Sadie arrived to the Big Donut thirty minutes after her shift started, sleep falling off yawns entering. "Good morning, Lars." She said with a deep yawn, that dragged out for ten seconds. With a slight stretch snaps awake from the sudden chill and...
You.
Busy away...cleaning? It would seem. If she'd count you using the mop on the display case. Thank goodness there was glass. Standing there baffled at the sight before, you just happily kept doing what you were doing. Smiling ear to ear. Dunking the mop into the water, taking it out, wiping the glass down.
Did you have any idea you were doing it wrong? Better question was...where was Lars? Another, how did you wake up earlier than her? Sensing her rising questions turn and greet her.
"Sadie! Good morning! You have finally awaken! Did you sleep well?"
She just nods.
You smile mellows to a smaller one, but, still happy. "Wonderful. I am cleaning the display for the donuts, Lars has instructed me to do so."
The mention of his name, brought Sadie back. "Excuse me?" Arching a brow. Looking around. "Where is Lars?"
A question you were happy to answer. Setting the mop aside. "He is currently resting," pointing behind her at the door. "he was not feeling well and required rest. He asked not to be disturbed. He even was kind enough to write down what it is he would like me to do," you hold up a list. His list. "to make it smoother for him. I am starting now by cleaning the display case for the donuts. Which," you said rather proud stepping aside showing her.
Sadie's eyes nearly bugled out her head, the donuts were there...frozen. Everything was frozen. Smacking her face, groaning cursing Lars under her breath. Remained calmed and choose the right words.
"Well, umm...wow." She whistles. Chuckling nervously, walking over trying not to shutter. It was bad enough the place was colder...because of you.
She knew you didn't mean it, but, kind of wished it would stop. She'd rather not come in everyday wearing a thick jacket and gloves. Sensing her discomfort and rising flare inside, your smile drops instantly. Step right in front of her, stopping her.
"Are you alright? Sadie?" you asked kindly. Looking down deeply worried.
Did you have to look like that? Sadie remained held by you and as always...felt her cheeks burn..a little. Wanting to hide it, just didn't. You waited patiently for her answer. She hadn't said a single thing, which worried you more. Grabbing her by the shoulders lift her up, to her surprise. Then again it shouldn't be. Her eyes met with yours, for a instant your eyes flashed icy-blue. And..Sadie felt at ease. Everything was gone.
Smiling, you put her back down. "How do you feel?"
She wasn't quite sure, just a second ago, she felt...what was it? She couldn't remember, except she felt great, really great. Like new. You were glad seeing the smile on her face, you kept yours on. Despite the strain and minor throbbing. Kept it on, Rose always told you to be careful when you...did this. It was dangerous, it caused harm.
Mainly to you. But, you didn't mind. Touching your head lightly shake it off. "Oh, the donuts." Sadie noticed. "How did they get frozen? Well, guess I better make some new ones. Do you want to help?"
Accepting you follow her to the back, though of course you and her throw out the frozen donuts. This time, in the back with guidance Sadie showed you how to make them, right this time. It was very interesting and enjoyable. The dough was just...so gooey and sticky. The glaze was sweet and happy. Some had chocolate on it, others with colorful sprinkles, but your favorite was the filled ones. Sadie had to take over those because you kept eating the filling. Unsure how long it took, you both finished and brought the new trays. Up next was how to actually, clean. Not with the mop, using a spray bottle and cloth. Which seem to make a bit of sense, though you preferred the use of the mop.
Finally, everything was ready and well by the time someone walked in, that one being Steven. "Nephew!" You jump from behind the counter, he runs right into you, arms wrapped around you.
"Hi Snow. Good morning!"
"Yes, a good morning indeed! I was wondering of the time you might be coming by. It is," you glance quickly at the clock. "a much later time than normal. Is everything alright?"
Your eyes search his, notice nothing despite his hesitance. "Yes! Everything's great." He finally answered.
Relieved to hear that give him another hug. "Wonderful. Very wonderful. Now, have you come to enjoy the sweet donuts? We can enjoy them together." Leading him over the counter. "Please, pick one. Or a few."
