I apologize for not updating in over a year, but I'm back with a little chapter and some new ideas. Also going to go through previous chapters and polish up some truly horrid writing. It's been 4 years and improvement is needed and expected. Enjoy!

It was a cold morning. A fine sprinkling of dew and frost covered the large plot of land that Inna's house sat upon. Poplar trees held their ground against a strong breeze, and the sky was a brighter grey.

Inna herself stared out at all of it from a warm dining chair, across from a cheerful Allen Faye.

"You were out quite late yesterday evening," Her mother commented from behind the dark marble counter. She busied herself with toasting whole grain bread and a French press.

Inna flustered.

"Well, I walked home from my appointment and visited the-"

"You don't need to explain yourself, Inna. Your mother is just nosy," Allen mumbled, shooting his wife a knowing glare.

"I was just curious, that's all." She joined them at the breakfast table, pouring coffee in her husband's mug and some for herself, then sat. "Though I do wish you'd accept a ride from one of us. That walk is a long one."

"I don't mind it."

"Ingrid, she's not a little girl." Allen reached over for a piece of toast, ignoring the jam and nibbling it dry.

"How did your appointment go?" She pressed further, eyes aloof.

"I don't think that's any of our-"

"It was fine."

"That's great! Do, erm...do you think you'll go next week as well?"

Inna froze, thinking back on their conversation, and on how close she'd come to telling John about him.

"Inna can do as she pleases. She can go or not go," Her father said with a reassuring smile. "Toast?"

"I'm alright, thank you." She smiled back, grateful for his understanding. Ingrid huffed.

"Who did you visit yesterday? If you don't mind my asking, dear."

It became clear that Ingrid Faye was not going to give up so easily.

"Visited the beach, actually."

"Must have been freezing!" Her mother gasped, feigning most of her surprise. This time, Allen huffed, but said nothing.

"A bit cold, yes." She looked down at her lap, a hand going up to twirl about her hair. "But I-I did meet someone."

At that, both of her parents went silent, staring at their daughter with shock they couldn't mask.

"Oh? Who?" Ingrid squeaked, stirring spoonfuls of sugar into her coffee with little care. Her eyes were wide.

"His name is Elliot."

"H-his, oh, um...Elliot? Elliot."

"I think what your mother is trying to say is...well, I don't really know," Allen laughed out.

"No, I just don't know of any Elliot around here."

"He's new to the island," Inna replied softly, twisting a lock of hair anxiously. "In fact, w-well, I invited him to the anniversary party the week after next. Is that alright?"

Ingrid nearly spit out her sip of coffee. Her father's brow rose up to kiss his hairline.

"Yes, I think that's perfectly fine. Right, Ingrid?"

"Oh! Yes, absolutely!"

"We look forward to meeting-"

"Yes, meeting him! This mysterious Elliot must be something to catch your eye." Inna blushed immediately, fighting the smile that tugged mercilessly at her lips.

"It's not like that, I just..."

"No explanations needed, remember?" Her father replied with a hearty grin. Ingrid poured herself more coffee, staring at Inna with hope, and worry.

"If it's alright with your father, might we discuss what you'll be wearing? Perfect opportunity for a little shopping!"

Inna resigned herself and they left shortly after. It made her mother happy, and in truth, it was all she could give her; an opportunity to gossip with the women who ran the shop, to rake through the hangers in search of the perfect dress.

And after a while, she herself found excitement in the endeavor.

One swipe of a credit card and they left with a silken blue gown, a shade quite similar to his eyes.