Realistic or Modern Spellbound

[Soliloquy]

Willow repeated the names quietly as he enunciated them to her. It seemed not only was their family active in each other's lives, but also close despite being more spread out. She couldn't even think of three of her cousins that she liked, and hadn't eaten a meal with them since she was a young child.

She smiled back at Theo, cheeks a faint pink while wondering if Jovan was going to clink a plate or better yet give him a backhand for being relatively close to flirty. It was quickly becoming evident that he was someone who found the line of what was allowed and then continued to tiptoe along until he was reprimanded before starting all over. For now it was amusing, adding to his bad boy charm, although after repeated exposure over time might lead to a scolding, especially on a day she was less than tolerant. Speaking of tolerance, Willow already jumped less at the table thumping, which had to say something for exposure.

"You seem to have a holiday for everything," she commented, loudly enough that it wasn't just for Theos ears. "Do you have anywhere to keep track of it all? Maybe on a website or somewhere that customers can see it? I think it'd be a good selling point and get a lot of attention."

 

[xrakkax]

The family first seemed confused, but only for a moment, all nodding in a knowing way. It was not a custom in America to have as many days of significance. Jovan was the one to look to here. He considered it thoughtfully, eyes locked on Willow for several minutes. At one point he stopped chewing, drinking, and blinking. Suddenly he took a swig and clanked his drink down on the table, “Good idea, I like it. Micha?! Print large banner. Put under bear head over at wall there.” he pointed. “Do tonight.”

“But I dance tonight!” Micha grumbled.

“I will dance on grave if you do not do it.” Jovan said as he got up. “Clear the table, is almost eight.”

Like clockwork the family diverted into different tasks. Theo helped Willow and Molly know where to go and what to do. It appeared a lot of this was going to be ‘learn as you go’, but thankfully even the more stupid mistakes were not taken to heart.

Just as they finished wiping down the table Amalia had her boa, Avril, put away, Bandit was nowhere to be found, Bear was lounging in the back, and the first handful of customers were at the door.

 

[Soliloquy]

While she knew she hadn't said anything out of line, only making a genuine suggestion, there was something unnerving being under the gaze of the overseeing uncle. She tried to focus on finishing up her breakfast, but it seemed like every time she looked up, he was right there, gazing back at her. Shifting in her seat, she began to consider taking back her suggestion, afraid she might have somehow offended him when he praised her out of nowhere, bringing a prideful smile to her face. Maybe she could be more than just another waitress around there.

The shuffle to suddenly clear everything was a change from the relax atmosphere that had been present moments before. While it was going to be a new environment to work in, Willow was determined to be as adaptive as she could, not wanting to make Theo need to repeat himself again that day. Granted a new foreign name was a bit more difficult than remembering which pile of dishes was for regular plates and such, compared to where the pots and pans went.

The crowd that was outside wasn't expected, at least not by Willow who assumed pubs were going to see the most attention during the evening, similar to a bar. She quickly learned that wasn't the case at all, seeing that they had a menu and hours to support all meals of the day, which the earliest of customers were already quite familiar with. She spent the first bit following Theo around, paying close attention to where things were located. The process of waiting was universal, she just needed to tweak it to match their layout and menu, or so she thought.

 

[xrakkax]

Theo enjoyed directing Willow. It was the perfect excuse to interact with her. So much so, that Willow may have caught on to his tactic of leaving out a full instruction. More reason to come back for another tid bit. Tho was careful not to starve her of too much information. If there was any drag in quality of service Jovan would know.

“Here, aprons.” Theo gave over the black and red garments, complete with an embroidered image of Bear, Micha’s dog. “Straws and napkins in pocket, pen, and pad.” he stocked them with their tools. “Call Jovan if customer is not satisfied.”

“The customer is always right.” Molly shrugged.

“No, no. Here, customer is not always right. If customer is jackass, we throw them out.” Theo nonchalantly explained. However many times that happened the girls didn’t know, but, it didn’t show. Soon customers had to be told there would be a 10-minute waiting time.

