Sweet, Sweet Freedom {open}

[Flutterby]

After being dropped off in this new place by a delightful, friendly woman, Elise had wandered along what appeared to be the main street in town for awhile, pausing to glance into shop windows now and again. The woman had told her this town was "big on horses," and Elise was more than happy to be left here as the woman carried on her way to her own home several more hours north. Was this her final destination? The home she had been searching for after escaping her great-aunt several weeks before? Could this really be the place to start her new life?

The aroma of brewing coffee drew her down the sidewalk to a cafe. Her stomach grumbled. Had she eaten that day? Elise couldn't remember. She had hitched a ride with that woman this morning, and they had driven for hours, stopping only to get gas and use the restroom. Elise didn't think she had purchased anything to eat at the gas station, and her empty stomach was now protesting. Ah, what she wouldn't give for a good meal! Elise had survived the past weeks on sporadic meals picked up mostly at gas stations, sometimes at a fast food joint, spending only the smallest amount on the barest of food. She had not known for how long she would be journeying, and had conserved her money the best she could. Sometimes the eclectic meals had been few and far between, and now her money was almost gone, and she had been worried about what the future would bring if she did not find a home and a job soon. Elise's eyes glowed as she thought again that this town may be her last stop. She slipped her backpack off her shoulder, bringing it around in front of her. The 16-year-old young woman (she had not been a girl for many years, not since her parents' death when she was just 7 years old; she had lost her childhood, and her innocence, instantly) carefully counted out the small amount of bills remaining.

I suppose I could treat myself to a luxury today, Elise mused to herself. I truly believe I have found the place to call home, and surely that calls for a celebration of sorts.

Slinging her pack back onto her shoulder, Elise tossed her waist-length tawny brown hair behind her shoulders and pulled the door to the cafe open. Stepping inside, she paused just inside the door while her eyes adjusted to the interior lighting. Once she had grown accustomed to the dimmer atmosphere, Elise headed straight toward the counter. Her stomach rumbled again as she perused the menu, and it was nearly impossible to decide what to get. Everything sounded simply wonderful! She finally chose a carmel machiato, creamy potato soup, and a chicken salad sandwich on a croissant. In the past, she would have been prepared to be disappointed by the croissant, as her grandmother's authentic French recipe that her mother (and then she) had used far exceeded any American croissant Elise had ever tasted, but after the last several weeks, anything resembling real food would be bliss.

Elise placed her order, then moved down the counter to wait for it to be prepared.

[Mustang]

Lily was sipping on her cappuccino at a corner table when she saw a young woman with long brown hair walk into the cafe. Another new kid in town. But this one seemeda bit younger than most of the others. Was she even 18 yet? She didn't think so, but then again, she was never all that great at telling age. Lily watched as she placed her order and stood waiting for it. She contemplated introducing herself, but decided to wait a minute and see what the girl would do. Perhaps Lily would invite her to sit with her.

[Flutterby]

Leaning against the counter with her arms crossed over her chest while she waited for her food, Elise idly glanced around the cafe. It did not seem to be very busy at the moment - just a couple other patrons shared the space with her. Her gaze caught that of a woman that appeared to be looking at her. I know, Elise thought. I must look a fright. Hopefully I can find a place to stay soon, so I'll be able to clean up a little and settle in. Elise offered the woman a timid smile.

[Mustang]

Lily placed a warm smile on her face as the young woman grinned. She seemed like a nice girl, so Lily motioned for her to come sit with her. Of course, she probably wouldn't until she got her order, but they were pretty quick here. The poor girl looked like she needed a friend, and maybe more than that. She probably didn't even have a place to stay. Maybe she'd have to offer her one, at least for a while.

[Flutterby]

Just as the woman waved Elise over, the employee placed a tray on top of the counter, and told Elise her order was ready. Elise thanked the man, grabbed her tray, and hesitatingly headed toward the woman seated at a small round table. She removed her food and machiato and placed it on the table. Elise took the tray back to the counter, then sat in the empty chair across from the woman. She grinned shyly. Hi. I'm Elise.

[Mustang]

Lily smiled kindly at the girl as she sat down. She seemed nice, and maybe a little lost. She had that vulnerable look to her, and Lily felt like she should help her. "I'm Liliana, but my friends call me Lily. A pleasure to meet you, Elise. New in town, I assume?"

