All was golden when the DAY met the NIGHT (open)

[Serenade]

Why was she here? She didn't even like coffee. Yet here she stood in line, reading the board in front of her. There were two people before her, so she had some time yet. Annabel sighed, not taking her eyes from the board. Eww, coffee. Mocha, no. Java, no. It was still warm for autumn, so something hot would only make it worse. A cooler drink, that would suit well. If only there was a Dunkin' Donuts nearby. That would make things so much easier. But there wasn't one anywhere near here.

The line moved up one, and Annabel took a step forward, still looking up at the board. Looks like she was stuck with an iced tea. Hmm, interesting flavor available. She'd try it. It seemed the person ahead of her was a regular, and had quickly got their order and left. Now it was her turn. The girl behind the counter smiled at her, and Annabel smiled in return before giving her her order. Within a moment she had her drink in hand and paid for it. Walking away from the counter, she glanced about the seating in the place, and chose a table by the window. The sun was slanting in, warming her as she settled in. From her purse she drew out a book, and settled to read. Her phone she took from her pocket and set on the table before her. If Sammie or Pablo needed her back at the stable, they would call. Honey blonde hair was straight and tucked behind her ears, her eyes subtly made up with just eyeliner and mascara, barely noticeable.

She felt very alone, but once she started in on her book, her mind went blank, only focusing on the pages before her, the words make images and sounds as easily as if she were watching a film. If someone came upon her now, she did not doubt that she would just as if someone had just shot off a gun by her head.

[m00ney]

( hope you don't mind if I reply?? =D )

Sitting at the table behind Annabel's was a young man, entirely unseen in these parts before. He was at the chair directly behind Annabel's, in fact he'd scooted in a bit to let her in; but he'd paid her no other mind than that. For the moment he had no reason to pay any sort of attention to her, and it wasn't as if he was being rude; but there was realistically no reason why he'd be paying any further attention to her. Instead he was focused on the spread of newspaper before him; searching for a job. His tiny amount of money he brought with him would only provice him a roof and food for a little while before he'd need to start making money again on his own. But he felt very, dejected, as he read through the classifieds. Everything seemed like it would be at his finger tips if only he'd gone to college instead of leaving home the moment he turned 18. Silently doing the math in his head he could realistically only spend a month here before he ran into money problems, although the rent was paid for three months in advance, food would eventually become an issue. The entire status of his monetary income (non-existant) caused him to sigh heavily. He placed both elbows on the table and gripped either side of his head, hanging it down dejectedly. His fingers slid through his auburn hair and rubbed his temples lightly as he scanned the same page of the classifieds for the second time, still seeing nothing.

[Serenade]

Annabel had noticed the young man sitting behind her, but she was so focused on her book she completely forgot about him. A good fifteen minute went by as she read and sipped her drink. Soon she would have to head back to the ranch and work with Petey. She had been working with the other horses at the ranch under Sammie's direction, and Petey was kind of being put off to the side. Poor little Petey. He was going to be angry when she came to him with his tack. Annabel sighed. She didn't want to deal with his crap. But she loved him because of his attitude. He had certainly made an interesting first horse.

Annabel's book was in her lap and she reached for her phone and drink. She uncrossed her legs as she did so, and stretched, her chair pushing back a little bit as her long legs stretched out. With a clack, her chair came into contact with the chair behind her, the one in which the young man sat. With a quick movement, Annabel sat up straight and moved her chair forward, away from his chair. She turned after she had done so, and gave him an apologetic smile before speaking. I am so sorry. I sometimes get lost in my little world. I hope I didn't spill your drink. Her face was all apologies as she watched him for a reaction. He was quite attractive, and he had interesting auburn locks. Annabel didn't turn away just yet, merely waiting for him to speak.

[m00ney]

The contact betwen the chairs jarred him a bit and brought him back into reality. It seems he'd started to drift off into a light sleep as he stared at the newspaper in front of him. The black and white blur formed words again and then he looked away from it, craning his neck around so that he was partially looking at Annabel as she apologized to him. He flashed her a kind smile and he shook his head slightly and then leaned back slightly to show his drink of choice, a coffee with tons of creamer, standing upright and perfectly unharmed. A little curl of steam rose up from the cup, he'd hardly touched his drink since he bought it and it had retained some of its heat so far. He turned slightly in his chair, sticking his legs out into the isle insted of under the table and he set his arms on the back of the chair. "No harm, no foul right?" He said as he grinned. He sounded friendly enough, although he wasn't overly warm and seemed rather detached from the world around him, lost in his own sort of world. His hazel eyes, although they were turned towards her, seemed worldly but lost, he knew the world around him but not where he belonged in it. His face suddenly grew flush as he realized how long he'd been looking at her. He quickly turned back in his seat and zeroed his eyes in on his newspaper without another word.

