Chapter Eighteen: (Goldi!?)
The days have turned into weeks since Jason's published book became a great success as the money keeps coming. Jason never thought he would see so much money all at once, but luckily he has a savings account at the village's bank which the bankers were really liking him more than they already did. Jason took the opportunity to get tailor made clothing and shoes since he didn't do that when being on a budget of saving his minimum wage from his job. Speaking of his old job, Jason brought the lumber mill straight off the day he stepped in to see his former boss. He increased the wages and his former coworkers have already started to praise him for it.
"Investing in something to make you money." Wolf grinned. "Smart move, Jason."
"Thanks, Wolf, I learned that over the years of reading a book about smart investments and how to make a coin in just simple basic steps." said Jason, as he walked down into the village where today is the day of people seeking investors into investing the next big thing.
"This is going to be a very smart move in investing in multiple things on your part, Jason," said Wolf, before grabbing a free cookie off the table.
Jason nodded, his eyes scanning the various stalls set up around the town square. The scent of freshly baked goods mingled with the sound of merchants hawking their wares, creating a bustling atmosphere of excitement and commerce. He had a keen sense of business now, sharpened by his newfound wealth and the thrill of being part of the local economy's growth. His heart raced as he spotted a stall that caught his attention, a young guy wearing purple stylish clothes and a matching hat.
"Hey, friend." He smiled. "Wanna invest in the future?."
"That depends. What is it?." Jason asked. Curious and excited.
"Well, you know it's hard for us guys to have any lady to keep us company when times get lonely, right?." He asked.
Jason nodded in agreement despite having a fiancee, and having no idea where the guy is selling. "I suppose so."
"Well, look no further, my invention is going to be man's greatest life helper. Something that will be around forever until maybe the law gets noble and wants to put jail time. My business is women escorting men and giving them special services to their desire, and paying it on the number of hours that they can afford. The group of women will answer to their boss and give them the money. I call it Pimping." He explained.
Jason smiled at the idea but lacked in asking what the words mean as that is new. "Cool. So where are you going to get any woman to do the job?."
The young man leaned in closer, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Already got a few lined up and they are very willing and very weak minded, but I need some funding to make this operation more...let's say, 'comfortable' for them and our clients. New place, better conditions, all that jazz. And with your investment, we can take this to the next level. You're going to be the first to invest. Been trying to sell it but no one is taking it."
"How much are you looking for investment?." Jason asked when pulling out his new and first ever checkbook since he has too much money to dare carry.
"Just a mere thousand gold coins, and you'll be set to get fifty percent of the profit." The young man said with a wink.
"Hmmm, how about twenty-five thousand?." Jason grabbed the quill and began writing.
The young man's eyes bulged out of his head, "Are you serious?. Twenty-five thousand gold coins?. That's more than what I was expecting for a start!." He stuttered.
"Yeah, I believe in taking risks for a good cause." Jason said with a knowing smile, signing the check with a flourish.
The young man, now visibly excited, stuttered out his thanks, his hands trembling slightly as he took the check. "You won't regret this, I promise. Your name will be all over town as the man who revolutionized the...uh, companionship industry." He stumbled over the words, but the intent was clear.
"No problem." Jason walked in to find another opportunity to invest. He saw one that had live music.
He sees a young girl playing a guitar and singing a very unique song that sounded like his culture music. He sees an old man with a big smile on his face. This song is very catchy.
"Love my granddaughter's voice?." He asked.
"It's incredible." Jason said, genuinely impressed. "What's your brand?."
"Well, it is my friend's brand. He couldn't make it today, but it was him who made people discover my granddaughter's talent. He brand is having a show with people dancing and displaying single singers or single groups to get the opportunity to perform and sing their never before heard songs to the public. It's to help people get notice and get a record deal by any record dealers. He envisioned the building to be big and always have live showings and him asking the performers questions about them or how they made their music. He calls the brand 'The Soul Carriage'." The Man explained before hearing her granddaughter stopped singing to drink water.
"How much is the investment for the show?." Jason questioned.
The old man's smile grew wider, revealing a set of crooked teeth. "Oh, it's a steal!. For just fifty thousand gold coins, you can become a partner in 'The Soul Carriage'. We're planning on setting up shop in Far Far Away and having the building to have a proper stage with the latest acoustics. It'll be the talk of everywhere!."
