LILY
After an hour, Katerine and I also left. Edward had also left, and since Plaza Miranda wasn’t too far from Katerine’s house, we just walked. While walking with Katerine, my thoughts were focused on Grandpa Williams. What if, in an instant, he showed up at Katerine’s doorstep? The thought made me even more nervous about what might happen to me.
“Your niece is so beautiful, Katerine. Is she Violet’s cousin? Maybe I can court her if no one objects,” said a man in a car.
” Edwin, don’t even think about adding my niece to your list,” Katerine warned.
“I’m serious this time, and besides, I’ve changed. That’s why I want to ask for your permission and hers too, Katerine.”
“That’s not happening, Edwin. I know you!”
“Lily, right? That’s your name?” Edwin asked me.
“Yes, and Katerine is right. You can’t court me because I already have a boyfriend,” I replied.
“You heard her, Edwin! I told you it’s not possible; you’re so persistent!” Katerine firmly told Edwin.
Katerine widened her eyes at Edwin, and he didn’t respond anymore. Instead, he just bid us goodbye.
After a while, we arrived at Plaza Miranda. There were many people around; it felt like a festival with plenty of items for sale, mostly handmade bags and other things. Everyone seemed happy and lively. The atmosphere wasn’t boring—it made me smile at their unique styles. It seemed like they didn’t have any worries in life.
“How much is this?” I asked a woman.
“It’s 100 dollars, ma’am. That bag is beautiful and durable because we made it ourselves,” the woman replied.
“Okay, I’ll buy this. How about these T-shirts? How much are they?” I asked again.
“75 dollars each, ma’am. Are you new here, or are you just visiting? You don’t look familiar,” the woman asked while putting my purchase in a plastic bag.
“I’m on vacation here, and it’s my first time at Plaza Miranda,” I said.
“Wow! Welcome to Plaza Miranda and our county, ma’am. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it more on Saturdays because a lot of tourists visit. Enjoy your vacation here.”
“Thank you,” I said as I took my purchase and paid her.
“Lily, did you see something you like?” Katerine asked me with a smile.
I showed Katerine what I bought. She smiled at me, and I smiled back at her. After a while, we wandered around the plaza. Katerine was well-known there. As we explored, I hoped I might find a potential job.
But I couldn’t shake off a feeling of unease about this place, maybe because I feared that one day my instincts might come true. Katerine grabbed my hand, and we entered a small eatery.
“What do you want to eat?” Katerine asked me.
“Pasta,” I replied.
Sometimes, Mom used to cook this for me. Even the workers at Grandpa Williams’ would prepare it and give me some because they knew it was my favorite.
“Your niece is so beautiful, Katerine. Her skin is so smooth, like she’s never been under the sun. Is she the daughter of a the king? She’s so beautiful; she could be the Queen of the Town.”
I smiled at her.
“If Lily is okay with it, I have no problem,” Katerine replied.
“I’d be embarrassed. I’ll think about it. There are so many beautiful people here,” I said.
“That may be true, but your beauty is unique—you look like the child of a wealthy family.”
My cheeks turned red at what the woman said.
