Realistic or Modern Spellbound

[Soliloquy]

A yelp started and was quickly silenced by Willow from the playful towel snap. She spun around just in time to give her a scowl. "Oh, you'll regret that, Molly Malone," she grumbled, giving her rear a quick rub before focusing on her work in front of her.

It seemed she was too concerned with her tables and customers to notice the moment of distress from poor Molly (although she didn't seem to miss a moment that Theo was messing with his hair; then again maybe he was just waiting for her to look to do so). Then again, even if she had seen it, she'd likely have told her friend to simply stop being so ridiculous about old wives tails or urban legends or whatever it was that had her in a fritz that day.

Instead, she focused on keeping each sweet old lady and family in for a lunch or quick cup of tea as content as she could. Keeping them happy kept business going, and business going meant she shouldn't need to worry about working for a while. That was an equation she was just fine with. Hours sped past just as they had the day prior, yet she was feeling just fine, courtesy of the salve and warm food to keep her going. When the last chair was slid into place and the final table wiped down, she let her hair fall down with an elongated breath released. "Just a couple more days and I'm sure I'll be used to this," she said, mostly to herself.

 

[xrakkax]

“Here you go.” Micha handed their pay. “Today is $230.”

Molly seemed less weary, eyes shinning, as she put the money in her purse. So many bills would be paid. And there was enough for a treat or two. Maybe a manicure. Or a trip to the beach! After all, it was still summertime. “Now we’re talkin’.”

Theo just came back from tossing rags in the wash. “Not so bad, yeah?”

“Not bad at all.” Molly smiled.

Amalia dusted her hands off after dropping a rat into Avril’s tank. “Well, for some.”

“Eh, morbid.” Molly stuck her tongue out in disgust. Amalia laughed. But at least it wasn’t as bloody as Bear’s meal.

Uncle Jovan came up to Theo, said a few words, and then walked up to Willow and asked her to come to the side with him. “Forgive grumpy old man. Only looking out for Theo. He’s—“ Jovan rubbed his temples. “—jumps gun. Too fast. Can’t see because he only sees smart pretty girl.” Jovan explained. “I think you good. But he need to learn control. You flirt all you want. Is up to him to control himself.”

 

[Soliloquy]

Accepting the daily wages from Micha, Willow also set the cash in her own purse. She took an extra moment to both make sure there were no stowaways or unexpected ride along, even closing to to try and prevent a certain ferret from deciding to hitch a ride. At this rate she could have the money for rent for an entire month done in just a few days of this work. She might be taking up an entire day, but surely there'd be time off soon for relaxing and who knew what else.

When Jovan approached and gestured her to the side, panic caught in her throat. Was he going to drill her after the fiasco with the table that probably only served to inflate Theo's ego? Was there borderline flirting or his hair tricks on his radar and now she was about to be told off, or worse yet - fired? She braced for the worst only to be asked for his forgiveness, confusion evident on her face.

It was heart-warming to see how much he cared for his nephew, something she'd likely pry into as time went on, and also a bit flattering that even he was willing to give her such a compliment. She shrugged her shoulders, as if trying to wiggle the weight he was putting on them both by knighting her as good and also saying she had free reign to do a she pleased. "Oh no, I don't want to make it any more difficult on him," she said with a knowing grin.

 

[xrakkax]

Jovan studied her. One of his signature uncomfortable stares. "Hm. Is good, I respect. Is considerate of him." Praise indeed. "Be safe on road." He pat her back. His hand like a paddle not knowing his strength.

Theo came up to Willow. "May I escort to car?" He took her hand, already walking with her to the front door. Bandit sat on his shoulder, tucked around his neck, with an eye on her purse. "No worry, Bandit is going to my home." he gave the critter a look.

 

[Soliloquy]

Shifting her weight from hip to hip under his gaze, she was grateful when he finally spoke. She seemed to be making all the right choices to gain his and the rest of the families approval. Sadly, this was probably the most she had been tested or scrutinized from anyone who wasn't her family members. "Always safe," she said with a bit of difficulty after the thud caught her off guard.

