Hellamorgue

Chapter 5: Hesitation

Continues tapping of shoes can be heard as Powla runs on the sidewalk. She slowly stopped her feet stepping on the ground, and stood still on her position. Powla heaved when she runs out of air. She saw a lot of creatures heading to the plaza, which is her destination as well. She haven't seen any human outside, not even once and only herself. Once again, she felt anxious. Cold sweat flows down from her temple to cheek. She gulped and slowly walked backwards. Powla had a second thought and hesitated going to the festival.

"Should I really attend the festival? Mr. Ping already knew I'm heading...I don't want to give him false hope.." Powla questioned herself.

"What if the creatures make fun of me for being a human? What if they get disgusted by my appearance?"

Several questions popped on her mind. Meddling with her decision making. She kept her eyes looking forward while she turned her body around to go back to the bakery. Displaying that she can't make a firm decision. Powla thought of just going home and spend her time alone like what she used to do. On the other hand, she doesn't want to disappoint her boss, of wasting his time doing the job in bakery alone instead of helping him out. Several thoughts swirled on her mind, making it more hard to decide. With this, Powla closed her eyes and walked away. She suddenly bumped on a person. She fell on the ground, and heard the creature's groan. She glided her eyes upward and saw a creature with two horns, it has a quirky striped pattern, he is frowning and looking down at her. Powla flinched when she met the pale skinned lad's piercing gaze. His awful glare reminded her that some creatures in the town loathed humans till this day. Powla thought he must be one of them.

"Hey, watch your step, human." said the lad with a fierce look on his face.

She looked down and apologized. The lad didn't respond and only continued walking forward, hands on his pockets. Powla stood up and shook her clothes, trying to remove the dirt and dust. She sighed and wrapped her arms around her, hugging herself. She remained silent for a brief moment and finally made a choice. Her hesitation turned into a final decision. She's not going to attend the festival anymore. Even though it's kind of a hard decision for her, she made her mind already. She turned around and started walking away from her supposed destination.

"Sorry Mr.Ping.. I am just a coward, you see.." she mumbled.

The young lady reciprocated her steps while looking down in shame and sadness. Suddenly, a firm yet cool voice called her name,

"Powla?"

She jumped out of surprise when she heard her name. She saw a young woman in front of her. She wears a green hoodie partnered up with denim shorts. A pair of thigh high socks and sneakers. Her medium length green hair matches the color of her eyelashes. Her hair swayed with the breeze. She has a headphones fasten against her ears. The woman's overall vibe was cool and athletic. She carries a gig bag for her guitar on her back. Powla rubbed her eyes and looked at the woman. The green haired girl beamed and removed her headphones from her ears. Small flowers bloomed from her hair. She is gleaming and glowing. No doubt she is a Flauraescan. A flower-like creatures who display strong emotions by blooming or withering flowers on their body. The woman leaped and approached the awkward girl. Hugging her tightly and let go.

"Powla! What are you doing here? It's rare to see you outside! " asked by the girl.

"Oh, Clover! Ah..I was just about to go home..e-excuse me.." Powla responded and walked away passing Clover.

The girl grabbed her by her right arm. Powla turned around and their faces met each other. Clover pouted and said, "You're at it again! Stop avoiding people! It's not like we are not friends! " She let go of Powla's arm and crossed hers. Powla's eyes darted back and forth. She reasoned out in a muttering manner. Clover, on the other hand, didn't get what she said. Powla cleared her throat and tried to explain once again.

"I-I am not a-avoiding anyone.. I just...I am not in the mood, Clover..." She spoke softly while twiddling her fingers.

"Are you sure about that? I have a gut feeling something happened." said Clover in defense.

"It's true!" she responded.

Clover sighed and slapped her palm on her face. Powla remained silent. Clover bit her thumb, her eyes scanned Powla from head to toe. She wears an oversized shirt partnered up with pants and sneakers. She carries a backpack with her. "You're well prepared with your backpack. Are you heading somewhere?"

"Ah...a-about that..." Powla stuttering replied.

Clover tilted her head in curiosity. She squinted her eyes while staring at the awkward girl. Suddenly, her eyes widened when she thought of an idea.

"Oh! Don't tell me you're going to the festival?!" she yelled.

"I- ah..the truth is, I was planning to..but I changed my mind." Powla replied while avoiding eye contact.

"But why though? Are you anxious again?" Clover asked.

Powla nodded her head as a response. Clover let out a huge sigh, "It can't be helped, I guess." Powla bowed her head and apologized.

"There's no need to apologize, girl. I understand! But the good thing is," Clover cheered. Powla looked at her friend's bright face with a curious look.

"I am heading to the plaza as well to join the festival! Why don't you tag along with me? It's been a while since we hang out!" she invited while winking at her friend.

"Oh! That's-"

Powla got interfered when Clover packed it up with her usual chitchats, "And Bianca will be there too! Well, actually she's already there waiting for me haha! She's representing the brand she's modeling there. They have their own booth. She also volunteered to help with it, I think they're done decorating by now."

"Bianca is there?! That's kind of new. She's always been busy with her work.." Powla followed with a surprise look.

"I know right?! That's why I'm not missing this chance. You too, Powla. You should come with me."

"But-"

"Hush! No-nope! No more reasoning out, Powla. You'll be fine as long as you're with us. Don't worry, I assure you'll be safe throughout the day!"

Powla went quiet and pondered about what her friend just said. She also remembered her boss's words earlier in the bakery. She thought, she should not miss this chance anymore. And the fact that, Cookie, her boss's daughter would come as well. Powla knew these are the signs to come over the fest. She smiled a little. Clover saw it that made her grin.

"Okay." she responded in a mellow tone.

"Alright! That's the spirit!" Clover yelled and threw her hands in the air.

Clover showed up her left palm to Powla. Suggesting her to hold it with her own. She slowly raised right hand and placed it on top. Their fingers intertwined and Clover happily hopped on the sidewalk with Powla. She is a little embarrassed but just go along with her friend.

"To the plaza!" Clover yelled and pointed her right index finger forward.