Chapter 44 | A SMIRK, BLUSHING, AND THOROUGH CONFUSION

The rest of December and the first part of 2020 passed way quicker than I had thought they would.

The short, dark, cold days were spent like usual, doing a variety of activities ranging from chores to chess, and reading to cooking, with the occasional bonfires.

Vaughn is still the same Vaughn I've known him to be, though he does open up more to me once in a while, telling me small things here and there. However, they are always about his sister, or about Juneau. Nothing else.

And, I have a feeling he only opens up to me because that's what I've been doing to him, telling him certain things about how life was like before I went into foster care.

But now, it is time for January's trip to the village, and like before, I will be trying my best to find out anything that could be useful.

I doubt I'll have any luck, though.

As Vaughn and I step off the trail and begin moving through the street, the first thing I notice is Thor stepping out of Luna's store. When he sees us, he immediately glares before he snaps his head to the side, walking off. A tad overboard, in my opinion, but then again...I might be a bit too dramatic, myself.

"What was that about?" I mutter.

Vaughn shakes his head, "Peter's just being Peter."

I forgot...that's his real first name.

"And what does that mean?"

"It means he looks like a man, but he's a child," he replies lowly as he continues on walking forward. He doesn't precisely walk super fast, but he does appear sure of himself, confident, as he moves down the street.

It's attractive, in my humble opinion.

The second thing I notice, though, is a family of three, standing outside a repair shop. I faintly recall seeing them before, when I first arrived; there's a father, a mother, and a daughter who hates mustard, if I remember correctly.

They don't exactly look like anyone I recognize, but they feel familiar, for some reason.

The way the woman and man are currently standing and their posture...

Faint, unclear memories of my parents acting the same way fade into my mind, and I realize why they feel so familiar to me.

Their body language and interaction with their daughter...they remind me of my parents, in some way.

It's strange because the first time I saw them, I didn't really pay them all that much attention. But then again, at the time, I was distracted and solely focused on finding the people my uncle told me to find.

It stirs up an odd, sad feeling inside me, and as we pass them, I can't help but feel like I'm missing and walking away from something important.

Instead of focusing on it, though, I opt to shake my head and try to ignore it. After all, we're now just reaching the tavern.

Stepping inside with him behind me, I roll my eyes as the audible communication happening throughout the building comes to a halt, as usual.

You would think they'd stop being so interested, by now. Drama queens, all of them.

Nina isn't behind the bar, I notice, but Henry is.

I slowly make my way over to the man who's currently pouring a drink for an older woman, feeling quite awkward about the situation. "Hi, Henry."

"Back for your monthly visit, I see." His voice sounds strained, only adding to the moment's discomfort.

I nod, noticing that Vaughn has followed me to sit by the bar, but as usual, he doesn't say anything.

I feel bad, always hanging around Henry when it's clear he doesn't like me. So, I suggest something as Nina walks out into the bar, seeing us and immediately heading over.

"Y'know, Henry, I can stay at the hotel," I offer.

Immediately, Nina drifts into the conversation. "What? Why?"

Henry seems surprised, and Vaughn merely looks at me.

I clear my throat, shifting, suddenly feeling uncomfortable with all the staring.

Vaughn looks away, back at Henry, almost as if he somehow knew what I was feeling, and I silently thank him.

Although, I don't mind his staring.

"I mean, I've already stayed here for way longer than I expected to, and I just-"

"Mikaere," Nina says, "You're a nice girl, and we always appreciate having you here."

I purse my lips for a quick second, "Well, at least let me help out here. I could waitress, or wash dishes, anything really."

Henry and Nina glance at each other, and then they both reluctantly give me a nod.

Although I do not fail to notice that Henry seems much more eager about the idea than his wife does.

The next morning, I look up from the task at hand as the tavern door swings open, and Vaughn steps through. He spots me immediately, looking somewhat surprised for some reason, before moving to sit at the bar.

I quickly take note of the older couple's order before hurrying back to the kitchen to tell Henry, then scurrying back to the bar to pour their coffee.

While I'm doing so, I quickly glance at Vaughn. "Good morning."

"Morning," he mumbles, "What are you doing?'

"Um, pouring coffee, currently. Want some?"

"No. Just water," he says, before adding: "Please."

I smile, already moving to bring the drinks to the couple. "K, just a second."

