MY TRAIN OF thoughts collapse whenever I work. I have no time to brood about my past when I'm at Libby's. Things like stock-taking, admin work, cleaning and displaying the merchandise occupy my every thought during my work hours. Thankfully, Libby's Bath isn't the type of store to be exceptionally busy- its ulu location helps matters too.

"Hey Iri, I'm going to check on our wool. Take care of the store- oh, and a new employee will be coming in today. Take care of her, ok? Don't go beating up people again!"

"You just won't let me leave that down, will you?""Never," Libby teases as she shoves her earphones in.

Working for Libby is like working for a self-obsessed, wealthy teenage girl. I've never met anyone like Libby- and that's saying a lot. I'm someone, who, as you may know by now, had a rough childhood.

Dealing and paying off my brother's and dad's debts weren't a piece of cake. It wasn't like, oh, I've got the money, and then transferring to the debtor's bank account.

If that was the case, I won't be whining so much about it. I'm not that petty. It was easier to pay off Dad's debts as what we owed was at least to a government institution whereas for my brother's... sigh.

"Hello again!" After working here for a month, I've become accustomed to Joaquim's voice. As time passes, our platonic relationship blossoms the way a seed flourishes into a healthy, lush plant.

We cleared out our mutual misunderstandings by chatting at the rustic cafe, 'Judge Me by My Cakes', which thanks to Joaquim, was no longer a quiet area. These days, the owner is living a hectic life and even had to hire more bakers and staff in order to manage crowd control.

Why, you may ask.

The reason is as simple as ABC, and the cause is because of Joaquim. It turns out that he was neither a scammer or thief- he's an influencer. What a popular influence like him is working odd jobs here is beyond me.

Nevertheless, the only reason why I haven't heard of him is because his sphere of influence hasn't reached small towns like Panjilia, and he is at the peak of his fame at central towns like Orina. His Instagram account alone- @joaquimshere- has 235k followers despite the fact that it's only three days old. When Joaq first bragged about this and showed it to me, even I, the stone-hearted monster, struggled to mask my reaction.

I was genuinely impressed by his posts there. Each photograph was flawlessly taken, and it was evident that the photographer was a gifted one at not just taking pictures, but also editing. His account was a mix of selfies consisting of unique poses as well as scenic and food pictures. Each picture was taken at an angle that flattered them best and natural lighting was a common feature in them. The contrasting themes and colours of his pictures somehow complemented one another well which made the account itself the Picasso of its time.

If you were to compare mine to Joaq's, mine would be the Goya of the IG accounts while his would be Botticelli. That's how exquisite his Instagram is.

Nonetheless, due to Joaq's seemingly unending success, the owner is having difficulty managing his business. His store alone is only big enough to fit at least forty people, let alone the hundreds of people suddenly flocking to his cafe.

Which reminds me of my promise to the pitiable (and enviable) owner...

"Joaq, when are you going to stop posting pictures of the cafe, 'Judge Me by My Cakes'? Just think about the problems he has to deal with. Have a little empathy, will you?"

"You're really doing this? Please. I've known you for two months now-"

"What two months? I've started work here like two weeks ago-"

"I'm counting in the day you thought I was a scammer, you goldfish." Joaq shakes his head while he restocks the soaps. "So it's two months. Anyway, for the forty-five days that I've known you, you are never one to go out of your way to be compassionate and shit. You're blunt and frustratingly tactless. Answer me: did he pay you off?"

How did he know? Is he psychic or something? "No, you inconsiderate man. How dare you hurt a lady's delicate feelings. I can feel you know. I did it out of my own conscience." I lie so expertly that Joaq narrows his eyes and taps his chin. He meets my eyes and I hold his gaze unwaveringly.

Guilt surfaces in his brown orbs and he rubs his hands together. "Oh, sorry." Joaq returns to folding towels- a new addition to the things we sell, as if it wasn't enough- and hangs his head in shame.

Silence envelops the room and it is so still that anyone can hear a pin drop. Without the buzz of the customers, the mood will likely become a tense one. Eager to avoid that, I chuckle. My plan works as my chuckle shatters the silence.

"I'm kidding!"

"You little-" an annoyed yet relieved Joaq runs to my side and hops onto my back, determined to glue himself on me for all of eternity.

"You're Sisyphus, and I'm the rock."

"Seriously...  what, am I going to have to carry you for the rest of my life and never be able to be rid of you?"

"Yup. You'll like it at first, but eventually grow to hate me. But I'll love you forever and never let you go."

"That. Is. Not-" I push him off and continue my sentence, "how the legend goes."

"It's our version," Joaq winks cheesily at me, causing goosebumps to appear on my bare arms.

"Okay, tell me about the products of the store." Joaq starts revving his serious mood engine, initiating a surprise quiz. He'll be so hated if he works as a teacher.

"Libby's Bath's latest creation is a fresh, new line of handkerchiefs. They're not your ordinary handkerchiefs though- the different sides of it are made of both silk and cotton. The silky front will be a fantastic pairing to any classy outfit of yours and are perfect accessories for formal gatherings. The cotton front is suitable for casual outings and you can easily dab your face with it. The cotton is from the birthplace of the cotton industry, India, while our silk is from China. We only use the finest materials for our products." I chanted the lines from memory though I did have to ad-lib a little.

Joaq nodded his approval and flashed me a thumbs-up.

"Copying me, are you?" The bells produced their sweet, twinkling sound, announcing the return of the owner. Libby pointed out as she sashayed in. "You've proved yourself time and time again. Good job, Irina."

___

It was night when I returned home.

As someone who had always perceived darkness as a comfort and the colour of my soul, I was perturbed by the transformation of my thoughts. Today, I was unnerved by it, and was in a state of ataraxy as I eyed the glittering stars. Do they never lose their sparkle? How are they always so luminous?

Today, I was in awe of them. I let my imagination roam freely, and as I gradually rode off to the realm of sleep, I dreamt that I was the inky night sky, that I was Lady Night. My dress was of a dusky black, and it concealed all of my flaws. The iridescent stars adorned my dress as if they were embedded in it, letting that dim light in me enjoy its stage while the night lasted. So it dazzled as fiercely and as vividly as the glare of FL diamonds and fulgurated every now and then, for it was cognizant of the fact that when the salmon sky arose, it's time would have come to an end. 

Hey guys please let me know if the book's pace is too slow for you!! I don't know if you can tell but I'm really enjoying myself when I write this book hehe

I think I'm more relaxed when I write Alexander Street.

Does the end of this chapter give off a gloomy yet serene vibe? Please let me know if it did hehe :) (it's what I'm trying to aim for.