Author's Note:
I AM SO SORRY FOR THE MIX UP WITH THIS LAST CHAPTER! i left the notes for myself down at the bottom and forgot to remove them :0 I'm a dumy, i know LOL so if this doesn't update fast enough i am so sorry for the story spoiler. if it pushes too many people from reading i will scratch it and make another one. again thanks to the reviewer who pointed it out and i am so sorry again.
So college applications, DONE; stress levels, return to normal; free time, increased a tad. Sorry about the long wait but I had some stuff to do. Luckily, I was able to make it up over thanksgiving break and finished this chapter (btw I hope everyone had a blessed thanksgiving and enjoyed their break!).
this chapter contains a lot more shadow man, so for those who love him i hope you love this chapter...for those who favor Lottie i will try to put more of her in the next one but the last chapter had mostly her. Shadow man's plans are almost fully developed by now so the plot will keep rolling.
I didn't get as much feedback on last chapter as I had in the past, I am still so grateful to the person who did review (I'm so glad you love it!) but I think it may be because I am dragging this story out too long? So I just wanted to post the question: do you feel this story should be quicker to the point or continue on the pace it is on? my goal was to make a long and detailed story so it didn't end up like those quick ones that don't make sense, but I can probably cut out some of the less useful scenes and get quicker into the relationship part. I just don't see the characters of Lottie and Shadow man quickly falling in love but I want to hear your opinion, please!
So as usual please review, you guys have been so kind to me! :)
Also let me know what you think of the prince. He is a real historical figure known for being a womanizer but he never did any of the things I am making him do. Is he a good character or kind of stupid the way I have him in? is he believable?
So, I will let you go on your reading. If something doesn't make sense please let me know, and i made sure to edit this one before I posted it so hopefully it will contain minimal errors
I eventually gave up and left the unused pen and blank paper on my desk. I walked to my bed, my feet leaving soft padded noises on the hardwood floor, and sat down on the side looking around my room. Is there a night that I won't go to bed feeling depressed? And with that last thought I crawled under my covers and drifted off to sleep.
***Next Afternoon***
Shadow man's POV
Nineteen hours and two and a half bourbons later and I knew I had a plan almost complete. It was brilliant, foolproof if I might say. My brain seemed to have been put into overdrive for every painstaking second but it was worth it. I lost track if the head ache that took over my scalp was from the thinking, or alcohol, but I really didn't care. My life was finally beginning to look as if it would all come together. This non-stop brainstorming reminded me when I had heard a prince from Maldonia was visiting. I did the same process of cramming in a plan and as much whiskey as I could find in as little time as possible, and I say my plan went perfectly. Minus the fact I had a baboon as the main driver for it but no one could have predicted how stupid he was.
My eyes reread and reread my notes trying to find any sort of loop hole or crack in my plot. After the fourth time, I broke out into a grin as I realized I had once again achieved the perfect plan to fix my reputation, in turn capturing more souls than ever, which in turn leaves me a free man.
It would start by Eddie and I getting a good conversation going at the restaurant tonight. If all goes well, which it will because I am the best smooth talker there ever was, then one of two things will happen. One, he will invite me to a more important even like a ball or ceremony if he wants to keep the trip professional. Two, he will have me take him to a nightclub or party and we will get some male bonding time over a shot and some women. Knowing the kind of personality Ed has, I would suspect the latter is more likely. However, just in case, I have prepared for both occurrences. Either outcome, though, has serious potential for media coverage which is the key component of this plan.
After we get through the formalities of catching up and reigniting our friendship, the plan will unfold faster and faster until you cannot find a picture of Eddie anywhere without myself in it. I could see it now, headlines coordinating him with me, me with him. I took a celebratory swig of my bourbon and put the glass away as I knew the brainstorming stage was complete. The plan is made; all I have to do is execute it.
***4 hours later***
The soft cotton tie became quickly pressed out of wrinkles as I smoothed it out with my hand. I adjusted the tightness around my throat as I stared at myself in the mirror. Well, I do believe this is the first time you have been out with someone else in a while. I ran my hands along my suit jacket, correcting any minute detail I saw about the black clothing. I tucked my collar out, pressed out the wrinkles around my waist, and tried to hide a little moth eaten hole by covering my shirt with my tie. I knew the prince had arrived when I heard the honking of a locomotive outside my residence, so after quickly gathering my various belongings such as a watch, money, and my cane, I stepped out into the night.