Jason nodded thoughtfully, watching the young girl strumming her guitar with a passion that belied her age. The music was indeed captivating, and he could see the potential in the idea. "I'm in." He said, writing out another check. "But I want to hear her sing again."
The old man chuckled, "Of course, of course! My little star, come sing for our investor." He called out to the girl, who looked over shyly.
She began to play a melodious tune that seemed to weave through the very air of the square, capturing the hearts of everyone who listened. The crowd grew, people stopping in their tracks to enjoy the impromptu performance. Jason clapped his hands and tipped her before walking down to see more investors. After the day he invested a total of seven businesses and felt very good to help those people get their dreams fulfilled. His father always tells that it is good to share your fortune with others and prevent bad mojo from ruining the good things. The sunset came as Wolf headed home as Jason headed back to the swamp.
Jason reached home to the swamp and closed the door before getting in his pajamas and hot bed sleeping well. In the morning on the next day, Jason didn't expect what was waiting for him when he woke up. When the sun hit his face he started to move and moved inside the bed stretched his arm to the supposed empty space. Instead that empty space is occupied. Jason, still having his eyes closed while having that confused facial expression on his face, as his hand started to pay down the object. His land began to land on something soft and brushy. His nose started to pick up a scent of fresh sweet yummy honey. The smell is too familiar not to guess who or what it is in his bed. He opened his eyes and it went wide at what was sleeping with him.
"Goldi!?." Jason shot up on the bed with utter shock.
Goldilocks lay there, fast asleep, until her name was called out with a yell and shot up and spoke in her thick British accent.
"Oh my, what got you all jumpy?" She exclaimed, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. "It is too early for that, love."
"H...How did you and your family manage to find where I live?." Jason asked in shock. "I know good and well your brother's nose ain't that good as the nose of a bloodhound."
Goldi yawned, "Oh, it wasn't that hard. We've been tracking your scent since we parted temporarily. Luckily, I kept something that belongs to you as insurance." She grinned, revealing her teeth and bear fangs.
"Wait...what did you steal from me?." Jason asked, a bit shocked as he doesn't recall her taking something from him when she and her family traveled with them to Duloc.
"Oh, you know that little figurine of a golden wingless dragon in a wiggling position?" Goldi replied with a sly smile, pointing at the collective figurine on the nightstand. "It's got your scent on it. Made it quite easy to follow you here. I know you missed me since I am your girlfriend and future wife. Right or wrong?."
Jason's cheeks turned red, "W-well, I never said you couldn't come over, but you could've knocked first." He mumbled, trying to compose himself. "You just broke into my house and..." He flipped the covers back before quickly flipping it back. "And you're naked?!. Who sleeps naked?."
Goldi chuckled, "Oh, darling. In my bear family, we're quite free spirits when it comes to our fur. Plus, that is how I sleep when going to bed of course. But if it makes you feel any better, I can put on something of yours." She said, sliding out of bed with a grace that belied her size. She picked up one of his t-shirts and pulled it over her head, the fabric stretching over her voluminous chest. The shirt completely covered her midriff, but she didn't seem to care as she padded over to the nightstand and picked up the dragon figurine. "Thanks for leaving this little treasure behind, by the way. Or should I, thanks for being unaware for me to go steal it."
Jason couldn't help but laugh at her audacity, his heart fluttering at the sight of her in his shirt. "Goldi, you really are something else. We need to seriously talk about you and your family's crime habits." He teased, his eyes still wide with surprise. "But, I guess this means you and your family are staying here for a bit?. Let me guess some Knights found you on one of those wanted posters and started chasing you guys?."
Goldi rolled her eyes and sat beside him on the bed, crossing her legs. "Oh, please. We're not that unlucky. Besides, I'm a bit smarter than that. We've been laying low, living off the land, you know, the usual criminal stuff. But I missed you, and I figured it's time we start planning our future together. You know, plan on building a nice comfortable home, get stocked up for hyphenation, make sweet love and live happily ever after in the swamp." She leaned into him, her hair brushing against his skin, sending a shiver down his spine.
"I appreciate the thought, Goldi, but I'm still trying to get used to all of this. The rising popularity, the surprising fortune, the upcoming of my first tour book fair signing. It's all very exciting in one sitting." Jason confessed, with a yawn.
