Anna didn’t know why she went to the GUM, and especially didn't know why she went by herself. She had spent a lot of time with Elyse and she loved that, but maybe she just found herself needing to get away for a bit. She didn’t really live there after all, and it was quite crazy with all the kids there that didn’t shut off it seemed. It also helped that Elyse was doing okay. She wasn’t great, but she was better than she had been. Anna didn’t worry every day anymore. Elyse had been keeping in contact with the Shale’s too. It was kind of cute seeing Elyse get a crush after she made fun of Anna for her crush on Cade. The thought of it made Anna smile.
Apparently Anna had missed Cade showing up at the house though. Marta had told Elyse who had told Anna that he had met with Nox, and had been once again introduced to the world of monsters, and it seemed like he was at least believing now. Anna shuddered at the thought of the vampire (dreykan Elyse had called it). It was a bad memory from an otherwise pleasant day. She could still see the dead woman’s lifeless gaze. She pushed it aside, not wanting to think about it. In response, Anna reached for her power, still surprised that it came to her so readily now, the warmth of it within her, giving her comfort and pushing away the terrible memory.
Today Anna sat on a bench though, watching people pass by. A pair of lovers walked by holding hands, several sets of mother’s pulling children around as they finished their Christmas shopping. Other people were solitary like her, but walking around with a sense of purpose. Anna didn’t really have a purpose for being here. She had thought when she had left Nox’s place that she might do some shopping, but at this point she really hadn’t started. Perhaps she would later. For now, people watching seemed to be suiting her just fine.
Anna spent her time contemplating how much had changed since she moved to Moscow. She had a job that she loved and worked with people she considered family. She had an amazing, if slightly traumatized, best friend who was always there for her. She had her own home, and she was happier. She missed her family in the states, even if they were slightly estranged. That thought made Anna frown. With everything happening in the States now, she should really contact her parents. It was a thought that had come to her because of Elyse’s struggles. She really should try to reconcile.
Anna sighed and returned to watching the people around her for a bit before standing up. It was time to do something else, so she stood up and turned to head to a shop. She was thinking it might be time for her to get a cute outfit. There were plenty of clothing shops in the GUM. She could go to Imperial Tailors, but that was a little too fancy for her tastes - especially since she was looking for something she could wear everyday.
As Anna walked she pulled out her wallet and found her mom’s contact. She clicked to send a message, but was unable to think of the words. It had been a long time since she had talked to them. Anna turned a corner, all thoughts on her wallet when she ran into someone. Her wallet cluttered out of her hand.
”Oh my god, I’m so sorry. I wasn’t even paying attention.” Anna said, her cheeks red with embarrassment as she moved to collect her wallet.
Emily was staying home with her sister most of the time. Jared knew Emily was struggling with Rachel’s condition. It was hard for her to see everyday. Mara was doing even worse, but they were all holding together. With Emily being busy, he took care of a lot of the around town stuff that needed to happen. Emily had even started working for home. A privilege of the CEO. He sometimes used that time to take time to himself too. Emily knew and didn’t mind. She knew they all needed it - even if she needed convincing to do it herself.
So Jared found himself at the GUM today. He had an idea for helping Emily and Mara - and hopefully it would help give Rachel some distraction. He thought he’d invite Elyse too. She had been a sight at the house a couple of times. So he went to the bookstore and picked up several copies of the players handbook for dungeons and dragons. It had been a long time since he had played, and even longer since he had been a dungeon master, but he could still do it.
He picked up the books and was heading out to run some more errands for Emily when someone turned a corner and ran into him. The woman had been immersed in her wallet, completely focused on something else. Her wallet left her hands and she apologized embarrassed. Jared gave her a disarming smile and picked up her wallet and handing it to her.
”No worries. No harm done. Are you okay?”
The woman took the offered wallet with a ”Thank you,” but she looked at him with a look of familiarity in her eyes.
The man she ran into seemed kind enough. There wasn’t a “hey watch where you’re going” or anything. Just a simple “no harm done.” He even picked up her wallet and handed it to her. She muttered a thank you and then she actually looked at him. The Roman in front of her looked strangely familiar - not that she had met him, but more like she had seen him in a passing glance - multiple times.
Anna realized that she had been staring at the man. He was a good looking guy, but it was the familiarity that kept her gaze. ”Sorry. You look familiar but I can’t place you…” Anna said turning her gaze away.
Anna’s eyes landed on a nearby magazine stand and she blinked as she saw the cover of one. The man she had run into was in the picture next to a pretty blonde woman that she recognized. Unlike the man, Anna remembered where she had seen this woman. Anna had danced with her at Nox’s building not too long ago. Anna’s eyes moved back and forth from the man to the magazine cover, until he laughed.
”Yeah, that’s me,” he said, his voice fairly humble.
”You’re Emily’s husband,” it wasn’t a question, but it did cause the man to raise an eyebrow.
”I am. Are you a friend of hers?”
Anna smiled. ”I don’t know her well, but we met. She stayed the night at the building I’m currently at. I’m a good friend of Elyse’s. Anna Rodriguez,”
Anna stretched out her hand as she introduced herself, and the man took it, his grasp firm, but not crushing. ”Jared Vanders. A pleasure.”
Anna gave a slight smile. ”Pleasure is mine. How’s Emily doing? And how’s Rachel?” the poor girl had gone through quite the ordeal and Anna hoped she was okay.