The high-class, black automobile was parked right in front of the alleyway that leads to my shop. I could see only the few people who happened to be walking up the street staring at the sight of the dangerous Shadow man, in a suit of all things, stepping into an expensive vehicle. I waited outside the door into the back as the driver stepped out of his seat and opened the door for me with a bow of his balding head. Out of the little courtesy I had, and not wanting to seem ignorant in front of Eddie, I nodded back and slid onto a leather seat. As soon as I was inside, I felt the slap on the back of my left shoulder and glanced over to see the prince smiling.
"Well, chap, glad you could make it." He was no longer decked out in his royal furnishings and medals, no longer in his British uniform and hat. He was dressed like an average rich American, sporting a suit in the similar style of mine only much better tailored.
"Would I ever miss an opportunity to dine with royalty?" I said sounding innocently harmless then looked out my right side window, away from him, and finished. "And get a free meal" He laughed a heartily laugh. I knew it would not take much to keep this night rolling; he seemed to be pretty much in a good mood already.
"So, my good friend, where shall we dine tonight?" I quickly paused to think over the various fancy seafood restaurants around the New Orleans area that weren't closed due to the depression.
"Driver, can you take us to Le Homard Rouge?" After the driver nodded in response and pulled away from the curb and onto the street, the prince looked at me.
"French?"
"Well, welcome to Louisiana." I said to him implying the strong French culture that exists within the city. He simply shrugged his shoulder in agreement and went on with the conversation.
After arriving at the restaurant and waiting for the doors to open to reveal ourselves in all our wealthy glory to the world, we strolled up to the restaurant. The line to receive a table was strung out the door and around the corner as couples waited patiently. When the finely dressed aristocrats saw me step out of the car, not a single one moved their head. I had to snicker on the inside as everyone seemed to suck in a breath and stare as Ed glided out of the same car. He walked in front of me, chin high and shoulders back, and made his way to the hostess inside the eatery.
"Table for two, madam." He gracefully stated to the young woman. She was scribbling down something hastily on a piece of paper and passed it to the stout man behind her who in turn went to the first couple in line and stated he had a table that opened up.
"Yea, well wait in line like everyone else, buddy." She spit back in annoyance as she turned to gather a rag for a lanky bus boy who threw a dirty one in a basket next to her. The place was extremely busy, as it was every night. The hostess seemed to be stressed out of her mind and was ready to leave to answer to another shout from the kitchen. Ed turned around to roll his eyes at me clearly taking the rudeness from the woman to heart and spoke to her again.
"No, I don't think you understand, madam. A table for two, now." He demanded, letting his English accent run thick. The prince was never used to waiting in a line with average commoners and was in no mood to be overlooked. He always demanded the finest treatment and best hospitality. I had to admit that watching him so frustrated over something so stupid was very entertaining. His jaw was clutched and eyes particularly narrow as he eyed the woman up.
"Listen here…" She gasped as she looked up to see the prince standing in front of her looking very agitated. "Oh, your highness, your majesty." She stumbled out from shock of seeing the most well known prince standing before her. "One table, right away. I am so sorry, forgive me." He held up his hand before she could mumble anything else
"Make it up to me by getting me a table in the corner where no one can disturb us."
"Right away, sir, umm I mean your highness." And she left the bus boy waiting for something from her as she ran off to fix the table. Not even two minutes later, she returned and gestured to a table in the corner of the eatery.
After sitting down, a waitress in a fine black dress approached our table.
"Welcome, your majesty," she said smiling at Eddie, "and, sir," she said looking at me. "What drinks would you like me to get for you?" She asked as she poured two crystal glasses with ice water and set them in front of us.
"Well, a bottle of your finest house wine and," he glanced up at her, "something for yourself if you wish." Her cheeks turned a light shade of pink as looked back at the prince.
"As you wish." And she went back to the kitchen.
"Edward, Edward," I sighed, chuckling at the conversation that just occurred.
"What?" he asked defensively.
"Must you flirt with every woman who crosses your path?"
"Must a fish swim and a bird fly?" he answered poetically and we both could not help but burst in laughter. "It makes life interesting, no? Don't tell me a fine stallion as yourself never had a way with the mares?" He crudely implied as he sipped on his water.
