I stepped outside on the doorstep of Siba’s house. The party was over, and all the partygoers had left to their prospective homes. I laid down a nearby patch of grass and looked at the stars. It was a great day.
“Looks like the gods finally took pity on your life, huh?”
I looked up, and as…
I wiped my brow and looked at the sky. Redder than the scarf on my neck. Quittin’ time.
I smiled and stretched. It was my last day on the Rippling Walls. My five years of back breaking, hot, sweaty, mind numbing work were finally over. I practically screamed in excitement from punching the time…
I stepped outside on the doorstep of Siba’s house. The party was over, and all the partygoers had left to their prospective homes. I laid down a nearby patch of grass and looked at the stars. It was a great day.
“Looks like the gods finally took pity on your life, huh?”
I looked up, and as expected, two dark, beautiful eyes were staring back at me. “Mind if I sit with you?” Siba smiled.
“Of course, have a seat,” I replied, patting a nearby area of soft, slightly chilled grass. She plunked down right next to me.
“Fun day, huh? Did you like the surprise?”
“I wouldn’t go so far to call it a surprise, but yes, I did.”
“Now what is that supposed to mean?”
“I knew you wouldn’t let this day go by without some sort of surprise waiting for me. Like you’d pass up a chance to embarrass me in front of everyone I know.”
“Well in that case, next year I might as well completely ignore you.”
“Like you’d even be able to ignore my beautiful face.”
“You lunkhead.”
“Windbag.”
We both started laughing and kept quiet for a while.
Siba turned around to face me. “So this is it. Are you nervous about tomorrow?”
“A little. But with a high ranking officer like Kai sponsoring me and the constant studying I’ve been doing? No way I can’t fail.”
She giggled a little bit. “Seems like just yesterday when I first met you at the Windbag Ranch. you’ve grown a lot, and I’m happy for you. It’s almost a little frightening.”
I raised an eyebrow. “How so?”
“I mean, well…You’re this close to reaching your dream as a Marshall, and you did it all by yourself. Five years on the Rippling Walls, with no mother or father looking over you. I feel like you could keeping going forward and forward.”
I felt myself getting warm.
“And although Jawson is paying me well to do his maps and such, I have no idea what I want to do. He’s not gonna be around to help me out forever, y’know? A lot of my life has been spent providing for my siblings, trying to fill the role of my brother. I’m scared that I may get stuck here or something. If that makes sense.” She pushed a few loose strands of hair behind her ear. “It’s stupid, I know. Even if I stay with Jawson, I’m sure things will work themselves out. He does care for my family and I, so that’s always something to reassure me.”
I bit my lip. I had to say something. She almost never said things like this, and it was kinda spooking me out. We sat a little longer in the night air. What happened to all that confidence I had earlier today? Siba was right here opening her very heart to me, and I can’t say a damned thing.
She got up and dusted some grass off her dress.
“Sorry, I went of a rant there. I’m just being worrisome. This day is about you. I’ll see you inside.”
She walked off and closed the door behind her. I sat in the darkness a little longer.
I think that I’m afraid too. Just yesterday I was repairing cracks in the Walls, but tomorrow I might be a Marshall. Things happened so quickly that I’m not sure if I’m ready. And what about Siba? Could I really afford marrying her if I’m sending money back to Ma? I can’t rely on Kai forever and she certainly can’t rely on Jawson.
I thought a while longer and I sighed. I couldn’t get stuck on these things anymore. My life is going to take a 180 tomorrow; I couldn’t be thinking about such worrisome things. I got up, went back inside, and took myself to bed. As I laid in bed, I told myself things will be different. Tomorrow, things will change. It’ll be different. Just wait and see.
I didn’t go to sleep for a while. There was a sick feeling in my stomach.
I wiped my brow and looked at the sky. Redder than the scarf on my neck. Quittin’ time.
I smiled and stretched. It was my last day on the Rippling Walls. My five years of back breaking, hot, sweaty, mind numbing work were finally over. I practically screamed in excitement from punching the time clock for the last time.
A lot of the guys were actually sad that I was leaving. Folks around the Walls warmed up to me ever since they realized I was tough enough to tame Jawson’s young apprentice, and even more so that a rough neck like me can win the favor of such a stunning lady. Every time someone reminds me of my relationship with Siba, I blush a little. I think it’s instinct at this point.
I hadn’t seen Siba for a couple days, but I already knew she was planning something for me. I had blabbed on and on about how I was finally able to quit Mason work to her and Kai for weeks before this day. On top of that, today was my 18th birthday too! For once, things were complete and utter shit in my life! Go figure!
