Osmophobia. Chapter 4. Unstoppable. The next
morning slowly yawned to life as a great lion.
A beautiful sunrise was bathing the city skyline.
Jade was out, as usual, on her morning walk.
She had a noticeable bounciness and haste to
her steps. It had nothing to do with that wolf.
Nothing at all. At least, that's what she told
herself. Still, she arrived earlier than usual
for no particular reason. The air was more lively
and warm today, the kind of air that made you
feel more energized. The pond below the bridge
was calm, glassy enough to reflect the vibrant
morning sky. Jade leaned against the stone railing
and stared down at the water, her reflection
staring back up at her with wide, bright eyes.
She replayed yesterday in her mind more than
she cared to admit. The calling out? Her bracelet.
His smile. The lack of everything she was used
to. She rolled her jade charm between her fingers.
How could one simple exchange get her in such
a whirlwind? Get a grip, she muttered under her
breath. Focus, Jade. It's not even like he was
super cute. Just another moment in life. Still,
kinda a cute moment. Jade turned and collapsed
into her usual bench. Ugh, this is stupid. She
laid horizontally on the bench, stretching out.
That's when she noticed him. Jade twisted immediately
and focused while hiding her face beneath the
bench's metal armrest, though she could only
hide so much with her huge tail swaying back
and forth in the air. She could see Cedric down
by a nearby tree with a sketchbook in hand, clearly
engrossed in what he was sketching. He was wearing
a red flannel and dark wash jeans. He had sleek
black glasses and was masterfully sketching with
precision. Jade was frozen where she lay, with
only her face barely hidden. Okay, she thought
to herself, what would a normal person do? Maybe
go up to him? No, that's weird. Maybe pushy.
He's working. Just leave him alone. But he said
he would see me later, so... Is this... later?
Too soon -ish, maybe? Jade caught herself in
deep thought and jolted out of it with a shake
of her head. When she looked back up, Cedric
was looking her way, chuckling to himself. Jade's
eyes grew wide and she readjusted herself quickly
to be sitting in a normal pose. What are you
doing? called out Cedric with a laugh. Jade blushed
profusely. I'm... I'm a... I'm enjoying the view.
She cringed. Really? Cedric smiled. Well, good
morning, Jade. Jade's flushed face evened out.
Good morning, Cedric. You can call me Rick if
you want. Everyone does. Jade laughed. I like
Cedric. It's fancy and, you know, I'm smart.
He gave a warm laugh. Fine. What are you drawing?
Cedric looked down at his work. Come and see!
Jade froze mid -smile. She was being invited
to come closer? That was new. She slowly got
up and gently started walking towards him. She
was hesitant with each step. Surely he wouldn't
want her to get too close. He shuffled through
his sketchbook, took off his glasses, and patted
the spot next to him. Jade's tail fluffed. Next
to him? Okay. She gently dashed over to him,
trying not to make a sound. She was worried if
she was too awkward, he may change his mind for
some reason. As she got closer, her nose picked
up something. Sandalwood. Strong sandalwood.
He hadn't smelled like that yesterday. It was
way too strong, but in a way, matched his mystique.
She gently sat down next to the wolf, wrapping
her giant tail around her legs. Take a look.
I'd love the feedback. Jade took the sketchbook
and the rest was pure enchantment. His art was
stunning. The one he was working on was a beautiful
cheetah descending a grand staircase. She turned
the page. An old fox drinking tea in a beautiful
cabin. Next page. Architecture of a skyscraper
intricately drawn out with small pedestrians
to scale at the base. That one was for a client.
Not my best, but it'll do. Magnificent, she whispered.
He snickered. Oh, come now, I wouldn't say all
that. Jade was genuinely taken back, but not
just from the art. Cedric didn't even flinch
being this close to her. No, really, this is
amazing. Wait, you said client, right? Yes, indeed.
I'm a designer. I help with architectural designs,
but my dream is to design fashion. Jade started
to turn the page. Cedric jumped. Oh, wait. Too
late. Jade looked down and saw a skunk. A skunk
walking confidently down a city street with headphones
around her neck. Jade gave a sly side -eye to
Cedric. The wolf had a very embarrassed grin.
I, uh, I draw from life. You inspired me. Jade's
eyebrow raised. Cedric put on an adorable, awkward
face. Jade's whole face went warm and a full
laugh burst from her mouth. They both started
laughing under the tree. Jade hadn't laughed
like this in, well, like ever. She came up for
air. Are you serious, dude? These are awesome.
I look unstoppable. You think so? Well, yeah.
I'm like doing a superhero walk. I wish. Well,
hey, I draw what I see. He said, pointing to
the drawing. This is what I saw yesterday, and
you are a superhero skunk of awesomeness. He
took the sketchbook gently back from Jade. Using
a claw, he cut out the page from the book. Here,
he said, passing her the picture. Jade looked
at the drawing, to Cedric, and back at the drawing.
Keep it, and never forget how unstoppable you
are. Jade had never felt such pure joy. She reached
out her paws and took the drawing. As she leaned
in, she couldn't ignore the incredibly strong
sandalwood smell. Uh, by the by, she added. Yes?
You, uh, like no offense, are wearing way too
much fragrance. Jade winced. Did that sound way
too rude? Dang it. Cedric's eyes grew wide. Oh,
yeah, my bad. I've always been told I overdo
it. Yeah, sorry about that. I have an asthma.
Jade's eyes went wide. I, um, uh, what? Cedric
chuckled a little and took a breath. Oh, no worries.
I can't smell. In that moment, the world froze.
It almost felt like time itself took a breath.
Yeah, he continued. My friends always used to
tease me because I would put on way too much
deodorant and all that. See, I can't tell, and
I don't want to smell bad, and, well, it's a
whole thing. He grinned. Jade realized she was
just staring. Oh, um, yeah. No, that's fine.
I got you covered. Maybe just one or two spritzes
of fragrance will do it. I actually love wearing
rose and vanilla scents. Cedric raised an eyebrow.
Jade realized. Oh, sorry, they're like sweet
and flowery kind of smells. He laughed warmly.
I'll take your word for it. A small moment passed.
Just a breath. Jade found herself smiling and
just being. Hey, he spoke up excited. You know
that bakery you passed yesterday? I love that
place. Want to join me there tomorrow? Time took
yet another frozen moment. Jade's jaw dropped
and tail flicked in confusion. You don't have
to, of course. No pressure. But it'd be fun.
Yes! Jade said a hair too loud. Uh, duh, that
sounds great. I've run past that place tons of
times and never stopped in. She remembered yesterday's
scowling faces like a knife wound. Good
luck getting me in there. I don't think I'd be
a popular customer. Cedric smiled. Leave that
to me. He brushed his paw on her shoulder casually.
And hey, you're a superhero, remember? No one
can stop you. Jade lopped eyes with Cedric. See
you tomorrow morning? Jade swallowed and the
next words felt like reflex. Definitely. This
has been Osmophobia. The story continues.