Chapter Four:
X
Sebastian Hester
All Fool's Day is only four days away and Greenwoods seems livelier than before. Three days ago, people started changing their clothes into low-necked gowns with simple designs but scream elegance and class. Men, on the other hand, wore their waistcoats and breeches. And here I am again walking with the crowd as if I am an alien in their world, wearing a black shirt and blue jeans.
As I am nearing the partially opened bookstore, I saw Miss Hoggins over the counter wearing a new set of her red gown. Unlike those I saw outside with their low-necked gowns, Miss Hoggins is wearing a closed-necked one. The garment was made of a darker shade of red. It has long puffy sleeves that reach her wrist. As I entered the door and saw her up close, I noticed a simple brooch in the middle collar of her gown. A ruby and diamond circular brooch which is somewhat forms into a flower.
"Good morning, Natalie. Oh! Before I forgot. I brought some gowns for you, it's in the closet. Those are my niece's gowns." As she said those last words, I saw the pain in her eyes which she quickly brushes off and smiled at me.
"Thank you, Miss Hoggins but I don't think I can wear those gowns." Ever since I've been into an accident which left a scar on my left foot, I've always been wearing jeans. I just don't want people noticing my scar and will ask me endless questions. I am grateful that Miss Hoggins didn't bother to ask me too personal questions and just handed me my uniform. She also informed me that I am to choose my wardrobe on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
"Hmmm, but I think you'll love those dresses. Just try some on and see for yourself." I nodded in agreement. There's no harm in trying, right?
"Thank you, miss Hoggins," I said before walking towards the storage. Five boxes stood before me in the middle of the room. And guess what, they're HUGE! I opened the box which is on the topmost of the first stack and saw a champagne-colored gown inside. My hand traced the delicately-intricated silver embroidery in the fabric. It is shaped into tiny patterns of flowers that may not be easily recognized at a distance. I scooped out the whole gown from the box and saw the full details.
It is one of those low-necked gowns I saw. Its sleeves are long and it has an inch-thick ruffle on the wrist part. I tried to imagine myself wearing it and I can't help but smile. But a beautiful gown seems way beyond my league. I am just a worker.
"I can help you with that." I jumped and spun around only to see Miss Hoggins standing in the doorway. "What are you thinking, dear? I saw you smile but frowns afterward. Don't you find the gown beautiful?"
The latter question made her immediately shook her head. "It's quite lovely, Miss Hoggins but I can't wear it. I believe it would be a hindrance to my work."
"Oh no, silly. These dresses are not heavy and are quite manageable. You'll be amazed how swiftly you can move with these. Here, try to put this on."
I spent the whole day arranging the stacks of newly-delivered books into the empty shelves. By noon, I decided to read some books in the History Section instead of inquiring about my father's pieces of information in the city hall.
By the time the clock strikes 4 p.m., Miss Hoggins invited me to join her in the market. I was about to decline when she told me that she's going to buy a lot of stuffs and requires another helping hand, so I agreed.
The afternoon breeze here in Greenwoods seems warm but not dry. The people wearing their fancy renaissance clothing were coming to and fro from the stores and product stands or stalls. The market is on the other part of Greenwoods, parallel to the merchandise stores where the bookstore stood.
True to her words, after thirty minutes of going in and out of various stores, Miss Hoggins and I had our hands full of paper bags and small boxes. The gown I wore seems of no help but rather now a hindrance. My injured foot was starting to ache and I tried my best to suppress the pain.
"Does it hurt?" Miss Hoggins asked. I lifted my face and shook my head but it's as if she knew the truth. "We can stay in that pub for a while." She said while pointing at the store pub of fruits on the outside.
"I'm okay, Miss Hoggins. The pain is still bearable." I reasoned out. I don't want her to get the wrong idea that I'm complaining over simple matters.
"It's okay, dear. Besides, the owner of that store is a friend. I would also like to talk to him about some matters. Let's go." I nodded as she leads the way and opened the door.
"Ruby, it's been so long." A man a little younger than Miss Hoggins welcomed her as soon as the chime rings. Was he expecting Miss Hoggins to come? How did he notice her that fast?
"And who is this lovely young lady we have in here?" He asked as his gaze landed on me. "You're feet seems in a bad shape, here take a rest." He pulled a chair from the nearest table from us. But that gesture doesn't concern me other than the fact that he knew about my condition. How did he know about my aching foot?
"Come on, Sebastian, you're scaring her." She patted his shoulder and came to me laughing. "Don't mind him, he's just way too observant." I let out a sigh and nodded as I shook the weird thoughts away. "By the way, this is Natalie Lewis, my new assistant in the bookstore."
"A Lewis! I haven't heard of that name for a while now. A pleasure to finally met you, Miss Lewis. I'm Sebastian Hester."
YOU ARE READING
Beyond the Lamppost
Fantasy[COMPLETED] NEW PLACE. In my two weeks stay here in Greenwoods, I often received different kinds of looks from the villagers. Looks that doesn't show any welcome or gratitude but rather judgment. For a whole week, I only stayed inside the two-story...
