Blacken by Alandra Rankin (i love reading books txt) 📕

leaving him with an overbearing mothering feeling towards Avie, asking questions that caught him off guard and leaving him feeling a bit odd about answering them so freely when just months ago he was reserved.

It was for Avie, he wagered.

No. That wasn’t right. It was because of Avie.

“Did you go into debt from buying that engagement ring? Should’ve done that payment plan,” she laughed, tone not completely serious.

Engagement…?

“I will have to remember that for the next big purchase.”

“Right, well, ya sound good for her. She thinks the world of you, you know? Wouldn’t have to get her nothin’ but a Christmas card and she’d love it all the same.”

“She has not had a proper Christmas in her life, and her birthday was ruined so I wanted to at least do something. And I know my predicament may sound odd, but Avie trusts you so I know I can too. I can explain more soon.”

“No need to worry ‘bout it now. When it’s right you two will fess up to the secrets, until then I’ll stop by with somethin’ for you to give. What’s the budget?”

“Budget for money? I—ahh… two twenties and a fifty?” He worried if that sounded right.

Rhulle collected a few bills over the years on Earth, keeping them with the stash of odd items catching his interests, such as the ring he presented to her. Gathering the coloured papers in the dead of night just this last evening and keeping them hidden from Avie. He hoped that was enough to buy something, anything.

“Gotcha, sugar’s been eyeing a painting at Street-Neats and I think it was going for about that price.”

Painting?

“Oh, actually, Sandra, that gives me an idea. Could you pick up painting supplies instead?”

“Sure hun, just an array of colours for paint? Are you available if I go and fetch that now?”

Avie did take a shining to the portrait he gave to her, having hung the artwork up in her bedroom to look at constantly. It sounded like the perfect idea, but would this Sandra want to see him? Would she come into the apartment and see who really was conversing with her? Did he have a choice?

“Yes… that would be great.”

“See you soon then, hun.”

The other end clicked, and a low monotone noise greeted him—the same as when he picked it up for the first time. Rhulle figured he could be done with the conversation and placed the phone back in its cradle. The stars above, how would he pull this off?

Sandra picked up a rainbow of coloured acrylic paint, a large canvas and soft paint brushes, the nice stuff from the corner hobby and art supply store. Handing over cash with a smile and an exchange of holiday expressions to Bobby at the front, she was out the door towards the little apartments Avie called home.

The brunette thought over her conversation with the man on the phone, he had spoken in a very stilted manor, like he’s never been around people let alone talked with them. An accent was attached to the warm voice that she just couldn’t place, running it all over as she walked.

This Rhulle guy didn’t seem too bad, just socially awkward if she had to wager anything. Maybe that’s why she couldn’t meet him, or why her sugar couldn’t have him out and about with her. She thought about the poor guy working himself up for days trying to get something together for Christmas.

Still, Sandra was honoured that he managed to call her out of anyone and ask for her help. She knew that sometime soon, she would be able to meet the mystery man. If anyone could help him come out of his shell, Avie could. That woman had the patience of a saint.

Lugging the awkward frame around, she finally managed to reach the top floor, apartment 516 and knocked heavily at the door.

“It is open!”

His voice barely registered through the wood, regardless, Sandra heard it and entered the small flat, flicking on the light and taking in all the tacky decor. Man, she loved the gal, but it looked like the north pole threw up in the space.

“Hello, Rhulle?” The door behind her closed, walking up to the dining table and leaning the frame against it, she saw the bills laid out on top.

“Hello, yes, forgive me but I am not feeling well, just in the washroom. I left the money on the table; I hope it is enough?”

She took the bills, snorting out an affectionate giggle, “You ain’t gotta be so shy, hun. Avie loves ya, so I will too. This is plenty, I’ve got some change to give back, I’ll leave it here.”

The few dollars were placed there instead as she walked towards the bathroom, knocking lightly at the door, “Listen hun, you went outta your way today to do something for her. I respect that. Thanks for coming to me for a hand, you call me anytime for anything, ya hear?”

“… I understand. Thank you for everything, Sandra.”

“I’ll skedaddle, I want to properly meet you soon too, Rhulle. Alright?”

“Yes, I would like that as well.”

She smiled, picking up her purse on her way out, making the noise of the door loud enough for him to hear. Sandra laughed once, shaking her head and turning to go back home.

What an odd fella.

CHAPTER 27

People were all wrapped up in the spirit of the holidays, their minds on the hustle and bustle of family, decorating and last-minute shopping. Avie was able to have Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off, happy to have the time to spend with Rhulle on his first celebration. Even the odd questions from townsfolk about Owen and the trial tapered off, the inquiry of something out in the woods making its way back into obscurity as no curious explorer managed to find anything.

The redhead woke up first, eyes flashing open of their own will before her mind could process that it wanted to be awake. She blinked away sleep, registering her surroundings as