60 - Befriending A Playboy

"Ahh... Your voice is also beautiful," he commented.

Annie rolled her eyes. "This is not impressing me. Move aside, please!"

His eyes widened in surprise. "Even seeing your cheeks blush pink is a beautiful sight! Please, fair maiden! I would like to know your name?"

This was going no where, she thought. "If you have my name, what else will you demand from me?"

"Your heart?"

She held a hand to her forehead. Looks like she will have to think a way to escape. As she contemplated, he offered her a red rose. Staring at it, she was filled with disgust. She had avoided roses since she recovered. Every time she saw this, an uncomfortable pain arose from her heart.

"I hate roses." The words came out unintentionally. Seeing his shock, she continued with a flat tone. "I hate flowers."

"I apologize, maiden... But flowers have a way of expressing what we can not express. You shouldn't hate flowers."

"That may be true... if one even knows their language,"she responded bitterly and turned again to walk away. He blocked her path again. Outraged, she cried, "Sir!"

"Give me a chance, fair maiden. I can teach you the language of the flowers. At least... let us be friends?"

Annie looked at this rich dandy in front of her. Since he was so insistent, she will make him regret his words. "Alright, we can be friends. As a good friend, you shouldn't block my way." He smiled eagerly and reached for her hand.

She pulled away. "What are you doing?"

"Shouldn't friends hold hands?" he asked innocently. He left his hand out, palm upwards.

She shoved him aside. "Only idiots believe that. My friends are not idiots." She walked past him. He smiled and followed her as she perused the wares.

"You still haven't given me your name, maiden?"

"It's Annie," she finally gave, hoping he can finally shut up. She was tired of him calling her fair maiden. Her hope was in vain. He talked about everything. The weather, the wares, and how beautiful she was... She wanted to go home. Annie couldn't, due to her fear he might follow her home. She moved towards the entrance of an inn.

"Well, I must be going... Er... What was your name again?" she asked.

"My name is Aster."

"Yes... that. It was nice meeting you but I don't think we'll meet each other again. Farewell." Making her way inside the inn, he blocked her path.

"If it is the last time we meet, please keep this as a token... From me, Annie," he said as he gave her a small bag. Curious, she opened it to see the lilac hair pin.

"Thank you," she said and put the pin back into the bag. She waved farewell before heading into the inn. Annie could feel his stare on her back before she closed the door. Annoyed, she wanted to kick him away but she was afraid he might catch on who she was.

Better to be safe... She ran a hand through her shoulder length hair. Maybe she should cut it shorter to avoid attention like this. Annie moved on towards the innkeeper.