11. Combing the Sea

Jax will be ecstatic. I mean, I have the prized watch attachment that he's always wanted! It's gold and super shiny. The only problem is the case. It's battered, dusty, and run-down, but also an ugly shade of brown. How could I make it look better?

I think for a moment. I'm pretty sure I know where they sell actually nice cases for watches and stuff.

I amble to the doors of Enchantasia's famed royal accessory shop-Combing the Sea.

I enter the store and the bell jingles on the door. Neil-the shop owner-sees me. He's still not my biggest fan, because I have stolen from this shop before, and I've also stolen from customers.

From the snotty royals, I've stolen a dragon tooth comb and a ruby ring. I like royals a lot better now than I used to, but those two that I stole from were actually quite snobby.

From the actual store's inventory, I stole an emerald ring that bought my family food for weeks! Another time, I swiped one of those pricey magic wand holders. That was it though, and after going to FTRS, I never did it again. And it's not like I need to steal anymore anyway, because Father's shoe shop is doing so well!

I look around the shop. I head over to the glass tables that hold rings. They are so shiny; they must get polished daily. Some are gold, some are silver, and they all hold a variety of jewels. Some have sapphires, some have pearls. I wonder how much this store's inventory is worth if we combined all the items.

I pass the feather boas, hats, feather skirts, and hair accessories. These are not my jam, but Azalea and Dahlia would go crazy for them. I look in the other direction as something dazzling catches my eye.

It's just what I was looking for! I walk to the glass table (all of the tables in here are glass with gold borders) where an array of different jewelry and accessory boxes sit, waiting to be bought. I touch a silver colored one with a rose on it. Another has many different jewels on it. The one that I like the best is white quartz with a gold border. I open it, and it's the perfect size, so I go with it. I bring it over to the counter where Neil is sitting.

When Neil sees I have something in my hands, he stands up quickly. "Whatcha got there, Gillian?" He says in his annoying scruffy voice.

"Just this case." I say.

"Ah, ok. I'm pleased to see that you are buying and not shoplifting." Neil prods.

I roll my eyes as I hand him my money. He should be fully aware that I don't steal anymore!

"Thank-you." Neil hums, with very distinctive syllables. Neil takes the money from me with a grin. He's gained more golden teeth since the last time I saw him.

He starts counting the money and then fans himself with it. "Would you like a Combing the Sea gift box with it?" He asks.

"Yeah, thanks." I say, fiddling with my hands, because I'm getting impatient.

Neil grabs a white gift box from under the counter. He removes the lid and places a gold ribbon inside to finish it off later.

"Alright, here ya go, Gilly. What are you putting in here? And who's this for, huh?"

Ugh, I hate Neil's tone. "Umm, it's for a pocketwatch attachment that I'm giving to my best friend." I notice I was subconsciously twirling my hair. Stop, Gilly.

"Mm. Is it made from gold?" He asks.

"Yeah, it's pure gold, quartz, and magic." I answer, and see the greediness in his eyes.

"If you don't want it, I'll take it!" He offers.

"Um, no! Bye!" I give him a look.

"Whatever. Well, I'll catch ya later." Neil says, and gives me the weird greedy grin thing that he does to every customer after he makes a sale.

"I hope not." I mutter under my breath.

I take the box and walk out of the store with a jingle of the bell. I begin walking back to my boot. Neil is so annoying.