I expected the person behind me to be the strong type of woman, athletic and tan from being out on the mountains all day. She would scoff at me with a smirk and tell me to get stronger. So it was weird seeing the lady.
She had long wavy pinkish hair with a hint of purple in it. And a long ancient looking dress that looked a bit big on her. I wouldn't describe her as the tough tomboy type at all. She was actually quite cute with her child-like face. She looked like she wanted to hide from me.
"You don't have to be afraid," I stretched my hand towards her with a smile on my face so that she would know that I was friendly. She looked down at my hand, confused, before glancing back up to glare at me.
"Why did you have to be at that exact spot at that exact moment?" she huffed, crossing her arms, "But maybe you just didn't know."
"I'm sorry, uh. . ." I rubbed the back of my head, "What's your name? If you don't mind me asking."
"I don't mind," She looked me up and down with a slight giggle, "You can call me Oracle. Yes, I would really like that! What's your name?"
"Philip," I bowed to her. She really was quite adorable. Especially when she smiled back at me again.
"That's an interesting name. Let's see," she put her hands together, "Oh, I know! You can be my guinea pig!"
"Guinea pig?" I echoed with a frown, "For what?"
"My alchemy experiments silly."
"What's alchemy?"
"Alchemy?" She tilted her head, "It's kind of like putting two things together to make another thing."
I nodded, a bit intrigued, "That sounds interesting. I might have to visit you soon."
Her eyes brightened a bit from my words, "You really really will? Thank you!" Her arms wrapped around me in a quick hug, making my heart speed up a bit. When she backed away, she waved like a little kid. I watched her disappear, feeling a little sad. I knew her name now, but I felt like I wanted to know more. Like why she didn't live in either town. It must be lonely being all alone in the mountain. But it was starting to get dark soon. I better be getting home and letting my animals inside. But she was still on my mind.
"Philip, are you alright," I jumped back as Laney waved her hand in front of my face. The blonde waitress gave me a look, "You've been distracted all day today. You might have to be more careful."
"I'm sorry," I lowered my head a bit, "I'm just doing something thinking is all. I'll be more careful, I swear."
"Is something bothering you, honey?" Howard put his giant arm around me, "I'm a good listener if you need me to be."
"Dad."
"It's alright," I moved Howard's arm with a fake smile, "Nothing is bothering me at the moment."
"I'll be here when you need me."
"You should be at the register," Laney scolded him before turning back to me, "Maybe you want a snack?"
"I'm good for now," I rubbed my stomach for emphasis, "I had a big breakfast."
"Alright," she frowned, but didn't ask again. I watched her and her father work, but I couldn't get Oracle out of my mind. She was just so interesting to me. I needed to know more about her. I decided that I would start visiting her whenever I went to the mountain. Which would be tomorrow, since I had no reason to leave town today.