After wanting to Kera for fifteen minutes about the clothes which I had packed and how much I was suffering because of it she suggested something preposterous.
" Why don't you go to the market and buy something else to wear, Zane can take you," she suggested while beating the eggs in a large bowl.
I didn't say anything to that, trying to avoid straight out declining her offer.
She turned around to look at me and I just opened and closed my mouth at the lack of words.
It was not like I really needed new clothes, I am here for just two days and I think I can bear the heat of Urydale the clothes I have. But I can't obviously tell her that.
" Oh Zane is here. Will you take Ariel to the market, she needs to shop a little" I snapped my head in his direction. Zane lazily walked to the chair and sat down on the table.
And for someone who was awake the previous night he didn't look tired. If anything he looked fresh and awake after his rendezvous at 1 am in the morning.
I was awake for the rest of the night, laying on my bed as I waited for Zane to return. I was too curious to sleep, I wanted answers even if it wasn't my place to ask. He had came back some two hours later, parked his bike, and retired to his room, just as soundlessly as he went.
I pursed my lips in displeasure. If I go to the market with Zane then I won't be able to go to the school with Skye.
"Hum, ah do I have to" he replied, mirroring my reluctance.
" Be nice Zane and yes you have to" Kera reproached him with a spatula in one hand and the other propped on her waist as she fixed him with a stern look.
" Ok, I will take her" Zane sighed and I narrowed my eyes at him.
It is not like I am forcing him to go.
" Good, then you both should go get ready after the breakfast" Kera suggested and that sealed the deal. I can't deny her without looking ungrateful of her hospitality.
Looks like Skye will have to work alone.
A couple of hours later and I am ready to go, yes, in my jeans and long sleeve t-shirt.
I rolled the sleeves up to my elbows as I climbed down the stairs, as slowly as possible.
Because Zane is waiting for me near the door and I don't want to go, so better make him wait a little longer.
I am not here to spend a lovely time and go shopping. I am here on a different business.
Skye wasn't too happy about the idea either, but he can't do anything other than grumble about it.
" You are ready?" Zane asked in disbelieve and scanned my clothes as if making sure that I didn't come in my pajamas.
" Yes" I replied to him with a confused stare.
" Don't girls take a lot of time to get ready?" he asked with furrowed eyebrows.
" Do you want me to go back upstairs to give you the full experience" I teased him with a smile and he chuckled at that but didn't really take up on the offer.
I followed after him out of the house. There on the roadway the bike from yesterday was parked with a helmet hooked on the handle.
It is still unusual to see a bike.
Bikes are not generally used as all the transportation is done on shields, overboard, or cars if it is necessary. I voice my thoughts to him on the same.
" I am not a big fan of hoverboards" he replied casually.
" That is a first, so you don't like using a shield. What is your color anyway?" I asked him as we approached his bike.
He didn't say anything but I saw his shoulders straighten into tense muscles. He stopped before his bike and took off the helmet.
" Do you think you can even ride a bike?" He asked turning around to face me. I frowned at his attitude, I didn't ask anything wrong.
I snatched the helmet from his outstretched hand, " Yes I can" I said, putting the helmet on. I narrowed my eyes at him in challenge.
I have been riding a hoverboard for years, not to mention I know how to ride a shield, I have one. If I have enough balance to travel on a flat disk then I sure as hell can take some measly bike.
He boarded the bike, gripping the handle and I just stared at him.
I confess that even though I am confident in my balancing skills I have never used a bike before. So, I kinda didn't know what to do.
" Get on" he said with a flat look and I timidly swung my leg on the bike, mimicking Zane's movement, I almost slipped courtesy of my short legs but successfully climbed on the bike.
" Ready?" he asked and I gave a yes.
Then we were racing down the street. He increased the speed and I felt the constant thrum of the engine under me. I have never been on a bike before but it sure was an experience.
Not as liberating as a shield or a hoverboard, but graceful and elegant in movement.
Wind tangled in my hairs messing the soft locks that I had tied in a ponytail.
It felt nice, it almost felt like I was back in Athsey, playing tag with Thane,Valeina, Banno, and Maven. Me, Thane, and Banno on our hoverboards trying to keep up with the defenders on their shield.
I smiled at the sweet memory, we were 13 then and the responsibilities didn't weigh much on us.
The bike slowed down until it came to a stop. Zane planted his feet on the ground and I hopped down from the bike.
The market around me was not something I am used to. Sure here were individual stores but they were different and not at all high-toned like in Athesy. They were more welcoming, fit for a small town like Urydale.
The unique feature was the path, it had a white tinge to it with brownstones fitted on the ground.
I bounced on my feet in excitement, worry evaporating from my head as I morphed into the seventeen-year-old again. The one who liked to paint and have movie nights with friends.
Zane chuckled at my eagerness, coming to stand beside me as we started walking together.
I took in the various small shops before me, decorated with props and hand-painted decorations. The sigh boards and the fresh set of items displayed through the glass.
" I am sure you have seen better" Zane commented from beside me while I stared wide-eyed at the market, lips pulled into an excited smile.
" I have but this is different, this is beautiful" I breathed as I admired the colours painted in the narrow market.
I caught the sight of a clothing store and immediately skipped to it with Zane on the toe.
I can be a teenager for a few hours.