Chapter Text
I sighed as I locked the doors to my apartment. Why did I sigh? Well, my sister was dragging my out somewhere when I had only a few hours of sleep. I didn't like the idea, but I would do anything for my sister. I stuck the key into the pocket of my sweatshirt, seeing as I didn't carry a purse. People have asked about that before and I tell them all the same thing: I don't need a purse because I can carry everything I need in my pockets. It got to the point in high school that I was checked by teachers routinely because I would put all sorts of stuff in my pockets. The items ranged from innocent things like erasers and pencils all the way to multi-purpose tools and pocket knifes. I would never have used them on a person, but they did a real good job of keeping the bullies away. Now that I think about it-
My inner monologue was cut of by the weight of a body on my back. I fell face first into the grass and winced as I felt my keys dig into my stomach. I looked over at my attacker when I couldn't roll over and smiled, seeing it was just my sister.
"Geez Nicole, are you trying to kill me? my keys just about went through my gut." I felt them move off of me and I stood, only to be wrapped in a bone crushing hug.
"It's so awesome to see you, (name)! I haven't seen you since Thanksgiving!"
I gave the most blatant look of annoyance I could muster in my groggy state. "That was last week."
They let go with a laugh and took a deep breath of the precious air my body sorely needed. It took me a moment to realize Nicole was talking and was completely lost when I tried to catch up. After ten seconds I gave up, simply nodding and mumbling assurances that I was listening when they motioned at me. It turns out that Nicole walked here, as usual, and I almost groaned at the thought of driving in my cramped little car again. As we squeezed in I was able to grab their attention long enough to find out that our destination was the Activity Center at the local Collage. That made me uneasy since I wasn't a very social person to begin with, but I bit my tongue and drove. I drove on auto pilot as Nicole rambled on about something. My disinterest must have shone on my face because I was brought back to reality by a hand being waved in my face.
"(Name)? Earth to (Name)! Did you hear anything I just said?"
I tried to smile and nod, but they weren't convinced if their cocked eyebrow was anything to go by. Nicole sighed and shook her head with a smirk, mumbling something unintelligible as I pulled into the crowded parking lot. My brows furrowed as I took in the sheer number of cars, but Nicole was already out of the vehicle when I tun to question them. She opened my door and practically yanked me out of the car. I barely had time to lock the darn thing! my unease grew as I watched people pour in and out of the giant building.
"Hey Nicole, you mind letting me in on why were here?"
If looked could kill, I would have been fine because her eyes sparkled.
"Did you really forget what today is? Its the Convention!"
My eyes bulged and I felt a cheek splitting smile spread across my face. Every bit of unease I had felt evaporated and left only excitement in its wake and I began dragging my laughing sibling into the building, turning the tables. While I wasn't very social, Anime Conventions were one place that I felt like I belonged.
I pulled her into the building and immediately started going from booth to booth, getting as much free stuff as I could. When you're living on a part-time salary, you take what you can get. I mingled with cosplayers and sat in at my favorite panels. At some point I got separated from my sister and could feel my social anxiety creeping up from the back of my mind. I hurried through the crowd, looking for her. I sometimes called her name when I thought I found her only to realize it wasn't her.I was almost ready to give up and head home when I noticed a small stand in the back of the ballroom. I felt a pull and soon found myself looking at an elderly lady in a black bonnet.
"Welcome my dear. Please, feel free to look around. Let me know if you find something you like." She gave me a kind smile and gestured to the glass display in front of her. I looked in and noticed pocket-sized carvings of little men and women, each of them different. They all had different clothes and expressions.
"What are these?" I looked up at the woman, who gave a lighthearted chuckle.
"I am a wood-carver, and these are people I created. They all are unique, just like you and me, and have hidden secrets. This one may look intimidating," she pointed to a tall one with beige hair and a pink scarf, "but he is loyal to the ones he loves. Where this one may look cute and sophisticated," she pointed to a shorter one with long chocolate hair in a pony tail, "but has a wild temperament. But they all have one thing in common. They protect whoever holds their affections."
"So...they're like little charm dolls." My head spun as I listened to her words and came to my own conclusions. "How much are they?"
She chuckled and nodded, an answer to my statement. As for my question, She gave another kind smile. "Only five dollars."
I grinned. That's the best deal if seen all day! I looked at the figurines before me. I wanted all of them, but I only had enough left for one. After a few moments, my eyes landed on one in particular. I told her that I wanted it and gave her my last five dollars. She packaged the doll in a satin lined box and handed it to me along with a card. I thanked her and walked away. As I did, I looked at the card and noticed that the front was blank. I looked back to the stand only to see it wasn't there anymore. Instead, I saw my sister running toward me.
She tackled me in a hug, repeatedly apologizing and asking if I was okay. I simply nodded and hugged her back. When I was able to pry her off I showed her my newest purchase. I told her what the old woman had told me and she claimed that there was no old woman with a booth. I simply shrugged it off and held the blank card. Or at least, It was blank before.
Now, it showed a name.