[Serenade]

His smile seemed friendly, and he acted warm, though there was something that wasn't quite right or normal. But Annable ignored it. She gave a laugh as he spoke and gestured to his drink, which was safe on the table. Quite right. Now that she was speaking to someone, she wanted to continue it, especially since he seemed like a decent fellow. If he had been a bit of a creeper, or not friendly at all, she would have dropped it and gone back to her book. Of course, it helped that he was attractive. She kept a friendly smile on her face, though her blue eyes became a bit puzzled as he continued eye contact. Soon he flushed, and turned back around. Annabel stifled a giggle, and kept herself turned around before speaking once more. My name is Annabel. Are you new here? She had been here a couple of months now, though she didn't often frequent the town. If he was a person who had been here for awhile, she would feel a little embarrassed. But she would have remembered seeing him around, with his interesting hair. And she wanted a conversation, so there was a starter, she hoped.

[m00ney]

He crossed his arms on the table and was maintaining his gaze upon the classifieds. He could feel his face grow redder as she giggled a little bit at him. He shouldn't have kept staring... but he couldn't help it. She was the first friendly, pretty, face he'd seen in a long time. He had wanted nothing more than to just keep looking at her a little while longer... oh god damn it he was so lonely. Having just arrived in a new town, and previously growing up in a family with 6 other children, there wasn't a friendly face to be found. He unceremoniously flipped the page of the newspaper to look at the next page. She then introduced herself to him and he paused a moment before he turned in his seat, entirely turned so that his legs stradled the back on the chair and his arms rested on the top of the back of the chair. His hazel eyes happily found hers again. "You've got it." He said with a sheepish grin and a small shrug of his not so manly shoulders. "I'm Vincent Nero." As he introduced himself he brushed the longer parts of his auburn hair away from his face before offering out his hand to shake hers politely.

[Serenade]

He seemed a little embarrassed before he turned around. But when he did, he seemed as welcome for company as she was. He gave her a smile, and she widened hers in return. He instantly locked eyes with her again, and she raked her fingers through her hair a little self-consciously. Vincent, eh? A nice name. And she was right in the fact that he was new here. That was a relief. She didn't want to insult a local whom she had never seen before. Though in a town this small it was hard to run into someone you'd never seen before. Where she had grown up, there were people in her graduating high school class that she had never seen before in her entire high school career. He stretched out his hand and she took it gladly in a friendly, polite greeting. Annabel Goldbloom. I can't say much, I just moved here a few months ago. She gave a light laugh after she had spoken. She wondered for a moment what to say next. Horses might be the safest route to go by, since the life blood of this town consisted of equines. Well, you never know. She went instead with another line of questioning. What brings you here to this quaint little horse town?

[m00ney]

He returned both arms to the back of his chair, crossing them slightly and letting his forearms drape over the back of the chair and hang there. He again felt his face growing a bit red and warm and had to avert his gaze away from her eyes. He used an old trick he learned from one of his brothers and focused on her nose, hoping he was doing it right and that it looked like he was focused on her eyes still as she spoke. What brought him here to this town? Well, the truth of it was he had no where else to go and had been wandering across the state, picking up rides when he could, in an effort to finally distance himself from the family he hated so much. He knew deep down there was so much more to the world than what he knew in his little bubble back home and he wanted to see so much of it, to learn everything he could. But that all seemed, to him, a silly little quest. He wasn't about to admit his soul searching quest to anyone else, it was too embarassing. So he went with a more simple answer insted. "I just left my parent's house, trying to find some little place to settle down and set my roots." He said calmly, in a tone that was nothing exciting. It was almost the exact opposite of his intentions, to drift around and see everything he could. His shoulders shrugged slightly as he spoke as if saying 'I guess' and he wasn't entirely sure about what he was saying. He really had no idea what he was doing with his life... and that scared him more than anything in the world. He would have to watch it, or he'd end up going back home to his family again. "What're you doing in this little place?" He asked her in return. He turned slightly back around and grabbed his drink and then turned back to face her while taking a small sip of the warm coffee.

