"WELCOME!"
I snapped my head to the front desk and saw a girl, around 15 or 16 years old, standing and smiling at us. She wore a pair of glasses, and her black— with stripes of red– hair almost reached the back of her knees. And she had it braided. I wonder how long it would be if she freed her hair. But what I truly wanted to know was, how did she grow up into such a beauty? No gasp could explain my astonishment upon seeing her. Especially those beguiling golden eyes and reddish lips; if I were a man, I would definitely court her until I die.
"Hi there!" I greeted. I couldn't even stop my lips from reaching my ears. It was the first in the current year that my smile formed in delight.
The girl blinked. "I'm Aseyana," she introduced herself. "Are you here for a room or to inquire?"
I leaned on the desk, not leaving my sight off her. "A room, of course. Give me the best you got here. I will be staying until—" I paused; then, I looked at the forgotten companion of mine and asked, "When's your wedding again?"
Brittany rolled her eyes. I could see she was dying to debate with me about something. But she still answered, "November 17."
I brought my attention back to Aseyana and said, "Until November 17, it is then. I'll be staying in your inn for seven days."
Aseyana nodded. She then proceeded to do whatever she had to do with her computer. While the girl was busy, Brittany took my arms and pulled me in the corner.
"I have to go," she said. "Will you be fine by yourself?"
I wanted to chastise her for being a poor host but thought against it afterwards. On second thought, I would rather be alone than be with someone right now. I had to chitchat with my little beauty waiting for me at the front desk too. So, I nodded my head.
Brittany opened her mouth to give some advice, maybe. But her phone rang. There was a sudden change in her expression when she saw who the caller was and quickly bid me goodbye. When she was out of sight, I returned to the front desk.
"Came here for a visit?" the girl asked.
I smiled, nodding. "Sort of," I replied. "My friend, the girl earlier, is getting married in this town. So, I came here to give her moral support."
"Oh," she remarked, "Meyer and Clark Nuptial, is it?"
"You know the groom?" Clark was Brittany, and Meyer was probably the groom.
"Nope," she took a card and handed it to me. "Not personally, at least. This town isn't that big, and the people here have known each other since ancient times. So, it's easy to point out who the new arrivals are. And simple occasions would eventually become big. No one in this town didn't know anything about the upcoming matrimonial between the two. I'm just not sure who the couple are. So, one of the parties was the girl earlier."
I nodded. "So, is your family one of the founders here or–?"
"I'm new here too," she smiled. "I came here a month ago and bought this inn from a distinguished person. As of the moment, only the two of us are strangers. And before you ask, you're also the only person booking my inn for this month."
She looked at me intensely. For a moment there, I thought she was giving me a warning. I couldn't help but shiver.
"Oh," was the only word that left my lips. After Aseyana told me the directions on how to arrive at my room, I didn't dawdle and quickly went there. And the moment I entered the room, a bad premonition started to get on my nerves.
I laid my bag on the floor and sat silently on the bed. Brittany and I used to be close, but not as close as my best friend, who lived outside the country. She had her own group of friends, as I was, during our high school years. So, when I came here, I thought her circle of friends were already here. If not, maybe they stayed in her home.
Aseyana's words, however, blossomed a dreadful doubt in my heart. Was it just me, or was I overthinking things again? My imaginative mind was running wild again!
Brittany acted like a brat and was spoiled rotten by her parents, but she was a good friend. Otherwise, I would've cut her from my life as soon as college arrived.
Sighing, I decided to clear my mind. I was in a beautiful place. I should be enjoying my time here instead of thinking unnecessary things!
—
"Family is good. But sometimes, they're exhausting."
I gave my most polite smile to Aseyana. Then, I sighed. Aseyana looked at me. Her hands were occupied with the champagne glasses she was wiping clean.
"Well," she said, narrowing her eyes, probably thinking of something to say to my words. "I guess I can sympathise with you."
"Really?"
"I have a twin sister," she shared. "And everyone in our family focused on her. I kind of understand, though. She's—" she trailed, trying to think of the right word to describe her twin sister, perhaps, "--- a bit special. Regardless, having no one to care for you for more than a decade sucks."
"I think your family problem is bigger than mine," I said, caressing my nose. "At least in mine, I only have to endure my mother's constant nagging about marriage and her attempt to introduce me to bachelors she thinks are the best for me."
Aseyana chuckled. "Marriage sucks."
I nodded in agreement.
"And I already moved on," she put the champagne glass back on the cabinet and took another one to wipe. "I'm starting anew here in Arcane Town. Hopefully, this place will be my home like I imagined it to be."
I smiled teasingly. And I leaned on the table as I uttered a very satisfying suggestion, "How about going back with me to my own hometown? I'll make sure you'll have your dream home with me." I winked afterwards, making me feel like the charmer that I was.
She chuckled again. "Are you sure you're waiting for 'the right man'? Cause it seems to me you're looking for 'the right girl'."
"I'm waiting for whoever," I shrugged.
"Well, unfortunately for you, I'm not the right person for you."
"How'd you know without trying?"
Aseyana shrugged and grinned. "I just know."
Her grin and gaze told me she knew something important I didn't know. It was profound— so deep I felt like I was about to drown in those beguiling eyes. I shook my head to stop myself from drowning. It worked.
For the next few days, Aseyana and I enjoyed each other's company. She also toured me around the town like an expert tourist guide— which, by the way, was Brittany's job. However, for some odd reason, I hadn't heard of her since the day I entered the inn. I tried calling her phone number, but no one was answering. Eventually, I gave up. I would see her at the wedding, anyway, if she gave me the invitation, of course. I didn't want to look like I was there to crash the wedding.
And what a miracle. She called! She called two days before her wedding! The nerve!