What's up? I'm back and I'm flapping free! (Ferngully references gotta love'em) So I forgot to mention I'm making this a slightly slow burn, not too slow but slow enough. This whole quarantine thing has left my thoughts a bit stale so bare with me please. And with that, I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 2: The Trip Trap

It was the next day when Henry returned. Or was it during the night? I couldn't tell since by the time I had fallen asleep putting away our books, I awoke to the smell of coffee and Henry humming away as if nothing was amist. Of course that didn't stop me from giving him a piece of my mind. I was worried sick, he was suppose to just go to the store, but when he reassured me he had stopped by his boss's place, it did little to settle my nerves. I told him that the next time he wanted to stop somewhere for longer than he meant he should call me. At least let me know he's okay, in the end that's all that mattered to me.

He apologized, and assured me it wouldn't happened again, but I thought otherwise. For now, I ignored it, knowing again this day would be just as busy as yesterday and I had to focus. Today, I was going job searching.

I didn't want to go just yet though, not after having that conversation with Henry this morning, so in order to clear my head I grabbed my portable easel, a canvas, some untensils and headed out of the apartment.

I needed some time to myself and with the move and everything I was still unsure on how to feel. I needed somewhere solace, somewhere quiet. So, I decided to take a small trip into the city, hopefully to find what I was looking for. I needed inspiration and so far nothing seemed to stand out to me. I had to take the bus and then walked a few blocks away in order to find Central Park and I couldn't help the glee I felt when I saw it. There was a small cemented Gothic looking bridge that passed over it, with a river and common brush all along the side of it, different assorted flowers laid in patches and up ahead was a walk way for anyone to pass under which led in and out of another small park. It was really breathtaking and a perfect spot to start my painting for Lily. I was determined to finally start and with a picture already painted in mind I smiled confidently and prepared my easel just on the other side of the river to get the right angle.

I found it when I sat down just in view of the whole bridge farthest away from the river's edge on a boulder of rocks. I grabbed some water from a nearby fountain containting it in a small jar I had brought with me and set off again to my little spot perched on the rocks. When I returned I grabbed a pencil, one needed for sketching a quick outline of the bridge and the river, addint in where the rush of greenery was going to go. I then made two small circles from tape and placed one of them in the upper corner of my canvas indicating where I was going to place the sun. It was the late morning and the sun had just passed over the bridge reflecting off the river I admired.

Once I was pleased with it I took out my palette and the few colors I wanted to begin with. I started with the back ground first, squeezing small little dots down on the canvas. Pale, light sky blue, and azure. I blended the colors horizontally making sure they were blended well, then I had to let it dry. So in the mean time I pulled out a water bottle drinking from it as I looked around the park to pass the time.

All in all it had been very quiet with only the sound of the ducks quaking along the river, the sound of water splashing catching my ears when a few flew into the air and as people approached from underneath the bridge conversing with one another I began to distract myself with looking at my canvas. It didn't help though I ended up looking back over to them in curiosity. I could only make out the shapes of their figures but the first thing I noticed when they came out into the sunlight was their purple ribbons around their necks. I didn't know why but it rang a familiar cord in me. I almost wanted to ask them where theyr got them but when one of the girls looked over to me -probably sensing my eyes on them- I immediately looked away and took a long drag of my cigarette. I gazed around the other direction taking more puffs here and there until I felt the need to check my work again. From the look of it the paint was nearly dry but it still needed time. So with the time I needed I began to stroll around the waters wanting to get up close and personal to see what kind of mysteries the waters may have held. Nothing much to my surprise, although I did note a few small fish. I took another drag of my cigarette then, and shifted my eyes over the surface until I followed the it under the bridge's Gothic structure. Coming to Central Park felt like such a cliche, but this one spoke to me oddly enough. I loved the way it looked and the fact that not many people were passing by other than the girls made it easier to get the inspiration I needed.