Willow felt her hand melting against his palm, welcoming the warmth and comfort that came with such a small bit of contact. He was like a warm blanket wrapped around her, fresh out of the dryer and chasing away any bad news the day might have brought. It didn't seem natural, that someone could leave such an imprint with so little effort, and here they were.

"You heard the man, Bandit," she chuckled in agreement. "No more sleepovers, at least not for a while, I'd say. Maybe someday, though." The came to the Accord much too quickly and she leaned against the tail end while keeping ahold of his hand. "So, sounds like Uncle Jovan doesn't think you can make it two weeks, huh?"

 

[xrakkax]

"Eh, yeah." Theo said, uneasily, his mouth quirked upward. "But I will prove myself." He stated. Theo opened the car door for Willow, as he had done with the front doors. "I will be professional!"

Molly hid her giggles as she took her place in the driver's seat. "Bless yer heart."

"See you tomorrow." Theo winked. "And Happy Ancestors Day."

"Happy Ancestors Day!" Molly called out, and murmured, "Micha needs to get on that banner, Uncle Jovan will have his hide."

 

[Soliloquy]

She appreciated his determination, as if it were a compliment to her. In a ways, it might have been; as though she was worth the effort even if it wasn't what he had wanted. At his offering, she slid into the passenger seat, admiring him from this angle for a bit before his voice broke her train of thought.

"Happy Ancestors Day," she repeated back, transfixed in his gaze until the rumble of the Accord announced they'd be leaving. "Until tomorrow."

As the car pulled out of the lot and headed it's normal course toward her apartment building, she let out a soft sigh. "Tell me Molls, am I being an idiot about this?" she asked, hoping for honesty from her long-time friend. "Shouldn't be too soon to know if you like someone? I mean, we're too old for crushes, right?"

 

[xrakkax]

“Stars, Willow, you’re not an idiot. Theo is hot, he has an accent, he’s got a unique culture. Any girl would swoon— except I guess Layla? Heard from Diana that she wasn’t too into him, but, you know, whatever, preferences. Ha ha.” Molly shrugged. “What you’re feeling is real.” After a thought, Molly admitted, “Though, I mean, I know I can crush hard on celebrities I’ve never met. . .I might not be the best guidance on this, ha ha. After all, I’ve broken up plenty of times.” Her track record did not reflect good judgment.

To save some of this session of wisdom with actual wisdom, Molly mentioned, “There was this thing my Gran-gran used to tell me. She said ‘take time to find common ground on the big issues, sugar’, you know? Like—" She sifted through her deal-breakers,"—I would never move to Alaska, you know this, so, even if Robert Downey Jr came down and proposed, and the only condition was that we lived in Juneau I would turn him down.” Molly shook her head at the imaginary Robert having the audacity to live in Alaska.

As you do, if you hated the cold of Alaska

“But you know, I have only ever known one of my past relationships to want to live there— his family was from there—but it didn’t occur to me to ask.” Molly hummed and said, “Well, actually, it did, but I assumed it was too far-fetched that he’d want to live there to ask. I was just really convinced that was off the table. I still assume no one else I dated would have. . .” With a sigh and a chuckle, Molly said, “Maybe this two-week thing isn’t so bad then. Take time to grill him on the ‘make-or-break’ issues before you get too invested and your heart shatters rather than a pin-prick. It’s a good try I guess. If you want help, we can make a list together.” Molly smiled, “Maybe I should do it sometime!” She laughed. “But also…we’re young still. How can you really know you found the one? We should be so lucky. But—if you did, honey. Fight to keep that. Not everyone gets even the chance. Can you imagine? I mean. . .it might not be easy, but it would be worth it!”

