Chapter 11: Chapter 11
I wake slowly as the sun shines through my window. I stretch the soreness from yesterday’s demanding work out of my body. I stayed later than midday so I would receive my payment early and not have to work today. I wanted to look special for Draco so I decided it would be helpful if I had more time.
I rise from my kang to head into the bathing room to prepare for my day. I plan to head into the village and buy a new dress today. It has been a long while since I bought something new to wear. I want it to look nice for Draco on our first day of courting. As I comb my hair, I hear my father in the other room moving around. He must be getting himself ready for his day of work in the fields. After the conversation that we had the day before yesterday we have not spoken. He knows today that I am going to see Draco. I want to avoid him because I know he will have more to say.
When I am through untangling my hair, I carefully twist it into a bun. Satisfied that it will stay in place for now I head back into the hall to go to my room. In the hall I see my father standing in his doorway. My gaze meets his for a few moments but neither of us speak. It is odd to feel this way as we have never been on non-speaking terms. I turned away from his gaze and enter my room so that I may dress for my journey into the village.
When I exit my room again after dressing it is to an empty hut. I am glad my father has gone to work and that I was able to avoid having another argument with him. I quickly slide on my geta and head out the door.
The journey to the other village has been completed in no time at all and before the sun has barely left the point of sunrise, I make it to the shop. I am glad to see that the store has already opened its doors. As I start to look around at the various fabrics, I try to think of what I should be searching for. Draco has not commented specifically on what I have worn but I want something new to catch his eye. As I come to a section of warm colors a smile comes to my face. They are beautiful and I own nothing else like them. This will be the first dress that I have bought myself.
When I look at the prices my fingers freeze. To buy one of these colors would cost all of the extra coin I have saved. I know I will be able to earn more, but it does seem like a bit much. With that thought I shake my head and gather a few items to try on. The look on his face as he sees me should be worth it. The first dress I try on is a deep red. Against my skin it seems to be too much and stands out. I decide against it. The second dress is of a warm yellow tone. Against my skin it seems too bright, and I immediately take it off. The third dress I selected is my choice as soon as I feel it slide across my skin. It has a silky texture and is a ripe pink. I think Draco would like the color pink. After all he stared at my lips a lot and they are pink. I change back into my street clothes and go to the front of the store to pay.
“This is a beautiful choice for a young one. May I ask what the occasion is” the saleswoman ask.
“It is my first day of being courted “I murmur. May I ask what you think of the color….” I pause because I do not know her name.
“Qunzi…. I am the owner of the fabric shop you are in dear. I think the color is a nice addition to you. It will bring out your hidden features” she says.
“Thank you” I say. I bow to her and pay her with the coins I brought. She wraps the dress in paper, and I exit the shop to make my way back home. Peering up I see that the sun is halfway to its midpoint in the sky. I was in the shop for longer than I thought. I quicken my pace through town because there is just one more errand and I have to make. When I reach the trees, I step over branches and some of the blossoms that have fallen. I walk until I reach the tree that still rises above the bench that we sat on the day we met. I sit the package on the bench and climb aboard. I want a few flowers from this tree to bathe and one to put in my hair. I choose from the flowers that have barely began to open. I want the flowers I pick to last and not to wilt before the day is gone. With a handful I climb down to collect my package and make my way home. I cradle the flowers carefully in my palm to shield them from the harshness of the sun but soft enough so they will not be crushed.
When I arrive home, I quickly head into the bathing room to get ready. My Draco will be here soon with my first gift.