Molly turned to Willow with a ‘Well, well, well, how about that?’ kinda look. Pleased, Molly went to work with confidence. By no means was she going to be abrasive, but it felt nice knowing she wasn’t going to have to put up with abuse.

Theo glanced at Jovan, and saw he was in conversation with a customer at the bar asking Jovan if he thought his hat was nice— Jovan bluntly told him no, that it looked like dead skunk—in his uncles distracted state, Theo shook out his hair and put it back up, giving Willow a wink while he strode to one of his tables.

 

[Soliloquy]

He was hardly sneaky in his actions, so Willow caught on to his game quickly enough. At one point, she even asked if he was sure with a playful smirk that also claimed he'd be getting an earful the first chance she had. He really was a mischievous man, not unlike the ferret that seemed to know better than to scurry about during business hours.

She tied her apron around her back while listening to Theo and Molly discussing the interesting policy on customer service. It was refreshing to hear, but she did hope that didnt mean Jovan's somewhat abrasive personality was driving away any business. For some reason, less than a day into working she felt thoroughly invested in the Old Bear.

The signal from Theo when they weren't being watched by his uncle's hawklike eyes sent a ripple of joy through her stomach and she had to look away to hide a brimming smile. Willow wondered if that was a feeling that would make it through this trial period, truly hoping that it would. Doing her best to clear her head of thoughts of Theo - a nearly impossible task when he was constantly less than twenty feet away - the waitress in training focused on the set of tables she was assigned.

Everything became a whirlwind, and before she knew it it was the lunch hour. The pub was borderline overfull from patrons eating and those who were left waiting their turn. While she was glad she hadn't been foolish enough to wear heels, she quickly decided that if nothing else a pair of inserts were in line, for the sake of get arches.

 

[xrakkax]

About this time, although there were vacant tables and the Old Bear had people waiting, Jovan went to a bell hanging above the bar and pulled the rope to it. Bing, Bing, Bing. The customers inside the Old Bear weren’t too bothered, but the people outside groaned in lamentation. One of them put their hand on the glass and pressed a face to stare inside.

Theo walked over to the kitchen quickly and brought out a platter of drinks and hors d’oeuvres. He motioned for Willow to open the doors. Once outside he had Willow help him dispense the samples to the hungry. The platter was cleared in moments. Apparently, this was on the house, and a little treat— both to say thank you for waiting, and to keep them from starving. Theo went back inside with Willow. “We take our break now.” He explained.

Molly finished up giving someone a straw and headed out back once Theo caught her eye and gestured to do so. It was only Jovan now who sat at the bar— a far less demanding job in his mind—and helped here and there with a customer when they needed it.

In the back, chairs were pulled up around one of the counters of the kitchen. Food they had been cooking bubbled and sizzled around them in pans and pots. Micha just scraped a few portions of a few items on plates for the staff. The smell was relaxing, as if the aroma itself infused itself in the body to clear the head and loosen the muscles. Molly sat down and went to take a bite, but Amalia tapped her shoulder. “One moment.”

Micha sat down, then Theo, who gestured to Willow to sit. When they were all at the counter Amalia said, “As usual, thank you for effort.” She said this with genuine gratefulness not often seen. In America it is simply etiquette of politeness to use ‘thank you’ and not truly, honestly mean appreciation. This would be one of the rare times it was used, and especially with Amalia.

“Da.” They nodded in earnest.

“Eat.” She sounded off the invisible starting gun and devouring the meal commenced. “We have thirty minutes.” A thumb poked in the direction of a clock on the wall.

