Far Too Young to Die (Nolan)

[Sienna Reid-Estrada]

It was a Saturday, and as per usual, she sat at her piano, concentrating on a rather difficult piece of music that she had been working to at least go through from start to finish, but in the end, there was no luck. The redhead had been working on it for weeks, but the frustration she had felt was at its max, and she had to just step away. So in its place, a marathon of Sherlock played on the television.

That was, until there was a knock at her door.

There wasn't much surprise within Sienna, knowing full well it was one of the girls she called her friend. They always had something planned, and while she still enjoyed adhering to a set schedule, Saturday's were usually completely open for events such as this.

So when a head of blonde hair appeared in a casual sundress and sandals at her door, she was expecting something that involved dressing up.

"Sienna!" She chirped, inviting herself in with a light shove between Sienna's body and the door.

"What're we doing now?"

"Hot piece of ass at this petting zoo that I just found out about. Leila says that he's as sweet as pie, and mmm do I want me a slice."

Sienna just stared dumfoundedly at the blonde who had just sat down on her couch, grabbing a piece of popcorn.

"And you want me to come because you want me to advocate for you? Anna, you're a mess."

"But I'm a hot mess, right? And you will be too!"

Sienna didn't get to respond as she was dragged towards her bedroom.

--------------

Holly sat lazily against the frame of the couch, watching Anna as she said nearly unintelligible words to Sienna, who managed to get her counterpart in jeans and a long sleeved shirt. Sienna herself wore a gray turtleneck, jeans, knee high black boots and a jacket.

No matter how long she lived in Vermont, she could never get used to the cold.

But as it were, Sienna could only make out the plan of going to the petting zoo and finding the said manager of the petting zoo and chat him up a bit. To which Sienna would insert nice compliments about her personality and whatnot, and then allow them to live happily ever after. 

Something like that. 

Either way, Sienna offered Holly a light brush and a treat before leaving with her phone, wallet, and keys in a small tote bag, listening to Anna chatter with the most excitement she had heard from the blonde in months. 

------------------------


The petting zoo was a quaint, farm-like area that had the barn converted as was the surrounding area into a fully functioning operation. To be honest, a reason why there wasn't much opposition (despite the fact that she wouldn't have won with a no, anyway) was that Sienna did love animals, and the farm type setting reminded her of her family back in Cuba. Except, well, without headless chickens running around. 


"So what does he look like?" Sienna inquired as they reached the admissions area, Sienna pulling out some cash to pay for herself, Anna paying her ticket fare as well. 

"Tall, Muscular, blue eyes that could melt through even the hardest stone..." Anna offered, her eyes shining with excitement that only had Sienna raising a brow at. 

To say Sienna wasn't appreciative of the opposite sex was a lie, but she had never felt compelled to seek out relationships in anything but the platonic sense, so for Anna to be actively looking for it, well, she found it to be a bit odd.

"What if he's an asshole?" 


"No man as good looking as that could be an ass. Plus, word around town is that he's not rude, but super mysterious. What could be more fun than playing chase?" 


"You see, when you start going there, that's when you lose me. I could think of ten things that are better than chasing a guy around who may or may not be into you." Sienna didn't chase, nor was she ever chased. It was simply a fact of her personality. Hell, she hadn't even kissed anyone at that point, but it would be the death of her to say something. After all, it was bad enough they knew she hadn't really dated anyone since 'high school'.

But during that talk, Sienna noticed her rummaging around in her purse for an item, which she most definitely came up short by the looks of her face. . "Oh my god, Sienna, I think I left my phone in the car. I'll be right back, okay?" 

"Okay, just call me when you get back. I'm just going to take a look around." 

Because what did Sienna have to worry about in an area such as this? That, and there were baby goats that she was dying to see. 


-------


A few minutes later, she received a text message from Anna stating that something had come up and that it was an emergency - she also said she had to take the car (It was Anna's car anyway) back home and that she would be back in a few hours to swing by and pick her up. 

There were apologies made, and Sienna couldn't believe what she was reading. Instead of texting "Yeah, okay," like she usually would have, Sienna just offered, "Don't even bother." And it was sent. 

But in that distraction, she ran into someone and staggered back. "Aye!" The redhead hissed between her teeth in surprise, looking up and seeing who she ran into. 

Tall, blue eyes, muscular. 


"I'm so sorry," The redhead said, trying her hardest not to turn red with embarrassment. 