I put out my cigarette once it was getting too close to the butt, and I snuffed out the burning glow against the bottom of my boot. I didn't want to litter so I flicked it into a garbage near to me and continued on with my project. I traced over the markings of the bridge with a dark gray to start, letting it dry and smoothed out the new added colors with a palette knife, lightly dabbing and spreading out a dark green, attempting to make them resemble holly leaves. I did this until the leaves curled around the legs of the viaduct. I placed a line of both greens on an outline of the overpass, grabbing a wide paint brush that could bring the colors downward to make some shrubbery dangling off the sides. But not just any shrubbery- English daisies, Hellabores, Hepatica, and Primrose- all falling from the bridge as if it was overflowing with beauty, but not enough to take away from the marvel that was the bridge itself. When I came back to the pillars again I started putting in the red dots with a smaller brush to finish up the holly.

I couldn't tell how much time had pass but when I realized I was out of cigarettes I had a gut feeling I'd let time pass by me a little too much. I took a moment to analyze my work, giving a look over before I decided I was happy with it and collected my dirty untensils to clean them at the fountain scrubbing them as good as I could before wrapping them up in a small towel I'd brought. I took the rest of the untensils and stuffed them in the bag, turning back to my easel and paints. I treated the canvas with gentle care placing it on the rock behind me and then took down the easel and zipped up the bag when everything was put away. I left the way I came with the canvas turned towards me so no one could see my unfinished work. I didn't like showing half ass art and it always made me self conscious to have someone see something I had yet to finish. Call it a pet peeve of mine.

Suddenly I heard my alarm go off on the side of my bag, and I pulled it out to turn it off. Right on time. I walked up those couple of blocks in a fog, not even acknowledging the people walking by me. Every once in awhile I would give a hello here or there to a stranger, but other than that the walk back seemed pretty calm despite the city's busy streets. When I had hit my street I started to wonder if Henry would be home. I assumed he might be working today or maybe setting up the bookcase he had mentioned before I left. I began to walk at a faster pace with a jump in my step, half way down the street I was zoning in on the door already, yet not before I took a glimpse over at the Trip Trap. Maybe in the hopes that I'd see Lily but I didnt.

Well, I guess I could always call her later after the job hunt?

I headed up the steps to the main entrance and headed inside, taking the elevator as a quicker means to get home and when I got to the apartment it was dead quiet. My eyes scanned around the place calling out for Henry, but he didn't answer.

He must've been out, so I shrugged my shoulders and placed the work on the easel I'd set up in the living room. We had a couch and a loveseat set up right along with it which my eyes lingered on, wanting so badly to take a small nap, but duties called. With a groan I walked over to the bedroom to grab more appropriate clothes for the job search.

I started with a lavender colored dress shirt rolling up the sleeves up to my forearms. Once I'd finished buttoning it I replaced my jeans with black pants feeling out the material around my waist. Next came the socks and shoes and brushing of the hair and teeth once I felt ready I began to feel anxious. I was really crossing my fingers like anyone would looking for a job, but with a deep breath I took those nerves and swallowd them before leaving the house with my keys and handbag in hand.

I stayed on my side of the street for now, knowing there would be a few stores throughout the city, but the one place I wanted to hopefully work was the butchers shop. My father was a butcher himself and taught me everything I needed to know about meat. In fact, he had hoped I'd take on the family business one day, but unfortunately that wasn't going to be the case. Not now any way.

The place I was heading was a couple of blocks up the street and with in walking distance, it would've been too good to be true to get a job off the bat, but I was very hopeful. To be honest, I really wanted some meat in the fridge. Living off of ramen and canned goods was not my idea of a filling meal. On the way I attempted to apply at a salon, a clothing store, the convient store, and even the Egg Man Diner. The waitress assured me that the manager would be in later to look over my application when he came in, and I thanked her with a shake of our hands. It's all I could hope for is just a glance. After having a bit of practice my anxieties had withered away, it became earlier to present myself to others and ask for applications.

The Cut Above was my next stop. I walked right up to the front door, put my hand on the handle and took a deep breath before I pushed it open. I felt as if I was back at home when I looked around to see no one in the front. I couldn't help but frown a little but when I saw a bell on the deli counter, I was hesitant to ring it. "Hello?" I was hoping I could just call to whomever own the establishment, but instead I heard nothing but silence. So, I rang the bell. It took a minute but before I knew it a man wearing a butcher's apron, balding, seeming a bit on edge before he smiled, welcoming, "Uh, s-sorry about that! How may I help you ma'am?"

"Hi, I've just moved to the city and I was hoping to maybe...fill out an application? My father was a butcher himself and I'd be more than happy to show you what I can do. I've had plenty of practice with cuts."

