{Ghost Girl With A Heart}

||Ask and Roleplay Blog - Part of the Askthenewbad roleplay group|| Erika De Claire || Daughter of the Beating Heart Bride and Hatbox Ghost || AK || Haunted Mansion || Descendants.

[the-rocking-horse]

Inspired by @merbytes and how they drew Granny in a flower crown. So I decided to sketch up the heart beating bride placing a flower crown on Granny

[askerikadeclaire]

How do you feel with stage fright?

“I a-actually don’t feel st-stage fright, usually it’s just simple n-nerves that I can handle easily...if anything, I g-get st-stage fright when I’m not performing..”

[askerikadeclaire]

Would you join Kalani and Fable's band?

“Th-They have a band?! That sounds wonderful!

If they n-need a s-singer I’d happily join, but if they don’t I-I’ll gladly support from from the si-sidelines!”

[askerikadeclaire]

Do you ever think you move too fast in relationships?

“M-Most likely...though, at the mo-moment I-I’m not looking for a relationship, if it happens, I want it to h-happen at a natural pace..”

[asklanternlit]

askerikadeclaire‌:

Erika only looked down in a sort of embarrassment as it dawned on Fable that she wasn’t well caught up with modern music. She wouldn’t deny, she had been trying her best to get into different kinds. But she was only at a starting point and even the ‘new’ things she listened to were considered ‘classics’ by a large amount of people. “I s-suppose I still have a lot more to learn about modern mu-music..” she spoke with a small shrug. “Maybe you co-could give me some recommendations of wh-what to listen to?” She then suggested.

The ghost girl looked up upon hearing that name. “The trumpeter?” She questioned, tilting her head. “A few of th-the ghosts at home are fans of him…and I met him wh-when he performed at one of our parties in the ma-mansion…very talented man, in both life and death.”

Fable was a little freaked out at first to hear Erika knew the dead Loius Armstrong, though quickly changed her mind, “That’s actually super sweet that he kept playing after he died, huh. Never thought of that before,” Though Erika didn’t know many modern artists, Fable kind of wondered if Freddie Mercury of Kurt Cobain had ever passed through her mansion.

“Alright, so you know some jazz? Ever played jazz piano or… jazz violin?” Not that Fable had any idea if that was a thing.

[askerikadeclaire]

Erika smiled softly during the brief silence, looking down as she fiddled with her fingers. “A-Actually...my most modern music taste comes fr-from deceased artists from the 80’s...F-F-Freddie Mercury, Prince, John Lennon, Da-David Bowie, A-Aretha Franklin...Be-Believe it or not, they e-even taught me...” she admitted with a light giggle. “Anytime th-they visited the mansion, they often stayed a f-few night’s after the lavish parties...” she admitted, remembering the stars she got to learn vocals, piano and other instruments from. “They s-still make their music, just I-in the ghost world...I didn’t realize A-Auradonians couldn’t travel there..so a few g-got a shock when I mentioned their new stuff”

Erika stopped talking as Fable asked her the question. “Of c-course I know jazz m-m-music! My fa-father actually quite enjoys it” she said with a sweet smile, a light giggle escaping her lips as she remembered her father. People thought her taste was outdated but the furthest her father got with music was the 1940’s. She couldn’t help but shake her head at the memories, after having spent some time in Auradon, she realised just how behind on things the mansion was.

“Perhaps one d-day you can introduce my fa-family t-to modern music”

[asklanternlit]

askerikadeclaire‌:

“W-Well…no, I haven’t” Erika admitted, now beginning to feel a little bit embarrassed over the entire thing. Having grown up in a Victorian mansion with ghosts from various areas in History, she was more in touch with very, very old music over what she considered newer stuff.

Though, she wouldn’t deny having tried to expand her music taste in terms of both genre and artists.

“Remember, F-Fable. My home is co-considered extremely outdated…so, there’s a f-few artist’s I have yet to know about-“ she cut herself off as Fable began playing the tune and singing along. Erika simply nodding her head along as she tried to recall it, but to no avail.

Fable stopped her singing and pursed her lips, genuinely confused as to how someone could be so out of date on popular oldies. She’d traveled many places in the world, most of them fairly modern, and most people were familiar with a song or two, or a band’s name at least. Perhaps not a Victorian ghost, though. She really didn’t judge anyone for having different tastes than her, but it was certainly harder for them to find something to jam together to.