 

[Soliloquy]

It felt like Gran-gran might have been on to something from all those years of experience. Regardless of just how attractive he was (to most it seemed) it wasn't going to hurt to slow things down and take this logically. It was was thing to another person, but only sensible to make sure that they both had parallel expectations of the other. Even if they couldn't predict how life was going to play out, they owed it to themselves to find out if they had similar maps in mind.

"Well, here's to hoping there's no expectations of moving to Alaska," she murmured, rolling her shoulders back and letting her head stretch from side to side. "I wouldn't to risk moving anywhere that I couldn't drag your happy ass with me. Where else am I going to find someone who's so good at driving me crazy?" She chuckled, hardly able to make it through even the start of the sentence with a straight face.

Jovan's words from earlier brought up a new thought she hadn't focused on before. Theo had seemed so captivated and intent on pursuing her, she hadn't thought this was simply his norm. "I suppose it's worth the risk to see if that's what the case will be, huh? Even if..." she hesitated before sharing a small fear. "Jovan said that Theo has a habit of moving too fast. That's why he told him to take it slow. I don't know girl, in my mind it makes me feel like this has happened multiple times before, so what if I'm just another phase? Do you think I should be worried about that? Or is it just me being paranoid when a genuinely good guy is showing interest?" The questions were like an avalanche once they started and she immediately felt borderline paranoid hearing herself.

 

[xrakkax]

At the comment about Alaska, Mollt nodded in agreement, and to the other about her driving crazy, “—and where would you find some one so good at driving!” She beamed, knowing this was up for debate. The dangling guns hanging from her rear view mirror swung even now. “But also, I’d miss your sensibility— like now.” in reference to her rightly considering just who Theo is, before leaping into this relationship.

To the last of what Willow said Molly quieted in consideration and thought, “Hm, good point. I mean, I am pretty beautiful, if I can be so bold to say, and I’ve had quite a few hot-and-fast flings, but fleeting, relationships. You know me, I’m not that bad, and I’d say none of them boys were either— they just weren’t the one, in the end.” Molly said, and pointed out. “But I am friends with a couple of the sane ex's. Jason helped me with my flat tire last month, Freddy gave me the flyer to this waitressing job when I said my friend should get out of the hell-hole that is the International-Fun Shop.” Molly laughed. “Take it easy. No pressure. If it works out with Theo, then great! If not, keep it chill until you know—drill him with questions in the meantime—so if you do just end up friends, it isn’t weird between you two."

 

[Soliloquy]

Even if her driving abilities were beyond questionable, she raised a fair point. Even if it didn't last, where was the harm? So long as they both knew what was being invested and had honesty between the two of them, the rest could just be up to fate or whatever powers might be. Willow decided she was going to take the advice, even if Molly might not have had the best track record. "Alright, fair enough. Open mind until we know how it's going to end," she agreed with a nod, giving her hair a final tussle as they pulled into the gravel parking lot. Opening her door, she started to get out, leaning in to have a final word. "Now, should I ask if you're going to be taking it slow or expect to find you and Micha in the supply cabinet in a week?" Smirking, she shut the door before Molly had a chance to answer, skipping away from the Accord with a wide smirk on her face.

 

[xrakkax]

Molly's words of protest were lost to the inside of the car, where they bounced off the wall to hit in her in her own ears. Watching her best friend skip off, Molly started up the engine and headed out. A feeling inside her pinched. Not like the usual nag. It felt like something stretched its fingers around her heart. Driving down the roads to her apartment, only slightly better than Willows for the working pool and no bugs, Molly punched in her pin and headed up the stairs with her head abuzz. The pink and green building housed four units. Hers was top left if you looked at the front from the street; a 'C' marked her door, and the buildings number on the side read 9050. One key turn and she was inside. Molly tossed her things aside and practically leaped into a hot bath. A dab of that salve in the water made it a hundred times better.

Tap, tap.


Coffee eyes lazily opened. "Hm?" Molly paused, listening.

Tap, whish.

