Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Throughout the entire night, I couldn't stop thinking about what Troy had said. It was unexpected to realize just how much effort and work I would need to put in to achieve my goals. I felt overwhelmed and unsure of where to even begin. Consequently, my mind was in such disarray that I had a hard time falling asleep. As dawn approached, I could faintly hear the sounds of roosters crowing outside, while the sun began to rise and I still hadn't managed to rest.

Suddenly, I heard the sound of Troy's door opening, prompting me to get up from my lying position. When we locked eyes, there was an unspoken understanding between us. He appeared with slightly damp hair, and a towel draped around his neck, exuding a fresh and cool fragrance that had quickly become familiar, despite only having been together for a few days.

"You're up early," he remarked, passing by me as he headed straight for the kitchen. I observed him as he opened the refrigerator and grabbed his bowl of oatmeal. Taking this opportunity, I stood up to prepare some coffee. "I have something to take care of today," I mentioned, although I wasn't entirely certain about my plans. Placing two cups of coffee on the table, I made my way to his coffee maker, aware of his gaze following my every move, perhaps curious about what I had in store for the day.

"And what might that be?" he inquired. Trying to divert the conversation, I asked, "What time do you usually head home?" I turned to face him, noticing the slight furrow in his brows. He had finished pouring his oatmeal into his bowl. "The usual. But where are you off to?" he replied, bringing up the subject again that had been bothering me.

"I'll be preparing the necessary documents!" I responded, feeling a tinge of irritation. Once the coffee was ready, I placed his cup in front of him. Then, I sat down across from him and focused on sipping my own coffee, trying to busy myself with the comforting warmth it provided.

"How would you manage that? You don't seem to have any knowledge about it," he commented in an amused tone. I shot him a sharp look, feeling irritated by his assumption. "I'm not foolish, you know. I do know how to handle things like this!" I retorted; my frustration evident in my voice. He raised an eyebrow at me, but I chose to ignore his skepticism. We ate our breakfast in silence, and I could sense his eyes on me. Suddenly, I became self-conscious. Damn! I didn't even check my appearance before coming here to face him! But... why do I feel so concerned about it? It's just him! It shouldn't be such a big deal, right?!

Once we finished eating, Troy bid his farewell. I let out a sigh of relief. Hurriedly, I turned towards the mirror, only to find myself almost collapsing in shock at my own reflection. Damn! I look so stressed! Dark, prominent circles under my eyes and dry skin... I cursed under my breath. Rectifying my appearance became my priority before I finally made up my mind to leave the house.

Now, where should I start? How can I obtain the necessary requirements and documents that Troy mentioned? Lost in my thoughts, I aimlessly walked down the street when I noticed a girl, who appeared to be a year younger than me, wandering in front of a pharmacy. Frowning, I noticed that she was still in her school uniform. Intrigued, I stopped in my tracks and observed her. She seemed nervous and hesitant, biting her nails anxiously. I stared at her, taking in her pretty features - shoulder-length hair, chinky eyes, fair skin, and a petite figure.

She paused as soon as she noticed my gaze fixed upon her. Our eyes met, both filled with curiosity. "Is there a problem, Miss?" she asked. I blinked twice. A problem? Do I look like a problem to her? It seemed like she carried the weight of the world's problems on her shoulders.

"Would you like to go to the pharmacy?" I asked. She blinked, clearly surprised by my question. "N-No—" I quickly interjected, trying to encourage her. "I can open the door for you if you'd like! It seems like you're having trouble entering." Now, she appears angry or something. What? Did I say something wrong?

"Mind your own business!" she flatly told me. My eyes widened at her response. What is her problem with me?! I was just offering a kind gesture, and now she's attacking me?