“Well, what do you like then? Your song at the festival was nice, and that’ not so different than some classic ballads. Some things are in style for every time period,” Fable gave a shrug and another strum of her guitar, “Do you know… Louis Armstrong?”

[askerikadeclaire]

Erika only looked down in a sort of embarrassment as it dawned on Fable that she wasn’t well caught up with modern music. She wouldn’t deny, she had been trying her best to get into different kinds. But she was only at a starting point and even the ‘new’ things she listened to were considered ‘classics’ by a large amount of people. “I s-suppose I still have a lot more to learn about modern mu-music..” she spoke with a small shrug. “Maybe you co-could give me some recommendations of wh-what to listen to?” She then suggested.

The ghost girl looked up upon hearing that name. “The trumpeter?” She questioned, tilting her head. “A few of th-the ghosts at home are fans of him...and I met him wh-when he performed at one of our parties in the ma-mansion...very talented man, in both life and death.”

[askmusclebrain]

askerikadeclaire‌:

Erika nodded eagerly, “of co-course!” She said, before glancing around, recalling the people who seemed to be walking about.

“Would w-we be able to go somewhere more pr-private? I believe the music room is open?” She suggested, tilting her head a little bit and holding the book of her written songs close to her chest.

“LEAD THE WAY!” He has absolutely no idea as to where the music room would be considering he had never been there. He didn’t even know it existed. So he steps aside and lets her lead the both of them.

[askerikadeclaire]

Erika gave a nod and began floating on her way to the music room, her songbook still close to her chest. On the way, the ghost girl found herself doing a few vocal warm ups, making sure she sounded right.

Once they arrived in the music room, she floated through the door, opening it for Hector from inside.

“Here we are!”

[askthestaroftoontown]

askerikadeclaire

“Well, I suppose th-that j-just means I’ll have to show you around” Erika stated with a sweet smile. “A-Actually, I know of a f-few r-really nice places we c-can go to! There’s so-some lovely cafes around…oh and a nice park we can vi-visit afterwards and-“ Erika cut herself off.

Erika had been wanting a chance to get out and spend time with a friend for quite a while now and it seemed like the perfect chance. She was quite like her mother, having the tendency to isolate herself for days, weeks, even months on end. It seemed to be common for ghosts of…her kind.

The idea of getting out got her a bit excited and she realised she began rambling, she turned back to face Reggie. Her smile fading slightly and a bright purple blush on her face.

“I’m sorry…I go-got a bit overboard..”

“O-Oh no, don’t apologize. Really. It’s alright.” He admits earnestly, waving his hand as if it really was of no concern.

“Honestly I like the enthusiasm. Haven’t seen anyone get really excited over anything that wasn’t gossip or some kind of royal party.” Reggie jokes a bit as he talks mostly while waving his hands in some kind of erratic gesture.

“And I’d love for you to show me around,” He assures. “In any case, at least we won’t both be bumbling dummies with no idea where anything is.” He says with a laugh.

And Reggie was being 100% honest; he thought Erika’s enthusiasm was cute and fun, and even a bit infectious; he wasn’t usually one for exploring or seeing what the world had to offer, but her excitement was making him feel more excited about seeing the town.

[askerikadeclaire]

Erika’s gaze turned to Reggie for a moment, her eyes faintly glowing their usual yellow colour and the blush on her cheeks growing quite a lot. She ghost girl fiddled with her fingers, as though trying to find the words to say in response.

“W-Well, thank you...most pe-people in Auradon can get annoyed by enthusiasm over such...’s-simple’ matters..” the ghost admitted.

She couldn’t help but giggle softly in response to his comment, giving a gentle nod in ageeement. “I ca-can’t disagree with you there” she added, now fiddling with a few strands of her blonde locks.

This Reggie person seemed so easy to talk to, it seemed as though she had known him all of her unlife despite never having met him in the past. If anything, Erika would consider it a nice change of pace.

[askmusclebrain]

askerikadeclaire‌:

Erika looked back up at him, her cheerful expression brightening. Hector was one of her best friends, one of the people she trusted most in Auradon. So hearing that he’d be interested in hearing her sing, her strongest talent of all- aside from her ballet, it filled the ghost with joy.

“Y-You would?! Oh that’s wo-wonderful, honestly, I’d be ha-happy t-to sing for you any time” she told him with a bright smile, the sound of her heartbeat speeding up ever so slightly with excitement.