"But you were just fuming at the hostess and now not five minutes later lusting over the waitress." I persisted, relishing in the feeling of poking fun at Ed. I could tell the banter was pushing him into a better mood than he had been in previously so I knew I had to continue.
"Here you are, your majesty." The waitress said as she returned with a bottle of fine French wine. She poured about a sips worth into Ed's drink and waited as he swirled it in the glass, sniffed it, and tasted it. "What you do think? Is this worth drinking or shall I get another bottle?" she smiled down at him.
Ed looked at me with that mischievous sparkle in his eye before returning to the waitress. "The texture of this is smooth, like your gorgeous blonde hair which falls around your picture perfect face. The smell is of the finest grapes which is similar to the perfume I smell on you. Lastly, the taste, oh the taste is divine like the sweetness of heaven mixed with the lips of an angel." He looked up at her again reddening face as she took a shallow breath. She eyed the prince just as hungrily as the prince eyed her. "This means I love the wine." She filled up our glasses and left the bottle on a stand at the table.
"I am glad to hear that, your highness. May I start you off with an appetizer?"
"What would you suggest?"
"Hmmm," she thought for a moment, "Oysters."
"Oysters?" the prince repeated with a hint of disgust.
"They are known to be an aphrodisiac." She finished taking our orders and left to give them to the cook. Ed looked wide eyed at me when she turned around and I knew that face anywhere.
"I love American women!" I chuckled at his immaturity. He didn't get a reputation for nothing. I could tell the whole evening's events right now, which involve him getting her to cut work, taking her to a bar, and well you can guess the rest. The problem is that none of those events will move my plan along. I did not come to this dinner to help him meet women; I came to allow him to reinstate a trust in me so I can become his right hand man in Louisiana. A bar would be a right nice place to do it, but not with a woman glued to his hip. "Speaking of blonde American women," he continued, interrupting my thoughts, "who was that one you were talking to?"
"I beg your pardon?" I asked confused as to who he was referring to.
"You know, that girl on the dock when I first arrived." Still seeing my perplexed look he elaborated. "After our conversation she walked up to you and you two spoke." Holy crap, Lottie! "Are you two…" he left the end of the question hanging, hoping I would catch his drift. Me and Lottie? Lottie and I? You are out of your mind! What is he doing talking about her? You have got to be kidding me! HER! Well I guess that is predictable. He just wants a hot woman and Lottie wants a rich man. I started to recall the chat we had when she demanded information on the prince. But what would he care about her. I know Lottie would love him; he has money up to Heaven at his finger tips. And he would obviously want Lottie with her graceful motions, elegant charm, and beautiful features. She really is a prince's dream. I guess there wouldn't be a reason why the two shouldn't be attracted to each other. Not in a love sort of way, but rather mutual betterment it seemed to be. After my momentary lapse in time and my wide eyed stare at him I resumed the conversation.
"Oh, God, no! We are nowhere near that!" I glanced up at him. His face reflected the disgust I put in my voice talking about her. I took a sip of wine, if you call half the glass a sip, and set it back down. I let the sweet liquor run down my throat as I tried to ease the awkward feeling I suddenly felt talking about her.
"Ha," Eddie chuckled uncomfortably. "Is she different or something, because she actually looked very attractive, if I say so myself. I hate those women who look so good and end up being so bothersome, such a waste of beauty. But what is she like? At least to me she doesn't seem so bad?"
Throughout that entire speech my eyes never left the wine glass that I was fiddling with between my fingers. I tried to keep my attention on the smoothness of the crystal rather than laughing in his face and telling him what an idiot he is. I knew she was the worst of the worst, but I had to remain calm to not upset the prince. I knew when he had his eye set on something it would not be wise of me to disagree with him, not when my plan depends so much on him believing I am his most trusted friend. I had to play my hand right.
"No, she is not that bad." I said, covering up my outburst earlier. I made a downward swooping motion with my hand to gesture the nonsense of his previous statement and leaned on the table. I placed my elbows on the fine cloth and clasped them together under my chin to make the conversation not so formal. "Of course, she is not my 'type' if you will, but she is a," come on, throw your pride away and just say it, "good person. A looker that is for sure."
"I agree completely. How did a thing like you end up meeting a pretty dame like that?" He chuckled as he faked eyed my up and down in disgust. He threw his right arm over the back of his chair and leaned back. I could tell he was becoming as relaxed as he could be so I continued on the subject of her.
"A long story, my friend." I kept it simple not wanting to get involved in that sticky situation ever again.