[Deleted]

Nolan was as busy as usual. It was quite a warm day despite the autumn season, which tended to lead to many visitors. Of course this was a good thing. It meant that business was going well and that the petting zoo was a success, but at the same time he didn’t deal that well with a huge crowd. He tended to distance himself some and to keep most of his focus on employees. When something weird did catch his eye, he would approach them to go and deal with the visitor. The fact that he had to explain it step for step meant that more time was needed to resolve something, but that didn’t bother him too much.

Balls of hay were being transported from the food barn to the animals – attracting quite some attention from those around. Kids immediately linked it to animals rushing over to the fence for food, and that meant the distance diminished between them and the cute creatures. It tended to overwhelm the man when a bunch of kiddos flocked around him. His usual way of dealing was giving them a forced smile and to sneak away the second he got a chance. Of course this meant that Nolan had to smooth past the parents as well, but he had gotten rather good at appreciating the looks of the women there.

A small smirk had even been forming on the man’s mouth, head slightly turned at one in specific, when all of a sudden another bumped into him. It took him off guard, making his gaze snap forward and at the just-as-startled redhead. The typical reaction would be to claim that it was alright, but instead he just blinked at her for a second. The look in his eyes possibly gave away that he was considering his options, and in the end he opted for the less polite one.

The shrug of his shoulders might have been barely visible, but moving past her to leave without a word surely didn’t go by unnoticed. All Nolan ended up taking was three or four steps though. A bad feeling rather easily settled on him. The least he could do was check if she was alright. So upon halting, the man halfway turned around again. “You didn’t get hurt, right?”

It wouldn’t exactly leave a good impression if one of the employees would act like that. “I mean, are you alright?”

[Sienna Reid-Estrada]

It was interesting to note that Sienna was used to the typical chivalry that most men were displaying as of late in the time that she lived in Pilot Ridge, do to get nothing but a cold shoulder, the girl couldn't help but gape. Did he seriously walk away without a word. Sienna was a bright and fiery soul, and while she didn't condone conflict, part of her wanted nothing more to make a snappy comment. Him turning back around did a bit to quell her annoyance, but she still bit her lip. After all, if she screwed this up with him now, what kind of wingwoman would she be if he hated her? Anna would kill her.

"I'm glad you finally asked," because that was a little bit safer and less insulting to be said, "Because what was left of my nonexistant ego might have left with you if you continued walking."

Okay, so that wasn't necessarily the most pleasant response.

"But I mean, you looked busy, and --" Sienna paused, finally exhaling on an exhausted sigh, "Yeah, I'm fine. For the most part." She wasn't lying, but she may not have been telling the whole truth either. The redhead was without a ride, without a decent thing to say, and without a friend who was supposed to be the one talking. "Thank you for asking."

[Deleted]

The fact that Sienna didn’t react right away, seemingly accepting him turning his back on her, made Nolan assume she was the kind of girl who let others walk over her. Of course that made it easy for him to pretend nothing happened, had it not been for his sudden realization that the reputation of the petting zoo might be put at stake. After all, she was a young woman who quite probably had some friends with little kids. Then again, he regretted his change of heart the second the redhead pretty much opened her mouth. It caused an inward snarl to take place while Nolan fought to not let it show on his lips.

For a second he wanted to snap that if her ego was nonexistent to begin with, there wouldn’t be a problem. The man held back though, and instead forced a weak apologetic smile upon his lips. “I was busy,” the hostile tone kept down as much as possible. That possibly was the only way to react to her unpleasant replies.

At the same time, however, his temper did settle down ever so slightly when some defeat seemed to shine through on her features. While still tense and keeping his back straight, Nolan did allow a frown to break through the façade.

“For the most part?” He wasn’t that good at reading women, but he wasn’t oblivious enough to not spot something being off. Of course he had no clue what exactly. “It does hurt a little bit then?” The look on his face said ‘what, woman? What?!’.

[Sienna Reid-Estrada]

It wasn't as though she could understand he had gotten upset, but the smile he wore was most definitely fake. To be fair, Sienna was well aware that her sarcasm was showing through even though she didn't necessarily intend for it to be as harsh as it was in the first place.

Of course he was busy - that much came through by the way he was handling the hay barrel, and again how she admitted he did look busy not too long ago. Maybe it was the fact that, once again, her friends have screwed her over in one way or another, but Sienna was just not in the mood for sarcasm or anger. In fact, she opted for a true apology, especially since the man offered a slight consoling gesture in the form of a question. Did it hurt? No.

Maybe she was just getting tired of being walked on. 