"Oh, your book?." Goldi grinned. "It has been a big talk during my and my family's time away. I caught sight of it on a display in a bookshop. When I saw the name and illustration of the author, I knew it was you. You're very talented in your artwork. I really love how you draw me in your book."
Jason felt his heart skip a beat. "You saw it?."
"Oh, yes. It's quite the hit, darling. I had to swipe one for myself. The way you've captured our adventures, it's like we're reliving them." Goldi said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And the way you drew me...it's like you really know me. I noticed you left out the part about us having sex in the cabin. Why?."
Jason's face turned a deeper shade of red. "Well, I thought it might not be suitable for all audiences since I do have underage kids reading it." He mumbled, trying to change the subject. "But, yes, the book is doing well, and I've been invited to represent Publishing Stars in a book fair two week event in Far Far Away for a signing event. It's a big deal for me. Everything is paid for so I don't have to worry about paying anything. I can finally get the chance to go to the number one place that I dreamed of going to."
Goldi leaned back on the bed, placing a hand on her chin as she listened intently. "Far Far Away, huh?. That's quite the place to be. I've always wanted to go there too." She said, a hint of excitement in her voice. "You know, make it our special vacation for ourselves and live it up. You only live once."
Jason nodded, his mind racing with the implications of Goldi's arrival and her proposal. "I suppose it could be a chance for us to further our committed relationship, and you and your family will stay out of trouble." He said with a sigh, trying to sound more put-together than he felt.
"Oh, my family is staying here." Goldi spoke while moving her foot up and down. "Not wanting to draw attention to ourselves."
"Good point. But I on the other hand will be an attention getter in the wrong way." said Jason, reminding himself of what he is going to expect when going to Far Far Away. Goldi was confused about what he said.
"Why?." Goldi asked.
"Well..." Jason lay down beside her while looking up at the ceiling. "I am going to Far Far Away and there aren't any moors in that area, and you know my kind ain't welcomed despite the king and queen having the reputation of equality."
Goldi's expression grew serious. "I understand, darling. But I'm sure you'll be fine. You're not just any moor now. You're a famous author. They won't dare mess with you. Besides, I'll be by your side, making sure nothing happens to you. If any dare try to make the attempt to kidnap you and sell you off to slavery, then someone is going to have a long recovery time at the medic once I'm done with them."
Jason couldn't help but feel a bit reassured by her fiery protection. "Thanks, Goldi. That does make me feel better." He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. "Are you hungry?."
Goldi's eyes lit up at the mention of food. "Ravenous, actually. What's for breakfast?."
Jason got up and put on his new bed slippers. "Just relax and I'll make us some breakfast. Ogre-style breakfast of course."
Goldi nodded, watching him go with a content smile. She knew that this was going to be a new chapter in their lives. The swamp had grown on her instantly, and the idea of living here with Jason was more appealing than she had ever imagined. As Jason left the room, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and belonging. She had always been the one looking for a score to make with her family, but now she had found something even better. Love. Jason walked past Baby, who was sleeping all over the hallway, then he went to the living room where Goldi's parents were sleeping with Papa on his father's chair snoring and Mamma lay down. He can tell that they haven't had any sleep until they arrived at his home.
"The swamp is a guaranteed place to stay untouched." Jason heads to the kitchen with that comment. "No one dared to step foot here no matter what amounts of money is being offered."
Jason went into the fridge to grab the carton of rotten eggs and began cracking them. Then he went to get the ingredients to make pancakes. "She is going to love this."
Goldi fixed her back to normal and waited for her breakfast before smelling the sour funky smell hot her nostrils. She then sees Jason coming in with a tray of piled up breakfast. He hummed as he set the kickstand tray on his girlfriend's legs. She examines the food that is laid out before her. She didn't want to sound or look rude or look disgusted.
"Uh, what is it?." Goldi asked when grabbing her silverware.
"It's your typical Ogre breakfast, rotten scrambled eggs with a side of moss pancakes, and a pint of sludge juice to wash it down with." Jason replied with a proud smile before tickling her feet.
Goldi took a deep breath and plunged her fork into one of the green scrambled eggs, her expression a mix of uneasiness and hesitation. She took a bite and chewed slowly, her eyes widening in surprise as she tasted the concoction. "It's...interesting." She managed to say without gagging, a small smile playing on her lips despite her eyes watering.
"Good?." Jason asked, watching her intently. He had hoped that she would like it. After all, she had been living and raised by fairytale creatures like himself.