Unnerved, Molly got out of her bath and checked all her windows, re-checked the door, and tentatively got dressed for bed. Just as she sat on her mattress, she got up again and went to her closet. A black safe with a digital lock was tucked away on the top shelf. Molly took it down, pressed in the numbers, and opened the case. A gleam of metal caught the sliver of light from outside the closet. indecisively, she drummed her fingers against the box.

I'm being stupid. She told herself, putting it back. Molly's father's voice urged her to go with her instincts, but she had been out of sorts lately. Whose to say whatever good streak she was on had left? A crow unnerved her. A tapping unnerved her. What next?

Molly closed the case, tucked it away, got into bed, turned off the light, and yipped in a scream. A crow passed over her blanket and melded into shadow. Molly's heart pounded. Her body, stiff, trembling. Finally she yelled at herself to turn on the light. Fingers as cold as ice did as commanded.

Nothing.

A shadow?

Molly looked behind her. The window's curtain was pulled back. The tree behind her home had been full of leaves, but some places were barer than others. In a crook of a a branch was a nest. A mother bird, as black as any crow, snuggled contentedly in it. "Oh Molly. You fool." She sighed in relief. Molly closed the curtains, turned off the light, and laid down to sleep. Molly couldn't shake the feeling she was being watched.

Restless sleep made the blaring ring of her alarm hurt her head. Still, it was time to work. Molly hit up that salve and felt a bit better. Thoughts of delicious breakfast food got her out the door faster, but the drive over to Willow weighed on her. The dark seemed to creep. Molly put music on. Upbeat, with a swing. Her tensions lessened as she reached Willows home. Upon coming to a stop and giving a honk, Molly felt much better, though she didn't look so well put-together. Her hair was a bit messy, she forgot to use mascara on her left eye, and she now realized her phone was at home.

"Ugh. What a way to start the day." Molly thumped her head against the wheel.

 

[Soliloquy]

Unlike Molly, across town Willow was having a content and relaxing evening. A bit of re-heated leftovers that were at their end served as a quick meal before she curled up on the love seat for her unwinding. A dramatic romance novel was the next pick on her list, the cover opening and releasing the welcoming scent of a story for her to dive into. A yawn out of nowhere made her look at the time, surprised to see how late it was and knowing she was going to be grumpier than normal in the morning.

A short sleep later, she awoke and was taken back by the fact that she didn't feel absolutely horrible. Attributing it to the miracle salve that she happily rubbed into the base of her neck, she set about readying for the day. The honk to announce her arrival was barely heard as she trekked down the stairwells and out the front door, dressed in dark dye jeans (no one had said not to wear them, so she'd rather settle with jeans than washing dress pants every other day) and an black blouse covered in metallic silver star designs of different sizes. Slightly transparent, a deep red camisole could be seen through the sheer material, a shade she had even matched with a bit of color on her lips. Surely just a little bit of dressing up now and then wasn't a big deal, right?

Climbing into the stalling Accord, she had opened her mouth to greet Molly when she caught her first full glimpse of her. "Are you feeling sick?" were the first words she said before realizing that it probably didn't come across well. "You look a little pale today, Molls. Are you feelin' alright?"

 

[xrakkax]

"Not sick. Weary? That's not right either." Molly swept her hair from her face and started the car. "I had a weird dream last night. A swarm of black birds-- crows--came at me. Not sure what it means. . .I mean, it doesn't mean anything, but like, I wonder why I'm feeling this way. Feeling. . .spread thin." Molly laughed, "I don't feel sore at least! That salve is great." Avoiding, Molly asked, "How was your night?"

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow was visibly concerned with Molly's appearance and also the fact that she clearly wasn't herself. It wasn't uncommon for her to get feelings or inklings, but this was something different all together. Settling in her seat, she decided to let her change the topic, figuring she could ask if Amalia had another salve or lotion for bad dreams that she might be able to help her friend out with.