"Oh, well-, you see the thing is-, to tell you the truth I haven't been getting much business you see. It's been awefully slow, so I may not have need for an apprentice. If you'd like though I'd be happy to take an application regardless." I was alittle bumped but I smiled and nodded with optimism, "Absolutely. I can't afford to say no, sir." He chuckled gently at my remark and handed me a piece of paper. I wasted no time scribbling down my information and handed it over when I was finished. He seemed pleased, yet regardless I could see a bit of sadness behind his smile, "I've heard of your father's shop. You said you were the daughter?" I nodded blushing, "Yes sir. I'm his youngest."

"Well ain't that something. I-, I wish I could hire you Miss but I promise if we start getting customers, you'll be the first I call."

"Thank you sir. Have a nice day."

"Y-You too." When I exited the butcher's shop I couldn't help but feel he may have been lying to me. Not because he didn't want to hire me but something about his mannerisms made me feel as if something was wrong.. Maybe he didn't want to say no but he really had to. Or...I'm over thinking again. I probably was. So I blew a loose strand out of my face and continued down the street until it had hit the late afternoon. I even took a lunch break near Central Park before heading to a guitar shop. I didn't even know anything about guitars but I was willing to learn, but again it was fruitless.

Maybe the Pawn shop? What was it called? The Lucky Pawn?

I headed back on the other side of the street-, across the way from my apartment-, strolling up to the doors to hear muttering and cursing seeping from inside. I carefully opened the door, hearing the bell ring over my head before a 40 year old man with bright red hair and funny glasses looked my way, "Yeah what do you want?" He asked aggravated. I didn't know what had upset him or if he just had a a stick up his ass, but either way I attempted to be polite and smiled to mask my nervousness, "Hi, um-, I was just curious if you happened to be hiring? You see-,"

"No. Either buy, sell somethin' or get out!" He snarled.

"Oh, okay. Sorry to disturb you." The words came out in a tumble having not expect that kind of reaction. It shocked me a little, but I knew never to over stay my welcome, so I left. I wasn't going to go back there again, not after seeing the way he held such malice behind those shades of his.

The ordeal left me exhausted, although I was beginning to think it was due to spending most of the day filling out applications and walking around the city as if aimlessly. Soon enough it would be time for dinner and I still had to finish my piece.

I dashed across the street to turn in for the day, but when my foot hit the first step I heard my name being called. Curiously I searched around only to hear my name again, this time looking across the street from where I came from. My eyes followed to the front of the Trip Trap where I saw Lily jogging over to me, waving, "Lily! Hey!" I waved back until she was in front of me, her arm wrapped around my shoulder for a second before she pulled away, "Hey you, how are you? Heard you've been in and out all day." At that I cocked my brows confused. How would she know that? "Are you stalking me?" I teased her.

"Ha, you wish! I buzzed your pad earlier and your boy toy said you were out." I almost chocked when she called him that, "Boy toy?" I laughed. "Yeah your boyfriend I'm assuming? Bit of a burly guy, blue eyes? Stands about 5'9?"

"Yeah that's him." I said with a smirk on my face.

"Seems the catch."

"That's what I'm hoping for. So how about you? Anything fasinating happen after yesterday?"

"Just some shots and nagging from my sister. Some asking about the new chick in town...Plus I had to work last night so, yeah, nothin' to tell."

"Is that the usual for you?"

"Yep. From dawn to dusk either working, and drinking, drinking and working. Well, not at the same time I mean."

"Hey, who doesn't want to drink on the job? Shit can be stressful." I told her laughing through my teeth, she seemed to laugh as well but after it pattered off she suddenly looked back to the bar, and then back at me with her lips pressed together, "You want get a drink with me?"

"Uh-, wow-, really?"

"Sure! We never got a chance to get that coffee or tea, so why not?" I had no rebuttal to her offer, and to be honest, I really could've use a drink right about now, especially after today. With only a stumble of words and me stupidly spreading out my arms out only for them to drop at my sides, I caved, "Sure. Why not?"

"Alright! Come on, I'll even introduce you to the fam!" Lily wasted no time hooking our arms together to get me to follow, which I happily did.

"The fam? I thought it was just you and your sister?"