"It's definitely an acquired taste." Goldi said with a chuckle, taking a sip of the sludge juice which seemed to make her expression even more queasy. But she swallowed it down with surprising ease. "But I guess if this is what you eat, I'll have to get used to it."
Jason picks up a red strip of meat. "Here, try this possum bacon. I freshly killed it just for you."
Goldi looks at the meat strip with a grimace but takes it with a nod. "If it's good for you, it's good for me."
Jason chuckles, "Just don't think of it as a possum, think of it as the best meat you've ever had." He encourages her.
Goldi nods and takes a bite, chewing it thoughtfully before her expression relaxes. "It's surprisingly...good." She admits with a smile. "It's got a bit of a gamey taste to it, but it's not bad."
"Oh, let me give you more slug juice. I'll make sure I squeeze some roach juices too." Jason got up and headed.
It gave Goldi the opportunity to spit it and used the back of your butter knife to quickly scrape her tongue as the taste was undesirable and untasty. Jason came back with a big cup of the juice that he had made for her. Goldi quickly thinks and responds before Jason gives her stomach the opportunity to throw all of it back up.
"You know what, I think I had enough for breakfast." Goldi said with a warm smile, trying to keep her breakfast down. "Thank you for making this, love. It's very thoughtful of you."
"Oh, so this is more for me, huh?." Jason looked at the very large portions. "I made enough for us to share."
Goldi managed a laugh, "Well, I can see that. But I'm sure you can handle it. After all, you are an adopted son of an Ogre." She patted his stomach teasingly. "My stomach isn't used to swamp cuisines."
Jason took a large bite of his pancake, not seemingly bothered by her lack of appetite. "It's okay, I know it's not to everyone's taste. But you'll get used to it, I guess."
Goldi nodded, trying to keep the smile on her face as she watched him devour the breakfast. "So, tell me more about this book fair in Far Far Away. What's it like?."
Jason's eyes lit up at the mention of the book fair. "It's supposed to be amazing. All the big names in literature will be there. It's like the royal ball for books. I'll be signing copies, doing readings, maybe even sitting on some panels. It's a chance to meet new fans and answer the questions that are on their minds."
"Sounds like quite the fun." Goldi said, her mind racing with the possibilities. "Not wanting to sound like a typical disgusted money grubber, but do you wanna spoil me today?."
Jason swallowed a mouthful of food. "Sure, Goldi. I have enough money to burn. I always wanted to splurge. Just don't know how."
Goldi's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Well, let's start with a shopping spree in the village. You can buy me all the fancy dresses I've always dreamed of. And maybe some jewelry?. I've always had a taste for the finer things in life. And I am overdue for new shoes."
Jason laughed, "Alright, Goldi. Shopping and girls work hand in hand."
They went out into the village with excitement filling the air. The villagers looked at them with a mix of curiosity and admiration. Some whispered about Jason's newfound success while others simply nodded in respect. Goldi had never felt so alive, her hand tightly wrapped around Jason's hand. They walked into the first shop they saw, a boutique that displayed the latest in fairy tale fashion. Goldi tries them and loves it before getting just five pairs of clothes before Jason pays for them. Then they went to the only jewelry shop in the village and browsed .
"You already have jewelry all over you. Why do you want more?." David watched Goldi eye each piece of fine women's jewelry.
"It's not just any jewelry, Jason. It's a status symbol. Besides, I can never have enough sparkles." Goldi winked.
Jason chuckled, watching her gaze at a necklace that looked like it was made for royalty. It had a giant emerald hanging from it that shimmered in the light. "Is that what you want?." He asked, his voice filled with amusement.
Goldi's eyes widened as she nodded vigorously. "Oh, yes. That would look splendid on me. It's like it's calling my name." She picked it up, her eyes gleaming. "Also, I want those pairs of earrings over there."
"Which one?." David went over the display rack.
"The ones shaped like bear claws. They're perfect for me." Goldi pointed out with excitement.
Jason nodded to the vendor, who carefully placed the necklace around her neck and the earrings in her ears. Goldi twirled in front of the mirror, admiring her new accessories. The necklace brought out the blue in her eyes, and the bear claw earrings were a fierce yet playful addition to her look. She was a vision of beauty and power, and Jason felt a surge of warmth as he watched her.
"How much?." David looked at the owner.