"It was a pretty decent night," she shrugged her shoulders, flipping down the passenger mirror to give herself a look over while they started driving. "Started a new book and there weren't any ferrets in my purse, so I would say it was good. I could use something to spruce up the place though, maybe bring a bit more life; a fern or something? We could go shopping the next time we get to be see the sun." A light jest at the long shifts, but she hoped it would also serve as a return distraction for Molly.

 

[xrakkax]

"Oh stars yes." Molly's mood uplifted at the thought. Just like her friend to know what to say! "Gotta spend this cash, yah know?" She went off on what improvements they could make to their rented homes. "Maybe a fish tank. A few little cuties floating in a fantasy of rocks and colorful seaweed. Oh, I could replace my roller chair! The one with no wheels. Do you want to get yourself one of those hanging paper lanterns shaped like fairies? So cute. Maybe they can hover over your fern."

All the possibilities, including outrageous ones just to amuse Willow, were offered. One or two suggestions had to do with what might make a certain someone swoon. Upon arriving to the restaurant, Molly half expected dread to settle over her, but it didn't. Molly told herself not to hold her breath. The day was still young. But, she had to admit, something about the old pub felt lighter, clearer. Molly chose to smile. Every day was a reason to believe you got another chance at life.

The back door swung open, and although Molly thought it would have been Micha, it was not. Theo smiled, ever the gentlemen. "Good morning." He welcomed them, giving Willow a wink.

 

[Soliloquy]

It was a relief to see that her diversion was working so well, even getting color back to Molly's previously paled cheeks. Nothing cheered a girl up more than the prospect of a day shopping for things they didn't need in shoes they'd come to regret. If work and pay kept up the same as it had been, she'd even be prone to actually follow through with her offer, only after bills and necessities came of course.

When Willows dark eyes fell on Theo's form, she lit up like Molly being offered a shopping spree. That grin drew her in like every other day, and she had to tell herself not to race inside like an idiot. Waiting impatiently for Molly, the two walked in together, offering him a soft smile in return. "Good morning. Better morning starts at seven thirty with a full stomach," she joked, following him into the pub.

 

[xrakkax]

Once both the girls cleared the door, Theo shut it and walked with them. "You mean, you do no like to wake up so early?" Theo feigned surprise, teasing Willow.

At the sight of the breakfast table, Molly sighed, "Oh, food." And she tapped her growling tummy. "Soon." she cooed to it. Without complaint, Molly sat by Micha. The expectation of her arrival pleased him, though he had trouble winning her attention when food was his competition.

"Eat, eat." Jovan encouraged. "Day begins soon."

Theo popped out the chair by him for Willow. "Here you go."

 

[Soliloquy]

Dark brows furrowed in a scowl while the corners of her lips curled to show it wasn't meant. "No, as hard as it is to believe, I do no like," she scoffed at him, shuffling into the pub and finding what was quickly becoming 'her' seat. It was funny how so many things were coming natural when it came to being around Theo and his family, many she didn't even notice.

As always, breakfast smelled phenomenal, and she didn't need to be told twice by Jovan. Within a few moments, her plate was loaded with this and that, a few things she already knew she enjoyed and also small bits of those that she hadn't indulged in before. Taking a big sip of her tea, she let out a content sigh, smiling at those around her already enjoying themselves.

Recalling the encounter that morning between her and Molly's apparent distress, she attempted to act as the middle man for her dear friend. Turning to Amalia, she worked to grab her attention away from the meal without distracting anyone else, she casually brought up a harmless question.

"Amalia, since Natalia has such a knack for crafting things, do you think she could whip up a lotion or oil for bad dreams? There's a nasty crow who has been doing me a bother and ruining a good night's sleep," she offered, wanting to keep any questions from poor Molly.

 

[xrakkax]

Amalia hummed in thought. In their periphery Molly glanced up, trying to look casual, not noticing anyone else's expressions who also seemed to struggle to look normal. "Eh, bad dreams. . ." She fished for the right words. "Uh, maybe---"

Jovan spoke, "Dreams finicky. Maybe go to bed earlier?" He offered. "Perhaps leave here eight, not eight thirty."