"So, do you think you could possibly do this prince from a far off land a favor?" I threw him a questioning look and he continued, smiling. "There is going to be a little gathering of American officials and press one week from tomorrow that I am being forced to attend." He rolled his eyes and picked up his wine glass. "To keep things…entertaining for me the least, do you think she would say yes if I invited her along to be my accompany?"
"Psh, of course." I quickly but venomously whispered. I couldn't help but roll my own eyes in repulsion of her desperate way with the rich men. The prince remained silent and after taking a glance at him I could see the concern radiating off him. He is probably getting confused by the mixed signals I am sending him about the girl. Come on, stick with one! Either good or bad! "I mean, I can't see why not, not with a stud like you asking her." I smirked in a way to keep the conversation light and positive. "However, why her? There is a huge upper class here in New Orleans, why not go with someone with a more predominant status?"
"Well, I would think you would know the answer to your question. I am assuming by your silence that you are not up to date with global news?"
"No, only what I read in the city paper."
"So this is all new to you. Well, where to start? Obviously you know that I carry a sort of…connotation about myself, like a reputation?"
"That part I was already aware of, Mister Party Brit." I joked using a name that a paper had given to him once in a headline. A dark and cruel flash appeared in his eye as he acknowledged my comment. He looked away from me for a moment before shaking his head and looking back down at the table.
"Yes, well my parents are tired of my so called 'bad reputation' and the negative affects it has had on my family's name. They made me come on this trip for two reasons. One to improve ties with America and Britain as is the stated formal purpose of my trip, and another to…find a reputable wife."
My jaw dropped as I stared at the young man.
"A wife?"
"A wife." He said grimly. The attractive waitress returned back to our table and placed the steaming oysters on the table. She smiled brightly at us, not even realizing the intimate conversation she just interrupted.
"There you go, gentlemen. I hope you enjoy these." She fluttered her eyelashes at the prince who in return looked extremely bored with his head resting in his hand on the table. Not so good table manners, my prince. "Ummm, have…have you decided what you would like for dinner?" she seemed to be in shock for the drastic change in mood from the prince.
"Do you mind giving us a few more minutes to decide?" I smoothly stated and she left without another word.
"Look," I caught his attention and he looked up at me. He could never control his emotions; when he felt something, you could tell. This made him an easy man to read. His eyes waivered from mine to an object somewhere behind me before frowning and looking back toward me; I had a mess to clean up anyway so I ignored it and moved on. "Don't stress about this, there are hundreds of eligible bachelorettes here, you will have no problem finding one." I gave my next sentence a quick thought. "If it is your wish, I will personally have her meet you at the gathering to have you escort her around and show to your parents you are taking their request seriously. I do not think they actually require you to find a wife, but rather you show you are trying to act like royalty."
"Thanks so much, Alexander. You have always been a crutch for me. Just like when we first met and you save me from those thugs with your voodoo. I still don't know how you did it, or continue to do it, but it saved me from a lot of bad press…and pain."
"It was my pleasure as it is now. When shall I tell her the gathering is?"
"Be at the mayor's mansion at 6 o' clock and not a minuet late." He said looking a world happier than earlier. He turned his head to glance over my shoulder and then made eye contact with me once more. "Do you mind if we leave this place and go somewhere a little…looser. That waitress is creeping me out." He said, nodding his head for me too look behind. Acting like I was just gazing over the crowd, I turned slowly around and saw that indeed the waitress was staring at the prince smiling. I understood completely his uneasiness, so I nodded in agreement and we left after Ed place a bill that easily covered three more oyster platters. He didn't look the slightest concerned about the large sum on the table, only that we could get out before she came back.
"By the way," he spoke up as we walked out onto the street, "what is her name?"
"Charlotte, Charlotte LaBouf."
The rest of the night was spent having male bonding time doing…well, I will let you decide.
***Two Days Later***
No matter how hard I tried to do my job, the plan just kept popping into my head the past few days. I had five days left until Eddie's get-together and I had yet to even come up with how to ask her let alone actually getting the confirmation.
"Sir, are you alright? Oh, did the other side call you? What did they say?" A pair of disgustingly black eyes stared at me.
"Uh, why yes." I covered up my inner dilemma and proceeded in my strong, commanding mystical voice. The baritone words pored smoothly out of my mouth as I reassured the pour girl. "I just had a vision from your ancestors, and they tell me some grave news." I pulled her palm closer to my eyes as if really examining it. "This line here," I pointed, "is telling me that your life is going to be a quick one I am afraid, my dear."