The vendor named a ludicrous price that made Jason's eyebrows shoot up. But Goldi's smile was worth every gold coin. He pulled out his coin pouch and paid without a second thought. As soon as David exits, Goldi grabs the vendor by his shirt and pulls him towards her, showing her in a criminal attitude. She spoke in demand for money.
"You know, I know you've been charging more than the actual value for your goods because of my boyfriend's fame. How about you give us a little discount next time?. Or else I'll be back with my family and turn your shop into a massacre. Are we clear?." She whispered in the vendor's ear with a threatening tone.
The vendor nodded frantically, his eyes wide with fear. "Y-yes, of course. It'll be a pleasure to serve you next time at a fair price." He managed to stutter out.
Goldi let him go. "Good." She walked out where Jason was waiting and put on a happy face.
"Before we go to the show shop, I am taking you to this special doctor that I invested in." Jason said when holding her hand.
Goldi's curiosity piqued. "A doctor?. What for?."
"The doctor that I invested in helping his new medical practices. A foot and ankle specialist. He wants to build an arch back into flat feet. He is looking for a willing person with flat feet to do his procedure in fixing and making the flat arch bent inward." Jason looked at Goldi with a wide grin. "Since you have flat feet, I figured that you will be his first patient and first tester."
Goldi looked at him with a mix of shock and skepticism. "You want me to get arches in my feet?. That sounds...painful."
Jason shrugged, his smile never wavering. "It's your choice, Goldi. But think of the benefits. You won't have to deal with the discomfort of flat feet anymore, and you'll be contributing to science. Plus, it's free for you, considering my investment in the doctor's practice."
Goldi sighed, but she could feel the excitement bubbling up inside her. "Alright, let's go. But only if you promise to be there with me the whole time." She looked up at him with pleading eyes.
Jason nodded, "Of course, I'll be there for you. I'll even hold your hand if you need it."
They walked to the doctor's office, a small but well-maintained building on the outskirts of the village. The doctor, a young gnome named Dr. Archibald, was eager to show off his new practice and revolutionary technique. He explained the procedure in detail, which involved a hands on rough force and good stretching. Goldi removed her boots and socks before getting on the exam table and laying flat on her stomach. The Gnome jumped up and cracked his knuckles and grabbed one of Goldi's feet and began a serious deep tissue rub with his fingers and his thumbs resting on the back of her foot. Goldi was given a towel to bite down on as the pain is so unbearable.
"You see, Jason. This is going to be a life-changing experience for Goldi. No more aches, no more pains." Dr. Archibald said as he worked on her feet with surprising strength. "I'm forcing her arches to bend inward to form a proper arch. I have to literally use my fist and elbow to pound it. And yes it is going to hurt big time but he is worth it in the end."
Goldi's eyes watered as she bit down on the towel. The pain was intense, but she had agreed to this. For some reason, she trusted Jason's judgment. Plus, the thought of having arches like the other girls was too tempting to pass up. "Okay, I'm ready." She gritted through the pain.
Dr. Archibald began the procedure, his gnome-sized fists pounding into the arches of Goldi's feet. She yelped and squirmed, but Jason held her hand tightly, whispering encouragement in her ear. Each hit was followed by a grunt from the doctor and a muffled scream from Goldi. The room was filled with the sounds of flesh and bone being manipulated, and the smell of sweat and determination. He began to use his elbow to press down on her arch area while using his free hand to push her foot up to stay in place and help his elbow push her flat arch back.
Jason's heart was racing, watching Goldi endure the pain, but he knew it was for her own good. He had seen the way she struggled with her flat feet, and this was a chance for her to live without the constant discomfort. Plus, it was his investment that had made this possible. He felt a strange sense of pride as he watched the doctor work tirelessly.
"Ah, this is so darn painful!." Goldi yelled out in pain.
Dr. Archilbald stopped and shook his hands. "Alright, I'm giving my hands a five minute break since I went out for an hour. Are your feet, muscles and tissues feeling fatigued?."
Goldi nodded, trying not to cry. "Yes, it's unbearable, but I can do this for the sake of having arches." She gripped Jason's hand tighter as the pain began to subside slightly.
"Good, good." Dr. Archibald painted, wiping sweat from his brow. "Fatigue is a natural response to the intense stretching and manipulation. Now, after five minutes of rest I will continue again. We're not far from the desired result. I'll be stretching your alignments."
