#(to the tune of the betty boop theme) 🎶ain't she cute; boop boop be-doop-a; sweeet loriii🎶

[enjoytheglow]

The owner of the Five and Dime found Lily's behaviour strange. Most kids came to the shop to avoid their parents, whispering complaints, not words of praise. But she had a feeling these three newcomers weren't like her usual customers. Maybe they'd tip better.

"Certainly," Miss Poppy replied, glancing over to the girl's parents. She turned to the mother. "What type of coffee would you like?"

Most of Mae's morning had been spent raiding her closet for something that wasn't too low cut or had too high a hem (Jack bought most of her clothes for her), walking down the stairs to compare whatever she'd picked out to what Sally was wearing and returning if they looked in any way similar, even if it was just the colour.

Mae had eventually decided on some heels that pinched her feet and a dress that, having last worn it in her good grades and so naïve days, had since become a size or two too small, so she would have to keep dancing to a minimum and decided to stand by the counter instead of sitting at a stool, lest she split a seam or burst a button.

She had to make a good first impression, which would be harder to do so considering the people she was talking to weren't high as a kite.

"Oh, I'm very pleased to meet you too."

She shook Victoria's hand slightly too enthusiastically, practically melting in response to receiving such kind words. And the formality. Any introductions that happened inside 420 Elm Street were brief and mostly pointless - no one cares about names when they're stoned, all that matters is that the person they're talking to isn't a square, a gumshoe, or a copper.

"Miss Mae Coleman."

The words left a bitter taste in her mouth.

"Otherwise I'd be Mrs. Mae Stone."

Like that'll ever happen.

Thirty-eight and still being Miss Mae Coleman was pathetic. She noted the looks of pity on the couple's faces and figured they thought as much. Unlike them, Mae was unmarried and had no kids.

That said, she wouldn't trade places with Sally in a heartbeat, with the blonde's unnamed baby and his unknown father. Not to mention the stress the two of them put Sally under, leading to her frequently yelling at her baby's crying, or forgetting he existed altogether. Mae had taken over parenting duties on more than one occasion and had grown quite fond of the 11-month-old.

The red-head raised her eyebrows as Victor introduced himself.

"I'm afraid I'm not familiar, we get a lot of takeout."

They were talking about jobs. A usual conversation topic when meeting someone for the first time but a terrible one for Mae.

So, why did you want to be a drug-dealer's girlfriend? Oh, definitely the joy of ignoring my guilty conscience while I deal dope to unsuspecting, wholesome teenagers.

Soon enough they would ask about her job and she'd have to decide between lying to purity personified or worse, tell 'em the truth and count the seconds between the word "reefer" and the Van Dorts ushering their precious daughter away, muttering in hushed tones and giving rushed goodbyes, if Mae even deserved that courtesy.

Or an easier third option - changing what they were talking about.

"Speaking of food, as much as I'd love to, I can't stay long. Sally and Ralph will notice I'm gone once the munchies hit. Plus, I don't know when Jack will return. This is usually his spot, I had to convince him to go elsewhere. But I'd stay here all day if I could. All week even."

She realised how strange that additional statement might have sounded and began asking questions rapid-fire, hoping that would distract the Van Dorts from her misstep.

"How are you finding Murphyville? Is Lily going to school here?"

@enjoytheglow

As Mae entered the Five and Dime, the first thing she noticed was how little it had changed over the years. It was still frequented by teenagers meeting up after school, the Five and Dime band featured the same hepcats Mae knew from her youth, the main changes were a fresh coat of paint and that it had been passed down from the kindly Mr Poppy to his equally friendly daughter Miss Poppy. Although, according to Jack, the latter was just as willing to let him deal reefer to her customers, as once kids got the munchies, they’d order more food.

Mae blushed as Lily called out to her, feeling hundreds of eyes turn to her. She knew the girl meant well but no one in the place so much as raised their voice in here, let alone yelled. She waved half-heartedly, hoping that would convey to the ogling teenagers that Lily’s outburst wasn’t a sign of danger.

“You must be Lily’s parents, it’s so nice to meet you both.” She turned from one to the other, unsure who’s hand to shake first. “Mae, Mae Coleman.”

“You Jack’s moll?”

She looked up at the counter, coming face to face with Miss Poppy herself. Mae gave a curt nod.

“I’ll have a cherry fizz, thank you.”

She’d intended for that to be the end of the conversation but Miss Poppy had more to say.

“When’s he stoppin’ by? Or has he sent you here instead? 'Cause I got a couple kids asking for - ”

The shopkeeper stopped short when she noticed how fervently Mae inclined her head to the people beside her, her mouth smiling but her eyes saying they have no idea. Apparently taking the hint, Miss Poppy turned to Lily and her parents.

“What can I get you three? Are you new to town? I know just about everyone here but I’ve never seen you around.”

She leaned over the counter, speaking conspiratorially to Lily.

“And for the record, swell is anything generally great, while swank is for more fancy joints, so either compliment would suit. Not that I’m fishing.” She added with a smile.

Victoria smiled, taking Mae's hand in hers. "We're very pleased to meet you -- would that be Miss or Mrs. Coleman?" she inquired, good-natured curiosity in her wide grey-blue eyes.

That's all but answered for her when the shop girl refers to the other woman as a 'moll'. A wave of motherly concern swept over her, though she tried not to let it color her face too obviously. Poor Victor, however, had a harder time with that.

It occurred to them both that perhaps she may have been a victim of the idle gossip that was wont to spread in these small towns. Lord knows they knew their share of it, especially in the early days of their marriage when another certain union was less of a distant memory.

They hoped, anyway. In the meantime, Victoria would try to balance being cordial and keeping a watchful eye on her daughter.

"I'll have a cherry fizz, too, please!" Lily exclaimed before her parents could get a word in edgewise. "With two scoops of vanilla ice cream!"

"Oh, ah, I'm alright, thank you." Victor nodded at the lady with a timid smile. "Victoria?"

"Just a cup of coffee for me, please," Victoria said simply, reaching for her little mauve coin purse. "And yes, we've just arrived here on business not too long ago."

"Victor Van Dort -- of Van Dort Fish," Victor introduced himself to both of the strange women, eyes darting to Mae in acknowledgment.

"Oh, forgive me," Victoria followed, realizing she hadn't properly introduced herself. "I'm Victoria."

Lily took in this secret information with a grateful nod and a giggle. "Aren't my parents swell?" she whispered to the other when she was sure neither of them were looking.