Virtues of Saints & Angels
Chapter 5 – Royalty
Beth stopped, staring at him when she heard him say the short version of her name, a name she not heard for years.
“Did I say something wrong?” he asked, afraid that he had offended her.
“No, I’m sorry, it’s just that I haven’t heard anyone call me Beth for a long time,” she answered quickly composing herself after her moment of surprise.
“I’m sorry, do you prefer Elizabeth?”
“No, it’s just that my father was the only one who ever called me Beth.”
“Oh, God I’m sorry. If you prefer I can call you Elizabeth.”
“No, I like it. I’ve just got used to only hearing Elizabeth from everyone. Beth’s fine if you like”
“Good…Elizabeth doesn’t really suit you, royalty and all. You’re definitely a Beth,” he said as he started to walk to the front door.”
“Thank you,” she replied quietly.
“I must go. I’ll probably see you next week,” he reached the door and placed his hand on the door handle. “See ya, Beth.”
“Bye, Orlando.” Beth replied as she waved her new friend off. Suddenly she remembered something and raced to the door to the kitchen. “Wait, I forgot to give you this.”
She came out from behind the counter and Orlando saw she held a small paper bag in her hand.
“Angel told me to give this to you for your dog…Sidi isn’t it?” She held the bag out towards him with a smile.
“Yeah it is. Thanks so much.” He said as he took the bag and opened the door fully.
Sidi jumped to his feet, tail wagging fiercely at the return of his master as his nose went into overdrive when he saw the bag that he knew was for him. “Hey mate, I know I forgot, but Ang didn’t. Hang on, manners please, there’s a lady present, sit down and ask nicely.”
Sidi sat down as asked and looked back and forth from Orlando to Beth as she crouched down next to him and patted his head.
“Nice to meet you Sidi,” she told him as she stood up, noticing a couple sit down at one of the outside tables in front of the café.
Orlando emptied the food onto the ground in front of him as Beth stood up and both watched as it was quickly devoured. Sidi sat back down and licked his lips, satisfied with his café breakfast as Orlando and Beth laughed at him.
“I must hurry or I will miss the train and Mum will worry. Thanks again.” He reached over and untied Sidi as he slipped his backpack over his shoulder. “Oh and tell Ang Sidi and I said thank you too.”
“No problem. Bye Sidi, you be good. Bye Orlando.”
“Bye Beth,” Orlando replied picking up his satchel before he turned to walk away.
Beth watched him for a moment before she moved over to her customers slipping her order book from her apron pocket.
As he reached the corner Orlando turned back for a last look at Beth, his head tilted slightly to the side as he frowned slightly. What was it about that girl that interested him? When the light changed and he continued across the road he hummed happily along to a song that played in his head.