Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 140462 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 702(@200wpm)___ 562(@250wpm)___ 468(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 140462 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 702(@200wpm)___ 562(@250wpm)___ 468(@300wpm)
“Sure,” he says as we enter the small shop which has everything. A claw machine stands in the corner next to tourist brochures, but there’s also basic groceries, and even a small selection of hot foods on offer.
The proprietress of the establishment zeroes in on us with a frown, and Hawk releases the raspiest, most unhealthy-sounding cough I’ve ever heard. She clears her throat, appearing flustered, and grabs a remote before raising the volume of the small television mounted behind the counter.
I struggle with some of the foods in the human realm, so establishing which ones might be to my liking is difficult. I don’t like when they’re too greasy or too spicy, but also too mushy, like porridge. I also dislike soup, but only if it’s hot. Warm drinks are acceptable as long as they don’t have bits. My co-worker at BBB introduced me to cold tomato soup, gazpacho, one time, and I appreciated him for it. He had made fun of me for being a picky eater, but then also made a game out of trying to find foods I like, which was kind of him.
If I were to say what I do like, it’s things that are salty and crunchy, like pretzels, natural cereal, all types of waffles, hard vegetables and fruit, but also crispy meats. I also love milkshakes and smoothies as long as they're completely blitzed, which I discovered while working at BBB. The Nocturne Court also offers a whole variety of sea foods I enjoy that don’t exist here.
Oh and bat wings. How I miss crispy bat wings with grief salt.
Even beginning to explain my tastes can become awkward, so when pressed, I do just eat what’s offered and bear it.
I begin to rummage through the shelf filled with packaged snacks, looking for something that has the chance to appeal to me. I discreetly squeeze some bags to check if the food is hard or soft.
Close by, Hawk lets out a laugh, which he then follows with more coughing. “Look at this. Perfect for a prince,” he says, showing me a children’s play set featuring a tiara with fake blue gems, a plastic necklace, and a scepter topped with a heart.
I’ve been in the human world long enough to recognize that while plastic can sparkle, it is easy to destroy and of little value.
I raise my eyebrows. “Truly? Is it?”
Hawk stalls, and while I can’t see his expression behind the mask and shades, he seems somewhat deflated. “Well, you have no crown, and doesn’t every royal need one?”
“I have a crown. Back home. I chose not to take it so it’s safe.”
It’s like he’s pointing out that I have nothing. I put my foot on the bottom shelf and use it for leverage to climb toward the top shelf where I can already see the massive jar of my favorite pretzels.
The edge I’m holding on to digs into the flesh of my fingers, but then two strong hands close on my waist and lift me, so I’m level with the familiar packaging.
“Hey!” I yelp in panic, feeling like a child’s toy in his grip. I grab the pretzels anyway since I am already up here. “I was managing!” I mumble when he casually puts me down.
“You might have slipped.”
“Then I would have suffered the consequences of my own actions, as is appropriate.” I glance to the side and, of course, the cashier is snooping on us. “Are you trying to humiliate me?”
“Why are you upset?”
The fact that I can’t see much of his face only frustrates me further. “Because I am perfectly capable, and you are suggesting I’m not.”
Hawk spreads his arms and leans over me. “Jesus, I was just trying to help. What’s your problem?”
“Do not hover over me like I’m a child.” We need to establish some boundaries, even if it’s unpleasant.
He takes a step back, showing me his palms. “Fine, I won’t be spoiling your shopping with my help,” he says and storms off toward the counter, leaving me to contemplate the food in my arms.
I’m pretty sure I upset him, and now that fact is hanging over me like a dark cloud. I may have learned about customer service at Best Burgers Bonanza, but dealing with my promised, my lover, is proving much more challenging. I wish I could just already have the experience.
I flinch when he buys his food and stomps out. Should I apologize? I’m the one who’s feeling patronized.
With my jar of pretzels and a bag of carrot sticks, I approach the shopkeeper. I’m torn about how to make amends to my promised, but then I spot a pin with a hawk among other wildlife-themed decorations. I have to give up on the carrot sticks to afford it, but I hope it will make him smile. It does have Hawkward written on it, and everyone likes a good word game.