Chapter 60 - Trendsetter (1/2)

Al loved my black sweater so much that he refused to give it back; claiming it was too comfortable and I would be fine since I had more sweaters on the way.

I couldn't dispute that. My pale, blonde complexion didn't look as good in black as he did anyway.

When we went back to the shop to pick up my appropriately sized sweaters and pajama pants, he ordered more for both of us.

The shopkeeper was thrilled because Al offered a hefty tip. I also picked up more thick socks while we were there and bought what was meant to be a child-sized pair of boys' pants for myself when we inevitably played in the snow.

The cold wind and heavy clouds in the air looked promising and I wanted to be ready.

While we were still in town I picked up the other makeshift snow clothes I had previously ordered for both of us, including fur-lined boots. All I had to do now was put that oil on the wool and we should be set.

It was one of the few things I was looking forward to.

We barely made it back in time for dinner but since I wasn't appropriately dressed Al claimed that I didn't feel well and requested food be brought to our quarters.

No one cared enough to question him. Apparently Al had a history of not showing up for meals before I came along. I couldn't blame him after seeing his interactions with his family. If I were him, I would avoid them too.

I wanted to try on my fuzzy new pajama pants so I went to the bathroom and swapped them with my skirt. They were better than I could have dreamed of.

Sure, they were plain white instead of covered in cutesy patterns like I was used to but I would take it! The shopkeeper had made me four pairs so I could stay cozy all winter long.

”What are those?” Al asked in confusion.

”Nightclothes! So my legs stay warm. They're super soft,” I said dreamily.

”You look like a cute little sheep,” he teased, walking over to pat me on the head.

I looked down at myself and saw that he had a point. My sweater was white today too and I was wearing black socks that could be seen as hooves.

”Very funny.”

”Baa.” He grinned at me, his hand still on the crown of my head. ”Want to play cards?”

”Sure.”

I sat cross-legged for the first time in forever, basking in the glory of my pajama pants as we played Spit by the fire.

I used to sit just like this with Abby in our pajamas on Saturday nights in her bedroom playing this very game. This was the most normal I had felt since coming here and it was fantastic.

***

”I do believe you have started a trend,” Mariela said with a small laugh as she watched Al turn and go to fetch us some treats as we worked on writing out copies of my draft.

She was referring to the red sweater he was wearing. Winter was fully upon us and Al had nearly as many colors as I did now on top of the black one he stole from me.