Molly’s first bite had her sighing. Perhaps she didn’t notice in the morning because she was a creature of necromancy, but right now she melted in the taste and the texture. Never in her life did she think she’d like beat soup, but this bubbling borscht, with a dollop of sour cream and a sprig of dill as a garnish, nearly made her cry. Then there was her side of beef stroganoff, a small hill of sweet-and-sour cabbage, a cup of solyanka soup, fork-tender rolls of golubtsy, and so much more than she could shove in her body. Molly slowed down, she couldn’t burden herself with a bursting stomach while running around the restaurant. She rolled her shoulders back, feeling their tenseness.

“Here.” Theo went to a cabinet and brought out a clear cylindrical container with a blue lid, with a white salve inside. He opened it and the smell of peppermint was unmistakable, although there were hints of some other oils.

Molly took a finger-swipe and rubbed it on her shoulders. She brightened, grabbing more to rub on her feet. “Oh wow! Willow, try it!”

Micha tried to reach out and help Molly, but she swatted his attempts away like his fingers were flies. Amalia spoffed at that, while she too used the salve, tinted faintly with blue, on her own sore spots. Theo chuckled, taking some on his fingers and offering to use it on Willow himself. Jovan wasn't around and his cousins wouldn't allow him to cross a line.

 

[Soliloquy]

Even though she had experience in a waiting setting, never before had she witnessed an entire staff vanishing while there were still customers. A part of her wanted to protest that she could stay back for refills and such, but her body pined at the sound of a break, the wear and tear of the day already on her. With little push back, she followed the others into the kitchen that was teaming with the savory smells that they'd been carrying about all day.

Willow perched at the edge of her seat at Theo's side, wondering for a brief moment if Amalia was about to give grace. It was the only thing she could think of to delay a meal, based on her own previous exposure. But no, a word of sincere thanks brought a grin to her face, confirming that they'd more than lucked out to find work at the generous pub. After all, how often did ones employer thank them for working while feeding them such delicious nurishments.

Flavor after flavor hit Willows mouth, a seemingly endless barrage of mouth-watering goodness, even earning a couple of small groans of appreciation. She would have been satisfied with a cold sandwich before this, but a warm meal was a million times better. She looked up from her plate to see the others using the sweet smelling salve, deciding there wouldn't be any harm aside from maybe a sticky back.

Theo's offer was much more accepted than Micha to Molly, Willow turning in her seat to offer her back to him. She pointed to her shoulder blades, shoulders kept back to keep her blouse loose enough that his hand could shimmy in. "Just a little, should be fine. I forget what it's like to stand this much," she admitted, glancing over her shoulder at him.

 

[xrakkax]

"A little is all take." Theo said, and as soon as the cool cream touched her skin, it felt like her body greedily sucked it inside. Theo barely had a thin film of it to glide his fingers over. Dampness was all that was left by the time he was finished. Willow felt no ache, no tightness. It as if she had just been massaged by a professional for an hour. "Feet?" He offered.

Molly nodded to Willow to accept. "I want to take some home. Where did you get it?"

"Natalia makes it." Amalia shrugged. "She does not tell what is inside."

 

[Soliloquy]

A long sigh of relief left her as did all the built up tension from the day so far. Aches vanished and she felt absolutely amazing. The closest she'd been to this level of rejuvenation had taken an all day trip to the spa with her mother years again and mountain of hot stones. Her shoulders rolled once as if testing their newfound stamina before she looked back at Theo. She'd have to agree with Molly that it was some miracle cream that she'd definitely want for emergencies at home.

"That stuff kicks the snot out of biofreeze," she said with a grateful smile, struggling slightly to pick up her foot without bumping him or anyone else once the shoe was off. She wasn't about to subject him to touching her no doubt sweaty feet, instead holding one hand out to accept some of the salve. "Tell Natalia she's a miracle worker and probably sitting on a gold mine with whatever she's using."

 

[xrakkax]

“We try, but Natty is stubborn like goat.” Theo scraped off a lump for Willow to use. The same affects seeped into her feet. And just in time too. Three rings were heard.

