Afterwards, they met Sabrina often. Every week when they visited that town, Vaughn would make a point to visit her, with or without Fate. Despite how close she and her father were, Fate was still wary of Sabrina's intentions.
One day, as they were transporting animals from Bluebell Town to Zephyr Town, he called her over to help him herd the sheep. After they had finished doing this and were leaning on the paddock fence, watching them, he began to say 'Why don't you like Sabrina?'
'Why do you like Sabrina?' she challenged.
'Because she's a good person, Fate. She really wants to be friends with you. I don't understand why you won't let her be.'
'Why does she want to be friends with me?' she asked curiously.
'She'd like to get to know you. What's wrong with that?'
'Were she and my mum close?'
'Yes.'
They were quiet for a while as they watched the animals lazily mill around, waiting for the moment when the bazaar would open and people would come and gawk at them. Perhaps give them a home. The sheep's brushed wool looked very pretty in the sunlight.
'Dad?' she said finally.
'What?'
'Nobody can replace me, right?'
'...Huh?' was the highly intelligent answer.
'I mean, I'm the most important person in your life, right? Nothing will change that, right?'
Vaughn chuckled. 'Is that what's worrying you about Sabrina?' When she didn't answer, he went on 'I don't have ties to Sabrina like I'm tied to you, Fate. That's something nothing can change.'
'You make it sound like you only take care of me because you have to,' she pouted, although she was feeling much better. He hadn't said it, hadn't even hinted at a hint of it, but she knew he meant that yes, she was the most important person to him.
'The bazaar is starting now. Why don't you run off and find something you like?'
She smiled and went, feeling cheered.
This conversation with her father helped very little to appease her mistrust of Sabrina, however. And so, she was properly horrified when her father told her that he would be leaving her in the woman's care for a few days while he went on business.
'But I always follow you when you go on business!' she protested.
'I know, but this is far away, and it would be too expensive to get you a ticket, too.'
'What? You know I can stand a far trip! Besides, I hardly even know Sabrina!
'You've known her for four months.'
'This is just a vile plot to force me to get to know her!'
'I wouldn't call it a "vile" plot.'
'You're admitting it!'
'Fate.' He bent down so he was on eye-level with her and looked her straight in the eye. He was being serious. 'I am not just trying to make you like Sabrina. If you don't, that's fine. But I really can't take you this time, okay? It's expensive. You know how tight we are on money. I couldn't do this before because we didn't have any close friends who could take care of you, but we have Sabrina now, and we need every last G we can keep. Is that okay with you now?'
'Fine,' she sighed. 'Get me something nice, okay?'
'I will,' he promised. 'And remember to behave.'
Behave. She always had to behave around Sabrina. It was so unfair.
'Remember.'
'Okay,' she answered in a defeated tone.
'Good.'
A few days afterwards, she went. She was wearing a frock, something her father had requested. She didn't like frocks - the one she was wearing was her sole frock - but it was only for a day after all. They were going into a fancy part of the city, and they didn't want to look like country bumpkins. They held hands as they walked together to Sabrina's street.
The building she lived in was large and white with a blue roof and flowers on the windowsills. It was like a large mansion, and a single glance told Fate that only the rich and fancy lived in it. Her father wouldn't have been able to rent a room for a day.
'Sabrina lives here?' Fate said, gawking at the building. It was a little intimidating.
'Yeah. Her father has a lot of money.'
'Wow. Dad, you should get lots of money too, then we can live in a pretty room in a big house like this.'
'That would be nice,' he agreed, 'but I don't think I'm ready to give up my wandering days yet.'
'Me neither. But still.'
They made their way into the lobby apprehensively. At least, Fate was apprehensive. She was sure her father was too, but he was hiding it well. The lobby was open, warm and cozy with a crackling fire at one wall, an aquarium at another and all kinds of comforts. To Fate's relief, they quickly found Sabrina, reading a book in a corner.
'Good morning, Vaughn, Fate,' she beamed when they came over to her. 'I hope you're both well today.'
'We are,' Vaughn said, returning the smile. Fate wanted to vomit. 'Thanks for agreeing to take care of Fate for a few days, Sabrina.'
'Oh it's my pleasure,' said Sabrina happily. 'You've - you've always been a good friend to me, Vaughn, and I'm happy to be of service in whatever way I can.'
'Heh, that's nothing. I have to go catch my ferry now, so I'll see you later.' He turned to Fate, and she gave him a reproachful look. He pulled her to himself, hugging her. 'Be good,' he whispered. 'Don't be too harsh on Sabrina.'
'Fine,' she sighed. 'Don't be gone too long.'
'I won't,' he promised. 'Later.' And with that, he was gone. Just like that, with the simplest of words. How typical.