"Well-, then there's the bar itself." She corrected with a big smile spreading across her face, "Do you think your boyfriend will be okay with that?" She gave a playful smile with all in good fun, but a part of me felt she had a point. Plus, Henry could be a bit paranoid sometimes. I didn't want him thinking something bad had happened to me, "Well, I should call him just so he knows I'm okay."

"Sure thing, there's a payphone inside the bar you can use if you need." She assured me when we had stepped on the sidewalk and towards the bar. I had to admit though, as we were approaching the Trip Trap I started to feel slightly nervous, but I guess that was normal. I was meeting Lily's sister after all, and apparently a whole family of people? I wasn't sure what to expect, "Thanks you. You think this isn't too soon to be meeting family? I am a stranger."

"Yeah a little. But I already like ya. So, shall we?" Her voice was so smooth that I could only smile and nod when she offered me the door. She opened it with a big grin on her face, "Knock knock!"

"Well surprise surprise, look who's back!" A loud burly and manly voice came from the first chair thatI could see. He sounded very happy to see Lily, "Hey Woody~ How's it goin'?"

"The same old, same old. Who's your friend?" When Lily pulled me into his view I met eyes with a somewhat stocky man with green eyes, a shaven head -or so I assumed it was shaved- with a brown beard and green flannel shirt. He seemed to be in his late thirties or early forties when I came to the edge of the pool table where Lily had ceased walking with her arm still hooked to mine. She introduced us instantly, smiling at me as for reassurance before Woody sat up from his spot and shook my hand with a smile, "Pleasure to meet you miss."

"Likewise sir."

"Oh please, you don't have to call me sir." He gave a hearty laugh, "Woody's fine with me."

"Woody it is then!" I finalized with a grin, but then I noticed a familiar face out of the corner of my eye sitting at the far end of the bar with his back against the counter, lazily throwing darts at a dart board across from him.

Suddenly his head turned to us and I felt his eyes land on me. He was a man I could hardly place in age, thirty maybe? He had black slick back hair sporting a scar across his cheek and a small goaty under his bottom lip. He even had a few piercings on his ears, but his eyes were what really captivated me. His right eye was a light green hazel while the left was a milky white. He was a rough looking man almost giving off that distant feeling of liking his space, "Aaand you've already met Gren, somewhat."

I waved timidly at him and nodded, "I remember. It's nice to see you up close and personal this time."

"A pleasure." He replied in a low voice before sending another dart flying. I smiled in response, almost unsure if I should attempt to shake his hand. In the end I decided against it when I studied his body language and instead noticed how slumped back he was in the stool.

He was bored, which gave me a idea. A chance to try and open us both up for dialogue. This, is if I could, "Mind if I..." He froze at the sound of my voice looking towards me from his game, and although his eyes were boring into mine with a studying gaze I kept a small smile on my face, feeling my face heat up when I noticed the awkward silence between us, "I mean-, I don't want to ruin you're game or anything..." I tried to still my voice as his eyes continued to search me shifting from Lily and Woody to me again.

Then, he shrugged his shoulders and leaned back with his hand extended out to the darts laid out on the bar.

I was relieved when he gave me the offer, and as I took one into my fingers I heard Lily walk up behind me as I readied to aim, "Ya think it got what it takes?" She teased from my shoulder, getting me to scoff playfully and look back at her as if offended, "How dare you." I positioned the dart up feeling everybody's eyes on me, but I didn't let that stop me as I kept steady confident enough to let it go. It flew across the room and landed a direct hit.

"Not bad." I heard Gren say impressed, then threw his own dart right next to my own. We all made a noise of approval, Lily and I tittering when I would miss my mark completely. It seemed to make the Grendel smirk a little and shake his head as he threw the next one of his turn. Back and forth we went on, the dart board slowly being covered in darts until there were none left, and I was wincing at my loss, "Ooh so close."

"It was good game though!" Lily was attempting to be hopeful but when I turned around I saw her shrug at me causing me to giggle. I was about to respond when I noticed her eyes looking beside me. I followed her eyes to see the man Grendel gazing at me, "What's your name?" It took me a second to register what he said and when I did I smiled and gave it, "Heh, cute name for a cute girl. It works." He replied before taking his drink off the counter.

"Watch it Grendel," Lily sang exerubently as she poked my side causing me to yip, "This one's already taken."