“HOW DOES NOW SOUND? I DO NOT THINK I COULD WAIT ANY LONGER FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY. ALTHOUGH, OF COURSE, ONLY IF IT IS GOOD WITH YOU?” He’s uncertain of the process when it came to singing. Did she need to warm up? To drink water? Do some sirens or humming or whatever it was that singers do. If she did, he’d at least be patient for that. It wasn’t like he had anywhere to go.

[askerikadeclaire]

Erika nodded eagerly, “of co-course!” She said, before glancing around, recalling the people who seemed to be walking about.

“Would w-we be able to go somewhere more pr-private? I believe the music room is open?” She suggested, tilting her head a little bit and holding the book of her written songs close to her chest.

[askthestaroftoontown]

askerikadeclaire

Erika gave him a reassuring nod. “I’m su-sure I want to go, if I was only doing t-this as a favor, I wouldn’t be so keen. But…to g-go out into town, spend some time with a friend and get to know you better, it so-sounds wonderful..” she stated.

It then came back to her that he may not know many of the places in the main town, it seemed as though he only got here a few days ago and hadn’t had the time to explore.

“Have you b-been out there before? If not I’d b-be ha-happy to show you around..” she added, “it’s a di-different experience to wandering around inside o-of this school..”

At her earnest compliment, Reggie feels heat crawl up his neck and stain his face red, and he lets a more sure, pleased smile spread across his face. “Y-Yeah. It’d be nice to spend some time with you, too.”

He shakes his head with a small shrug that seemed nonchalant, but not uncaring.

“Not really, no. I’ve only been here for a few weeks, and I’ve pretty much spent those weeks learning my schedule and in my room.” He admits sheepishly, chucking a bit nervously as he replies.

“In my defense…I’m a doofus.” Reggie quips with a chuckle, a bit more at ease once he’s joking about himself.

[askerikadeclaire]

“Well, I suppose th-that j-just means I’ll have to show you around” Erika stated with a sweet smile. “A-Actually, I know of a f-few r-really nice places we c-can go to! There’s so-some lovely cafes around...oh and a nice park we can vi-visit afterwards and-“ Erika cut herself off.

Erika had been wanting a chance to get out and spend time with a friend for quite a while now and it seemed like the perfect chance. She was quite like her mother, having the tendency to isolate herself for days, weeks, even months on end. It seemed to be common for ghosts of...her kind.

The idea of getting out got her a bit excited and she realised she began rambling, she turned back to face Reggie. Her smile fading slightly and a bright purple blush on her face.

“I’m sorry...I go-got a bit overboard..”

[askmusclebrain]

askerikadeclaire‌:

“Oh! You have n-nothing to be sorry for….A-Actually, I performed a so-song I-I wrote, I can always sing it t-to you if you ever w-wish to hear it..”

Even though she grew quiet about her performance, the bright, happy look in her eyes spoke all too many words.

“I WOULD ABSOLUTELY LOVE THAT!”

His grin so wide you could barely see his eyes. Hector had never heard her sing, he doesn’t think. Or if he had he’d certainly forgotten, his life had been hectic the past few weeks, that the months before were a blur now.

[askerikadeclaire]

Erika looked back up at him, her cheerful expression brightening. Hector was one of her best friends, one of the people she trusted most in Auradon. So hearing that he’d be interested in hearing her sing, her strongest talent of all- aside from her ballet, it filled the ghost with joy.

“Y-You would?! Oh that’s wo-wonderful, honestly, I’d be ha-happy t-to sing for you any time” she told him with a bright smile, the sound of her heartbeat speeding up ever so slightly with excitement.

[askmusclebrain]

askerikadeclaire‌:

“I’m n-not sure in all honesty. I’m not the most kn-knowledgeable on these things..”

“Yes, I had q-quite a lot of fun actually! It w-was m-much easier than last years and I pe-performed I-in the art showcase, I won’t d-deny that it was successful!”

“AH! I AM SORRY TO HAVE MISSED YOU PERFORM. YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN LOVELY, I AM SURE OF IT. SO, DO TELL ME, WHAT DID YOU PERFORM EXACTLY?”

[askerikadeclaire]

“Oh! You have n-nothing to be sorry for....A-Actually, I performed a so-song I-I wrote, I can always sing it t-to you if you ever w-wish to hear it..”

