Ashes of Cinder

9

"Mine is [Y/N]."

Her face fell in confusion, leading you to feel the same. She scanned you up and down, so you peered down to see what she was so shocked about.

You were wearing male garments.

After getting over your quick moment of shock, you hurriedly went to remove the newsboy cap that held your hair together. You watched as Ira took a step back. Staring at you for a moment, she then let out a laugh. "I should've known!"

A chuckle left your mouth too. For once you felt like a normal girl - one who was talking to a dear friend.

You abruptly stopped the carefree sound from leaving your lips. The amount of time that was wasted from this situation could be noticed by your stepmother if you didn't hurry on now. It didn't prevent disappointment from filling your stomach though. "I must get going, but it was a pleasure meeting you, Ira."

A hand clamped around your arm. "You're heading the same direction, aren't you? Why don't I tag along?" she reasoned, giving you a sly look.

You couldn't help but say yes to her suggestion. She was the breath of fresh air that you needed. There was a chance you may never see her again after this encounter and yet, you were fine with that. You wanted to live in the moment and forget the ceaseless worries that bugged you. She was your friend for the day and this small journey was going to be a fairytale.

Pulling you by the arm, she led you through the streets. A giggle escaped from her and you shot her an amused look.

When several minutes passed by, the two of you slowed down, walking side by side with a synchronized stride. The closer you got to the market, the busier the area got. Mingling people gossiped while carriages and carts zoomed through the middle. "Why are dressed as a boy?" the blonde female finally questioned you.

"To barter," you simply responded, tightening the cap that covered your head once more.

Looking slightly lost at your answer, she nodded anyway. It was to be expected. The girl wouldn't know how bartering worked - she wasn't living to survive like you were. Not that you blamed her, but it still did slightly unnerve you how different the scenarios were.

"Did you hear of the ball?" It was your turn to shoot an inquiry.

"The Royal ball for the Prince? Of course I have," she said with a frown. "I'll be attending it with my... fiancé."

It had always been a dream of yours to go to this ball, so it disheartened you greatly to hear her speak so low of it. The cause may have been an entire reason altogether, but how was she not excited? At least she was going to dress up, at least she was going to dance, at least the taste of freedom was going to be near-

Your jealousy was getting the best of you again.

Slowing your pace down, Ira had to backtrack to get back to you. Knitting her eyebrows together, she tilted her head to the side. "We're almost to the market. Is there something you need to do?"

"I think we should part our ways here."

Hurt and puzzlement filled her features. Almost regretting what you said, you still wouldn't take the words back. Why? Because the inferiority you feel around her wrapped around you like a snake, squeezing you until you succumbed to it. A bitter person would be all there is left. You didn't want to become such a person; Your father wouldn't want to see it either.

You enjoyed her presence, but she reminded you of what you didn't have.

Her eyes turned into a fiery gaze as she latched onto you, refusing to let go. You hadn't expect her to be so stubborn. "This is because of our difference in social status, isn't it? I can see you are struggling at home... I'm not stupid. I don't care if you're lower class. We can break through the barriers and become friends."

Accepting it just for the sake that you were tired, you slowly nodded. She beamed at you in happiness and the walk resumed. Unfortunately, it was hard to ignore the feeling that wouldn't go away. Ira didn't know half of your story and how you pretty much lived like a servant.

The market came into view and all you could see were tented stalls being propped up everywhere. Rows and rows of food and products sat upon the platforms, their best angles shown to the customers' eye. You barely spared a glance for any them; instead, you made a beeline to the stalls you did need to buy from.

It was easier than usual. The sellers submitted defeat to your offer within a few rounds. You wondered if it was because of Ira who was around. She was watching you do it in fascination, as if you had just done magic in front of her.

Holding your bags of newly bought groceries, it was time to leave.

"You're so good at it. I can't believe they actually lowered their prices for you!" she pointed out.

"It's nothing. It comes with practice; nothing you can't do with a little experience," you said sheepishly.

Your new friend froze rigidly and you turned to see her eying a carriage in the distance. Fumbling around with her dress, she reached in through a layer and pulled out a slip of paper. Giving you a sad smile, she pressed the small sheet upon your palm. "Please keep in contact and we'll hopefully meet again. Thank you for everything today... this was the most fun I've had in ages."

The blonde female picked up her heavy skirts and hurried away, straight to where the carriage was waiting for her. You looked down at the small note that was given to you to find that it was her address. She wanted you to send letters to her.

You weren't sure whether you wanted to burn this note or cherish it.