Sadie shakes her head, you always offered Steven free donuts. Actually you offered it to most people, forgetting they had to pay. The phone rang. "I'll get it." She leaves.
Pointing to the jelly filled ones insisting Steven get them, he chuckles softly at your enthusiasm. Every time he came in here, you'd insist he get the filled ones. But, he preferred the glazed and sprinkled ones. Going behind the counter you take them out, one for him and one for you. The two of you sit on the floor backs against the display case and at the same time bite into the sweetness that made you both share a yummy smile. His more for the food and taste, yours for your own reason. In-sync the two you bite each bite together. Giggling from it.
Steven lets out a relaxed sigh, melting away. "I like coming here, I'm glad we can share this together."
"Yes." You nod agreeing. "It is wonderful, Steven. So, how much of your gem powers have you learned?"
"Well," he thinks about it.
Giggling you share some information. "Your mother, my sister was quite a remarkable one. Her powers were strong. Very strong. There was not one remarkable thing she could do." You spoke with much admiration and love.
Steven saw it radiate off, the way your eyes fondly remembered, the way your smile hung on every word as if his mother was here. Physically. The tinge of pain in your eyes that shuttered silently knowing she was not, left him crumbled inside. To disappear from your cold, yet warm touch on his shoulder. It was like something quickly was sucked out of him and replaced with a winter bliss. It felt...good. So good he rested his head on you and listen to you speak of his mother.
"There was no stronger gem that I knew. That I...I loved." Your voice drops just a bit. "She was always there, all the time Steven. In the front, protecting all. She helped. She healed..." your eyes drop to your hands. To your gems. They didn't hurt, they didn't burn. Just a small tinge every now and there, but...not like before. Whispering to yourself. "She healed me."
Rose took hold of your swollen and deeply redden hands. They screamed in pain, in agony. It hurt! It burned! Worse than fire, tears wouldn't stop streaming down your face, your mind blazing with hate as to why? What for? How was this even...even possible? What did you do to deserve this? Why...why...
But, from Rose's touch and the tears that matched your own that fell upon them caused it to go away. To stop. Her hold on your hands, so soft. So caring. So...her eyes though they leaked, smiled as if reading your thoughts. Sent comforting unspoken words to you, that soothed every raging fire inside. She leaned close, hoover over and rest her lips on your forehead. Extinguishing everything.
The burning...it stopped. The pain stopped too. Your hands stopped shaking. "There's my, sweet, Snow." Rose tenderly said, giving another kiss. Squeezing your hands. "There you are."
"Yes, your mother was marvelous. I cannot wait to see what it is that she has left you, Steven."
Touching his gem, thoughts racing through his mind, Steven softly smiles. "Yeah, me too."
Sadie came back. "Hey, Snow sorry to do this, but could you deliver some donuts?"
"To whom?" You asked. Stuffing your face with the last bit of donut. Looking up towards her at the box she had ready.
Who was or what was a Dewey? You wondered walking with Steven who decided to accompany and direct you to this human's office. Apparently this human was a important figure here in Beach City.
A mayor.
Whatever that was. Walking along the streets and pier to get to this, Dewey's place of office was fine. Though it would seem much faster if you just...just a little bit of wind, yeah! That would work. But, you decided against it, enjoying this long walk with Steven. The two of you talked as if it was just you and him. There was not a moment either ones smile fell, either one's laughter stopped. Stories told between you both, that involved Steven or you. Nothing mention about the Gems left your mouth or his. Heads and eyes turned at the two pair merrily walking together. The small stubby boy and the pale female.
It was hard not to noticed, it was fine. Steven explained to you what a mayor was, a person in politics. Interesting. This mayor, governed those here in Beach City. Quite interesting indeed. Interesting as it was, you weren't really looking forward in meeting this...mayor. But, Steven assured you he was rather nice.
"If you like him, Steven, then I shall as well too."
Glad to hear that Steven smiles. "Great, because here we are."
