I didn't move out of that place for the whole day but I did watch the people from my window. They looked normal and acted normal. I didn't find a single thing about them that I could hate. When the night started to set I decided to just go to sleep and try to get as much rest as possible. Being tired will not get me out of here for sure.
The next day I heard knocking. As I opened my eyes I realised it was still dark outside but I went to get the doors anyway. Behind them stood Belle and Rick both smiling at me happily. I was about to question their timing but Rick said before I could make a sound "Your tour starts now, so let's go." I sighed thinking that I would rather avoid another Nelson, especially from that guy. So we headed out after I got ready.
The town looked very cold on the outside but once you get between people it is a completely different vibe. One thing I noticed was that people seemed to be opening their stalls even when it was dark. I looked up at the hole in the mountain and Belle explained “It is almost morning. Life here starts early.”
I nodded and Rick chuckled “Or more like doesn't go to sleep.”
Normally I wouldn't just blindly follow strangers but something about those two made me inclined to trust them at least a bit.
Then from the crowd, two kids came running. Rick bent down and they ran into his outstretched arms. With ease, he lifted them both up asking “What are you two doing here you rascals?”
The boy who looked older said “Looking for you daddy! Mum is with the doctor!”
Rick froze but only for a second “Well I guess this is goodbye, for now, another time then, Darren.”
Belle then said, “I can look after those two, so go Rick.”
He nodded and placed his kids back down after which he dashed away.
I asked, “Is this Jenna sick?”
Belle looked at me probably surprised I remembered the name, but I was always good with those “Not exactly, just pregnant, she was due in last week so everyone was worried,” she explained politely.
I raised my eyebrows in a sign of understanding while the smaller girl asked “Aunty? Who's this?” She pointed at me and Belle smiled.
“A new person, so be nice Camellia.”
She nodded hiding behind Belle. I crouched down to their eye level “Hi there, my name is Darren.” I wouldn't say I'm good with kids but I did like those small creatures. I always wanted to have a kid, not yet of course but someday. However, the chances of that looked slimmer and slimmer. The boy took a protective stance in front of his sister. I smirked as if seeing my brother years ago, “I see, so you are her protector? Keep up the good work little man.”
The boy glared at me “I will and I am not little I am 10!” He claimed proudly and I smirked not being able to hide my amusement.
“Is that so? Well, how about you show me how strong you are then?” I lifted my open palm in front of him and taking a fighting stance he punched it with all his might. It felt like a thrown pebble but I took my hand away quickly saying “Ouch! Wow you really are strong. Then I apologise, you are a real grown man."
Belle chuckled while the boy puffed his chest “Of course! I'm gonna get even stronger than daddy!” He claimed and I smiled.
“I'm sure.” I stood up and the boy looked at me as if praying to the skies.
“Wow mister, you are so tall.” He exclaimed.
I looked down at him asking “Wanna have a look at the world from here?”
He nodded and so I picked him up and sat him on one of my shoulders. I could hear a gasp from him to which I chuckled.
Camellia said worried “Leon! Be careful,” but he only grabbed a hold of the top of my head ignoring his sister.
“Leon? That's a powerful name.” I said with a half-smile but no response came probably due to him being too busy looking around.
Camellia looked at me shyly and I asked: “Wanna get up here too?” She nodded and I sighed picking her up as well as trying not to knock off Leon.
Belle looked at me amused “You're good with kids.” She commented to which I laughed as we slowly resumed our stroll.
“Oh no, they just like my height.”
Belle shrugged “That too but you know how to talk to them.”
I shrugged forgetting the tiny weight on both of my shoulders “There were few kids around in the village I'm from.”
Belle nodded understanding but not pursuing, probably aware that I am still in a completely unknown place and wished that I was back at home. Which was the truth.
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