xxxI'll be good, I'll be good
xxxAnd I'll love the world, like I should
xxxYeah, I'll be good, I'll be good
xxxFor all of the times that I never could
x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x
After shortly departing from Rosie, Neden nearly high-tailed it back to their house to gather up their things. Which was only a messenger bag that they had meant to take with them. Stuffing a few papers, a notebook, and binder into it, they slung it over their shoulder and rather literally ran out the door, closing it behind them. Using their unfurled wings, Neden was able to get back to Rosie's house a few short minutes later. Their crow companion was nestled gently in their hands, before propping him back on their right shoulder. Letting the bird perch on them, as they had no issue with it.
Neden had followed Rosie into the house, knowing they'd need to regroup and probably go over a few things first before heading over to begin the trial. They hadn't realized exactly how sweaty their hands were, until they fidgeted with them a bit out of instinct. They gave Travis a small smile and nod as he greeted them, giving Evelyn a small nod of greeting as well.
The angel didn't expect Travis to immediately ask for a moment to speak with Rosie, but they also weren't going to deny him that. It was simple enough. "Of course, Travis. Take all the time you need." they gave him a small smile, before turning to look around. It was only then that they realized they had been left alone with Evelyn. Neden didn't think about that, until after they were alone, immediately wishing they hadn't told Travis to take their time with things.
To even attempt trying to distract themself from the ever growing anxiety, Neden silently pet the crow on their shoulder every few seconds. Occasionally talking to the bird as it communicated with small low rumbles. It was only when the crow looked over at Evelyn for a moment, then back at Neden, that it pecked their cheek. Once. Then twice. Neden flinched their face away, furrowing both eyebrows, "What is your problem?" they questioned the crow. Which only resulted in another rumble.
The angel rolled their eyes, "Then stop pecking me, you asshole. It's not my fault you're grumpy." Neden retorted. Looking up awkwardly in Evelyn's direction, "Sorry...Lil' man here is new and, I don't know what his problem is. Probably not used to so many people in a short time.." Neden cleared their throat once more, "We...We should probably get going, yeah? Should get there a little bit early, get everything sorted..."
xxxI'm way too young to lie here forever
xxxI'm way too old to try so whatever
xxxCome hang
xxxLet's go out with a bang
x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x
In the following weeks, Jaiden had spent much of her time helping Zoe get everything squared away and sorted since getting her moved in. Outside of that, Jaiden didn't have much else going on, even after being informed about Travis' trial. She didn't exactly care to go, nor did she plan to. Sure, being there to support her friends would have been the right thing to do, sure. But Jaiden knew if she went, it wouldn't end well. So, she decided instead to go over to the flow shop and see how Zoe was coming along with things.
Even in such a short amount of time, Zoe was already doing a better job than Jaiden had been expecting. Sure, it was just flowers and plants, but it was a relief to see that Jaiden's instinct was correct. Not only was Zoe doing a good job with customers, but having her around the town helped Jaiden feel oddly less alone. Like she had someone who she was able to talk to. Someone who didn't know her past, or who she used to be. Someone with an outsider's view.
By the time that Jaiden arrived to the store, Zoe was already well into her work. Another thing that impressed Jaiden. No matter how early or late Jaiden was arriving to the shop, Zoe already had everything on lockdown. If she was already doing this well within a few weeks, Jaiden doubted Zoe would have any issues in the future.
"Morning'!" Jaiden responded as she entered the store, side stepping the customer as they exited the store. Thankfully, work wasn't too intense at the store. They were able to take everything as easily and slow as they could, all things considered they did just sell flowers and other plants. But with the store finally being opened again, people tended to come in droves.
Jaiden was in the middle of tending to a few withering plants when Zoe thanked her again. Which, honestly seemed to be more of a routine than the actual work was, by this point. And everytime, Jaiden's response was the same. There really wasn't much to be thanking her for. She just did what any decent person would do, or at least she was doing what she hoped someone else would do in return for her, if she was in the opposite woman's shoes. "Like I've said before, Zoe. You don't need to thank me." Jaiden started, standing back up and turning around as she disposed of the withered remains of the plant into the bin. "If you're gonna make a new life here, it's only fair that you get a chance at making it happen." she said with a small smile.
"Besides, I think you're the only person in this town who'd be able to handle this. Aside from Phoenix of course, but I honestly think his true love is caffeine." Jaiden joked.