[Serenade]

His tone was nonchalant as he answered her question, almost carefully so. But it wasn't any of her business, she was just making conversation from boredom and loneliness. It was would be nice to have more than just one friend outside of her employers. Her smile changed just a tiny bit, not as bright but still there, showing interest in what Vincent was saying. I see, I guess. He didn't look old enough to be looking for a place for roots. He looked maybe nineteen or twenty at the oldest. Vincent should be living life, not searching for a place to settle, even one so nice as this. Hell, she may have just left home a little while ago, but she was still out and about. She had been several places before having her truck break down at Cedar Creek. Annabel wanted to tell him to live life and go places before stopping for long. But he was asking why she was here. Now, that was an easy question to answer. Annabel sat up a bit and stretched her arms before she answered. Ended up here. I was looking for a place like this. My truck finally broke down when I pulled up at Cedar Creek Ranch. I work there now, board my horse for free and I'm living in a spare room at the house until I can buy a new car and find an apartment or something. She gave a little laugh and tucked her hair behind her ears. I was lucky. Sammie and Pablo are great. A thought crossed her mind and she focused back on Vincent. You know, if you're looking for a job, I know a guy with a stable nearby. He needs a ranch hand. A soon as she finished speaking, Annabel flushed pink and gave an apologetic smil. I'm sorry if that was overstepping bounds. I sometimes don't think about what I'm saying until I've said it.

[m00ney]

"Wow... that all sounds so... romantizied." He commented on her story. He didn't realize just how much of a sense of longing was within his voice as he spoke. His eyes appeared a little hazy, or rather dreamy. Quickly though he collected himself and his gaze focused back onto her eyes again for a moment. He realized his comment about her story being romantizied could possibly be taken the wrong way, so he quickly began speaking again. "I mean.. that.. well it's..." He muttered and then suddenly found he couldn't find what he wanted to say without admitting he'd lied not two seconds ago. He exhaled and hung his head down slightly. "I meant that in a good way." He said in an embarassed voice, lifting his head up a bit his apologetic gaze focused firmly on her. His repentful face shifted slightly to a happier one as she spoke again. She knew someone who needed a stablehand? What luck. With an explosion of energy and enthusiasm he reached behind him and grabbed his paper to show her that he'd been looking at the 'help wanted' ads. A large, boyish grin took over his face as he happily spoke. "Well I'm glad you're overstepping bounds!" A light chuckle rolled from between his pink lips. "I'd love it if you could introduce me to this guy sometime... and I'd really owe you one."

[Serenade]

His comment on her 'life's story' made her blush slightly. Maybe it did sound a bit romantic. Perfect for a story, right? Was that a good thing or a bad thing? She had thought it was a good thing. Didn't everyone want a fairy tale life, or was that only the girls? As her mind began to churn with uncertainties, Vincent smiled apologetically at her after apologizing. Instantly her mind slowed and came to a stop. Relief spread through her as she smiled back. So it was a good thing. The excitement that came over his face at her suggestion was astounding. Wow. Guess he really needed a job. Her polite listening smile stretched into a genuine one as he spoke. The rustle of newspaper pages was loud compared to the relatively average noise within the coffee. It seemed that the job suggestion had put him in an amazing mood, and Annabel felt a warm glow, happy that she could make Vincent happy. She was sure Eddie would give him a job. She had run into the tall, somewhat quiet man a few weeks ago and they had become friends quite quickly. He was a good guy. She probably wouldn't be able to get out there to his stable anytime soon, but she could certainly send Vincent out there himself with her name. Wow, I'm glad I could make you happy then. His name is Edward Jansen, he owns Maplewood Stables. He has at least four horses, last I knew, and he is looking for boarders and a stable hand or two. Most of the ranches and stable around here are right off this main road out of town, and his is only about ten minutes down there.[/b] She pointed as she said this last bit, out the window and down the road the led out of town. Annabel turned her gaze back to Vincent, slightly apologetic. I probably won't be able to introduce you two anytime soon, as I'm sure he's busy with his horses, and I'm busy most days with my own horse and those I work with at Cedar Creek. As she said this, she thought of how to work in the fact that Eddie would give him the job, with or without her name. And she didn't want him to be disappointed that she couldn't introduce him. However, I'm sure he'll give you a job. Haha, I bet even if you drop my name, that'll make it that much easier. A light cheery laugh bubbled from her lips as she thought about what she was going to say next. And as for owing me, well, I'll just see what I could use you for. Her blue eyes and white smile became mischievous, and she laughed again, watching Vincent to see his reaction.[/size]

[m00ney]

Vincent committed to memory the name of the man, Edward Jansen, Maplewood Stables. It didn't seem as if it would be all that hard to find the place either, he mentally noted the directions she gave him along with Edward's name and the name of his stable. He'd never been all that horse crazy, although he held a great respect for the beautiful beats. Still, with his lack of enthusiasm about horses, a stable hand was one job he hadn't considered. Maybe this was just the sort of little adventure he needed to figure out what he was doing with his life. His lips turned down into a slight frown though as she said she wouldn't be able to introduce the two of them. He knew that wouldn't stop him from going out there on his own... but it certainly would have been a bit more fun if he had some company with him. Still... a job is a job and he was grateful for her advice and for pointing him in the right direction. Realizing this he let the slight frown fade away from his lips until he was smiling again, a small kind smile that normally rested upon someone's face when they were with someone they enjoyed. "I guess I'm on my own then." He commented as he turned slightly to set his paper back down on the table, thought again, and then crumpled it up and set it on the table. He didn't need the classifieds anymore. As he turned back to face her again he heard her say her last statement, about finding some use for him. He paused, mouth agape slightly as he caught her mischevious smirk. She was friendly enough... but he didn't know her well enough just yet to know if that was a good thing or a bad thing. "Wait...what?" He blinked a few times.