"No, I'm fine. I just have jerks for friends, that's all. I didn't mean to snap, honestly I didn't." Sienna started, offering only a legitimate and honest tone, "I just wasn't expecting my day to go like this and took it out on you." She truly hoped that was enough of an apology, because if not, she would really hate herself. And Anna.

[Deleted]

Nolan tended to be filled with either sarcasm or annoyance though. Especially while at work and wanting to stay on track, wanting to make sure nothing went wrong. The last thing on his agenda had to be bumping into someone, even if it involved a pretty girl. Sienna’s tone of voice and the sudden shift of demeanor, however, inflicted a change in him as well. His tension diminished some and he even allowed the hay barrel to rest down on the ground now – a wordless gesture indicating he wasn’t going to walk away within the next couple of seconds. Either that, or it was just getting somewhat heavy.

“Must have been real jerks of friends to take you to a petting zoo,” Nolan offered in response. Of course he was making assumptions here, connecting brief bits of information she provided. The way she stated it, however, easily made him assume her day came crumbling down not too long ago. And since she was strolling around by herself…

A young woman by herself and sad… Perfect situation to flirt. Still, the man was not in that mood as anger slowly settled down. With a soft sigh, Nolan rubbed a hand down his face. He wanted to apologize, but it wasn’t in his nature. So he just mumbled something close to that. “Sorry to hear about your day though.” That would work, right?

“Since your friends don’t seem to be around now, it can only get better.” Little did he know the lack of friends is what caused her to be in her current situation.

[Sienna Reid-Estrada]

"No, that's not what I meant," Sienna insisted then. After all, the petting zoo wasn't the problem; the problem was how she was left there for god knew how long after being dragged over in the first place. The redhead would have felt the same way in any place, at any time. Today, however, it so happened to be a petting zoo - a place that shouldn't have been so bad to stay at. After all, Sienna loved animals.

What she did mean, however, was that Anna was a real jerk to leave her at the petting zoo, but what guy wanted to hear her whining and groaning, especially after acting like a complete asshole to him. He did bring up one good point, though. Her day was already hell enough, being thrust out of her schedule like she oh-so-hated. It had been happening far more frequently as of late, and it was beginning to make her anxious. She had paper work to do. She had things to help grade.

"I'm hoping so. I mean, cute animals are any girl's mood lifter, so maybe I might just spend the day here." And then figure out how the hell to get home, if Anna even decided to come back. It was the best plan she had and it was one that she honestly wouldn't mind putting herself through.

"But you looked busy with that..." Sienna started, pointing to the hay barrel set aside. "I don't think it'd be decent of me to take up anymore of your time." Hopefully his boss didn't see any of that encounter, especially his walking away for a moment, because if she saw that occur, honestly, she would have reprimanded him.

No matter how gorgeous he looked.

"I-I'll let you get back to it all, yeah."

[Deleted]

Nolan had intended his statement to come across as a lighthearted joke, but he clearly was not that good at it. It didn’t mean he bothered correcting her though. They seemed to be on the same line, even though Sienna had interpreted it wrongly. Instead he gave a brief nod to acknowledge her reply. No further information was provided, nor was it required. At least his next remark seemed to keep them on the same golf length.

“And there are quite some cute animals to discover.” The man decided, only for eyes to fall back to the hay barrel. He figured this was indeed good timing to get back on track. The redhead seemed to have figured out how to make the rest of her day better, which meant he could excuse himself without feeling bad about it. Doubtful that he would have experienced such feeling to begin with, but he still justified it in his head.

“I hope things work out for the better,” was the last thing he had said before picking up the item again. And then a nod had been given in a goodbye kind of way. After that, the last he had expected was to see the woman again, especially given the fact that the following hours were spent behind the scenes. Only when the park was closing did he stroll back to the animals to make sure all were fine and well-fed. He always took it upon himself to monitor it like that by the end of the day.

Given it was chillier now, a hoodie and coat had been tugged on in addition to his previous outfit. Nolan was just readjusting the cap, stuck on his back within the coat, when blue eyes landed on a somewhat familiar person. Red hair. The same red hair he had seen before.

“Um, hey?” His voice slightly louder to have her hear him as he approached. “The zoo is closing. Why are you still here? Did no one notify you yet?” His gaze drifted around for a second in search for employees, but he didn’t spot any. Damnit.

