My heart pounding, I jumped into the portal.
CHAPTER 4. GODDESS
BRIANA
I woke up relaxed and rested. The image of emerald eyes staring back at me returned. I had been seeing the eyes in my mind over and over again since Wednesday. The rest of the week had been, much to my disappointment, completely uneventful. I couldn’t stop thinking about those eyes. Had a man really been there?
Taking a deep breath, I forced the image out of my mind, turned my body dragging the covers up to my neck and cuddled them. I loved sleeping in on the weekends. It was Saturday morning so it meant no work. Yay!
Except for the fact that I didn’t really do much at the office to begin with, so everyday was technically a day off for me. Actually scratch that, it was better because I didn’t have to go on coffee runs for anyone else. Also, I didn’t have to see Felix’s “I’m the son of the owner, I can do whatever I want,” smug face every time he decided to grace me with his royal presence, which happened almost every day. If I didn’t know any better, I would say he was stalking me. Weirdo. No, today was Saturday and I was off. I could actually spend time with Grandpa this afternoon, before he had to go for his night shift at the library. The question was: what should we do?
I sat up and looked out the window. The sky was blue. The clouds were glorious white cotton puffs. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping.
Well I can’t actually tell if they are or not because I can’t hear them, but I’d like to think they are.
It was a beautiful day outside. I flung my covers off me as I considered my options. “So many places to see, so little time,” I said getting up, and walking into the bathroom. I washed my face, and then rested my hip on the counter while I brushed my teeth. I finished going over all the places in my mind and smiled to my reflection.
“Today is a nature day.”
It had been way too long since she and I had a play date, and I owed my Grandpa a nice relaxing day after the scare he had the other night. I walked through the hallway slowly, careful to not wake him up. The wooden floors were so old they squeaked just from looking at them. Grandpa had only gone to bed a few hours ago.
I stood in the kitchen, making my egg scramble and considered how to spring the news on my unsuspecting victim after he woke up. I had concluded after much deliberation that Discovery Park would be the perfect place. The only problem was that the park was about forty minutes away maybe a bit more from where we lived in the Lake forest park area. Especially with the weekend traffic, and people trying to get through the city. This meant spending gas. And we could only leave around 2pm, after Grandpa had gotten up, eaten and dressed. We would need to return early so he had time to shower, change into his uniform and go to work. That in turn, meant a shorter time to actually enjoy being there. I sighed. I wished we could go tomorrow but Sundays were the only day he didn’t work and usually reserved them for resting the full day, and get some energy before starting the week all over again.
“This is going to be tricky… But Hey I’m a Ginger, I can make it happen.”
After eating and leaving a warm plate of eggs, hash browns and pancakes for Grandpa in the oven, I went upstairs to continue reading my book. I needed to get ready before he was up. If he saw me all prettied up, I smiled while batting my eyelashes and told him my plans for the day, there was no way on earth he would be able to resist my charm.
I silently chuckled at my evil plan and carefully walked back into my room. I took my outfit out of the closet and hung it on the door. Selected the perfect sandals for it, accessories and sat on my bed to finish my book. An hour later I wiped a couple of tears off my cheek and locked my kindle.
“Such a beautiful story, I wish love like that truly existed.”
I whispered to myself and reached for my pillow hugging it to my chest. I lay on my side. My body curled into a fetal position as I thought about the story that had just touched my heart. He had risked everything for her, given everything he had and everything he was to her. He was even willing to give his life for her and he loved her just the way she was. For who she was, not for what she looked like or what she could offer him. He loved her for who he was with her.
True love… Is it really out there? Is it even real?
I sighed and stretched on the bed, lying on my back and stared at the ceiling. I wanted that type of love. The all-consuming, can’t live without each other, will do anything for you, will still love you after I die kind of love.
“No one should be meant to be alone.”
I said just as the floor squeaked outside and I knew instantly that Grandpa was awake. I turned towards my nightstand and the clock announced it was 1:00pm. Excited once again about my plans for the day, I jumped off the bed and started getting dressed.
After I was done, I looked at myself in the mirror and smiled. My off-white, cotton bohemian dress, brushed the floor. It had spaghetti straps, a “V” neck in the front and it laced upon the back. It also had little scattered flowers all over the skirt that looked like they were falling from the sky and on to my body. I twirled feeling the skirt open up with the movement. The material flowed around me effortlessly. It was one of my favorites dresses. It allowed the soft, feminine curves of my body to show without being overly sexy. I wasn’t one of those girls that showed everything. Not because there was anything wrong with that. Grandpa, however, would have a heart attack.