[Flutterby]

Elise sipped her machiato as Lily spoke. Yes, I just arrived an hour or so ago. Elise did not elaborate on her explanation. She had no intention of giving any information that might eventually make it's way back to her great-aunt and alerting her to her whereabouts. It's nice to meet you, as well. Have you lived here long?

[Mustang]

Lily took a long sip of her drink and listened to the girl. She was newer than she'd thought. "About a year or so, maybe a little longer. Long enough to know a newbie when I see one." She offered the girl a warm smile. Everyone had been new in town at some point. "Do you have a place to stay yet?"

[Flutterby]

No, not yet. I was going to start looking around after I ate.

Elise chewed thoughtfully for awhile, then spoke again. So, you've been here for awhile, so you know what this place is like. Can you tell me about it? Elise looked at the woman hopefully.

[Mustang]

She watched as the girl ate, and found herself wondering when the young woman may have eaten last. "Sure. Let's see, where to start." Lily thought about the town for a minute, as well as the surrounding area, trying to figure out what might be of interest to Elise.

"Well, it's a fairly small town, and we get new people coming in all the time. It's usually the horses that bring them here. There's a stable just outside of town. That's the real hot spot around here. And a little ways down the road from that is a racing farm that lets riders use their tracks. As for in town, there's not a whole lot. The cafe, obviously, a club called Sliver, and there's a small shopping center, too. Nothing fancy, but it has everything you need. The Shakon River runs pretty close to town, and there's a park nearby that has a beautiful view, not to mention the beach. Other than that, the people are really friendly, and it's generally a great place to live."

[Flutterby]

A faint blush glowed on Elise's cheeks as she caught Lily watching her devour her food. I must look like a pig! She forced herself to slow down, taking small bites and chewing each thoroughly. She took a sip of her caramel machiato now and then. Elise continued to eat as she listened to the woman tell her about the area. As soon as Lily mentioned the horses, Elise's mind centered around that thought, and a dreamy look came into her eyes. It sounds wonderful, she breathed softly.

[Mustang]

Lily noticed the look and got a matching one in her own eyes. "I know, it's amazing. I spend most of my days out at the barn when I'm not working. But that's what's nice about my job at the moment. It's flexible hours. I have tons of time to ride and train my horse, Deductive. Do you ride?" She figured she already knew the answer by her reaction, but also knew it would spark a good conversation.

[Flutterby]

Well... Elise drew a pattern on the table with her index finger. I used to, all the time. But I haven't for...a long time. She clasped her hands in her lap, her eyes downcast. Elise sighed. Oh, how so very much her great-aunt had taken away from her! I miss it so much.

[Mustang]

It was obvious how much riding meant to the girl. "You should come out to the barn sometime. There are usually stable horses that riders can use if they don't own a horse. Or a lot of the riders take horses out whose owners just don't have enough time for them or haven't been worked for a while. I'm sure we could find you a horse to ride." It would be fun having someone to ride with. And a female, not just Dustin. He was nice and all, but sometimes a girl needed another girl around. "But first I'd say you need some housing. You're more than welcome to crash at my place for a while. I have a day-bed in the office you can use. I'd be in and out during the day doing some work, but it would be all yours at night. If you want to, that is." Lily didn't want to make Elise feel pressured or anything. She was just glad that she might be able to help in some way.

[Flutterby]

Elise practically bounced in her seat. Yes, this was definitely the right place! To think, she may actually be able to ride again... Merveilleux, she exclaimed, completely unaware of the fact that she had spoken in French - something she did when she was excited or upset, and one more thing her great-aunt had punished her for, calling it "undignified" and "crass". Elise beamed at Lily. That would be wonderful! Do you think I could ride today?

At Lily's offer, Elise smiled shyly. How warm and open she was! Thank you, that is very kind. I should like that very much, if you are sure I would not be an imposition. Thinking she would be able to sleep in a bed that very night, after so many weeks of sleeping in some very questionable places, nearly brought tears to Elise's hazel eyes. Not wanting to embarrass herself anymore than she probably already had, the sixteen year old straightened her spine and focused on the woman in front of her.