Even though she grew quiet about her performance, the bright, happy look in her eyes spoke all too many words.

[askthestaroftoontown]

askerikadeclaire

Erika looked to him as she heard the offer, once more a soft purple blush coated her pale white cheeks, she hesitated for a moment. Before eventually looking back up at him with a nod.

“Nobody has asked me t-to have lunch with them be-before..” she added, “I’d like that, a-actually….”

It then came back to her that it was the weekend. If anything, these next two days seemed like the perfect opportunity to get to know someone over a meal, possibly even in the main town? It would be nice to get away from the school for a little while…

“If you’re free this we-weekend, we ca-can a-always go out to town for something di-different to what they serve here..” she offered, giving a slight tilt of her head. “Though, th-that’s up to you though-“

Reggie’s cheeks burn even brighter, rubbing the back of his head as he barked out a hoarse laugh - his natural instinct in any situation.

“N-No, I’m free,” He assures, nodding his head as if making the decision in his mind before responding to Erika. “Totally free.”

“And I’d uh…I’d like to go into town with you. It’s bound to be better than school food- even royal school food.” Reggie lets out a little laugh at his own joke.

“You’re sure you actually want to go, though, right?” He frowns a bit.

“Because like…if you’re doing this because you think you owe be more something, you don’t have to. You don’t owe me anything - scout’s honor.” At ‘scout’s honor’, he offers the smaller girl a little salute with his signature crooked smile.

[askerikadeclaire]

Erika gave him a reassuring nod. “I’m su-sure I want to go, if I was only doing t-this as a favor, I wouldn’t be so keen. But...to g-go out into town, spend some time with a friend and get to know you better, it so-sounds wonderful..” she stated.

It then came back to her that he may not know many of the places in the main town, it seemed as though he only got here a few days ago and hadn’t had the time to explore.

“Have you b-been out there before? If not I’d b-be ha-happy to show you around..” she added, “it’s a di-different experience to wandering around inside o-of this school..”

[askmusclebrain]

askerikadeclaire‌:

Erika nodded in response, proud of her work. “Ye-Yes actually! The recipe itself w-was given to me by o-one of the maids in the mansion…it was her fa-family’s recipe and she told me that she w-wanted m-me to know it, apparently I’m the da-daughter she never had” she explained with a gentle smile, remembering the lovely maid that taught her the recipe at home.

The compliment took her back a bit, her cheeks growing a soft, purple tone. “W-Well Thank you, Though I’d ha-have to disagree, if a-anything, m-m-my Mother serves as a much better example.”

“I DO NOT THINK I HAVE EVER MET YOUR MOTHER. SO FOR THE MOMENT, MY COMMENT STANDS TRUE ABOUT YOU. THOUGH I WOULD NOT BE SO QUICK AS TO PUT YOURSELF DOWN LIKE THAT. DO YOU NOT BELIEVE IN YOUR OWN BEAUTY?” Hector believed everyone was beautiful in their own way. Even if they weren’t physically, he seems to find the beauty in people as much as they try to deny it. Whether it was a gift or simply a part of his personality, no one knows. “IT IS NONSENSE. YOU CAN DISAGREE WITH ME, BUT IT DOES NOT MAKE MY COMMENT ANY LESS TRUE.”

[askerikadeclaire]

Erika glanced to the side and used her free hand in an attempt to cover her face, which was now coated with a bright purple blush. Compliments were still such big things to her, she looked up at him for a moment and spoke up.

“W-Well my mother is a beautiful woman...be-beautiful, I-intelligent, kind...really, everything...as f-for myself, it’s kind of difficult to believe in something wh-when you’ve had my e-experience...you see, rather than b-being called beautiful I’m used to being called a monster..” she admitted. Having recently grown enough strength to discuss her past with her ex. “Though my p-parents m-may tell me it isn’t true, alongside my de-dearest friends, such titles tend to stick, don’t they?”

“But I f-find it lovely how y-you s-still see beauty in everything and everyone” she admitted, her expression changing to a smile. “You are a b-beautiful person, Hector, though I’m su-sure you know that”

[askthestaroftoontown]

askerikadeclaire

Erika remained there for some time, her heartbeat slowing down to its usual, gentle rhythm, gently beating between the two of them as they remained in that embrace.

