Girls grow up fast

ㅤ "I told you you'd grow up to be a beauty!" Alvin laughed heartily, affectionately patting Elize on the head, the crown of which was already rising just above the successful businessman's shoulder. Business was finally looking up, which was why he was especially happy: so many reasons at once! It was as if a bad streak had suddenly given way to a bright one. The girl was rapidly maturing into a woman, now a capable graduate awaiting her farewell ball—an initiative of Driselle's that she wanted to make a tradition. Alvin took advantage of the opportunity to escape the bustle of trade, leaving the remaining deals to Yurgen's conscience. Now he was asking who would take the beauty to the ball. Elize was beautiful in her own right, but in the dress custom-made at Driselle's initiative, she turned into a true princess, whose hands Alvin was ready to kiss. And not only he—any womanizer would not have been able to resist. "So," Alvin paused, smiling slyly, "which boy do you fancy? Tell me! Do you have anyone in mind?" "Even if I did, I wouldn't tell you!" the girl puffed out her cheeks, placing her hands on her hips. Elize learned to be cheeky without Teepo's help. The toy hadn't appeared in her lap for a long time. Although her spiritual techniques were significantly weaker without it, Elize managed perfectly well without the booster in ordinary battles. And nothing out of the ordinary had happened since Origin's trial was completed. As for loneliness, Elize had forgotten about it entirely: there was always someone dear to her, and her circle of acquaintances was endlessly expanding. Rudeness wasn't the girl's intention, but it was hard to contain her embarrassment otherwise. Since childhood, she'd looked up to her first friends, her saviors, experiencing previously unknown feelings with them, filling herself with impressions, knowledge, and experience. Jude was the first to win her heart, becoming her very first friend. After Teepo, of course. But Jude had become so distant over the years working on the spyrite that he'd become closer to the spirit world than to humans. Communicating with him had become harder, though he remained the same kindhearted soul, ready to rush to her aid at any call. However, distracting him felt wrong… Alvin was always there. Not always sweet and kind, often teasing. That made conversations with him more lively. There were no awkward pauses; silences were accompanied by a feeling of comfort. With him, Elize could simply be herself, without trying to be better or worse. And also… he opened up to her first. He told her things he didn't tell others. She saw his heart, his experiences and fears. And how strong he truly was, holding everything inside and continuing to move forward along the path of redemption. "But…" Elize hesitated, fisting the folds of her dress, "if it's not too much trouble, come to the ball with me…" Alvin stared at Elize, puzzled. Deep down, he understood her intentions. But he couldn't accept them… He wasn't ready. And Elize… For the first time in a long time, she regretted that Tipo wasn't there, able to lay out all her thoughts frankly. On the other hand… he might have said too much. But the truth is… 'You asked if I had anyone in mind? But I can't say. Because I have… you in mind. But I know that to you, I'm still a little girl. And I can only hope that you'll wait until I grow up a little more and you finally see me as a woman. In the meantime…' "Can I count on your company?" Elize asked sheepishly. After a brief silence, Alvin let out a resigned sigh and smiled softly, replying: "How could I refuse a beautiful lady?" Elize was right: Alvin wasn't ready to cross the line yet. But after a magical evening and slow dances together, the line had become thinner. All he had to do was be patient and wait a little longer before it disappeared completely… ㅤ