My hair was braided loosely towards one side. A few free strands framed my face, as the braid seemed to flow down my shoulder. It stopped at my chest, where it was tied with a gold metallic band. The rest of the hair fell loosely in waves. And the final touch was one of my special headbands. It was a long strand of cream-colored ribbon with tiny flowers and faux pearls scattered on it. It was placed on my forehead wrapping around my head and tied in the back. I grabbed my golden chain bracelet and put it on. I applied some mascara, a bit of peach blush to enhance the little freckles on my nose and cheeks then lip-gloss. I sprayed my favorite shimmery, fruity body mist and smiled wide catching a last glance at the mirror.
“Yep, I was totally born in the wrong decade. I’m without a doubt, the ultimate flower child.” I rolled my eyes. I was talking to myself, again. “Well, it’s tough to break the cycle.” I chuckled and walked out of the room.
As I descended the stairs I saw Grandpa walking towards me on his way up. He stopped the moment he saw me and smiled wide. I stood in front of him and kissed his cheek lightly.
“Good Morning sleepy head,” I said stepping back to look at him.
His smile broadened as he looked at me, his blue eyes twinkling. “Good morning little Bee. You look absolutely beautiful.”
He paused looking at me pensive. I smiled at him and began batting my eyelashes dramatically, preparing for my attack. But before I could even speak he chuckled, and sighed.
“Yes sweetheart, whatever you were going to ask the answer is yes. Just tell me what you want me to wear for wherever you want us to go, and whether or not I have time to shower.”
I laughed, and hugged him. Grandpa knew me too well. He hugged me back and kissed my temple.
“I could never say no when you look at me that way. I swear you could kill a man with that smile, little Bee,” He said still holding me.
I stepped back, getting out of his embrace and looked up at him. “Ok, wear your beige cargo shorts, light blue polo shirt and tennis shoes with socks. Oh, and no shower. You’ll shower when we get back, before you go to work. I’ll be in the kitchen making sandwiches and filling the water bottles.”
He smiled again, “Nature day?”
I nodded and he beamed.
“Ok I’ll be back shortly,” he said then walked around me and up the stairs.
*
I looked at the beautiful trees surrounding us as we walked down the trail. I loved being here. Everything about this place was special. We had come here through the years and I knew without a second thought that I would never get tired of it. It was home
. The gentle breeze, the warm sun sipping through the canopy of trees, the colorful flowers all around us. It was almost magical. My favorite part was the trees. These trees were so big you would need at least six people holding hands to go around the trunks. The beautiful brown and gray bark, partially covered with moss was enchanting. It was like a beautiful blanket that wrapped gently around it.
Its long and thick branches full of wonderful green leaves spoke of secrets I was dying to discover. I could easily imagine fairies living among its leaves. They were impossibly tall and stood majestically in their home. Like powerful but gentle giants waiting to be called into life. They demanded respect and I was happy to give it.
I took a deep satisfied breath that came out as a sigh, and looped my arm through Grandpa’s. I rested my temple on his shoulder.
“Are you enjoying yourself, little Bee?” He asked. I could hear the smile in his voice. He loved this place as much as I did.
“Like I’ve never been here before, I might as well not have, it has been too long since we last visited.”
“It has,” he agreed.
Lifting my head from his shoulder I let go of his arm and walked out of the trail and into the forest. I heard Grandpa’s footsteps on the grass behind me. I stopped near the tree that had called my attention and looked up. My neck bent all the way back and I still couldn’t see the top. Its trunk was different than the others. It separated in the middle as if to form two trees instead of one. The curve in its center formed a natural cozy seat. I observed the trunk. It divided into two beautiful trees. Yet their strong, thick branches curved and returned to meet each other in between them. They seemed carefully intertwined in a loving embrace. I smiled.
“They are soul mates,” I said and stepped closer. I sat between them. My fingers slowly traced the lines of the bark on my right. “They are born from the same trunk yet they are their own living entity. But they hold on to each other to remain together… They need each other to survive.”
I said turning to look at Grandpa who now stood in front of me.
“Yes they are,” he agreed and looked at them with an unclear emotion. I settled for appreciation.
I smiled and closed my eyes wrapping my arms around the trunk on my right. I sighed while I hugged it. Grandpa’s laughter reverberated through the air. It wasn’t the first time he’d seen me hug a tree, yet he always laughed. I still wasn’t sure if he was laughing at me or with me, but at least he was happy.
“Yes, I am hugging the tree, and you should too. So come on,” I said without opening my eyes. I reached for him. He took my hand and moved closer until he was hugging the tree with me. It was then I heard the giggles coming from my left. I lifted my head to find a family with two little kids. The girl and boy couldn’t be older than five and seven years old respectively. They were clearly tickled by my behavior. I chuckled. “Do you want to hug the tree too?” They shook their heads in response. Their parents seem amused by the exchange. I let go of the tree and walked to them. I bent down in front of the kids.
