A bell rung as Vylad and Maeve exited the coffee shop. “Why do you care if it’s a last minute errand? It’s not like you had any plans today.” Maeve wondered. She took a sip of her coffee and Vylad pondered how she could drink something during a cold season. She was wearing a denim jacket over a hoodie and he himself was wearing one of his thicker jackets. “What? You don’t know that.” He shot back. Maeve rolled her eyes, “Yes I do, the only time you interact with the public is when you order coffee.” The young man shrugged, “That’s fair.”
They stopped at a pedestrian light and waited for the cars to pass. “Honestly dude I don’t get why you’re complaining. I don’t know any other college drop outs that get paid 5,000 coin a month.” They began walking when the light changed, they turned down the street corner that led to Maeve’s store. “Guess you have a point.” Vylad agreed, “At least those dumb rumors stopped. Like I could be into someone like-” He grumbled. “Happy? Positive? Upbeat? Better than you in every way?” Maeve fired off. “A lesbian. She’s dating Natalia from SCR remember?” Maeve looked at her imaginary watch, “Hey, look at the time! Gotta go open up shop.” She began speed walking down the sidewalk, “If you find a reason to smile today, let me know.” She called back. “Very funny.” Vylad grumbled.
Vylad continued down a different street to get to his errand that Clover tasked him with doing. He stepped out of an elevator on the top floor of a building that he couldn’t pronounce the name of even if he tried. Some intricate clothing brand. He felt a sense of deja vu with it.
“Hello?” He called out through the studio. Under his breath he complained about if no one was even there until, an accented voice returned. “One moment please.” A minute passed and a macaron nymph walked out of one of the attached rooms. She wore a chic white top, brown pants, and a matching brown beret. Her heels clacked against the tiled floor as she came over. “Hello! Is there anything I can help you with?” She offered. “Yeah-uh-I’m looking for a Cheri Baring.” The young woman nodded, “Yes, I am she. What can I do for you?” “I need to pick up some outfits for something.” He replied. A moment of silence passed before Cheri finally asked, “Who are you exactly?”
“I’m Lyrica’s assistant.”
In a flash Cheri became embarrassed, her face flushed pink. “Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry. Please forgive me, I was just so surprised. Since you are…” “Not what you expected?” “A boy!” Vylad waved her off, “It’s fine, just, where are these outfits?” He asked. “Right her, follow me!” Cheri led him into the room she was just in. Upon entering, there was racks upon racks of various outfits and clothing pieces.
“Voilà!” Cheri spread out her arms to show off everything. She walked over to one rack and grabbed a couple hangers, the clothes are in bags so they had to be for something important. “Wow…there’s a rainbow in this room.” Vylad quietly marveled at everything until his phone began buzzing.
Sure enough, Clover was calling him. “Hello.” “Vylad, hi! Are you at the studio?” She asked. “Uh, yeah. I’m here with Cheri.” “Bonjour!” Vylad could hear Clover exhale with relief on the other line. “Oh good you haven’t left. So yeah, uhm, something came up and Lyrica isn’t home.” “So…when is she getting back?” “I’m in my way to get her now. But it’ll be a little bit so why don’t you two grab some lunch? Leave a tab and I’ll pay for it.” Vylad and Cheri looked between each other and at the phone. “Okay but is everything alri-“ “I’ll explain later.” Clover cut Cheri off. “Bye for now!” And the call hung up. “Sweet, free food.” Cheri giggled at his lack of energy.
They went to a small diner that Vylad knew would have good food and wouldn’t be too busy. They didn’t really talk much as they ate until Cheri asked, “How did you end up as Lyrica’s assistant?” “I got hired.” Vylad replied in his usual flat tone. Cheri curtly nodded and it fell silent again. But, not a comfortable silence. Vylad quickly picked up on this, “There weren’t a lot of requirements, apparently I’m weirdly good at this type of stuff. The money is also a plus.” He spoke up. “I see.” Cheri followed along. “What about you?” He asked. “I got hired.” Cheri smirked at her answer. Vylad let out a small chuckle, “Alright, smartass.” Cheri giggled, “You had it coming. But to answer your question-“ Cheri was cut off by Vylad’s phone buzzing again. Once again, it’s Clover.
“Yes Clover?” He returned to his usual tone. “Hello! Are you two enjoying lunch?” Clover wondered. “Very much, thank you.” Cheri replied. “Wonderful! Good news, I have Lyrica and we should be back at her suite in the next 10-15 minutes.” Vylad nodded despite her not being able to see it, “Cool. We’ll see you there.” He turned to Cheri, “Let’s get going then.” He led the way outside. Cheri nodded, “Indeed! Plus we need to catch cab.” Vylad groaned at that realization of having to catch a cab during rush hour in Sourbite City.