"It was just a compliment, it's not like I'm tryin' anything. Anyways, nice to see a new face for what it's worth. I usually don't like no fuckin' body, but, I don't know, we're starting off on a good note, so there's that." I repressed a giggle when he winked at me, indicating a friendly gesture. At least that's what I took it as. It was definitely a step up from his once quiet and slumped demeanor.

"I hope to keep it that way."

"So how long have been in New York? Lily said you just moved here?" I turned myself towards Woody who was leaning against the pool table when he asked me this. I hadn't realized my mouth fell agape with no words to speak of, until I slowly chose them carefully as to not give anything too personal away, "Just yesterday actually. I moved here with my boyfriend in hopes of getting into a school here, well-, close to here." They went silent for a second looking to one another confused.

I didn't understand why until Gren gave me a suspicious look, "You moved to the Bronx in order to go to school?"

"We fell on hard times, what can I say? It's a long story, and-, I don't want to bore you guys." Before it could get any more awkward or they could ask any more questions I suddenly realized why I came here, "Maybe if I buy us a few drinks I'll loosen my lips. What do you say?"

Grendel's brows raised when he heard that, "Oh yeah?" Well don't tempt us sweet mistress, fill her up!" He then grinned as he lifted an empty shot glass in the air. Woody second it by slapping the bar, "Here, here."

"Hold on, I gotta get Holly." Lily placed her purse in the seat next to me and pointed down at it and then her eyes repeating the motion, "Watch my stuff?"

"Will do." I gave a thumbs up before Lily turned to Woody, "I'll be back in a flash. You boys behave."

"Hey we try." He retorted.

"Try harder." As she walked by him she slugged his arm playfully and then flicked her eyes over at Gren with a suspicious gaze, "You too."

"Hey, this is the nicest I've ever been! Usually I'm tellin' people to fuck off." His bluntness and honesty cause me to snort. Gren must've heard me because the next thing I knew he was looking down at me with a chuckle, "What? It's true."

Lily and I both made eye contact shaking our heads before Lily had turned to the only door behind the bar and opened it to call for her sister, "Holly I'm back! And you've got customers! Get your ass out here before they leave with all those delicious dollars!"

"You're a real bitch Lily you know thag? What if one of these days you start screaming that and they do start leaving? It'll be your fuckin' fault." This didn't seem to phase Lily in the slightest considering she just raised her brows up and down in a mischievous manner.

"Oh quit your belly aching and get in here so you can greet your new neighbor." I tensed up, my eyes widening. I felt my mouth go dry and my ears started to thump to the rhythm of my heart beat.

When I saw Holly walk out I straighten my posture. She was a woman with white hair, piercing blue eyes, light freckles scattered across her cheeks and a butterfly tattoo just about her right breast. The maroon dress she wore complimented her eyes, but what got me more was the irritable features already crossing her face, but it quickly dissolved when she took a look at me. She made a sound of a hmph and crossed her arms when she pivoted her hip, "So you're the new girl Lily's so keen about. From what I heard you can paint pretty pictures."

A part of me couldn't help but look over to Lily with a dead pan look on my face, "That's what you told her?"

"Well you do." She laughed.

I shook my head with a humorous smile and gazed back to Holly with a nod, "Guilty. It's nice to meet you."

"Likewise. So, what's your posion?" As she walked up to the bar I nudged my head at the others with a soft gesture, "A cold beer and whatever they want."

She froze for a moment and then shrugged her shoulder, "You...Might have to get something else, hon. The fridge's busted."

"Oh, anything I can do to fix it?" Holly was grabbing for shot glasses when she stopped in mid grab and looked back to me, and apparently so did the others. I didn't understand why, but Holly continued to lay out the glaases to ease the odd silence, "What're you some sort of repair girl?" She said this with a lightness to her tone, but I knew it wasn't rhetorical.

"Actually I use to bartend for a few places back home. And thing kind of thing happens all the time."

She chuckled at that, "Don't I know it." But then, she gave me a suspicious look and tilted her head at, "I'm not going to have to pay you, am I?"

"What? N-no, I'm offering, free of charge, I swear." Holly's eyes softened, her eyes shifting over to Lily and then me again before she gave a soft exasperated sigh, "Alright, go ahead. It's not like it could take anymore damage." I jumped down from my seat and went around the bar to take a gander.