"What? Oh, no. How do you know?"
"Are you questioning me?" I shouted at her for questioning my authority and I saw her visibly shrink in fear. The hand not in use was toying with the hem of her dress pocket and she bit her lip. She didn't make eye contact with me for a few beats so I sat back down and continued. "Never question what the spirits say; they know more about the past, present, and future than your mortal mind will ever know. But, I am sorry to have to uncover for you this grim fate. I am not the author; I just pass on the message." Now, time to add some extra green onto what I am already making on this cheap palm reading. I glanced back up at her with sorrow in my eyes; I took in her small and unblemished face. I couldn't help but think of how I was going to make everything work out. There is no way I could just walk right up to her and ask her! I also have what little of my pride left to think of, and I already spent most of it on pretending to be something I will never be, a good man. Saving her did absolutely nothing for me; I can never show my face around that area ever again, not with word spreading about how the horrid Shadow man saved some rich blonde. That was not in character for me and no matter what I think of the matter I shouldn't have done it. Sure, it was an injustice what happened to her, but my thoughts don't matter. Society doesn't care what I do, as long as I am in character. A cop sets up a character as being a good man, a hero, but the second society sees him in a bar, no matter the circumstances, criticize him because that is not the role he should be. I set up a role as being the scum of the Earth covered by a blanket of charm; the second I start to act different I will not be accepted. But I can't think about this, not now. I have gained no financial advances in the last weeks and I need to stay focused. I need to sell this like my life depends on it, I mentally chuckled, well, it kind of does.
"Is there anything that can be done?"
"My dear, you have come to the Shadow man, the maker of dreams, the light for the lost. Come now; don't be worried, I have everything that you need to turn this all around." I stood up and walked gracefully over to my bookcase filled with my 'dark magic'. I grabbed a thick ancient ruins book I received from my 'friends' in return for about ten souls. This book contains some spells that allow for me to do simple magic, just enough to prove my mystical powers, but nothing major. I also grabbed a vile of cranberry juice and walked back over to the table the girl was still seated at. "Now, the magic that it is going to take to spare your life is indeed a pretty advanced spell. Luckily for you, I am very connected with the other side and can provide to you the ability to help you. However, in order to use my energy and occult power I will need a little compensation."
"Yes, of course! Thank you so much! I really do appreciate this, you have no idea…"
"Enough," I really did not want to hear it, "I have a spell and a potion of protection for you." I held up the vile. After I saw her eyebrow quirk up looking at the red liquid I clarified for her. "Demon's blood. This will place a halo of protection around you for any fatal block that might cross your path. Only drink after I have read the spell." She nodded in understanding and I opened the book. Quickly flipping though the torn and shriveled pages, I chose the spell that would create quick bursts of fire and smoke; this should add some nice effect. I breathed in and repeated the words on the page. I waved my hands in the air around me to summon the spirits and made my voice grow louder as I saw the girl's worried eyes flicker about the room as the fire would start and stop as fast as a blink of an eye. After I finished, I nodded and she gulped the juice down before she could really taste the sweetness. I lowered my hands and tied up the loose strings: explaining to her the potion one more time, answering her trivial questions, and bidding her farewell…not before collecting my pay.
After she left, I let the coins jingle in my hand as I sat thinking about how to go about with Ed situation. I came to the realization over the past couple of days that this could be quite the advantage. After digging through some old newspapers and listening into the circle of gossip that spreads though New Orleans like a wild fire, I had gathered information that I had never known. This news made this next step in my major plan seem to unravel itself. Apparently, that rich little brat isn't so rich anymore. Nope, poor old Daddy LaBouf died suddenly of a heart attack after his poor stocks depreciated in value to less than a piece of bubblegum and his high and mighty lifestyle caught up to him. I heard from some that the brat chose to be oblivious and kept with her lavish spending and that lead to the heart attack; others say that Mr. LaBouf never even told her about the loss in money and didn't have the guts to say anything to her about her habits. Either way, with the death came the discovery of his debt and the eventual selling of his house, land, and cars, even down to his clothes and fancy china. It was spread that the girl had a nervous breakdown with the news she was broke and had to go to a mental ward. Her current living status is unknown. All that is known is the debt was paid off with the selling of basically everything and she is, was working at Tiana's Place.
