Part 4 – Love & Froggy-ness
Maia is in her kitchen, prepared to make a masterpiece at breakfast when she receives another text from Pierce.
Pierce’s Text: Breakfast? My treat
She smiles at his determination. Although busy and trying to stay focused, Maia has never been the play-hard-to-get type. And she doesn’t intend to do that now. She’s flattered that Pierce is showing an interest in her.
Maia’s Text: I’m already having breakfast, but coffee later?
She can imagine that making him smile.
Pierce’s Text: You name the time; I’ll name the place?
Maia’s Text: Done
Maia sends Pierce a convenient time, and he returns her response with a location. Afterward, she sits down to eat. She’s finally stepping towards possible romance – another notch on her journey for independence and adulthood.
But dating has risks, and Maia knows she’d better prepare her mind and emotions for anything. Meditation will get her there. She sets up a spot in her living room, closes her eyes, clears her mind, and concentrates on her breathing. She makes it a few minutes today, but the boredom gets to her, and her mind wanders. Maybe she’d have better luck later tonight.
She gets up and goes outside to check on her frogs and chickens.
After the chicks are cared for, Maia is distracted by a child crying. Concerned, she turns to find the child, thinking maybe it’s lost or hurt. But she sees a dirty cat instead.
Maia climbs her fence and hurries over to it before it runs away. But the cat remains there, allowing Maia to approach.
Maia is immediately slapped in the face by the skunky scent.
Maia: Oh Watcher! Smelly cat, what happened to you?
She’d love to take the cat inside and attempt to wash it off, but first, she has to gain its trust.
Maia: Do you want to come with me? I won’t hurt you.
No animal can resist food; this cat looks like it missed a meal or two. Maia pulls out a treat.
Maia: There’s more where this comes from. Come home with me, Smelly Cat, and I’ll show you.
The cat allows Maia to pet it, but it runs away when she gives it the treat. Maia can only hope to see it again. But for now, she has to get ready to meet Pierce.
Maia would love to meet Pierce wearing a cute sundress or romper, but the weather isn’t cooperating, so she’s forced to wear a sweater. But she dresses it up with a bustier, hoping it’s not too much for a coffee date.
Moments later, she arrives at Deadgrass Discoveries, a museum, aquarium, and coffee shop. It’s her first visit since moving to Brindleton Bay. She’s excited to see more of the place. Pierce is already there waiting for her, so she walks over.
Pierce: I’m glad you agreed to meet me.
Maia: Me too. Sorry, I turned you down yesterday.
Pierce: You’re a busy woman. I can understand that.
Maia gets a good look at Pierce as they walk and talk. She’s loving his casual style and natural long hair. She can’t wait to get to know him better.
Maia: How are the pond renovations going?
Pierce: Not bad. We can see an end in sight.
Maia: I can’t wait to see the finished project.
Pierce: Maybe we can attend the grand reveal together.
Maia: *smile* Sure. I’d like that.
Inside, Maia spots the sign for the café.
Maia: So I guess we’re heading upstairs.
Pierce: *playful tone* Yes, ma’am. After you!
Maia climbs the stairs with Pierce following right behind her. She hopes he’s not staring at her butt on the way up. Thinking about it makes her feel self-conscious. Once they make it to the café, she feels much better seeing the pretty décor and fish tank.
Maia: This is nice. Have you been here before?
Pierce: Yeah. It’s a nice little study spot, so I stop by from time to time.
Maia makes a note of that. Maybe she’ll run into him if she starts studying here as well.
Pierce: Ready to order?
Maia: Sure
Pierce steps over to the counter.
Pierce: What would you like?
Maia’s not sure. She’s not much of a coffee drinker, but she’d like to order something that makes her sound sophisticated.
Maia: Um, I’ll take the ‘Barista’s Special.’
Pierce: *to the barista* Okay, the ‘Barista’s Special’ and an expresso for me. Thanks
Pierce gives Maia her order and she walks to the table next to the fish tank and sits down. A few minutes pass before Pierce joins her.
Pierce: Sorry about that. There was an issue with the Expresso machine.
Maia: No worries.
Pierce: Good choice—this is my favorite table. Did you finish? Can I get you something else?
Maia: No, I’m fine.
Maia practically kicks herself for gulping her coffee down. Now she has nothing to distract her from her nerves, and she’ll have to sit and watch Pierce drink his.
Maia racks her brain for a possible conversation topic, but Pierce bails her out.
Pierce: So, how long have you been visiting the Skills Academy?
Maia: Not very long. I just moved here a few weeks ago.
Pierce: Oh, no wonder I’d never run into you before. What skills are you studying?
Maia: Nothing, officially – besides frogs. I go to campus to use some of the equipment.
Maia’s phone suddenly buzzes. It’s a text from her father. She skims it.
Maia: Sorry about that. It’s my father checking up on me again. I’ll respond later. *puts the phone away* What about you? What are you studying?
Pierce: I’ve been working on photography and dabbling in DJ mixing skills.
Maia: Cool. Are you originally from here?
Pierce: No, we moved here about a year ago.
Maia: We?
Pierce: I – I meant I.
(Frog Scenario Chapter Summaries)
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[…] Part 4: Love & Froggy-ness – Maia meets a stray cat and finally agrees to meet up with Pierce. […]