Erika was so used to trying to protect herself, along with protecting so many other people in Auradon from some of the chaos that lurked about, only to go straight back to being looked down on and disrespected, and for what? For being dead.

She soon realized what she was doing, part of her contemplated pulling away but Reggie’s hold on her reaffirmed that what she did was okay…he was okay with her touching him…he was okay with her deathly cold embrace…he was okay with it.

After a few moments of remaining in that peaceful, safe silence, she looked back at him. “Reggie…what you h-have just done for me is something no-nobody e-else in Auradon has considered doing..ever. I want to th-thank you for it, and in the right way..” she said.

“So anything you want…j-just ask and I’ll do it.”

Reggie blinked down at her, frowning a bit at her statement. He felt sympathetic that her mind automatically thought that anyone helping her required a pay back, but he didn’t.

She didn’t have to offer anything to him to earn his help, and he was honestly just glad she was safe.

However, if she really wanted to pay him back.

“Um…how about letting me take you out to lunch sometime?” He ventures. “I’m not really sure if ghosts eat at all, but we can like…talk and stuff?”

He rubs the back of his neck, his crooked and sheepish smile accompanied by his flaming red cheeks. “I uh…yeah…”

[askerikadeclaire]

Erika looked to him as she heard the offer, once more a soft purple blush coated her pale white cheeks, she hesitated for a moment. Before eventually looking back up at him with a nod.

“Nobody has asked me t-to have lunch with them be-before..” she added, “I’d like that, a-actually....”

It then came back to her that it was the weekend. If anything, these next two days seemed like the perfect opportunity to get to know someone over a meal, possibly even in the main town? It would be nice to get away from the school for a little while...

“If you’re free this we-weekend, we ca-can a-always go out to town for something di-different to what they serve here..” she offered, giving a slight tilt of her head. “Though, th-that’s up to you though-“

[askthestaroftoontown]

askerikadeclaire

This pretending thing didn’t seem too difficult, she felt comfortable with Reggie. A rare comfort that she didn’t typically feel with anybody else. As she rested her head on his shoulder, she felt his lively warmth, with the blood rushing through his veins.

“Yes…let’s go” Erika said sweetly. She continued to go along with the act. None of it seemed so bad, actually, she was kind of enjoying the comfort that came from his touch.

With that, the two of them began on their way out of the school, on the way out she turned her head to see the stranger walking away. It was at that moment her emotions overtook her and she pulled him into a gentle embrace, a single tear leaving her eye.

“Thank you, Reggie…n-nobody ha-has ever done that for me..” she admitted.

She dealt with a look like what the stranger gave her before, it was the same look her ex used to give her years ago. She was glad that the stranger was gone.

“I owe you..”

Reggie blushed, eyes widening as Erika hugged him tightly. His hands hovered uncertainly by her sides, being careful not to touch her hips without her consent.

He didn’t really know how to handle affection outside of his family; people usually steered clear of the freak boy with the rabbit father, but Erika didn’t seem to care at all, if she was hugging him like this.

(He also didn’t really know how to handle pretty girls hugging him and like…meaning to, so that was definitely contributing to the red color of his cheeks.)

“U-Um…no problem. Really.” He assures. Reggie wipes her tear away gently before bending down slightly to envelope her smaller form in a warm embrace of his own. He rests his chin on top of her head in a show of comfort as the two hugged.

“And no, no you don’t owe me,” He hugs her a bit tighter in a show of friendly comfort, but still gently so she could pull out of his arms if she really wanted to.

“I helped you out because you needed it, because I wanted to. You don’t owe me at all.” Reggie explains earnestly.

[askerikadeclaire]

Erika remained there for some time, her heartbeat slowing down to its usual, gentle rhythm, gently beating between the two of them as they remained in that embrace.

Erika was so used to trying to protect herself, along with protecting so many other people in Auradon from some of the chaos that lurked about, only to go straight back to being looked down on and disrespected, and for what? For being dead.

She soon realized what she was doing, part of her contemplated pulling away but Reggie’s hold on her reaffirmed that what she did was okay...he was okay with her touching him...he was okay with her deathly cold embrace...he was okay with it.

After a few moments of remaining in that peaceful, safe silence, she looked back at him. “Reggie...what you h-have just done for me is something no-nobody e-else in Auradon has considered doing..ever. I want to th-thank you for it, and in the right way..” she said.

