Saudade

Caleb, who had managed to keep a semi-serious face through this, finally cracked and started laughing. “I might be full of it, but it is a true statement. I do like that shirt.” He grabbed the broom that she gave to him. “Well you see, I was trying to grab that box right here, but it was slightly out of reach. I don’t know where the step ladder is and I didn’t want to stand on a chair in case I fell, so I jumped. And as I jumped I hit this other shelf that apparently was not as secured as I thought, and well…” Caleb gestured around him. “This happened.”

Neslyn rolled her eye, playfully pushing at the man’s shoulder. The blonde eventually gave in leaning down and picked up the items that hadn’t broken. “Why didn’t you ask step ladder was, or for help. You just like to make things more difficult, don’t you.” Neslyn tsked, shaking her head. “I swear, you’re like a bull in a china shop. Can’t take you anywhere,” she teased.

“Should have known you’re smarter than that Nessie.” Caleb looked around him at the mess, and then back to Neslyn. “Has anyone told you that you look absolutely gorgeous today? That colour really brings out your eyes.”

Neslyn gave the man a look after he called her Nessie. “You’re so full of it, Caleb.” The blonde shook her head, staring down at the mess. “How did this even happen?” She moved to grab a broom before pausing, “Don’t even think for one second that I’m going to help clean this up.”

“Would you believe me if I said this was like this when I got here?”

“I—I’m s-sorry,” Hart said between laughs, “This isn’t funny at all, but I can’t seem to stop myself.” He was genuinely trying to stop laughing but it would seem it was the only way his brain could handle the situation.

She stood up only to cock her head behind her, body twisting to the side to examine the paint that was now on her rear. Neslyn had sat down on a bench that had just been freshly painted. “Why didn’t you warn me,” Neslyn protested, playfully reaching out and shoving Hart. “You saw this coming, didn’t you.”

“Do you ever just find yourself incredibly sad? Like you are sitting there minding your own business, and then out of nowhere you just want to cry. Like your mom just died, or you dog is missing, or you just saw something horrible on the news like a mass murder.”

“All the time,” she answered honestly. “Exactly, It just comes out of nowhere. Like a punch in the gut, and it just gets hard to breathe.”

Charlie passed judgement on Neslyn’s drink of choice, but didn’t say anything. He put the cocktail shaker down and poured her glass neat, handing it over to her without flourish. “Oh we’re just getting started,” Charlie grinned. “Though I doubt your expectations are correct. People often have misconceptions of my get togethers.” He shrugged. They expected constant ragers, but Charlie often did things with class, as befitted his family. Ragers were reserved for when he wasn’t in Hallow Grove and the stakes were lowered.

“Thanks,” she took the drink, giving a small salute as thanks before taking a sip. Parties weren’t her things, even throughout high school and college. There wasn’t much that she had ever been invited to, and if she ever were, the blonde passed up the invitation. “Hm, it seems so. I guess I had to come here and find out for myself.” 

Tae couldn’t help but laugh at Neslyn’s teasing. He grinned like a fool, shaking his head. “I enjoy the favortism. I’ll be sure to keep it our secret,” he said, pretending to lock his lips and throw away the key. Walking the dogs was probably the most sought after task at the shelter, since it was also the most fun (if you asked Tae). It was also a lot more favorable than cleaning kennels, if you asked anyone.

“You know I’d love to!” Tae said, looking around. The lobby wasn’t cold, but it wasn’t bright and full like it could be. He’d envisioned murals for the walls before, all of them a bit different. He had only done a mural once, but it was art, and Tae could handle it. “I’m sorry to hear that. I hope Becky’s okay… and hey, you made it this far, it’s like half way through!” he said, grinning. “I hope being a person down hasn’t been too hard.”

“I’ll speak with the boss and let you know the next time you come in.” Neslyn hummed. Happy to get more life and brightness in the lobby. “Just the stomach flu. That nasty bug that has been going around. She should be back in a few days. It’s been a slow day, not many clients coming in today” 

“Have a good time walking the dogs. If there’s anything you need just holler,” she handed over the list before sitting back down.

In all of his years within Hallow Grove, not once had he actually been inside of this establishment. Levon simply never had a reason to until recently, and the reason why was meowing quietly in his arms. He got the door open with his elbow and entered cautiously; almost comically so. 

“Hello,” he greeted back with a tiny smile. “I, um, have a checkup for my cat?” He wasn’t sure why he voiced it as a question, but he wasn’t given too much time to think about it when Tic Tac started to wriggle around in his grasp. 

Neslyn looked down at the computer for the evening schedule, brightening when seeing a name under the slot. “Would this be for Tic Tac?” She asked, lifting her gaze once more. “I see this will your first time here. If you don’t mind, I have some paperwork, that I need you to fill out.” Rustling through one of the file drawers before handing over a clipboard and pin to the man. “I can take Tic Tac off of your hands if that would be of help.”

The town veterinarian? This was enough of a surprise that it piqued Charlie’s interest. Neslyn didn’t often make an appearance at Charlie’s soirees, though he often invited anyone who wanted to come to make it appear more welcoming. He decided to be the gentleman and picked up the bottle of scotch. “On the rocks or straight up?” he asked, not knowing her preference as he did with his normal crew.

When it came to helping people, Drizella’s experience ranged from fashion advice, to planning fundraisers for the less fortunate. For a while, she had thought that was real experience, only now was she beginning to see that the ‘real world’ didn’t work that way. To be fair, she also hadn’t realized she hadn’t been living in the ‘real world’ until recently. There were a lot of things she hadn’t known until recently, but she was trying to change that. This town was a chance for a fresh start, which meant when she found a dog that had seen better days roaming the streets and limping, she chose to take her first step towards being a better person and took the…thing to the vet. 

“Hi,” she greeted, slow and sing-songy as she entered the office, dog in tow. “So I found this dog and he just looks so sad and I couldn’t just leave him out on the streets, but he’s like, limping? I thought maybe you could like, fix him.” she finished with a flick of her hand. 

Neslyn pushed up from the chair, leaning onto the desk and peering over at the counter down to the dog. “Hello, fella.You poor little thing.” She cooed, before moving around to the front. Kneeling down in front of the dog, and ruffling his ears gently. “Thank you for bringing him in, I appreciate it. I can see what we can do for him. Get that leg looked out. We’ll do a regular checkup with bloodwork and tests as well.” The veterinarian gently scooped the dog up into her arms. “Are you wanting to come back to the examination room?” She asked.

“Awesome! You know that’s my favorite,” Tae said, chuckling. He had made it no secret that he loved working with the dogs, but getting the one on one time with who needed to be walked was good for everyone.

“It’s been good! Just sketching some pieces for a couple of clients. How’s your day gone? Anything exciting?” he asked as she got her list together.

“Don’t let anyone else know that-- why do you think you’re always written down for that task.” She teased. Neslyn loved walking the dogs as well, when they were short-handed on volunteers and she had extra time, she would walk them too.