Micha, although a playful man in his way, started to shoo people in motion, saying ‘pognali, pognali’. Amalia went straight to the fresh line of receipts Jovan put in place. Micha quickly put away food while Theo encouraged Molly and Willow to follow him, saying the other two would handle that mess. Jovan wanted them for the next wave of people and the beginning of the afternoon-to-evening shift.

Just like before there were plenty of people to serve. A few spilled drinks by the customers, but no mistakes in their orders, and no dissatisfied patrons so far. Theo had a habit of adjusting his hair— up, down, up down. Jovan caught suspicions, asking if Theo needed a different hair tie, but was turned down. It was just a matter of his hair being so silky, he told his uncle. Jovan waved a hand like ‘I’m done with you, I can’t with you’. Theo got away this time. His hair seemed to hold better this time around. None of this got in the way of his work, though. It seemed Theo was popular, especially with old Russian women pinching his cheeks and saying ‘galoobushka’ and ‘laskavaya’! Theo would chat with this or that person and occasionally point towards Willow, and those people would go ‘oooh’ and wave at her with a bright smile.

The crowd swelled after around five. By eight-thirty they had miraculously served all but one or two who couldn’t wait to eat. Natalia’s salve lasted the night, as if the body incrementally used what it internalized bit by bit, so not to waste. Once the last customer was told it was time to go, and they drove off singing Russian drinking songs, Theo switched the sign to ‘closed’. The one or two misguided customers who came late shuffled off with a mental note to come earlier next time. The restaurant and the kitchen were being wiped, tidied up, and set to rights.

Once the last chair was tucked, the last cup placed in the cabinet, and the last napkin put in the wash, Theo plopped down on the lounge chairs to the stage-left of the bar by their mini stage. “Willow, how is first day?”

 

[Soliloquy]

The afternoon melted into evening as order after order was placed, filled, and the cost satisfied. There didn't seem to be any shortage of customers at the family-run pub, and clearly many who were pleased enough to return more than once. Willow was quick to pick up on dishes that were more favored, and by closing felt like she knew half the menu by heart.

As everything came to an end for the evening, she happily dropped to a chair beside him, leaning back into it's welcoming hold. "It doesn't even feel like it was a day," she admitted. "It feels like it's only been a few minutes over and over. I feel more rested than I had this morning, which is absolutely crazy. That balm is magic, I swear."

Normally after a day on her feet, she'd be eager to slip out of her shoes, but she was still at a level of simply contentedness. A brief glance around the establishment seemed to show that uncle Jovan was otherwise engaged, prompting her to bring up, "Silky hair, huh? Maybe you do need to look into a new hair tie," she smirked, sure that the smooth fox before her would always have an answer.

 

[xrakkax]

“Da, maybe you have idea? Maybe we shop?” Theo mused, his hand so close, yet not touching.

“Theo.” Jovan’s gruff voice warned as he went to the kitchen.

Micha tossed a linen napkin Theo, for his cousin’s attention. “Yeah. Theo!” It puffed out and landed on his face like a sheet on a bed. Theo sucked in air and blew out, causing it to float. Molly happened to see, and thought how strange it was that it held up as long. She figured he must have good lungs. Micha came quickly over and flatted it to Theo’s head. They erupted in a fit of laughter. Theo, quick as the fox he was, tackled Micha down. The cousins were a mess of limbs and grunts.

The front doors opened and shut. “I thought I heard a pack of cubs.”

Amalia just came in from the back, and upon seeing their cousin, wearing scrubs and her little monkey on her shoulder, she inclined her head in greeting. “Natalia.”

“Zdravstvuy, Amalia.” Natalia replied. She watched with muted levity as Micha and Theo got to their feet to say hello. She took a step back when it appeared they didn’t intend a verbal salutation. Natalia tried to turn on her ankle, to get away, but long arms as strong as oaks grabbed her up.

“NATTY!” The deep thunder of their voices nearly drowned out her cussing in Russian.

