Chapter Three - Introduction (b)

We’ve been walking for a while now and Laura has told me so much about her. From her unknown day of birth to being an orphan found at the footsteps of a forgotten orphanage, Laura has managed to survive the odds and become the strong person that she is today.

At the moment, we’re walking down the street of Bullingar which is also a busy marketplace but not chaotic as the one at the entrance. It was filled by numerous shops with different themes, making the street shine with a wide range of color. And to my relief, a crowd hasn’t formed yet ever since we took a step into this place. Perhaps the people here aren’t fazed with a stranger and a horse.

“How is your story connected to your given name?” I asked.

“According to the headmistress, when I was found at their doorstep, rain was pouring heavily. They thought I was going to catch a cold and get very sick but I didn’t,” she explained. “I also have had my share of severe illnesses before. When they thought I was going to die, I never really crossed the bridge between life and death. They said that I could possibly be favored in the heavens. They named me Laura because it meant victory, strength and favored by all.”

“I think your name suits you very well,” I nodded in agreement.

“And why would you say that?”

“I can tell by your attitude that you’re not one to quit easily,” I smiled.

She smiled to herself as she turned her face away from me. She put some of her hair on her ear as she cleared her throat. “That was kind for you to say. Thank you,” she turned to me. As we shared a brief giggle, we stopped in front of a small shop. “We’re here.”

I looked up to read the sign that hung in front of the roof. Winston Bakery. I then turned my attention to its front and the bakery had a modest look to it. Some bricks were out of order and the window at the front seemed to be a bit slanted than normal. Barrels and crates were displayed beside a wooden bench that sat under the window. But even though the bakery doesn’t look fancy or has pretty decor, it was still visited by a lot of people. Buyers have continued to come and go from this bakery. Maybe the food here is amazing. I could smell a bit of a delicious aroma, escaping the open door. Without knowing, I felt my stomach grumble as my mouth thirsted to try some of their creations.

“Are you a baker?” I asked as I turned to her. “Or do you have a different position?”

“I don’t have a particular job in the bakery. I simply assist everyone with what they do,” she replied. “And as you can tell,” she briefly raised the basket. “I’m the one who is tasked to buy whatever ingredient is needed.”

I nodded.

“Well, I should get back inside. They might be looking for me,” she started to slowly walk towards the entrance.

“Oh, of course,” the tone of my voice changed quickly as my emotions changed from being happy to being disappointed. For some reason, I didn’t want her to go. I wanted to spend more time with her. She seemed so calm and her kindness radiates all over her which is  something that can’t be found in my realm. Maybe it’s the reason why I find her so intriguing.

“Are you all right, Robert?” she asked as she walked back to me.

“Well--”

“Laura, where have you been?” our conversation was cut short as an old man walked out of the bakery. He headed towards Laura and he wasn’t angry, just confused and perhaps, curious.

“Oh, Grandpa Ben!” Laura ran up to him and gave him a quick kiss on his cheek. “I got the ingredients you told me,” she showed the basket filled with different fruits. “And I bumped into someone on my way home.” She then gestured to my direction.

This Grandpa Ben doesn’t look like a grandpa at all. Sure, his hair was gray and is shining underneath the mild sun but his overall appearance made him look like he wasn’t young enough to possibly be called a grandfather. He was wearing a humble attire: a white shirt with brown pants and brown suspenders, finished off with black shoes. His grayish-white beard was beautifully placed on his chin and his chin alone. His face was clean.

I could already tell that this man matters to Laura so much. To see a lady give an elder a kiss and act as if she’s a young, innocent child when he’s around, I can tell that Grandpa Ben loves and spoils her in whatever ways he can.

“And who’s this fine fellow you’ve brought, child?” he asked with a smile.

“Oh, um, this is--”

“How are you today, sir? My name is Robert,” I bowed as I introduced myself, not letting Laura finish because she’s obviously struggling with her words. I stood upright and held out my hand for a handshake. “It’s an honor to meet you.”

“I’m Grandpa Ben, it’s nice to meet you, too,” he moved his walking cane to his left hand and shook hands with me with his right hand, smiling all throughout. We then put our hands down. “Are you a friend of Laura?”

“He’s an acquaintance, Grandpa Ben,” Laura interrupted as she entered the conversation. “We just met a while back.”

“Laura, haven’t I told you that once you introduce someone to me, I will consider them as your friend?” he turned to Laura.

At this point, it seemed like this conversation would be between the both of them so I cleared my throat before saying, “If you don’t mind, I’ll take this as my queue to leave. I’m just here to make sure that Laura returned safe and sound.” I had to choose my words carefully because I didn’t want to sound like I was being rude by leaving them in the middle of a conversation. I did what I had to do for Laura and now, I have to go.

“Thank you again, Robert,” she looked at me and smiled a gentle smile.

“Wait,” Grandpa Ben stopped me as I started to hop on Lady. “Who said who’s going home?” he  smirked as he put his cane in front of him, resting his hands on top of the handle.

“Grandpa Ben, please don’t do this,” Laura slightly whispered to Grandpa Ben as she hid her face from me.

“You, young lady, are going to have to work on your socializing skills,” he scolded her as he briefly pointed a finger at her.

“What?” her eyes widened while her brows furrowed in shock, confused on why Grandpa Ben is scolding her.

“As for you, young man,” he then turned to me and started to walk towards me. “You’re not going anywhere until you have tasted some of Laura’s specialty in the bakery: her own version of apple pie.”

“There’s no need for that, Grandpa Ben. I’m sure that Robert still has things to do,” Laura continued to protest behind him.

“Oh, shush, Laura, there’s no need to be shy about your talents,” Grandpa Ben turned his head to right for a quick second. “Come on in, son,” he moved to the side as he made way for me to enter the bakery.