It was a nice evening. Crisp air, roads weren’t too busy, my stomach was ready for Ma Siba’s fresh lunkhead stew. On the way, I decided to think out the next couple of days. First, I’d go with Kai to get approved as an official Marshall. You had to take a test, but I’d been studying during my lunch break at the Walls, so I could ace that thing in my sleep. After, I’d take Siba back home to Ma and introduce the two, and see Ma for the first time. She hadn’t replied to my letters in a while, but I’m sure she just forgot. Finally came to terms with me be safe here, I suppose. Once I do some scout work for the Marshalls and once I get some money in my pocket, I’m gonna get the fattest diamond ring I can find and propose to Siba. She’d never see it coming!
I chuckled to myself once I stepped on her front door. I took a deep breath and looked up to the sky. I started crying. Never have things gone so well. My dream job is just around the corner, I get to see Ma again, and my dream girl is just a couple feet from, probably hiding behind some furniture. I cleaned myself up as best as I could. I’ve never been good at expressing emotions, so I don’t want to explain to them why I was red-eyed and such.
I opened the door, and just as I expected, everyone jumped out and yelled SURPRISE! Everyone I knew was there.
Jawson with that rough beard of his, Kai with his wife and two kids (he recently had a baby boy), some friends at work, Siba’s family, and of course, the mastermind behind it all.
Before I could even muster up a fake scream, a flash of black hair had blinded me, and I was trapped in a tight embrace.
“Happy birthday, ya lunkhead.”
“Thanks, you windbag.”
She pulled back, and of course, she was beautiful as ever. She was practically glowing, in fact. I took the chance to look around and see what they had prepared.
Cake, presents, piles and piles of Caelondian and Uran food, everything.
“Well, what do you think, lunkhead?” Siba questioned. “I worked day and night on all this so you better appreciate it.”
The best I had ever received on my birthday was the scarf Ma had made for me so many years ago. We could never afford anything nice.
But here. Just looking at the decorations alone. I couldn’t help but to start crying.
Jawson chuckled and patted my back with his rough hand. “Aw, come on kid. I know her cooking’s bad, but you haven’t even tasted it yet!”
I managed to move my mouth just enough for a sentence. “I just…don’t know what to say. I’ve never gotten this much stuff before and…I’m just dumbstruck.”
“You should thank Siba, kid. She’s been working overtime and pinching her pennies to get all this ready for you,” Jawson stated as he passed me a handkerchief. “All these fine people have, and for good reason, too. You’re a fine young man who knows the importance of hard work.”
Kai piped in. “Jawson’s right. I’ve known you since you just a little tot, but look atcha now. You’re eighteen and soon on your way to manhood. You’ve helped everyone in this room get through life a little easier and all I can say is, well…I’m damned well proud of you, son.” He sniffled, looked away, and wiped his eye. “Damn Zulwood gets everywhere when you’re not payin’ attention.”
I couldn’t help but show off a big grin. If only Ma were here now.
Siba smiled, and called everyone’s attention. “Enough waterworks, come on,” she said while grabbing my hand. ”It’s your party, let’s have some fun!”
((Expect a post soon.))
It’s been a couple weeks after the whole kiss/date thing. After Siba kissed me, I was so nonplussed, I barely spoke for the rest of the night. I went immediately to Kai’s house and banged on his door. He was putting his little girl to sleep, but I had no clue what to do, how to react, anything. I told him everything.
He wasn’t very proud of me after he heard that I practically ditched Siba after the date, but he was happy to hear that she finally confessed feelings for me. Apparently, she’s been telling everyone how much she liked me except for me.
Not gonna lie. Felt kinda stupid.
He handed me some money to buy as many flowers as I could and go to her house tomorrow. I had no choice; my hands were tied. I couldn’t just leave her feeling like she kissed a guy who didn’t like her. So here’s what I did:
I didn’t want to talk or say anything; I knew my terrible way with words would just make her hate me more. I managed to stutter out one thing though.
“I like you, too.”
We’ve been dating since then.
I felt another tug on my sleeve. Obviously, it was Siba, but she didn’t seem very manipulative this time around.
“Say, would you mind if we took a walk before the picnic? I’d like to work up an appetite first.”
I thought about it. Maybe it was a trick, and she was just wanted to find a place with a lot of people to make my crushing shame more…crushing. But the way she looked, it was. Different. It’s really hard to describe, since I don’t have a way with words, but I think “sincere” is close. I agreed.