A generous offer indeed. The others didn't argue it. Their lives revolved around this pub. It was not a question for them to stay.

Theo approached gently, "What is dream?"

Molly knew Willow wasn't told the exact details of the dream, and thought an extra boost would help. "Oh, Willow had said she was standing in a place with a lot of wind. The surrounding was hard to describe, maybe some buildings. Then a black cloud came. It surrounded her. She saw they were crows, not a cloud. They surrounded her." Molly took a mouthful of food and swig of kvas, keeping it cool, keeping it normal.

"Hm." Theo rubbed his beard. "Maybe dream catcher?" He joked, with a wink at Willow. The table chuckled in amusement.

Jovan spoffed. "Is fine. I will ask Natalia for sleep salve."

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow was relieved when Molly took over telling the story for her. She could have kept going with just very basic descriptions based on what she had been told in the car, but it wasn't going to paint the picture that the actual person who had the dream could. Then again, she wasn't sure how much the details of a dream had to do with how to have more pleasant dreams.

"An earlier time off could help," she had agreed before sitting back and focusing on her breakfast while listening to the dream in detail. It didn't sound like a pleasant time at all, but she was also surprised to hear that it was what had her so upset. After all, there was nothing frightening about birds, even those coming out of clouds. Unless of course you were in a cornfield and a chainsaw was sounding in the distance.

Theo's remark earned him a chuckle from Willow as she wiped at the corner of her lips. "I don't know, I am personally enjoying my dreams," she said, before doubling back when she realized how it countered their cover that it was her unsettling dreams. "Aside from this one, of course. It's been pretty calm and comfortable before last night."

 

[xrakkax]

“Of course.” Theo going along with her correction. “My dreams is good too.” He winked. At the sight of Jovan, Theo coughed, “But sometimes no.” He recovered, glancing up at the ceiling whilst scooping up the last of his food.

Amalia rolled her eyes, “I may ask Natty for salve for bad dreams.” She nudged her cousin with her foot. “And toss it at your face before you leave here.”

The others chuckled about this, even getting a grin from Jovan. Molly caught Willows eye and mouthed ‘thanks’ when everyone was preoccupied with teasing Theo.

 

[Soliloquy]

She didn't know how long it was going to take for her heart not to flutter each time he made the smallest amount of flirting, but for now she'd have to live with he fact that he could set her off with such simple things. That also meant they'd both have to bare the brunt response of his families slight intolerance to their not so secret displays of affection. The only solace was that it was still enjoyable to watch their teasing...well, that and there was only a little over a week to go.

She gave Molly the slightest shake of her head at the thanks, a simple 'it was nothing' gesture. In truth it really was nothing, after all she hadn't ever thought much of her dreams. They were just an extension of her subconscious and all that fun stuff, after all. It wasn't as if they could ever be ominous or foretelling.

Before long, the joyful banter ceased as they all moved like the gears in a clockwork to disassemble the breakfast gathering and prepare for the opening hour. By the time the doors opened, everything was where it should be, and everyone was in their positions. It didn't take long for the usual morning crowd to shuffle in and begin filling each both and table.

The day continued at it's fast paced pattern and before long they were faced with the afternoon rush. The establishment was plum full of patrons, most of which were familiar with the normal civility and expectations of a crowded public space, although one table didn't aware or simply didn't care. Just beside the glorious glass tank that was carefully decorated and suitable for one pythons liking, a table of five were quickly drawing attention for all the wrong reasons.

The parents, eyes glued to the illuminated screens of their phones seemed immune to the chaos that was unfolding, courtesy of their young children. While the youngest was confined to a high chair, contained by straps and buckles and left with nothing to do but work on but gnawing on a straw he found, half the paper stuck to his face, the older two were considerably more mobile. A girl around three was preoccupied tearing up a menu only inches from her father, while a boy of young school age was racing around the table until coming to a stop at the snake display.

