Chapter the Second

The flat of my wedges tapped incessantly against the semi rugged sidewalk outside the school. I couldn’t believe I actually was doing this. Waiting for someone whom I just met a few days ago, a recalcitrant with scarlet dyed hair and smoky eyes.

A sleek sable motorcycle careened aerodynamically down the lane and skittered gracefully to a halt right in front of me. No way. If that was who I thought it was...

The rider tipped his head back and whipped off his helmet, casting blaring reflections of sunlight into my eyes. Momentarily blinded, orange cherry splotches speckled across my vision. The obscuration dwindled, and my eyes found themselves staring at a smirking Kade.

“I didn’t realize my looks could blind.”

I sneered at the notion and then pointed accusingly at the vehicle.

“I am not getting on that,” I declared.

He chuckled heartily and responded, “Scared?”

Flipping off his taunt I started walking away saying, “It’s your life, but I’m not going to endanger mine.”

“Endanger?” he laughed, “Just being around me is dangerous, dollie.” And he jogged a little to catch up with me. 

“Where’re you going?” he asked, now matching me pace for pace.

“Hmm,” I murmured, “How about taking a stroll around town instead? It’s not far I believe.”

Thwarted, he shook his head and informed me, “Just wait here then; I need to park it in a safe place.”

I motioned my assurance, and he returned to the perilous two-wheeled conveyance.

~

Arcing my back, I expanded my arms out in a cat’s stretch to loosen the tension from walking to town. As I straightened I peered at our surroundings. Up ahead on the road we were following were dashes of sizable office establishments enclosed by numerous small boutiques, cafés and shops, all flaunting exquisite flower and plant arrangements outside the building.

“Oh,” I mouthed, barely believing the quaint splendor before me.

“Beautiful, no?” Kade remarked, “I thought so too when I first came here.”

I nodded, remembering our conversation on the walk here. He moved here a little over a  decade ago when he was still a young boy. His parents are always busy away, so he’s legally independent. It’s no wonder he can get away with just about anything.

“Anywhere particular?” he queried.

“Perhaps that store over there?” I replied, indicating to a moderately large black and white beige store.

His shoulders sagged. “Shopping?”

I flashed a bright smile and trotted over towards it. He followed grudgingly after.

I beheld the shop in view. There were fragrant snowy roses flecked with a few carmine ones in tourmaline pots out front. Vetêments de Aurelian, it read.

“Welcome to my humble boutique, how may I be of service?” greeted a young man with ebony hair dressed in dark lavender and black victorian clothes.

“It’s hardly humble in here,” I breathed, taking in the countless racks of gorgeous attire, metallic shelves of elegant footwear and glass displays of sophisticated jewelry.

He laughed lightheartedly, “You’re quite right.”

I squeezed my eyes. Oh where to start! Oh where to start!

Seeing my brooding, he saved me saying, “Shall I help?”

“Oh please do!” I managed to squeak out.

“Time for the doll to play dress up,” teased Kade.

I gave a quick glare before following the owner around the spacious store.

Half an hour since our arrival at the boutique, Kade came up to me with a dress draped across his arm. Seeming to be tongue-tied he awkwardly thrust the frock at me with what appeared to be a creeping blush. Gathering the powder blue sundress from his arm I smiled at its refined simplicity. There was white embroidery at the hem and neckline with braided straps, and the bottom billowed as I shifted the satiny garment in front of me.

After admiring it a bit more I addressed the dark-haired man with a smile, “I’ll have this one as well.”

“Of course, miss,” he returned, adding it to the cream coloured and black lettered store bag.

Over an hour later we exited Vetêments de Aurelian and headed onward to the others shops. Promptly the next shop was chosen and sifted through, and quite soon after, we settled down in an earthy café to wind down from the shopping and sightseeing.

“I’m. Exhausted,” Kade groused, plopping himself in a high seated, stained brass stool.

“I’m happily exhausted,” I grinned, surveying the one sided menu.

A waiter came over to our table with a leather bound pad and pen. “And what will you be having today?” he inquired.

“Umm, a small mocha frappé and cinnamon twist, please,” I ordered and handed him the menu.

“And you?” the waiter asked Kade.

“Coffee,” he said brusquely, his elbow on the table propping up his head.

The man’s nose crinkled in slight irritation before replying curtly to him, “Thank you,” and taking his menu.

After he left I admonished his rude behavior which he just shrugged off lackadaisically. Sighing, I looked out the picture window near us. It was such a pleasant day and Kade just had to ruin it at the end. With another exhalation I turned back to Kade who, to my surprise was gazing at me intently. You just pick and choose when to give your attention, don’t you Kade?

“Yes?” I prompted.

He blinked. “Did you enjoy today?”

“...Yes,” I replied.

“Then, look happier.”

My mouth contracted into a thin line as I languidly responded, “It was good up until now.”

He creased his eyebrows, “Why now?”

I raised mine a little, “Why do you think?”

With a look of contemplation he quietly stared at me.

“Your drinks and cinnamon twist,” said the waiter, setting them on the table.

“Oh, thank you,” I said, shortly before Kade mumbled, “Thanks.”

“You’re very welcome, miss,” the waiter replied with a wink, blatantly ignoring Kade.

I gave a small smile, and he strode away, Kade shooting daggers at his back.

I rolled my eyes, but a fleeting smile curled at my mouth.

~

My hand shielded my eyes as I peered at the dying light reflected on the clouds above. It was early evening. The lamplights glimmered hazily on the streets as the shops readied for night. The air was faintly cool, and the birds ceased their chatters.

“Here we are,” said Kade, halting at the spot from earlier today.

Focusing my gaze upon him I inclined my head and thanked him. 

“I really had a good time today, Kade. Thank you, I’m glad I came.”

He smirked somewhat less arrogantly and replied, “You’re welcome.”

Continuing to smile I considered the day’s events. I had no right to be annoyed at him when I literally dragged him into every store I found mildly interesting. For a guy, he stood up well to my trifling impulses.

“I’m glad you showed up today; I had a feeling you might not come,” Kade said, a soft smile enveloping his usually caustic expression. It seems I’m seeing more and more of this other persona. Isabel mentioned the other day that he hardly ever smiled, much less paid attention to anyone except a chosen few. I wondered if this was his true self.

“Thank you,” whispered Kade startling me with a hug, “For coming.”

“Y-you’re welcome,” I stuttered, unsure what to do in his arms.

He drew back a little and smiled warmly, his face several inches from mine. My eyes outlined the contours of his face and traced the subdued umber in his dark orbs, puzzling over the essence of his mien. Still eye to eye he tipped his face forward so our foreheads touched. I jerked back a bit, but his hands were planted in the small of the back, keeping us close.

“I’ll see,” he said with a kiss on my nose, “you around,” and released me.

As his form gradually left my sight, I had a premonition of the days to come.

~It’s A Beautiful Day~

-End of Chapter The Second-