The fridge had already been unplugged, but from what I could see it was unbelievably dusty, "It just needs a bit of cleaning, nothing serious. May I see a rag, please?"

"Right in front of you sweetie." I looked up on the counter and grabbed it, cleaned the coils the best I could, then unscrewed the back to double check the fan and drain. The fan definitely needed a bit of TLC and after alittle bit of elbow grease, I plugged the fridge back in the wall and with a click the machine began to purr like a kitten, "Huh, well I'll be damned."

"Hol, I do believe she saved you some dough." I heard Gren chuckle seeming amused as well as surprised, "You might want to keep this one." I tried to hide the smile of pride threatening to shine through, and turned to Lily to see a wink leave her eye. She then grinned turning fully to face her sister. I could tell this is where she was going to lay the question on her, the one that had me holding my breath, "Actually, it turns out that Ms. Fix-It here is looking for a job. Think you have an opening?" Holly's eyes widened looking between the two of us again. I knew that look. That was an elder sibling's are you kidding me look.

"Is this what this was about? The girl buys a few drinks, let her fix my fridge and I just-, what, give her a spot?"

"Ugh, first of all, this wasn't planned thing, I was hoping to come in earlier to ask-, Maybe over drinks, sure, but the fridge wasn't planned. She did that all on her own because you mentioned it." Holly scoffed at Lily and rolled her eyes which darted over to me, "Which was nice by the way." Only to dart back at Lily, "But you know how I am with my bar, Lily. The only two that can even close up this bar is Woody and Gren and even that makea me a little weiry."

"Hey." Both men called off in unison at her but she happily ignored them."

"I hope there's no offense kid, you seem nice."

"None taken. But...Can I say something? I-I wouldn't just be here to be another body to worry about, I want to help out too. I don't need the key to the bar or anything like that, but like the fridge I could repair things when you need it, I can clean, and if you need supplies I can go out and get them for you." Her brow raised, I wasn't sure if it was a good or bad thing but as I felt silence start to set back in, I sighed softly, closed by eyes for a second and opened them again, "I'm not trying to sell you snake oil here, and I don't want you thinking this is a one time deal with the fridge. I want you to stress less if I were to work here."

"Would be nice to stress less." She admitted.

"Lily says you run the place by yourself. I'm not trying to pressure you to hire me...But please consider it? I wouldn't mind taking on some of the load." Holly was actually considering it, I could see it in her eyes, but I didn't say anything after. It was her decision at the end of it, and all I could do was mentally plea. The answer hung in the air as it felt as if she was staring into me, trying to see my true intentions. The thing is, I meant every word, even if it meant selling a painting or two to get those said supplies I mentioned.

Finally with a roll of her eyes and and her arms falling to her sides with a clap she shrugged, throwing her hands in the air, "Fine, we'll test drive this, but you better keep your end of the bargain little miss, I won't have you slacking off around here." I couldn't believe what she was saying. I was so ecstatic that I had to look over to Lily for reassurance, and then back at Holly, "R-Really? You mean?! Oh man, thank you, thank you, I promise I won't let you down."

"But!" She said putting up a finger, "First things first, let's talk about baretnding. You said you worked at a few places, were you any good? I mean, you can at least pour a simple shot right?"

I didn't know how to explain. I mean of course I believed in my own abilities to make multiple drinks, from the basics to the exotics, but still, all I could think to say was, "I have a resume if you want to see it. So far I haven't upset a customer."

"A resume huh?" She seemed surprised but at the same time it caused her, Lily, Gren, and Woody to slightly chuckle at the mention, "Do you see where we're at kid? You don't need a resume to work here. But hey, I won't say that I'm not, if not just a little impressed."

"Hey it's still a business right. Just because we're in the Bronx doesn't make it any less important." She blinked back, attempting to hide a smile tugging at the corner of her lips as she found her words, "You're sweet, really, but worry about the resume. As long as you do your job, I'll be sweet as a peach." Holly then extended out her hand out to seal the deal, and I took it with a firm shake, although I couldn't help but notice the extraordinary grip she had on my hand, These sisters have the strength of ten oxens what the hell?!

"Great! So, when should I start?"

"Tomorrow. Say, same time?"

I saluted with a grin on my face, "You got it Boss."

