12 11th Dawn - Scrunchie

Eventually, Madeline turned into a full-blown journalist after I dropped a boy's name.

"Where did you meet? How? Did he take you around? Oh, wait. Is he rich?! He probably is!"

I used to wonder what it feels like to have a big sister, but after seeing this side of Madeline whom I regard as one, I might reconsider. Then again, she is the type who really likes poking her nose on matters like this. The only thing that keeps me on my toes whenever she does so, however, is the fact that she'd toy with me afterwards, teasing me and making me all flushed by spouting out embarrassing and nonsensical things. Even then, though, I don't feel that bad when she does it and her company is more than welcomed. Cornered by her unbending inquisitiveness, I eventually spill the beans about Sol, starting from our meeting at the plaza up to the time he bought me the hairpin. All the while, Madeline just continues staring at me meaningfully.

"You got it bad, Lily~"

"W-W-What?!"

"Girl, you're head over heels. I'll take back what I said. Aside from sitting still and doing nothing, you also look cute when you're talking about your crush."

At this, I buried my face in my hands, completely flustered. I didn't know it was that obvious. Without knowing it, I've been blushing ever since I began telling my cheesy love story. At any day, I'll definitely cringe and act all disgusted if I imagine getting bitten by the love bugs, and not to mention, we only met for a couple times. But now that it's here, it seems like Cupid showed me no mercy when he shot his arrows. Still a blushing mess, Madeline only pats my shoulder in understanding while I try to suppress this whirlwind of giddying emotions.

"Let's go back to our main topic… please…" I whimpered pleadingly, which only made her laugh.

"Okay, okay… So, about that hairpin, may I see it?" Madeline asked, much to my relief.

I silently complied to this, a bit glad that we finally swerved back to our main subject. Madeline eyes the hair ornament in awe for a moment, forest green irises gleaming like emeralds. I just watch her admire it, thinking that rather than me, it suits her eye color more. Wanting to test out my assumption, I let her try it on and true enough, the mint green daisy and glittering silver beads encrusted on this hairpin fit her better. She looks like an elegant madam in it, or perhaps, the fairy of flowers.

"You should wear hair accessories more often, Maddie!" I enthused, beaming all the while.

"Really? I do want to, but… Instead of luxurious hairpins like this, I prefer a hair tie," she answered, mirroring my smile.

Now that Madeline said it, I see her in a ponytail most of the time. People here just use plain rubber bands because flashy headdresses are more of the richer ladies' style, though. For someone like her whose line of work often includes dealing with customers, a nice hair tie will certainly be a pleasant sight to see. I then ponder over this for a moment until a bright bulb eventually lights up in my head.

"I know! Let me make you a scrunchie! They're fashionable but not that showy. You can also use it as many times as you want!"

"A 'what' now?"

Madeline only tilts her head quizzically before mustering a suspicious look all of the sudden. That's the kind of face she makes when she's curious and wary about something. She just probably doesn't know what a scrunchie is, but for her to make that expression, I say she isn't only bewildered.

"Don't tell me… something similar to your cap?"

"No...? Why do you sound like I made a crime? Anyway, I'll just show it to you when I'm done."

Madeline and Ruben gladly took me in like family, so at the very least, I can give her this as an early Christmas present or something. Besides, making a scrunchie is done without a hitch. I used to do it with Mother a number of times before. All I need is a long piece of fabric, preferably green and with a floral pattern, and some sewing tools. I may not be that good at embroidery, but mother had taught me the basics along with other, quite odd needlework.

A bit eager about the outcome, I ended up staying awake until late at night to make the scrunchie. I probably got too excited since I made more than one, though. On the next day, I'm able to give it to Madeline already. But then, after I offered to tie her hair up with it, I didn't expect her perplexed reaction.

"You made this?" she asked incredulously.

"Yes. Why?"

It's about another Ellicht's straight-laced apparel, perhaps. The scrunchie might've been a bit too gaudy, after all. But then, I think it's not that bad of a contrast to the plain and bland clothing that commoners have. Rich people get to wear tons of colors all the time while commoners like us can't possibly afford that wide range of variety in our wardrobe.

"It's very pretty! I love it. Thank you, Lily!" Madeline commended out of nowhere, catching me off guard.

Touched by her delightful reaction, I just return her ear-splitting grin, a bit relieved that she likes it somehow.

My daily routine goes on like normal for the succeeding days – serving tables at the restaurant and contemplating my future career. Compared to what happened recently, working hours have been uneventful. I revel in the peace and serenity it brings, though. That's until something unusual takes place on one sunny afternoon. For unknown reasons, a number of women begins to swarm around the diner as if snooping around and searching for something. Since they're not really making a racket, Ruben just let them be.

"Good afternoon, Lillian. It's surprisingly crowded here."

Another unexpected scenario is Sol's unannounced arrival. I'm utterly flummoxed upon seeing him enter the eatery in his casual attire, which includes a long sleeves polo under a blue vest, and a pair of white pants. With such entrancing features, he's the one causing a racket here instead.

"I'm here, Lillian!"

I'm even more surprised when Felicity pops out of nowhere. I tried to pull myself together and see through our work ethics. It's rude to let the customers wait here any longer, so I proceeded to guide them to their table and serve their orders - a glass of lemonade for Felicity and a cup of tea for Sol. Wanting to converse with them, I also asked Ruben for an early break.

"Why I'm here? I just wanted to see you work so I asked Felicity to show me the restaurant on our next day-off."

I asked Sol about his purpose for visiting. Though a bit upset that I hadn't gotten a chance to prepare, my heart instantly melts at the thought that he went here just to see me. I can just let him off the hook on this one. As I muse about this, someone suddenly approached me from behind, halting my train of thoughts.

"Ohoh~ To whom we owe the pleasure here, Lily?"

"Eh? Maddie? Why are you here?"

When Madeline only grin knowingly, I already figured out what she's on about. I then glance at the bar counter to find Ruben chuckling. True enough, he dragged his sister all the way here just to tease me again. Apparently, after telling him about this crush of mine, the two longed for the day to see Sol. As far as they're concerned, though, I'm certain it will not just be a simple meeting.

I then clench my fists and give Madeline a pointed look, sending all my brain signals to tell her not to do anything weird.

"Good afternoon, Miss. If it's alright, may I ask something?"

Madeline and I abruptly stop our mini staring contest at Felicity's sudden question. We then turn our heads to them, only to find both her and Sol peering at Madeline with puzzlement.