Story Time!!!! : Shaylin
I walked happily into the Cafe, glad to be once again immersed in the exotic scents of spices and herbs, and grateful for the air conditioning blowing a cool breeze throughout the little Tea shop. Just because I always wear long sleeves doesn’t mean I don’t get hot and no matter what I do my beautiful fluffy, red tail always makes me overheated... I happily walked up to the counter and requested a cup of my favorite, and most frequently tea. Prince of Wales is the perfect tea; caffeinated with earthy tones but never bitter. The waitress smiled, shook her head, and handed me my cup before I even finished my order. I shrugged and picked up my tea, looking around I noticed that the only seat open was next to that wolf girl I had noticed through the window as I walked up. She seemed young, around 22 and rocked a haircut that made me green with envy. I walked up to her quietly and she looked up and smiled. Nervously I asked, “Is anyone sitting here?” She shook her head, so I sat. I watched the children in the park playing as I sipped my tea. I sighed happily, this was definitely the best cup they had ever made. Suddenly the woman I was sitting across from spoke up.
“You always seem to order the same tea when you come in. Which one is it? Is it really that enjoyable?” I blushed and hid behind my hair, surprised at her question and that she noticed me. I mumbled my response and she seemed a bit skeptical but willing to try new teas. I think she noticed my blush, which isn’t hard considering how pale I am and started apologizing. She acted and looked so much like a curious puppy who always got scolded that I had to laugh. I reassured her as I glanced at the book she was reading, “No it’s alright,” I said, “I just don’t normally talk to other people here… Ummmm, how are you enjoying you’re book?” She made a face and I laughed again, “Is it not quite your cup of tea? It’s a romance isn’t it....? I bet you normally read more thriller type books.”
She chuckled, “Actually I prefer non-fiction.” I looked at her in disbelief, She smiled. “I love reading about other species and places… considering I can’t really travel anywhere, reading about it is the next best thing….I do like mysteries though.”
“Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys all the way!” I exclaimed, excited. “I also loved the Boxcar Kids when I was younger.” We started talking about our favorite novels. She and I had a lot in common, well, except the romance thing.
Randomly as she was taking a sip of tea she said,” Do you like romance novels? I believe I’m about finished with this one and you can have it if you want it.” I looked at her eyes wide and mouth hanging open. No one had even just casually offered me a book before, and the few I got as gifts were never my favorite genera. “What? I’d prefer to give it to someone who will actually read and cherish it rather than let it sit on my shelf and collect dust. And if you don’t want it I’ll probably just give it away to someone else” I literally jumped at the opportunity.
“Of course! I’d Love It!” I exclaimed happily. Books and tea were of the few luxuries I could hold on to.
“Good...” She smiled and sighed. “ Oh,” she blurted out suddenly, I feared she wanted her book back till she continued saying, “I forgot to introduce myself.” She stood and offered me her hand, “Fay Rose Waya, at your service madam, and may I have the pleasure of your name.”
I blushed and giggled, “My name is Shaylin Renard Le’Fauni, and it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintances...... maybe we can become friends.” I hopped we could, she seemed like an interesting person. Someone whose company I would never become bored of. I also stood, offering my hand and was a little surprised when she clasped my forearm instead of shaking my hand. “So she likes tradition” I thought to myself as we sat down.
She slid the book over to me. I gently scooped it up and cradled it in my arms. I read the author and was pleased to see it was by one of my favorites. Jace Wolf Abestia, he always kept the books interesting and doesn’t allow them to become pages of cliches.
Fay spoke, “ I believe we shall, and I quite enjoy your company so far.” and I smiled at her optimism as we continued chatting. Fay checked her watched and resigned disappointment mixed with a tinge of surprise passed over her face, blowing away her blissful expression.
“I apologize, but I must be leaving you company now…. will you be back here tomorrow?” Fay questioned, but I shook my head sadly. “ How about Sunday? It’s quite lovely here on Sundays and I’ll even buy you a pot of tea” I smiled and nodded.
“ Sunday is perfect... It’s my day off...! How about around 4 O’Clock?”
“ Perfect!” She exclaimed, her tail wagging like crazy. “ I can’t wait! Well! Have a good rest of the week!”
“You also! Till we meet again!” She stood and we clasped forearms again and then I watched as she left with a huge smile on her face. Sadly I was not allowed the same luxury and as I hurried home through the park I prayed he was drunk off the beer I had restocked, rather than waiting for me. The house was eerily quiet and all the windows were dark as I walked up the front porch. I quietly unlocked the front door and opened it a crack. Hearing nothing I opened it the entire way and stepped inside.
The house was silent but I didn’t let my guard down, he loved to sneak up behind people. Suddenly the door slammed shut and faster than I could react I was grabbed from behind and slammed against the wall, my hands pinned to my sides.
“Which lucky boy am I chatting with this time. Bitch.” he spat in my ear. I didn’t move. “Answer me.” he commanded.
“ It was no one father. I haven’t talked to a single boy outside of the ones I interact with during school.”
“Then why do you stink so strongly of wolf.” he spoke furiously, “and I will not tolerate lying!” He slammed me into the wall again to make his point.
I quickly explained, “ There was simply no room in the cafe and I had to sit with another patron. A She-Wolf. That is all.” Father sniffed me again and then released me.”... fine… go make dinner. I’m hungry.”
I wordlessly nodded and walked into the kitchen. Father’s temper had gotten worse when mother had left. Though I don’t blame her for leaving I still condemned her for not taking me with her. I reminded my father too much of her...... “Every day I fear it will be my last.” I thought with a sigh, then realized I thought out-loud. There was a growl behind me and I spun around stuttering, trying to calm the storm. A fist flew towards my face and connected with my eye. I yipped in pain then covered my head as the blows rained down while my father screamed at me.
“YOU UNGRATEFUL BITCH! I FEED YOU AND CLOTHE YOU! I’LL SHOW YOU HOW IT FEELS TO FEAR FOR YOUR DAMN WORTHLESS LIFE!” I didn’t see his knee till it was too late, pain exploded through my jaw and I mercifully passed out.