Like Clockwork

Chapter 4 - Explanations

Chapter 4 - Explanations

We were walking for a while, but gradually our surroundings grew familiar. Wherever we were going, it was near my home.

We passed the street my steam plant was on and I breathed a sigh of relief. It would be creepy if Walter knew where I lived, not to mention he said we were going to his place.

We continued farther to a small market district that happened to be where Agatha's shop was.

The further we went the more nervous I got. I didn't know this guy at all. Did he run a shop? Was he a serial killer? Okay, probably not a serial killer, but still. It had been less than an hour and I was already regretting my decision to go with him.

When I looked up again we were in front of Agatha's shop. I looked at Walter curiously. Did he need to pick up something? I didn't want him to know I was good friends with her in case he tried to use her against me somehow.

He looked at me as if he was trying to decide something important before opening the door and walking inside.

"Agatha?" he called.

"Are you here?"

I once again looked at him, confused. Did he know Agatha? Maybe he lived near here and shopped a lot? Wouldn't I have seen him sometime though? I visited her frequently.

Before I could think anymore, Agatha replied.

"Walter is that you? Come help me carry these books."

He quickly walked behind the shelves to help her. Maybe he shopped here way too much. That was the only reason I could think of why she would know him that well.

I don't think I had to worry about him using her against me though. They were friendly and he went to go help her.

I was honestly too exhausted to think about it anymore. Agatha was safe, I was safe, I could relax for now.

I took my cloak and shoes off and went to go make tea. I needed some tea right now.

I went to the staircase that led to Agatha's living space and made three cups. This whole thing was just confusing. I still needed to ask Walter about the wires and why in Rouage he tackled me to avoid being seen.

As I came back down the stairs with the tray of tea, Walter and Agatha were just putting away the final books onto a new looking bookshelf.

Walter seemed to be looking for me and appeared relieved when he saw me walking towards them.

"Agatha," he said, "I would like to introduce you to-"

"Oh, hello deary! You didn't tell me you were coming back tonight. I would have made some biscuits.""

"I didn't know I was coming back, but thank you." I replied.

Walter gaped at us.

"What... Do you know each other?"

"Yes, Agatha has been my friend for a long time."

"It's true." Agatha piped in. "I'm so glad you finally got to meet him Elli!"

It was my turn to gape.

"This is your young friend?" I said pointing to Walter."I always thought he didn't exist."

"Same here." said Walter as he appraised me as if seeing me for the first time. "So you're Elli?"

"Yes."

"Oh, I didn't think you would be so..."

"Be so what?"

"Umm... Pretty." He mumbled under his breath while scratching the back of his neck. I just didn't get it. He had three modes: adorable, rude and blushing. I couldn't figure him out.