Thanks to all of my supporters who have encouraged me this far! Mainly Auburn Waves, FrozenPotterFangirl, and the Guest!
Sometimes I feel like this is maybe over-dramatic and confusing...Oh well. Thank you for your imput Auburn Waves. Hopefully with your help I will get better at writing. :)
Okay, so to help with the confusion, Cat went to Syd for boys clothes, and then she is going to Cambridge. :)
"So you're leaving as soon as you're done here?" Syd leaned against the doorway, spectating my (technically Syd's) all-too-big outfit that I had altered.
"Yep, just as soon as I get my hair in place," I tried masking my hair by pulling it up into a cap. I had had cut my hair (see Den of Thieves for details) not too long ago, so it was short enough to look like boys hair.
"'Ere, let me 'elp." Syd came over and stuffed my hair into the cap like a professional hair stylist.
"Thanks Syd," I turned to face him, "Thanks for everything."
"Are you sure you should be going by yourself?" Syd's face was knit with concern, "Wot if someone tries to kidnap you on the way?"
"Look Syd, I'm as safe as anyone as long as I keep my disguise on," I knew why Syd wanted me to stay.
"Why can't you just stay 'ere with me?" Syd decided to put it bluntly.
"Syd look," How could I make it seem less offensive? "I love you, but I love you like a brother. Same with Pedro. But it's different with Frank."
Syd's eyes filled with hurt once again. I could never do anything right could I.
"Is it because I've known you since you were as tall as an ally cat?" Syd was never going to give up on me. "Or is it because you don't like the thought of having to spend the rest of your days with a butcher?"
"Syd that's not it and you know it!" I probably looked ridiculous dressed up like a boy talking like a high pitched girl, "I just don't love you like that."
"Will you ever change your mind?" Syd and I both knew it was a long shot.
"Syd I don't know, I'm very confused." I started running to the door when Syd grabbed my arm.
"Cat," seeing his pain was unbearable, "Can I at least give you something before you go?"
Taking something from Syd wouldn't hurt would it? "Alright."
That's when the straw haired giant leaned down and kissed me. It wasn't like his other peck. It was respectable. Like a real kiss. And it also took me quite by surprise.
He quickly pulled away, "I'm sorry Cat," he avoided my eyes, "I just had to do that before you go and get respectable. Just don't forget me here in the butcher shop."
"Goodbye Syd." I whispered. I gave him a bear squeeze and ran out the door.
My face was as red as my hair, I was sure. I ran and ran till I reached the Avon's house.
"What happened Cat?" Pedro came out of the house to meet me, "Aren't you feeling well?"
"I'm quite well thank you." I hoped he wouldn't ask about Syd, "Is the carriage ready?"
"Yes it's ready," Pedro didn't ask about my encounter with Syd, but he did give me a funny look, "I also packed your bags."
"Thank you for everything Pedro," I gave him a sisterly hug, "See you in a little while."
"You're welcome Cat," He patted my back, "Off you go now."
I hopped into the carriage and waved goodbye to Pedro. I'd see him tomorrow night.
Little did I know what there was in store for me.
I was all alone in the carriage and reader, I must admit that it was a very dry ride. I almost wish Pedro had come along. Maybe even Syd.
Now I had been kissed by three men, all in less than twenty-four hours. Who was next?
My head was starting to spin. Maybe it was because of the bumpy carriage ride, or maybe it was because of everything that had happened lately.
I had gone to a ball, kissed Frank, practically started courting, kissed Billy, dressed up like a boy, kissed Syd, and run after a Frank who thought I hated him.
It had been a very long and exhausting twenty-four hours.
What would Frank say? Did I have to tell him about kissing Syd? Would he not like me anymore since I had kissed Billy? I rested my head against the window pane.
"Wake up Miss," the coach driver woke me up, "We're at the inn."
I didn't realize that I had fallen asleep during the ride. When had I fallen asleep?
I rubbed my eyes, "Thank you, I'll go check in."
I grabbed my bags (bag more like it) and headed into the inn. Hopefully Frank would be there. I needed to get the argument cleared up.
The inn had a homey look to it. Very cozy, and not too busy. There were two lamps on both sides of the door guiding you to the doorway.
"May I take your bags to your room Sir?" A servant asked me, "Or would you rather sign in first?"
"I'll sign in first thank you." I put on my best boy voice.
I walked up to the check in. The jolly looking man grinned a toothy grin at me, "What room would ye be wantin'?"
"A small one," hopefully he couldn't see through my disguise, "Nothink too big."
"We 'ave a single bedroom available right down the hall then."
I looked at the sign in book, scanning the whole page for Frank's name.
Oct 1793 | 12:35 | Charles Hengrave
Oct 1793 | 12:35 | Francis Avon
Yes! They had come, now I just had to track them down. I quickly scribbled my name down and started picking up my bags.
"Why hello Tom Cat!" It was Charlie.
"Charlie!" I whirled around and dragged him into a corner near a potted plant, "Where's Frank?"
"He went for a walk just this afternoon. He said he'd be back for dinner, but he hasn't returned yet."
"Oh no. I must find him Charlie!" We must have looked suspicious talking quietly in a corner.
"Did something happen?" Charlie's face told me that he knew something had happened.
"We had a little..." I avoided his eyes, "Argument you might say."
"Little?" Charlie raised his eyebrows.
"Okay so it was big!" No point in trying to hide it from Charlie, "But that's why I need to see him!"
"He might be debating whether he should jump of a cliff or not!" I hoped that the jolly old man didn't hear us.
"That is rather extreme." Charlie grabbed my bags, "I'll take these bags to your room, and then we can go look for Frank."
"I can do it myself Charlie," I muttered under my breath and picked up my bag, "I'm supposed to be a boy. Remember?"
"Right-o Tom Cat," Charlie grinned, "I'll grab you a bite to eat then eh?"
"Sure Charlie," I couldn't help but smile back, "Whatever you say brother."
Okay, not a terribly exciting place to stop, but whatever.
The next chapter might be Frank's point of view...I'm not sure yet. We'll see.
:) Suggestions are never amiss.