I could see why people say come here to relax. It’s so peaceful, like it just comes naturally. We talked for a while, but I couldn’t help but notice something.
Her smiles got a little bigger. Her grip on my hand got a little tighter. Her laugh lasted a little longer. I began to believe that it wasn’t some evil plot that she concocted to get back at me.
It was just an actual date. Nothin’ more, nothin’ less.
Then again, this IS Siba I’m talking about.
I had to find out what her real intentions were.
When we sat down for the picnic, I had to ask her. The sun was going down, but the Gardens was still bustling with young lovers. They just turned on a few lampposts and let loose a couple lightning bugs. I feel like even if they didn’t turn on any lights, everyone would be just as happy with the moon lighting the way home. I swallowed my pride. Time for some conversation.
“You look nice tonight. Like, uh…”
“Like a what?”
“Like a rebirth of the sun…? Uhh, that’s not it.”
She scoffed and chuckled to herself. “Don’t hurt yourself.”
“I’m not great with words. So, uh. Having fun?”
“I am.”
“Can I ask a question?”
“Sure. Shoot.”
“Why’d you make me come on this date with you?”
“Geez, how about taking a girl to dinner first before such intrusive questions?”
“But I am!”
“I really hope that was supposed to clever or sarcastic.”
I felt something tightening in my chest. At this point, I can’t even keep track of what I’m saying. “I’m serious! When I first agreed to this, I swore that you were just doing it to get back at me or something. You know how often I checked around my bed for wild squirts?”
“I only did that once.”
“That was enough! But now I’m just seeing you be all friendly and sweet ‘nd so on…What are you planning? If you want to embarrass me, do it now!”
She looked at me for a while and scoffed again. “You can be so damn clueless sometimes. You’re lucky you’re cute.”
I tried to get again, but the blood flushing to my cheeks made it hard to believe. “W-what is that supposed to mean?”
She was silent for a while, but then she did something I didn’t expect.
She kissed me. Right in the kisser. I blanked out, but I put my arms around her. It felt right. When she pulled off, she whispered something softly in my ear. Something I’d never forget.
“It means I like you.”
“Awww, look at you two! Pretty as picture, if I do say so m’self! I do wish your father and brother could see you now.”
Siba’s mom kept fussing over the two of us, complimenting on every detail that she could see. I could hear her younger siblings giggling in the corner. I made a mental note to kick them when I had the chance.
“Thanks, Ma. I know I’m stunning as always, but today I felt like giving to charity and helping out one of the less fortunate by letting them be seen with me.” She winked in my direction. I gave a scowl. “Ha ha, you are sooooooo funny. Can we get this over with now?”
Siba’s mom let out a huff. “Better check that tone, young man. I expect Siba to come back home on time, with a smile on her face, and a night filled with fun. If those requirements ain’t filled, well…It ain’t gonna be pretty. Got that?”
I mumbled out a “yes, ma’am.” She smiled and practically pushed us out the door. “Have fun, you two~” I sighed and looked away. Tonight was not gonna be fun. It was only by chance that Kai had some formal clothin’ for me to use; he had kept it when he was younger, about my age. I certainly didn’t have the funds to afford such fanciful clothing and was almost forced to wear my cleanest pair of work clothes. Which really wasn’t that much of an improvement from my dirtiest.
I felt a quick tug on my arm, and found myself staring in Siba’s big, midnight eyes. She wore a simple, yet elegant silver gown, as if to counteract her pale skin. It had a black sash sitting on her waist with Ura writing on it. I had to admit, she looked great. It was as if she was a reincarnation of the moon itself. I made yet another mental note to use that as a cheesy line during the picnic. “Sooooo. Where we going to, hmm?” She said this a grin on her face, like she was planning on stressing me out tonight.
“A picnic in the Hanging Gardens. Nothing more, nothing less.”
“I hope you didn’t cook it. I hope for this to be a PLEASANT night, y’know.”
I groaned. “It’s already looking to be a pisspoor one for me.”
“What was that?” She asked me this with her head cocked to side, as if she was trying to look innocent or adorable. “Oh, nothing. Just remembering something from work. Let’s head out before any good spots are taken.” She nodded, agreeing with me (for once).
“You’re right. Let’s hurry up and get going!”
((Even though I hiatus for years on end, not only have my followers maintained, I GET MORE. GOD BLESS YOU ALL THANKIES
I’m gonna do everything I can to make more of these. For the last week or so, I’ve been making plans in my head for future posts, and I think everyone will be pleased with the results! Thanks again so much guys. I really appreciate it. I also plan to make this blog half diary entries/half active events. ))