Eventually, they put her down. Natalia did her best to hide her smile as she straightened out her clothes. “Don’t do that!” She warned. Her accent was strong, but her wording was better than the others.

“Of course. Last time.” the boys lied.

“Mhm.” Natalia squinted an eye at them.

Jovan came to snag Micha and Amalia, “We need make sure money is right. Come back.” He saw his daughter and they exchanged silent hellos.

Molly stifled her chuckling, which caught Natalia’s attention, so she smiled and waved. “Well hey there, you must be Natalia. We loved your salve for achy muscles. Great stuff! My name’s Molly Malone, by the way. This is Willow Crosse. We’re the new waitresses.”

Natalia’s offered a nod of acknowledgment. “Good to meet you.” Her eyes went to the pretty woman dressed in their family’s pub-apron. “Willow. I’ve heard good things about you.” Theo looked absolutely happy, eager to present the person of his affection to the world.

 

[Soliloquy]

The playfulness of the two fully grown adults was parallel to young boys, although plenty amusing to watch. Willow had let herself stay relaxed in the chair, legs crossed as she watched the seemingly endless taunting of Theo, from uncle to cousin, although he didn't seem to mind. The napkin went relatively unnoticed by her, although she was interested to see in just what payback Micha would get. She pulled her legs back as the two began to tussle, chuckling to herself before the newest family member drew everyone's attention.

"They must have been even bigger handfuls as kids," she remarked, giving Theo a quick wink when she caught his eye before turning to Natalia. It was clear that - yet again - she was becoming the center of attention, which for some reason willed her to her feet. She crossed the few steps to the other woman, offering out a hand with a slightly nervous smile. "Well, let's hope that they're all true, then."

She recalled an earlier comment from that morning, her eyes falling on the small furball on her shoulder. "Theo said you're a veterinarian? That must come in handy since together you all seem to have a zoo," she tried to joke, hoping it wasn't going to come across offensive. "Although, I am a bit jealous, I was never allowed a pet growing up. I saved a kitten from a ditch once and was told it was the servant of the devil and needed to go to a far. Granted, my father isn't quite as intimidating as yours."

 

[xrakkax]

“Yes, I hope so too.” Natalia agreed. The gentleness around her eyes helped to know she meant no threat in her tone. It was hard to read Natalia’s joy, her being Jovan’s daughter. Natalia stood straight, with hands clasped behind her—except when she was offered a handshake.

“A zoo, yes. Complete with nearly bald primates.” Natalia gave Theo and Micha a teasing snort-spoff. “Three months from being official vet.” She had the marmoset sit on the palm of her hand. “This here is Pippin.” Natalia meant to say something, but when hearing the ‘servant of the devil’ part, an almost imperceptible hush the span of a heart beat came over them. Molly felt a shudder, but did not think too much about it. The AC was still on, after all. “Well, I haven’t met a cat that wasn’t.” Natalia made light of it.

Theo added, “If Shale is indication.”

“Oh, hah, don’t tell Grandpa Lyov.” Micha grinned.

“And I’m sure your father is only being cautious. Stray animals can have more than a bit of dirt on them. They can carry some pretty nasty diseases.” Natalia assured her. Here, Natalia sat down with Willow. "Tell me about your family. I'm sure all of these cubs didn't think to be so courteous." Natalia popped a critical eye at them. Theo whistled and sat down as if he didn't know what she was talking about.

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow peered in as close as she dared to examine the little creature, eyes lit up in wonder and biting back the urge to reach out. After all, even as cute as he might be, nothing was to say he wouldn't feel threatened with a strange hand rushing toward him. She knew she wouldn't appreciate someone so much large coming in to her personal space unexpected, at least.

"Congratulations," she nodded hearing how close she was to being finished, "That's a lot of time and patience. I suppose the same amount you'd need to tolerate their antics all the time." Her head gestured toward Theo in Micha in particular. The silence that came for a brief moment wasn't dwelled on; after all conversation just stopped now and then. Plus, who knew, maybe they were fans of cats and she'd just managed to insult them.

