit her again soon. Once I left I headed back to the Marketplace. There was a tea shop across the street from the bakery Piko and I had visited earlier and I wanted to buy some.

The sun was setting when I saw the sign, 'Auntie Annita's Soaps and Teas' and walked in the door. As I opened it I heard a bell and an old lady came to the counter.

"Hello lassy, my name is Annita. How can I help you?"

"Hi, my name is Torana and I'd like to purchase some tea."

"Perfect! Let me show you around." she led me around the shop and recommended different teas to me. She also sold soap in different forms and I ended up buying some of that too. She was very pleasant to talk to and made me forget the shop was so close to the Dark Market. After I bought my things I vowed I would come back because I enjoyed her presence so much.

Months passed and I got fully acclimated into Freedoa society. I ignored the uneasy feeling I had, visited Sunny a couple of times per week, and visited Annita's shop and the bakery almost every day. One day at the bakery I noticed Raynett working in the back and called out to her.

"Hey, Raynett! It's me, Torana." She dusted off the flour from her hands and came to the front to hug me.

"Oh my gosh, it is you! How have you been?"

"I've been good and you?"

"Good! I got this job since I was running low on money. I guess I spent it faster than I thought." She said with an embarrassed laugh.

"That's me. I need to get a job soon too. I think I'm going to try the tea place across the street soon since I'm a regular."

"Yes, I 've seen you go in there a couple of times. The lady who owns it is nice."

"She is." I agreed. We chatted for a couple more minutes before she had to go back to work and I headed home.

A couple of weeks later I noticed I was almost out of money. Uh oh. I guess today is the day I beg Annita for a job. I went to her shop at my regular time and she greeted me warmly.

"Hi, Torana. What can I get you today?"

"Surprise me, I want to try something new today." She smiled and went to the back to get my tea and came back to the front counter. "I have something else I'd like," I said nervously.

"What is it?"

"I'd like a job. I'm running out of money and don't have one yet. I like this place and would love to work for you." She hesitated and I continued. "I will be a good worker. I learn fast, I can work whatever schedule you need me, and I don't complain. I also work well with others and am a good salesperson." I rushed out. "I'll do whatever you ask."

"We're not hiring right now..." She said.

"Please." I said looking into her eyes, "You can trust me." She looked conflicted for a couple more seconds before saying,

"Alright. You're hired."

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