How great would it be of me to get the two together, the prince and the pauper? Imagine the door that would open when people discover the tragic love story of a prince who gave up a lifestyle of sin for a beautiful woman who lost everything she held dear. The story was so sappy it made me snicker in delight. This is the kind of crap people would suck up any day! Nobody loves anything more that an 'happily ever after' love story, and I will create the biggest one to date. People will forget all about the bad reputation I have when they realize my charitable and warm heart for undying love. I stood up out of my chair and headed for the door. Hat on my head and cane in my hand, I strode outside determined to find this girl. The rewards far exceeded the pride that I would have to give up.
***Twenty Minutes Later***
Lottie's POV
"Do you have any experience as a seamstress?"
"No, ma'am."
"Have you ever made alterations on a dress before?"
"No, ma'am."
"Do you have any knowledge of how to sew?"
"No, ma'am."
"Have you ever picked up a needle before?"
"No, ma'am."
"How in the world do you expect to get any job from me with this kind of a record?" the stout woman sighed in frustration. She hastily stood up from her wooden chair and turned away from the desk to stare out the window behind her. I looked away disappointingly and focused my attention to my clasped hands in my lap. I nervously began to pick at my perfectly cut nails as I debated a correct response in my head.
"Ma'am, I know my lack of experience and knowledge is a setback in my employment."
"A setback? It's a huge problem!" she turned around to face me. She had a kind face that reminded me of a mother figure, someone I would hate to disappoint. The top of the world feeling I had been experiencing minuets ago from Miss Eudora's pep talk was fading as reality of my situation set in. I had been lying around the house for the past day doing absolutely nothing except pitying myself for the friend I had lost. For some reason I actually felt like crap. I couldn't explain the reason for it or what was causing me to feel this way, but I just felt like a part of me was no longer there. It is a weird feeling, really, being so dependent on one person. Daddy would have none of it if he was here, but I couldn't help it but trust Em. I had been so optimistic, so hopeful, so positive this job was mine. Now, I felt everything crashing down again.
"I would like to learn, I want to learn. Ma'am if there is any way you could look over this and allow me to learn on the job then I promise you I will be a great worker."
"Learn on the job?" She scoffed, "How do you expect to learn on the job when every customer who walks in here expects nothing short of the finest tailoring in all of Louisiana?" She sighed and placed her hands on her hips. I knew she didn't want to hurt my feelings of reject me, but I could see what a problem I would be in her shop. She couldn't risk her quality of service to provide for me. All I wanted was a chance to do something, to stop leeching off everyone else, and every door keeps getting slammed in my face. She wasn't scolding me or yelling at me, she was simply pointing out the obvious facts.
"I understand, ma'am." I said looking down at the floor in disappointment. I can't do anything! I have no skills, nothing! "Thank you for the interview, and I hope you find someone more qualified for the position." I stood up from my chair in front of her desk, gave her a brief 'farewell' nod and turned to leave.
"Miss." I heard her call me from behind. I looked at her as she gave her small lips a hopeful smile. She stood up straighter and folded her hands in front of her. "Learn."
"What?"
"Learn. If you can learn how to sew and prove to me that you have mastered it, I will hire you and teach you how we do tailoring around here." I couldn't help but grin like a mad hatter. "I am giving you a chance, don't take it lightly." She warned me, holding up her pointer finger and waving it in the air. "One month, if you do not show me you can sew in one month I will give the position to someone else. Understood?"
"Yes! Oh yes, ma'am, you will not regret this! I will show you that I can sew. Your chance will not be taken for granted!"
"Ok, ok, child." She smiled. "Now, go home and get started." I turned out of her office and opened the door onto the main boulevard. "I hope to see you back soon!" I gave her a wave before disappearing into the mass of people and cars out on a nice Sunday afternoon. I couldn't believe it! I actually have a job! Wow, me, Lottie LaBouf, actually was hired by someone other than my friend! I continued down the road with me head held high. I didn't even notice the little bounce I had in my step or the grin I had on my face. To on lookers, there really wasn't anything noticeable, I just looked like a girl who was happy to be out and about on a sunny afternoon. To myself, I had accomplished the impossible. Once again, I was on top of the world. Nothing could stop me now! I will do this; I will show her I can sew, and nobody will stop me now!
"Well, hello, Miss LaBouf."