Goldi took deep breaths, trying to steel herself for the next round of torture. Jason rubbed her back gently, whispering sweet nothings into her ear to distract her from the pain. She felt his love and support in every stroke of his thumb, and it helped her find the strength to continue.
The doctor took his five-minute break, then returned with a newfound vigor. He picked up where he had left off, his elbow slamming into her arches with precision and force. Goldi's screams grew louder, and Jason felt his heart ache with each one. But he knew this was for her, to give her the life she deserved.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Dr. Archibald stepped back, a look of triumph on his face. "Look at that. Perfect arches. You're going to be the talk of the town, young lady. Now step down so we can see those arches."
Goldi gingerly stepped off the table, her feet feeling like they had just been through a battle. But when she looked down, she couldn't believe her eyes. For the first time, she had arches. They weren't just there; they were pronounced and beautiful. She took a tentative step forward, and while there was some discomfort, she knew it was temporary. The joy on her face was priceless. Jason can see her feet not touching the floor and just raised up.
"Thanks, doctor. My investment for your practices is going to help a lot of people." said Jason, before watching Goldie put back her worn out socks and shoes.
Goldi took a few wobbly steps, getting used to her new arches. It felt strange, like walking on air, but she was determined to get the hang of it. "It's a bit weird, but I can tell it's going to be amazing once the pain subsides." She said through gritted teeth.
Dr. Archilbald nodded while taking notes. "Exactly how I figured. My next practice is doing extreme arch surgery. If you're up for then I'll..."
Goldi instantly ran out of there and completely forgot about her pain. She isn't going to let that doctor cut open her feet. Jason looked back at the doctor with a shrug.
"What did I say?. She didn't let me finish." He began. "I was going to gather some valerian root and make her drink it after I brewed it so she can fall into a deep sleep. She won't feel anything when I use my scalpel to open the side of her foot and truly cure her physical illness." explained the Gnome.
"Can you give in details? I have time since she is not going to dare come back here to get me." said Jason, as grabbed her shopping bags.
Dr. Archibald nodded, eager to explain his innovative procedure. "The valerian root will make her sleep deeply, allowing me to make a precise incision on the side of her foot. I'll then use a special tool to reshape the bones and ligaments, creating a more pronounced arch. It's a complex process, but with your investment, I've had the opportunity to perfect it. Afterward, she'll need to rest for a few weeks, but the results will be permanent. No more pain or discomfort, just the elegance of arched feet."
"Sounds fun. What are the chances it will go wrong?." Jason asked before leaving.
The doctor shrugged, "Every surgery has risks, but with my skill and your financial support, I'm confident in achieving the desired result without complications."
Jason nodded and said his goodbyes and left the place. He sees Goldi on the bench waiting for him to come out. "Ready to get some new shoes?."
Goldi nodded with a smile. "I can't wait to see how these new arches look in heels." She said standing up and walking with a slight limp.
They went to the shoemaker's shop, where the shoemaker, Mr. Gepetto, had already heard of Jason's generosity and was eager to serve them. He brought out a wide selection of shoes, all tailored for arches like Goldi's new ones.
Goldi's eyes widened as she saw the stunning array of options. "Oh, Jason, look at these! They're so beautiful!" She pointed to a pair of red heels with gold laces. "Do you have something that looks the same as my boots?."
"Certainly, I have something for you, my dear." Mr. Gepetto said, already grabbing the boots. "Let's measure your feet and see if we can find something similar. But remember, with arches, we're looking for comfort and support first, and then style. I'm partnering up with Doctor Archibald. He came to me with his ideas of his new medical practices."
Jason nodded, watching as Goldi's feet were measured with care. It was clear that the shoemaker was thrilled to be working with the first patient of the new arch-building technique. Goldi winced as he poked and prodded her bruised feet, but she remained optimistic, her eyes never leaving the beautiful pair of red heels.
Mr. Gepetto took his measurements and disappeared into the back of the shop, returning a few moments later with a pair of boots that looked almost identical to the ones Goldi had been wearing. The only difference was the slight elevation in the arch area. He gently helped her slip them on, and she took a few steps, feeling the unfamiliar support.
"They're perfect!" She exclaimed, her face lighting up. "My old ones were completely worn out since I ain't able to buy new boots and not cause any issues due to my reputation."