"My mother didn't yell at me, so why should you?!" I snapped back, not one to back down from confrontation. Her eyebrows furrowed, and she seemed even more irritated with me. "I don’t care about your mother! Just go away and don't bother me!" she shouted. I felt like my head was about to explode due to this girl's annoyance. Are people really like this? Aren't they taught how to communicate properly with each other? I thought of Troy. Troy is similar to this as well!

"Then, stand outside the pharmacy and rot!" I scoffed and started walking away. However, before I could fully depart, I felt a warm hand grab my arm. I stopped and looked at the person holding me. Now, she appeared calm, unlike before, as if she had the intention to devour me alive.

"What?" I asked, feeling irritated. She turned her head away and couldn't meet my gaze. Had she finally realized how wrong she was and how good I had been to her? I can only be nice once, so she's lucky! In the palace, I am always surrounded by people who treat me kindly!

"I don't want to be left alone outside the pharmacy," she said. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "That's no longer my problem," I replied flatly. I was taken aback when she suddenly tightened her grip on my arm. What I didn't expect was to hear her sobbing. What? What on earth is wrong with this person?

"Why are you crying now? I'm not doing anything to harm you! Others might misunderstand that I am bullying you here!" I panicked. "I... I think I'm pregnant," she said, sobbing. My jaw dropped. What? I looked at her frail figure. She's so young... still wearing her school uniform, and now she thinks she's pregnant?

"Why are you saying that? I'm not the one who got you pregnant," I said. She looked up at me and glared, her eyes filled with tears. "Stop joking around! I'm serious! Can't you see this is a huge problem?" She now held both of my arms. "Why are you making me feel sorry for your problem—"

"Since you were curious and I'm talking to you now, I need your help!" she pleaded desperately. My eyebrows furrowed even more. I sighed. I am a good person, right? I am not a princess here in Tyreese, so I have to prove that I am kind.

"Alright, how can I help you?" I inquired. Her eyes brightened, and I could see the hope reflected in them. "Please... could you buy a pregnancy test kit for me?" she pleaded. I clenched my teeth. Am I really hearing her correctly? She's giving me orders! She's commanding Princess Elisaria! I can't believe this! But because I am in Tyreese and I strive to be a kind person, I nodded at her.

"Fine. Provide me with the money, as I don't have any," I stated. It's absurd that I'm even making my requirements an issue and then turning it into a problem. This is madness. "Here," she handed me her money. I took it and entered the pharmacy. I swiftly purchased the pregnancy kit as instructed by the girl. When I emerged, I was taken aback when she suddenly pulled me in a certain direction. "Wait here!" she exclaimed and hurried into the restroom. I simply shook my head.

Why am I following this girl? Ah yes, I am attempting to be a compassionate individual. Be patient, Eli. When she returned, I was incredibly surprised to see her jumping for joy. Her smile stretched from ear to ear, and I was even more bewildered when she hugged me! "Could you please... not touch me?" I pushed her away gently. She straightened herself up and stepped back from me. I crossed my arms in front of me.

"I'm sorry... I was just so happy," she apologized. I raised an eyebrow. "Because you are not pregnant?" I confirmed. She looked away. "I don't understand. Why would you engage in sexual activity if you are afraid of the consequences?" I shook my head. She stared at me. "Well... he's my boyfriend, and we decided to do it! It's normal!" she argued. I rolled my eyes. So, this is the human tradition regarding sex, huh?

"Whatever. I'll go ahead now," I was about to leave when she blocked my path. "What now? What else do you need?" I asked.

"I don't want to owe anyone, so tell me what I can do to repay you," she said earnestly. I pondered her words. So, there is also a benefit to appearing kind, huh? I smirked. I looked at the girl. "Alright, fine," I replied and gazed at her intently. "So, what is it?" she inquired. I took a deep breath. I have no one else to turn to or ask for assistance except for this girl, so I won't let this opportunity pass by.

"Help me gather the requirements I need for a job," I stated. Her perplexed eyes indicated that she found me odd, but I didn't care. All I need is her help, nothing more, nothing less.