Easing herself back down in the chair she'd previously occupied, she was a bit surprised to see how eager the newest (to her) cousin was to learn about her. Admittedly, she was about to have a discussion with her longer than with the tie-signalling man who was chasing after her. Shrugging her shoulders, Willow let out a breath while her lips vibrated momentarily, a raspberry of thought.

"Oh, where does someone start? We're not nearly as close as you all are that's for sure," she chuckled, ankles tucking behind each other while her gaze was trained politely on Natalia as she spoke, despite an urge to look over at Theo. "It was mostly just me, my brother, my parents growing up aside from holidays and such. My parents own a second generation accounting firm and are pretty invested in it, a bit more than family."

Willow paused, realizing just how bitter that last bit came across and clearing her throat before continuing. "Everest, my brother, works with them there now, but I just could never see myself doing a boring desk job. They weren't too happy when I left home for school and I'm probably being stubborn that I won't go back when it's the logical thing." Her cheeks flushed a darker pink. "Sorry, I'm rambling. What about you all? I know plenty of Amalia's cooking and how well Jovan can run a restaurant, but what about besides that? Can I ask how you all ended up here in Seabrook?"

 

[xrakkax]

Natalia displayed the usual markers of interest in a conversation, occasionally stopping Micha from interrupting, and definitely giving Theo a stink eye—he thought he was being clever with scooting an inch or two closer to Willow every so often. “Maybe we’ll meet your family someday.” she offered. A chance to bond, perhaps.

To Willow’s question about how they came to be in Seabrook, Natalia said, “It is a story from many points of view, to be sure. As for what I can say, our family came from an isolated village in Russia, called Okunevo. We left, mainly, because of illness. We heard of America and knew this was going to be the best place for us. New York was too stuffed, we wanted a place by the sea to Moon-Fish, and to feel freer. There’s plenty of space in Texas.”

“And, they said the women here were beautiful and intelligent.” Theo wiggled his brows. “You have proved them right.”

“Mhm.” Natalia nudged him with her foot. “Father told me about the promise, Theo.”

Theo raised both hands in peace and shrugged his shoulders. “I am state fact, is all.”

By all means, Theo was not.

Micha meant to say so, but a bark from the back alerted him of two things; his dog, and the clock striking nine. “Be back soon.”

“Bring days wage on return.” Theo called after him.

Molly asked, “Days wage?”

“Da. We use cash to pay workers first, then worry about bills later.” Theo explained.

Natalia, curious, asked, “Willow. How much does your families business pay?”

 

[Soliloquy]

One of the glares from Natalia made her look over at Theo, curious as to what happened that she must have just missed. It seemed like he was just determined to try every member of his family that day. Just so long as they didn't learn to be annoyed with her or turn the two week waiting period into four; she wasn't so sure if she'd be fine with that much tolerance.

Her cheeks were a deep scarlet at his comment, clearing her throat a few times to try and distract anyones attention from the comment or how giddy it left her. "That's fair enough. I was never a fan of large cities, myself. I'll take a trip to Houston once in a while, but there's just too many people and you don't get space to yourself," she agreed, hoping they'd moving on.

When Micha was sent off to get the 'days wage', Willow's brows perked in surprise. Being paid on a Tuesday? That seemed outright ridiculous, not to mention the idea that they'd get paid every day they were working. She had already been more than content with what she'd managed to gather her first day as a server. It might not have been enough to straight out pay the rent, but she had been planning on using it to get by for the week or so pretty easily.

"Are you sure? I feel like bills should be the first thing paid for a business," she said wearily, mostly working to distract from Natalia's question. As generous as they were being being with wages, it still didn't match what her parents had promised her to come join them in the office. "I think it depends on schooling and how long you've been there. I don't even have a degree, so I'm sure it wouldn't be anything outrageous."