“So anything you want...j-just ask and I’ll do it.”

[askerikadeclaire]

{Closed Starter - Protection}

@askthestaroftoontown

Erika hadn’t been watching her back as much as she usually would have.

Recently, the ghost girl had become more open to risks, or at least- living a day to day unlife without fearing every little thing that went on around her. However, often times things would come and bite her in the back for being so sure of herself.

This was one of those days.

Erika was walking through the halls like normal, with it being the weekend, she was looking forward to the short two day break coming up. She already had a few plans to practice some of the new material she wrote as well as some new dance technique that she hadn’t been able to do for a long time. Really, things were looking up.

Giggles clapped along beside her, keeping her the usual company and fulfilling his duty as her support animal, the two were almost inseparable. But it seemed that not even Giggles could detect someone following her.

It seemed like this stranger had been following her through the halls for quite a while now, to a point she almost lost track of when they first got here. However, being afraid of confrontation, she didn’t know how to take care of the situation. Inside, she felt herself strategizing. Turn invisible? Float up through the ceiling? Float into the floor? All of it seemed so obvious but she couldn’t help but grow afraid of what would come of it. What would happen if the stranger caught her once more? So, she kept walking. Her form tense and the stress made evident by the increased volume and speed of her heart. The last time she felt this anxious was around..him.

[askthestaroftoontown]

Reggie was scrolling through his phone, bobbing his head to his music with a carefree smile on his face. However, the smile slowly slid off as he looked up from it to see Erika walking down the halls.

Her bat was fretting and clasped against her side as she walked hurriedly, eyes glancing behind her nervously at this real creepy guy that was hovering behind her. The guy was just…staring at his friend, and it gave him the creeps.

He lowered his headphones from his ears, biting his lip as a surge of protectiveness went through him. No one should look at Erika like that, like she was prey to be devoured or a thing to be claimed.

Making up his mind on what to do to help, Reggie marched over to Erika, throwing an arm around her shoulder with practiced gusto and a chest smile as he descended down and pressed a small, shy kiss to her temple.

“Hey, babe!” He beamed down at her, making sure to look behind him swiftly to see the guy flinch slightly, as if offended.

[askerikadeclaire]

Erika jumped as she felt an arm around her, her surprise to grow as she was suddenly kissed by…Reggie?!

She felt her cheeks heat up in a bright purple hue, her feelings were a mix of surprised and grateful for him being there at this time, especially when she finally caught on to what he was doing. The act was such a simple yet effective one, pretending to be in a relationship.

Immediately, she caught on, giving him a gentle smile. Though the fear was still visible in her eyes, alongside her quickened heart rate. Though, from the outside. She knew that the stranger hopefully couldn’t tell.

“He-Hello!” She said sweetly, gently resting her head against his shoulder to go along with the act. “I was lo-looking for you”

Was she doing this right? She couldn’t tell, she was afraid to look back..

[askthestaroftoontown]

‘Thank you for playing along. You’re doing great.’ He whispers encouragingly, giving her a friedly squeeze with his arms. His cheeks flamed red when she put her head on his shoulder, the heat from his blush climbing up his neck and darkening his cheeks.

“W-Well I found you. We can get outta here if you want.” He responds, her close proximity (her close proximity that she initiated, no less) making his head spin and his heart hammer. Nevertheless, he continued the act and kept his arm around her protectively yet gently, so she could pull away if she really wanted to.

'Cold,’ He thinks, her deathly pale and stone cold skin zapping his warmth in an oddly calming way. 'But nice. Cold and nice.’

[askerikadeclaire]

This pretending thing didn’t seem too difficult, she felt comfortable with Reggie. A rare comfort that she didn’t typically feel with anybody else. As she rested her head on his shoulder, she felt his lively warmth, with the blood rushing through his veins.

“Yes...let’s go” Erika said sweetly. She continued to go along with the act. None of it seemed so bad, actually, she was kind of enjoying the comfort that came from his touch.

With that, the two of them began on their way out of the school, on the way out she turned her head to see the stranger walking away. It was at that moment her emotions overtook her and she pulled him into a gentle embrace, a single tear leaving her eye.

“Thank you, Reggie...n-nobody ha-has ever done that for me..” she admitted.

She dealt with a look like what the stranger gave her before, it was the same look her ex used to give her years ago. She was glad that the stranger was gone.

“I owe you..”