A New Family
854 Words
Aqdas followed him by his side quietly, her head down all the while. They walked roughly for fifteen minutes after which they turned into a small alley leading into a stretched out road.
He was very considerate. He didn't even bother her but whenever she looked up at him out of curiosity, he would give her the most comforting smile.
Something that she hadn't received in a while.
After walking through the road for a few minutes, they stopped in front of a small bakery with a dimmed out headboard and glass walls. She peeked in curiously. The place was filled, buzzing with activity and with an old woman and a lean girl jogging around while carrying orders.
"This is the only bakery that is my favourite. The bread I got for you —" he smiled at her before turning to face the shop while thrusting his hands into the pockets of his jeans,"— it was from here."
She looked at him smile at the shop and turned to face the warm and cozy place.
"Come on in."
He chirped, pushing open the doors and holding them in place as she nervously took her steps in. The soft jiggling of the overhead bells caught the attention of a few people who looked at the door and looked away just as instantly except for the old woman and the lean lady who smiled gleefully at Aryeh.
"Oh my god, Aryeh!"
The old woman wiped her hands on her apron, walked slowly and engulfed Aryeh in her arms.
Aryeh delightedly laughed, bending down a little awkwardly on his knees to fit in the grandma's arms.
"I missed you my boy. You didn't meet me in the morning?"
He pulled away from her as she rested a palm on his chest and the other on his cheek.
"I told Lisa that I'd meet you later on. You were resting grandma. So I bought some bread and headed my way."
The grandma sternly glanced at him before ordering Lisa to get a table ready and take care of the orders.
"Oh my my! Who's this young lady? Pardon me for being so rude."
She turned to face Aqdas and gently grabbed her hands in hers.
"I'm Lattre, this bakery's owner."
Aqdas' heart melted at how warm her smile was. She was a short lady, her arms frail and wrinkled. Her graying hair was pinned neatly in a low bun. Her smile held a slight quiver and her brown eyes twinkled with delight.
"I....am Aqdas."
Lattre's face brightened up with a wide smile.
"That's a beautiful name. Come on in Aqdas. Get comfortable."
She looked at Aryeh and as he smiled upon her before walking behind them, she turned around and smiled.
There was something about him that reminded her of some people who's legacy remained eternally.
~~
Aryeh was aware of the thoughts that had her preoccupied. He didn't talk at all and made sure to let her have her space.
However every once in a while, he would feel her look at him. It could be that she was analysing him but he still didn't hesitate in giving her a reassuring smile.
He was glad that grandma Latrre received her so warmly.
Presently they were all seated together at the shop after they had closed for the day.
The small round table had baskets of freshly baked cream buns and mugs of hibiscus tea.
"So Aqdas right?"
Lisa smiled at Aqdas and wiggled her brows indicatively at Aryeh.
"Yes."
Aqdas smiled back and wrapped her fingers around the warm cup. Every minute or so, she would take a long swig out of it.
"So grandma Latrre and Lisa, I have a favour to ask of you both."
They smiled encouragingly.
"Aqdas here.....um....needs a place to stay at for a few days. Do you think she can, er, stay here with you both for a little while?"
Latrre seemed baffled.
"Is everything okay though?"
Aryeh nodded with a reassuring smile.
"I will be grateful if you both could let me stay over for a while. I will help out with cleaning and baking too. I've always loved the smell of bread anyway. So it'd be a pleasure."
Lisa gasped loudly and jumped on her seat making them all shudder in their places.
"Oh my god, you love the smell of bread too? God, FINALLY! You're officially my best friend."
Aqdas laughed aloud and Aryeh smiled at her. She was too comfortable to be around with. Lisa started to chat about how her friends thought she was crazy to love the smell of bread. Aqdas in turn replied to her and they soon seemed to be lost in their own world.
Latrre tugged Aryeh's sleeve and he diverted his gaze from Aqdas.
"Looks like she's special to you."
Aryeh sheepishly smiled, dropping his gaze to his lap.
"It's nothing like that."
Latrre laughed, slapping his arm.
"You can't fool your grandma boy!"
He smiled.
He couldn't fool his heart either. No matter how many possibilities he brought up, his heart travelled back to only one answer.
She was special.
- Writer