A fib. She'd be working a desk job making almost four times the current minimum wage with benefits and much shorter shifts. But fibs never hurt anyone, did they? "And like I said, we aren't nearly as close as your family, so working with them would be a literal nightmare. Besides, they don't make meals as great as the Old Bear does."

 

[xrakkax]

About the bills, they all shrugged and said things in Russian equivalent to ‘meh, we get by’, and Theo said, “It’s been work out. Better keep worker happy. No business without people.”

Molly didn’t say anything when Willow told them her understated explanation of how much she’d make with her family. She did tap her chin as if she had heard this for the first time, trying to give a nonchalant appearance. Thankfully the others didn’t know her well enough to see how awkward she was being. To add to the conversation, Molly coughed and said, “Yeah, Old Bear has some pretty delicious food. I don’t think I’ve had Russian before this day.”

Just then Micha came in, “Oh girl, you still have not had Russian.” he winked at her.

If Molly had the luxury of a drink, she’d have spit water here. As unshakable as she had been before, Molly didn’t expect this, and her face turned as red as borscht soup. Words were caught in her throat.

Theo snapped his fingers. “That was good one.” As if he’d tuck that away for later.

Amalia, following behind him snickered, “If I see Russian, I’ll tell her.”

“Ohh.” Theo pressed a fist to his mouth. “Got you.”

“Tsc, agh.” Micha shook his head in defeat.

Molly laughed, but her mirth turned to aw once Amalia handed her $240. “This is from today?”

“Yep. Minimum is $15, but they add tips.” She smiled, giving Willow her stack.

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow was a bit taken back by just how nonchalant they were about pay. Not that she had ever been denied a paycheck based on revenue, but it'd always been driven home how important profit was. After all, no point in running a business if money wasn't being made.

She was grateful for Molly's mostly silence as she fudged on the truth. They didn't need to know about the get out of jail free card her parents waved about and that she refused to take. She'd starve between checks if it meant she didn't need to crawl back to them.

"Well, I'll be damned. That's how you get her to stop talking, huh?" She chuckled from Michas comment, enjoying the banter that was like being in the middle of a sitcom. "I'll have to remember that one."

The small pile of cash felt like far too much, even for a full days work. She looked from the money she was handed to Amalia, then Micha and finally Theo in turn. "Are you sure? I don't mind waiting until the end of the week and making sure everything else gets covered," she insisted again, too worried that they were overextending themselves and also trying not to think of what Miss Malone would want to do if this continued and spending money was a thing again.

 

[xrakkax]

“Hey I’m not complaining.” Molly stuffed the stack in her purse.

Amalia reassured Willow, “No trouble, honest.”

“For us to worry, this building would have to burn down.” Natalia explained. “We’re pretty good at making sure we have enough. Please, I know what this job is, you’ve worked for at least twelve hours. You deserve every dollar.” Natalia’s little monkey tapped her cheek and she exchanged a smile with him. “Pippin is asking to see you. Do you mind?”

Theo looked about the room, reminded that Bandit should be around here someplace.

 

[Soliloquy]

While it seemed to fruitless to argue, that didn't Willow planned to completely cave. She decided that she'd be mindful of the money, and only spend what was absolutely necessary, that way if the pleasant family suddenly fell on unexpected hard times she'd be able to repay their kindness. For now, she parroted Molly by letting the stack of cash drop into her purse.

"I suppose if today is any indication, that you guys do have fairly good business," she said to mostly reassure herself. Her head tilted to the side at Natalia's request, taking a moment to process it. "Oh, of course. Just as long as Pippin promises not to make any messes on me." Willows request of course being a joke, zina's no animal would know what that request could possibly mean.

 

[xrakkax]

"Pippin is highly trained." Natalia hoped that would quell any fears. The marmoset crossed the expanse of Natalia's arm and sat in the palm of Willow's hand. Molly, amazed, leaned in to gawk at the tiny critter.

"What is it, exactly?" Molly asked.