"Awe, so you are the teen in that wanted poster with those three bears " Mr. Gepetto spoke while pointing at the wanted poster. "Jason, you are a good kid. You never lie, cheat or steal. You don't even cause any issues. I never imagined you were into bag girls. Much less one being a wanted criminal."
"I know she is not like that, she is a good girl." Jason said as he held onto her hand. "She just needs to stop stealing and doing wrong things, and...well, get a job."
"A job?." Goldi said, raising an eyebrow. "What kind of job can I get with my background?."
"Well, you could always join me in my business ventures. Or you could start your own, with my backing of course." Jason suggested. "You could even write a book about your adventures. Who knows, it could be the next big hit at the book fair."
"Oh, no." Goldi shook her head. "I'm not an entrepreneur type. As for book writing?. I'm more of a reader and not a writer. You're not thinking about turning me into the authorities for that partial reward money, sir?." She looked at the owner.
"What reward money?." Jason asked, genuinely confused. "How much are they offering to have you and your adopted three bear family to be turned in?. It can't be that much."
Mr. Gepetto chuckled, "I'm afraid it's a rather hefty sum, but I'd never do such a thing. Besides, you've brought so much good to this village with your investments. I'd say we're even." He winked at Goldi. "Now, young lady, please don't take advantage of Jason's kindness. He trusts you. If he is, then so can I."
Goldi felt a warmth spread through her, and she nodded, "You can count on me, Mr. Gepetto. I'll prove myself. I'm not a thief by choice."
Jason squeezed her hand gently. "We all make mistakes. What matters is that we learn from them."
They left the shoemaker's shop with Goldi's new boots, which had cost Jason a small fortune but were worth every gold coin to see the happiness on her face. As they walked through the village, Goldi's steps grew more confident in her new footwear, her arches already feeling less sore with each step. The villagers stared at the unusual sight of a beautiful young woman with arched feet and a notorious past, but Jason's presence by her side seemed to offer a sense of protection and acceptance. They returned to the swamp where Donkey was waiting for him. They hung out a few hours until Jason went to grab a large paper and grabbed his lead and started drawing out a blueprint.
Goldi made some tea and oatmeal the way she claims to be just right before sharing with her family and Donkey. "What are you doing, Jason?."
"I'm drawing out a blueprint of my new home that I will be building. I found a good spot in the swamp that is fifteen minutes away from here. Since l am a professional writer, I need full space for my creative flow to run well." said Jason, before Goldi sat down beside him and thought that it was their dream home.
Goldi's curiosity grew as she looked over the blueprint. "It's huge. You're not planning on living alone, are you?." She asked with a smirk.
Jason chuckled, glancing at her. "Well, I was hoping you'd want to stay with me. If that is alright with your family."
Goldi felt a blush creep up her cheeks, but she nodded firmly. "They'll understand. It's time for me to start a new chapter in my life. Plus, they found a temporary cave to stay in. Our old home is miles away. Can you make our home have an attic?."
Jason nodded, already making adjustments to the blueprint. "Of course, Goldi. Whatever makes you happy." He added a few more details, including a cozy loft space that could serve as Goldi's personal retreat. "It'll have a secret passage too, for those times when we need a bit of privacy or when your family comes to visit. I'm thinking about making a nice tunnel to reach my parents house in case of winter. Do you hibernate as well?."
Goldi laughed, the sound echoing through the swamp. "We hibernate. I always try to stop my father from suggesting we go to sleep during winter. But that does sound good. After all, I was raised by bears and so oversleeping like a lazy person is very natural to me. Once I sleep, I'm in deep sleep."
Jason grinned, pleased with Goldi's approval. He continued to work on the blueprint, his mind racing with ideas to make their new home as comfortable and as practical as possible. He added a state-of-the-art kitchen for Goldi's love of cooking, a small library for his books, and even a secret room to install the ideal hot tub. "And done. Donkey wanna help our friends and help me make the foundation tomorrow?."
"Sure!." Donkey spoke with hesitation.
Goldi's eyes sparkled. "Definitely. I can't wait to see our home come to life." She leaned in to kiss him, her lips soft against his. The warmth of her touch sent a shiver down his spine, and he pulled her closer.
(A/N): Well, guys this closes out part one of The Strange Family. Thanks for reading and staying tuned. The sequel will be on here so don't worry about looking for it. Let me know in the reviews of what you expect in my take of Shrek 2. See ya then and the words of the great late Bray Wyatt. Yowie Wowie!.