[Sienna Reid-Estrada]

The rest of Sienna's day consisted of walking back and forth, taking the few opportunities to touch the animals, watching the way they innocently indulged in the food and company of all the young kids and adults alike. As it got later, there was no sign of anyone coming; as it were, she didn't want to call Anna, and figured she'd catch the bus as soon as she could. But then, as if the world hated her as much as she hated it at that very moment, she realized her wallet was left in the car.

Idiot. Idiot. Idiot.

But as the day left and the night progressed, she watched the last of the visitors leave the zoo. It was when she finally decided to search her phone for somebody to potentially pick her up, she heard a slightly familiar voice permeate the silence. Sienna turned her head.

Mr. Tall and Handsome himself.

"I know," She attempted to keep her sarcasm held within her in that comment, to which she was pretty successful, "But I have no ride and I left my wallet with my friend so I'm basically stuck."

Because that was the simplest way she could describe it.

Cold. Abandoned. Alone. Well, nearly alone. But she didn't feel she would have his company much longer.

[Deleted]

Nolan’s initial reaction would have been to shrug it off and to assume that a solution would be found by Sienna. No wallet and no ride… That was a different case. If only because the person having this problem was located at his petting zoo. He couldn’t just ask her to leave. Well, he could… but then he might end up feeling guilty about it. Might. Plan B was to state that it wasn’t that far of a walk back to Pilot Ridge (if that was where the redhead came from to begin with), but he knew that was subjected to different perspectives and opinions.

Instead eyes lingered on her for a second, taking in small details like her expression and stance. “I could give you a ride back.” The man decided. The suggestive step he then took, even though it was not in the direction of the exit, was joined by a raised eyebrow. “We’ll have to make a small detour to my car.” Might as well add that tiny bit of information, just in case she didn’t trust the direction he was starting to head in.

Once Sienna seemed to accept the offer, Nolan had to work on keeping his walking pace similar to hers. He was so used to rushing from one place to another. The occasional glancing at her from the corners of his eyes, just to make sure she was still tagging along, made him rather aware of the fact that the young woman was not dressed to be out given the temperature and at this hour.

Without making any remarks about it, Nolan shrugged off his coat and draped it over Sienna’s shoulders. She could object if she wanted to or if her pride would not allow this, but he figured some extra warmth could do no harm.

“Maybe you want some coffee or hot chocolate?”

[Sienna Reid-Estrada]

There was no way that Sienna had ever expected the man to offer anything more than a "Well, you're screwed," so to hear such an offer, the redhead's expression changed slightly, the shock clear on her features. Part of her wanted to reject the offer, but what exactly could she do? It may have not been the smartest thing, especially considering she gave him the knowledge that she was without a ride and a wallet.

Most of that should have left red flags, but in the end, she accepted, if only because she had to.

As he stepped forward, quiet as he seemed to be the first time around, she had no issues keeping up with him. It was refreshing getting her blood pumping with the pace that he kept as the temperature plummeted. Sienna was not expecting to be out until the nightly hours, and so she dressed accordingly. Or rather, she didn't dress accordingly.

And then there was the feeling of a jacket covering her shoulders, and honestly, the warmth was more appreciated than he could have imagined. She was not used to the cold. "Actually, that sounds great." Because hot chocolate, marshmellows and all, were one of the only decent things about living in a cold area. The only decent thing about living in a cold area.

"So do you have a staff room around or?" The least she could do was figure out where she was going. And while she was at it, she texted Anna.

Met that guy you wanted to talk to. He's taking me home. If I die, it's your fault. Still at the petting zoo - stand by.

[Deleted]

Telling her that she was screwed had been such realistic reply. The last thing Nolan wanted, however, was to ruin the chance of getting her out of there. As long as a person remained within the property of the petting zoo, the man couldn’t go home. Leaving her on the parking lot pretty much classified as that as well. In other words, he didn’t really have too much of a choice, which he of course would never word like that in front of Sienna.

“The staff room is closed by now.” Nolan replied while hands tucked into the pockets of his hoodie. “My place isn’t that far of a walk. That’s where my car is parked as well.” His replies brief and to the point, informing her that it was where they would have to go either way if she wanted to be dropped off at home. Speaking of home… “You live in Pilot Ridge, I assume?” A light frown arching his eyebrows as he turned his head to her. Better not be an hour drive!

Either way, the man had been correct. At his pace, it was hardly a seven minute walk around the pond which separated the petting zoo from his private property. It was an old farm house (one of the bigger ones) that had been fully renovated.

“You’re not afraid from dogs, right?” Because the barking of one could already be heard from within as he stepped up the porch.