"A marmoset. They're found in Peru, Brazil, and Columbia. They're the smallest monkey in the world." Natalia, amused at the small creature. "They can jump fifteen feet, rotate their heads one-hundred-eighty degrees, they're omnivorous. Pip's favorite is mango and crickets."

Pippin tentatively placed its hand on the bare wrist of Willow, then another an inch forward, until he got to her shoulder. The little guy was receptive to any petting and he even acted in kind, patting his teeny hand in a sort-of pet motion.

"Oh my gosh, I'm gonna cry, it's so small and cute!" Molly squealed.

Natalia spoffed, "I think you'd like Dandy. She's our sugar glider."

Theo smiled, seeing Bandit coming from the shadows. A small foot of a mouse poked from the side of its mouth but soon was slurped up like a noodle. Bandit spared no time to crawl up Theo's and then his head, taking a survey of the present company.

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow listened attentively as Natalia offered up facts about the little creature who was examining her. A small giggle escaped like gentle bells from his petting, although she hated to admit she was so ticklish. A single index finger reached up to pet him carefully, still in awe of how small he was, especially with such big eyes.

"You are an absolute doll, Pippin," she informed him, letting her finger trail along the length of his body before giving a tiny scratch to the top of his head. "Coincidentally, I'm also a fan of mangos - crickets, not so much. You can keep all of those to yourself."

Reluctantly, she held her arm back out to serve as a bridge for him to return to his owner. His tiny claws only barely felt as he walked so lightly along. Out of the corner of her eye she spotted Bandit, chuckling again. "You'd make a lovely hat, Bandit, although I think everyone prefers you living to the alternative, especially Theo."

 

[xrakkax]

Bandit sneezed, whether because her nose was tickled, or in reaction to the thought of becoming a hat, they did not know. Theo said, "Better as scarf, I am thinking." He poked her shoulder. Bandit had enough of that. She chittered and escaped to the floor, weaving through legs and going under chairs.

"Well, it's late," Natalia said getting up. "It was nice meeting you Willow and Molly. Maybe at some point, the two of you can visit the clinic."

"Oh, stars, yes. I want to see that glider!" Molly said, grabbing up her purse. "The last I've seen this many exotic animals in a day was at the zoo. Willow hit that nail on the head."

Theo got up as well, pat Molly on the shoulder in farewell once, "Come by with Willow to my house sometime. We have sea creatures too." Then he gave Willow a hug goodbye. The strength of his muscles was restrained. Willow could feel them move beneath his skin like living steel cords. "I wouldn't mind the company." He whispered, almost a purr. Theo parted from Willow and walked with the girls to the backdoor, through the kitchen where Amalia was feeding Avril and Micha was cleaning up Bear's red mouth.

Micha strolled up to Molly for a goodbye, which she made sure was a handshake. Jovan left with Natalia, leaving Amalia and Micha to close up.

"See you tomorrow." Theo smiled at Willow.

 

[Soliloquy]

The idea of meeting even more animals was particularly appealing to the woman who was denied much interaction with animals throughout her life. There was a stray cat she'd seen a few times and left out a bit of food by the dumpster, but this was much more enticing. She gave Pippin a farewell wave and a gentle nod to Natalia.

"Well, if we do manage to visit that'd be great, but I'm sure we'll see you again either way," she bid her a farewell before she was pulled into Theo's arms.

Somehow, the embraced was both powerful and gentle at the same time. Willow was compelled to stay in his arms, serenaded by the soft lull of his words and comforted by the passive musk that enveloped over both of them, only complimenting the sweet aroma of lavender that barely come from the morning shower. She let out in contempt sigh before the embrace had to end, pulling away with a soft smile.

Amalia and Micha interested a farewell on the way out the door, deciding not to pay attention to the animals unorthodox feeding. As Molly went ahead to the car, willow lingered a moment longer giving Theo one last file. "Until tomorrow," she assured him, before forcing herself to turn away and head out to the waiting car.