[Serenade]

Annabel gave a light shrug in response to his comment on how he had to do it on his own. An apologetic smile crossed her lips for but a moment. Now he finally heard that what it was she last said, and her mischievous grin became one of amusement as she laughed loud and hard at his expression and his words. Vincent looked a little worried there, didn't he? Annabel couldn't help but laugh at him. There were times where the little prankster in her chose to emerge, and poor guy, that was one of them. She didn't mean to make him so confused and concerned, but it certainly made her laugh, cheering her day even more. Like she would do anything to him. Well, then again, he didn't really know that. They had just met mere moments ago only because she had her head lost in the clouds. She could be such a ditz when it came to other people. She often felt bad, but in this instance, it was only a small part of her that felt guilty for bumping into his chair. A happy circumstance. And now to reassure Vincent that she wasn't a threat. Reaching out with a long, slender white hand, Annabel patted his cheek lightly. No need to look so concerned. I won't eat you. She gave another light laugh, unable to keep it in. She laughed and smiled a lot when she was happy, and Vincent had certainly brightened her day. She was pleased she could make him happy as well by helping him find a job. Too bad she couldn't go with him. Good thing she knew there were trails that she could take on Petey to visit both him and Eddie, particularly him. There was no doubt in Annabel's mind that Eddie would hire him. Vincent looked like someone up for adventure and learning something new, and Eddie was the kind of person who would give a person a chance, any person. And as for me not being able to go along with you, I can always visit once you get hired. I know trails from Cedar Creek to Maplewood. You'll get to meet my Petey when I visit. She gave a large, bright grin. Petey could be so ornery when he chose to be, and particularly when meeting new people. But Vincent didn't have to know that, now did he?

[m00ney]

He blinked a few times in surprise as Annabel reached out and lightly patted his cheek. He hadn't expected that sort of thing from her, and for a moment he felt like he was back at home. Nevermind how old he got, being that he was the youngest of all the siblings he was always being pat like that in various ways. A pat on the head from his sister or one on the cheek from his brothers when Vincent learned something they knew all along. But her laugh and smile quickly, and happily, brought him back into the moment and he soon was smiling and laughing slightly as well. Well that wasn't exactly what he was worried about... but it's nice that she cleared that up right now. He tossed his head slightly to remove the longer strands of hair from in front of his eyes, the greenish brown eyes then sought out her own eyes again. "Petey?" He asked her curiously... was Petey a horse? She hadn't ever said outright that Petey was the name of her horse. But that just had to be it... but a little bit of him worried Petey might be a big macho boyfriend who she wanted to walk down to Maplewood and introduce to Vincent. For some reason the idea of Petey being a boyfriend irked him a little bit. "That's your horse's name... right?" He anxiously waited for her to answer him.

[Serenade]

It looked to her that she seemed to be putting him more at ease. She hoped he wasn't offended by the cheek patting. She did that to everyone, sometimes to irritate, sometimes to be funny. One of her friends back home consistently would try to duck away from it, which caused her to try and do it more, until of course there came the moment when he grabbed her hands and locked them to keep her from doing in. And there was the friend who tried to run away from her whenever he thought she was going to. Her female friends tolerated it more than her male friends. He said the name of her horse questioningly, and she realized that while she had already spoken of her horse, she had never given his name. She nodded when he asked if Petey was his name. Yup. My Petey boy. He's a little Fjord. His full name is Problematic, and it fits him well. Annabel chuckled a bit after she said this, shaking her head slightly. Petey, Petey, Petey. She didn't know what she would do without him. Annabel studied Vincent for a moment before giving a small secret smile. Had she sensed a little apprehension when he asked about Petey's name? The more she spoke with Vincent, even past the initial, friendly attraction, the more she felt relaxed and happy. It had been awhile since she felt this way around someone. She hoped he didn't have a girlfriend back home. While she thought this, she carefully kept her face pleasant and happy, not revealing what was rolling around her mind. Now onto a neutral topic, one not so personal. If you're not completely into horses, stay long in this place and there will be no escaping it. Equines are the lifeblood of this town. Annabel gave a quick smile, crossing her jean clad legs into a more comfortable position and flicked the honey blonde strands of her bangs from her face as he blue eyes watched Vincent, studying his face while trying not to be too obvious about it.