I don't know why I haven't done this sooner, to be honest. Sure, the cramps are usually terrible the first day, but today is actually bearable, and I still think I could have managed before.

It makes me feel like I'm doing something to earn my keep, and I get to casually talk to people about the village.

It feels odd because I never felt this comfortable as a hostess back in Spokane. I could hardly chit chat with the customers there, but here? For some reason, it's different here.

The two thank me, and then I'm off, back at the bar pouring Vaughn's water.

"Thank you," he says as I set it in front of him.

"Mhmm, so whatcha want to eat?" I ask happily, clearly in a chipper mood, leaning against the bar.

He licks his lips imperceptibly, brows coming down for a second as he looks up at me.

Why does he have to look...like that? It's not fair.

"Nothing," he replies, and I'm about to respond before he says: "Mikaere?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you actually enjoying this?"

"Well, considering it makes me feel not-so-lazy and selfish, yeah."

He looks thoughtful for a split second, and I'm enjoying observing his expressions, but then I remember I have to go check on the food and see if Nina needs my help with anything. Or if Henry does.

"Gotta go, be right back," I quickly tell him, the words coming together, so they sound like almost one word.

And then, I'm flying over and into the kitchen, before grabbing two plates of food and walking back out again.

After serving two middle-aged men, whose laughs somehow both sound like a car that won't start, I'm back in front of Vaughn. "So you sure you don't want anything? Henry actually makes these perfect pancakes-"

"You like pancakes?"

Well, yes, but that wasn't the point you were supposed to latch on to.

"Yeah, much prefer them to waffles."

We maintain eye contact for another second before the door swings open again, revealing a man who kind of reminds me of Thor.

Taller, bearded, and pale.

Except his beard is black, and he has thick hair. Not as thick as Vaughn's but nice.

He's also shorter than Vaughn.

But then again, who isn't?

I force myself to stop focusing on the man currently looking at me a bit confused and instead concentrate on the new customer.

His eyes are what unnerves me about him the most. They look...cold, but creepy. He looks to be in his late thirties.

Turning his head to see what, or rather who I'm looking at, Vaughn assesses the man coolly as he sidles up to the bar. The stranger sits to the left of him, leaving one seat in between them.

The man ignores Vaughn, however, which I find surprising, as no one does that. He smiles at me, looking me up and down quickly, and I instantly feel my gag reflex kick in.

Oh. So this is why I don't like some men. That's right.

Sure, the glance over happened fast, but I saw it. And from the way Vaughn slightly lifts his head, still looking at the man, I know he saw it, too.

Either way, I already feel awkward, so I just know that this whole interaction is going to be painful.

Why did he have to sit at the bar, too? Right near Vaughn, so I can't escape his seemingly judging eyes.

"Good morning," I force a smile, and I notice in my peripheral vision that Vaughn's eyes shift back to me for a split second before they're watching the man again. "What can I get you?"

"Besides your number?" He laughs, "A black coffee and the House Special Omelet."

And then Vaughn does something that causes butterflies to rise in my stomach out of nowhere, consequently surprising, confusing, and amusing me, all at the same time.

He smirks.

He doesn't even try to hide it at all or let it fade quickly like all the times before; no, this time, it blatantly stays as he keeps his eyes trained on the man.

It takes me a quick second to realize I'm still staring at him and smiling slightly, like an idiot.

Focus, Mikaere.

"Of course," I hear myself reply to the stranger as I force myself to tear my eyes away from Vaughn and smile at the man, starting to pour his coffee. Then, after placing it in front of him, I'm off to the kitchen to put in the order.

While I do so, though, I have one thought consistently in the back of my mind. Why did Vaughn smirk?

I decide to hang out in the back for a minute, desperate to avoid returning to the bar area, and I notice Nina sends me an odd glance.

One of my worst uncontrollable habits is how easily I blush, whether I'm embarrassed or uncomfortable.

I mean, I'm sure Vaughn's noticed it already, the attentive man that he is, but still.

Knowing that I should go check up on the other customers, I take a deep breath, preparing myself to step back out.

Once I do, I immediately go to every occupied table in the room, asking if they need anything.

But to my utter despair, no one does.

Not even a refill!

So, sighing reluctantly, I walk back over to the man, who holds out his cup to me. "More coffee."

Painfully forcing a smile, I take it, then hand it back to him once I've filled it again.

