Z O E PEÑA
being alive is in itself a little thrilling,
Zoe nodded as Jaiden talked about different people in town. She thought she might have met Rosie, and now she was sure she’d met Neden. It was tough, moving to a new place without even actually knowing a single person in town. She was glad to have already made a good friend, and now a place to stay long term. Excitement fluttered in her stomach, and the smile on her face felt like it would never fade. “They both sound like wonderful people.” Zoe stared at Jaiden as she zoned out, looking out the window. Zoe didn’t know why Jaiden was being so kind to her, really. Zoe figured Jaiden must have needed a friend as badly as she did; with everything that had happened in town recently, it was no surprise to her, really. She offered a soft smile as Jaiden spoke about the town being great, and peaceful aside from the recent attacks. “I already love it here,” Zoe confessed, “It’s beautiful, and neighborly… Like a Christmas movie or something.” At least, when it wasn’t being attacked by monster hunters, “It’s too damn cold, but I assume I’ll get used to it if I stick around long enough.”
Jaiden asked what she wanted to do, and Zoe tilted her head to the side, musing out that question for a moment. “Well,” She said, as if she were still thinking it through as she spoke, “I had planned on packing up all my things today. I was probably going to have to leave by the end of the week, so uh…” She shrugged, “My schedule just opened up, I think.” She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table, and her chin atop her interlaced fingers, “Do you think we could go to the flower shop? I’d love to check it out, maybe. Get a feel for it.” There was a pure, unbridled enthusiasm in her eyes. This was like an adventure to her, and she was thrilled to be on it while she could. “Or,” She said, punctuating the word with an overly dramatic pause, “You could show me everything you love most about Greythorne. Since I’m staying, I may as well start seeing it like someone who lives here”