Lips curled in a devious smile, stepping closer to the tank and tapping furiously on the glass. Willow stopped as she heard the sound, just leaving a few tables away. She frowned, muttering something under her breath about some people's children before crossing over. "Hey buddy, she doesn't like it when you poke like that. It's a lot louder than it seems for us," she tried to explain for the young boy, seeing as his parents weren't about to tell him.

His attention drawn away from poor Avril, the ginger moptop child turned to look up at Willow,hardly seeming scolded at all. "Snakes don't have ears.. are you a waitress because you're a dumb-dumb?" He asked her, leaving Willow momentarily speechless. She would have never had the audacity to say that to an adult at that age - even at her age now!

"Why don't you go sit with your family and leave the snake alone?" She asked, trying hard not to stoop to the child's level.

"You're not my mom," he glared, although clearly being his parental didn't do a thing. He accompanied the retort with a sharp jab of his finger in her lower abdomen. Clearly being a child wasn't going to cause any damage, maybe a faint bruise, but the fact he had done it at all had willow flustered.

 

[xrakkax]

Ah, children. Tiny humans with all the unearned confidence of youth, squandering on the worse picked battles. Theo had to wonder if the child was as bold at school, or when face to face with the creaking closet in the dark of the night. Gnarkins and Gronkles and boogeymen under the bed. Though, any aggression this child showed could be because he found he had some amount of power when it came to adults; people normally obliged by law not to harm minors. Children, especially ones not properly taught, could be cruel. Theo recalled a boy last year, Toby, who had been beaten for no other reason than the rosy color of his hair. There being a 'Kick a Ginger Day' didn't help. Whether the child truly was spoiled, or nervous-aggressive and thus exercising power where he could, Theo did not know.

Be it as it may, Theo hung back in curiosity. It wasn't everyday that a prospective significant other was handed one of the many trials of daily family life that would surely occur, if perhaps their fate lead down the path of family and children of their own. While he served his tables, he kept an eye on Willow. If anything got out of hand, he'd have to step in, but apart of him truly wanted to know just how she'd go about this, and when all the parents seemed to be oblivious. That kind of crowd did come in once in a while. It was not Jovan's favorite. He preferred the firm-- sometimes too firm--but loving hands of old Babushka's giving their children a what-fore. It was how they all grew up.

Theo handed a couple a pair of straws, shifting his eyes to Willow, trying to be discreet.

 

[Soliloquy]

The corners of her lips were stuck in a forced smile as she looked down on the child. Just how frowned upon would it be to call a child out for being an asshole? Jovan did say they didn't stand for assholes, although she really didn't want to be known as the waitress who just kicked families out.

Instead, she lowered herself down to one knee, as close to eye level with the young boy as she was going to get, eyes locking on his to show she wasn't about to back down. "You're right, I'm not your mother. If I was your mother, I wouldn't let you behave like this. If I was your mother I'd tell you about how that bear," she nodded over her shoulder at the large bear head on the wall, "Comes to life each night and we feed him the worst behaved children. But I'm not your mother, you're right. So maybe you should go back to your table and sit down nicely before the bear gets hungry again."

It wasn't the best thing to say to a child, but she still had half a shift to go. The last thing she wanted to do was let some brat poke at her since his parents were oblivious for the next half hour. Either way, it seemed to do he trick. His wicked green eyes had lost a bit of the mischievous glint as they darted up to the massive bear head. It might not be moving, but he knew enough that bears themselves were plenty dangerous and could eat a whole person in one bite. Gulping visibly, he looked back at Willow with a sense of dread, mostly at if she was going to turn him into this snack she spoke of. Head down, he tucked tail and ran back to his table, sitting down and looking wide-eyed about, on edge.

"Yeah, probably wasn't my finest hour," she muttered to herself as she stood back up, wiping her legs clean.