"Boss..."She hummed for a moment and itched her chin as she gave a small smirk, "I like the sound of that."

"Well get use to it Hol, because you've just became one." Lily said smiling over my shoulder, seeming as happy as I was.

From the left side of the bar, I heard Grendel clear his throat and tap his glass softly on the table, "Sooo would this be a good time to celebrate?"

"Oh my god yes! Holly, can ask a favor?" I went over to my bag and made sure to grab my wallet to place the money on the table.

"If it has to do with drinks then absolutely. Still want that beer?"

"Nah it couldn't be cold already." I looked between Lily's usual and Gren's deciding to try the quiet man's posion, "I'll have what he's having." He gazed at me and then to Holly before taking his full glass in between his fingers. He then held it up to me, waiting for me to join him in clinking our glasses together, "Bottoms up."

I let the golden liquid slide down my throat going as smooth as it could go. It was strong, real strong. I almost gagged at the taste, but then again I guess I partake more in the sweeter drinks. Yeah, I was a pussy, but, hey why not live alittle?

The face I made was a sour one and apparently it caused Gren to laugh out loud, "I take it you don't do shots often."

"Uh-uh." Was all I could manage giving what sounded like a laugh behind my recovery. It made him and the others laugh even more before he nudged my arm before asking Holly for another round, "Here, you want to take a breath before you take the shot. Then you blow out." He mimicked as he said, and then he looked over at me, "Now you try." I looked at my shot glass and raised it up to my lips. I took a breath in, and slammed it back with more ease this time. How did I not know this little techinque to drinking? I thought people had just been holding their breaths to be honest. I had to admit though the drink went down so much smoother and I could barely taste it like before "That's good." I heard him say before smirking over to me, "Thanks for the freebie bu the way."

"Don't mention it." At that moment, I think I might've been imagining things, but as we made eye contact I felt the gaze linger a bit longer than it should've. I watched his eyes soften and his lips curl into a smile.

Suddenly he looked away though and tapped the table again as he pushed his glass towards Holly, "Another round Holly, on me."

"Why thank you Gren." Lily chimed, "I'm glad this could all work out so well!" She then put her glass next to his and then shifted her eyes to me, "What time do you need to be home?"

"Probably soon. I got a portfolio I need to work on, plus, I'm sure Henry's going to start wondering where I am. I don't want to make him worry." I felt my heart drop when I said that. I really meant it.

"Awe, aren't you precious. He's very lucky to have you then." I gave Lily an unamused look before turning myself around to lean back against the bar and look towards the pool table, "I at least do him that kindness...I don't so much about him." My mind felt like it had gone into slow motion. I let it slip without thinking and now Lily was tilting her head curious. Actually, she seem alittle eager to know what I meant by that, "Trouble in paradise?"

"Eh, sorry. Forget I said something. Slip of the tongue."

"Obviously. But what can I say? I'm good at sensing this sort of thing."

"The hell you are." Holly muttered with a smirk getting her sister to glare at her.

"Hey, I can be! Don't sell me short because I'm the youngest! So...anything you want to get off your chest?" It was amazing how quick Lily could flip at the drop of a dime, but none the less I looked to her only to realize I had been left on the spot, scanning the girls to the men with a soft breathy laugh, "I don't know, I feel as though I'd be talking out of line, talking behind his back. It wouldn't feel right. Just so you know it's nothing serious..." I had to tell a little lie, I couldn't have them knowing Henry was still going through withdrawals.

"Well that's a relief." Woody said seeming to leave it at that.

So, I decided to change the subject off of me and onto something else, "Right now, I'm feeling for one more shot of the night. Who's with me?"

"Haha! Couldn't have a better subject to turn to better myself." Gren was too clever for hus own gokd, that, or I sucked at hiding what I was trying to do.

"You caught onto that, huh? Come on, cheers!" No one seemed to pry after that. We continued to chat and laugh the rest of the time I was there until it was time for me to say my goodbyes, and head out the door with a warm smile plastered across my face.

All in all, today had ended on a good note, and that left me in high spirits.

Next- Chapter 3: Eggman's Diner

I hope I didn't make this too boring, I promise it'll start picking up soon. If you have any suggestions please feel free to message me or leave a comment, I'm always up for ideas! Remember to be safe, keep each other safe, and I'll see you all in the next one. Bye!