Don't Hurt Me

A New Friend

Joan hands me a cup of tea, as I finish decorating the new book display in the shop window. It has been a few days since moving back to Sommereast, and it feels as if I've done a full circle. Maybe taking the job at Lighthouse Industries wasn't my big breakthrough, but a warning about those who hold a lot of power and money. I would be lying if I said I weren't grateful for all the opportunities it allowed me to pursue, but I know where I belong - this village. The morning has been quite busy in Paper Birds, which is a change. Most of the customers were only here to be nosey though, asking questions about where I've been for the last couple of months, and about Angie, and whether I knew she was back in town. I keep the information limited, and Joan has had to step in a few times to tell them that my life choices aren't any of their concerns. I don't know what I would do without her.

"Your displays will always be better than mine Zi. No wonder people never came in when you were gone!" Joan says, standing back to get a full look at my work. A smile of pride appears on my face, as I take a sip of my tea. The door opens, the bell alerts us as we turn to our right. A young woman wonders in, a little girl follows from behind, the two of them greeting both Joan and I as they browse the bookcases.

"How are you Lillian?" Joan asks the lady. She has the most beautiful ginger hair that passes her shoudlers. Her emerald green eyes are mesmerizing, as they glistened in the sunlight, her freckles adorable. The little girl that follows her around, is a spitting image of her.

"I'm not too bad Joan, how are you?" Lillian replies, taking a book of a shelf to get a better look at it. The little girl runs over to us, giving Joan's legs a great big hug.

"Aww hello little Sophia, I have missed you too!" Joan grins, the little girl giggling in response. Her hazel eyes meet mine, and she shyly smiles.

"Lillian, this is Ziayn, Ziayn this is Lillian and her daughter Sophia." Joan finally introduces us. Lillian walks over, a warming smile on her face as she waves at me. I return the gesture, her bold, confident character intimidating me a little.

"It is a pleasure to meet the infamous Ziayn Xu - Joan goes on about you every time we come into the shop!" She admits, and I give Joan a confused glance, as she tries to hide her guilty smirk with her cup of tea. "Don't worry, it's all good things. Congrats on Lighthouse Industries!"

My smile slowly fades at the mention of my old job. "Thank you, but I don't work for that company as of a few days ago. Things weren't meant to be." My words carrying a double meaning.

"Oh I'm so sorry about that. I'm sure you were too good for the role anyway - Joan tells me you're an artist." Lillian says and I turn to Jo, who excuses herself upstairs to her flat.

"I wonder what she hasn't told you about me." I shake my head in embarrassment. "She is correct though, I was the interior designer for Lighthouse Industries." Her eyes light up in amazement, and the feeling of intimidation beings to fade, slowly but surely. The two of us talk for what seems like hours. It is as if we have been childhood friends, and we have just reunited after being apart for so long. Lillian is so down to earth, funny and realistic - everything I want in a friend. Lillian is twenty four and married to Joshua Bricks, an old friend of mine and Fran's, who is currently a banker. Sophia is four years old, and her only child for now. She also teaches Drama at St Mary's, the secondary school in the village.

"Wait! St Mary's is looking for an art teacher you know. Quite a lot of kids are wanting to take it for GCSEs and well I think it would be so great for you to take it. Your sister use to go there, so you know most of the staff members, and Rachel Stanley is still the school principal and I can be your reference. What do you think?" Lillian pitches the idea to me, and I almost cover her in tea. What are the chances I meet her, and there's this job out there for me to take. I don't even hesitate with my answer.

"Let's do it."

Eating cereal for dinner isn't as good as everyone hypes it up to be, so every evening I have spent in this apartment has been deeply depressing. My final wages from Lighthouse Industires came through yesterday, and I am yet to go shopping to restock the cupboards. Out of the blue, my phone rings, and it's Lillian. I instantly answer her call.

"Couldn't get enough of me today," I joke, her laugh fills my ear, as I place my spoon back into the bowl full of Coco Pops.

"What can I say? I've just been relaying my day to Josh, and we were both wondering if you wanted to come over for dinner? I know it is a little late, but we would love for you to come over." She says. My heart is overwhlemed at her kind gestrue.

"I would love to come, just send me the address and I'll be there is about half an hour?" I give an estimated time, and she ecstatically squeals in excitement, as we say our goodbyes and hang up the phone. Rushing around my bedroom, I throw on a casual outfit and slide on my black combat boots. It would be rude of me to show up empty handed, so I'll make a pitstop to the Tesco Express around the corner to pick up a few things for everyone, and get a taxi from there to their home. I quickly brush my teeth, comb through my hair, and add some light make up, before turning off all the electrial applainaces, and locking the door behind me.