Then, I look at Vaughn, noticing he's finished with his water. I nod to his glass slightly, "You want more, or...?"

"Yes, please." His voice is back to being the natural tone everyone else uses; it's not as quiet as it is when it's just us.

I try to hide my small smile, but I just find his manners to be really considerate at the current moment, especially in contrast to the guy sitting nearby.

Taking his glass, I start filling it up again as the stranger keeps his focus on me.

"So, what's your name?" He asks.

Only after I set Vaughn's glass down in front of him, to which he tells me, 'thank you,' do I focus on the other man.

Should I tell him my real name?

Before I can decide, I hear Henry shout my name from the back.

Well, I guess he saved me a decision.

Rushing back to the kitchen, I learn that the stranger's omelet is done, so I grab the plate, heading back out to face him.

"Mick-hair?" The man asks, stressing the 'h,' as soon as I give him his food.

"Yeah?" I say, not even bothering to correct him because he's close enough, and I notice Vaughn tilt his head to the side slightly.

"Or is it pronounced Mick-care?"

"The latter," I tell him, and he looks around, confused.

"Ladder? What? I don't see a ladder here."

I start to laugh a bit before I realize that he's actually 100% serious.

Then my smile fades.

Vaughn merely raises an eyebrow, seeming amused as he remains a silent observer to the current situation.

"Uh, nevermind that, my name is Mikaere."

"Well, you're in luck, then," the stranger smiles, and Vaughn and I both kind of frown at the same time, seeming uncertain.

"Um, why?"

"Well, cause, my name is Mick," he pauses.

Oh, no. Is it really?

He continues: "And you can be certain I'd take care of you."

I blanch, not really knowing how to respond to that at all.

Oh, God.

You've got to be kidding me. How do I currently escape this current situation?

I feel myself going red, and they're both staring at me, trying to assess my reaction. I feel like a deer in the headlights, but because I literally blush with ease, I'm afraid it will give them both the wrong idea.

"You know what," Vaughn says all of a sudden, and I look at him, surprised and confused but desperate for something else to direct my attention to. "I think pancakes sound perfect right now."

Did he just give me an out?

My eyes widen slightly, and I internally scream 'thank you!' at him before quickly smiling and nodding, rushing off to the kitchen.

I put in the order, even though I doubt he'll even eat them.

If he doesn't, I will, that's for sure. I haven't had anything to eat yet today, as I just haven't been too hungry up until now.

I'm hesitant to leave the kitchen, but about five minutes later, Henry finally tells me to get out. So, I slowly and carefully peek my head out, trying to appear as inconspicuous as possible.

A few random people send me odd looks, letting me know I do not appear as secretive as I thought, but I just ignore them.

The stranger, or Mick, if that's even his real name, is gone.

Confused, I quickly walk over to Vaughn, raising an eyebrow. "Where'd he go?"

His omelet is gone, but there's a twenty-dollar bill placed in front of where he was seated.

He ignores me, instead opting to ask: "Are you still enjoying this?"

He's back to talking softer.

Why does he always talk quieter around me?

But because he ignored me, I ignore him, pressing on. "Vaughn? Where'd the creepy guy go?"

He shrugs indifferently, "I don't know. He ate his omelet then left."

"In five minutes?"

"Yes."

"Okay..."

"Mikaere?" He prompts.

I sigh lightly, "Why are you so curious to know? I mean, yeah, that guy made me uncomfortable, but it's just one guy. It's not like it's going to happen again, so yeah, I'm still enjoying this."

He frowns slightly, "Do you honestly think that's not going to happen again?"

Huh?

"Um...yeah."

"It will," he tells me, leaning back in his seat slightly.

"What do you mean, 'it will'? How can you be so sure?"

"Mikaere, do you know how many young, pretty women travel through here? Hardly any. Of course that will happen again."

Wait, what?

Pretty?

He thinks I'm pretty?

Before I can respond, however, my attention is thankfully taken away by the older couple smiling and waving me over.

I glance at Vaughn, who looks to be observing my reaction to something, though I don't know what.

"...I'll be right back, a couple's waving me over," I quickly explain to him, rushing away.

Pretty? There's no way he actually thinks that.

Though, he did look quite serious, as usual, when he said it. And, he showed no sign of looking like he wanted to take back what he said.

So that leaves me...thoroughly confused.