“Did you know trees are one of the best friends we could ever have?” I asked and they giggled shaking their heads.
“Well,” I said smiling at them. “Would you like me to tell you a bit about them?”
They nodded and sat on the ground ready to listen. I heard their parent’s chuckle. I sat in front of the little ones.
“Trees are beautiful entities that help us every day, even if we don’t know it. They help soothe and relax us. The color green is a calming, cool color that helps your eyes quickly recover from being tired. Their beautiful, long branches and leaves help block the excess sunlight. They provide us with shade, and help reduce the temperature around us when water evaporates from the leaf’s surface. Kind of like a natural Air conditioner.
They can also absorb and block noise, helping protect our sensitive ears. And did you know that they create an ecosystem to provide a home and food for birds and other animals?”
They shook their little heads again and I realized their parents were now sitting on the ground behind them. I smiled at them and I continued.
“Trees absorb potentially harmful gasses that can hurt us from the air and release oxygen, which is essential for us to survive because we breathe it.” I said touching their noses and provoking more giggles.
“One large tree can provide a day’s amount of oxygen for four people. And did you know that even fallen leaves help too?”
They shook their heads. Their little eyes were wide in amazement.
“Well, fallen tree leaves can reduce soil temperature and soil moisture loss. Also, decaying leaves promote soil microorganisms, which are like these tiny little bugs that actually help the earth and provide nutrients for the trees to grow. Then we have more trees and the cycle starts all over again.”
“Wow,” they whispered in unison truly bewildered by the information they had received. The little girl extended her hand and touched my hair.
My spine straightened. I could feel it. The now familiar feeling I couldn’t yet describe.
Was someone here? Watching me?
The feeling intensified. My eyes roamed the trees and bushes slowly. Searching for what had caused the tingling on my skin. I couldn’t see anything.
“You are so pretty. Are you a fairy?” the little girl asked returning my attention to her.
I heard the laughs around us and shook my head. “No I’m not. I’m just like you. I just know a lot about nature.”
“Fairies live in trees. They have wings, and can fly. They have fairy dust too.” She said excitedly, her little eyes twinkled. “Are you sure you are not a fairy?”
I smiled at the hope in her expression. I wished I could say yes. “I’m not a Fairy.”
She nodded in understanding, and continued to play with my long hair.
“So, what do you say? Do you think the tree deserves a hug now?”
They looked at each other and quickly nodded, got up and ran to the tree. They placed their little arms around the trunk, hugging it. Their parents laughed and I got up.
“Thank you,” The mother said.
“You explained that so effortlessly. Are you a teacher?” the Father asked.
I chuckled. “No, I’m an environmental lawyer. I just love nature that’s all.”
We walked towards the tree and joined in the hug. In that moment, the feeling disappeared.
A few minutes later, Grandpa and I reached the beach. We sat on the sand and watched the horizon. We began eating our sandwiches and drinking water. The beach was what I enjoyed most of all. The light grayish sand was soft and cool under my bare feet. It was moist too, refreshing my skin. White tree logs of all shapes and sizes lay across the sand like beautiful beads placed there as adornment. The sun was warm up above, surrounded by puffy cotton clouds in the center of a stunning blue sky. It was truly inspiring. The sea was calm, small slow waves rolled in and out, almost reaching our feet. The sound was almost hypnotic and the breeze danced around us. It caressed our skin in its welcoming performance.
A while after, I looked at Grandpa. He had finished his sandwiches and was admiring the view, a look of utter peace on his face. I observed him while he admired the sea. The sun made his beautiful silver strands and highlights shine sublimely. His lightly tanned skin shimmered with its light. He smiled. He knew I was staring at him, yet didn’t say anything. He just continued to look at the horizon. He had always been comfortable in the silence, which didn’t exactly work out too well for him considering I talked a lot. Like, a lot.
“Grandpa,” I said tentatively.
He turned his head and looked at me with love, expecting me to continue.
I hesitated, but I loved hearing the story.
“Would you tell me my parent’s story?”
He chuckled, “I was wondering how much longer you were going to wait before asking.”
I frowned, “Am I that obvious?”
“No,” he said frankly. “I just know you that well
my little Bee.”
He kissed my forehead and put his arm around my back pulling me to his side. I rested my head on his shoulder and looked at the sea, listening to my favorite story…
The thing about my parents’ story is there was no magic encounter. No love at first sight or chubby little cupid with his shiny golden bow and arrow. No. Their love had been cultivated and harvested. They planted it and watched it grow until it bloomed into a beautiful flower.
They had met when they were babies. My dad, Brian, had been a month old at the time, and my mom, Linette, only fifteen days old. They were formally introduced by their respective parents. Who had been friends for years, and just so happened to give birth within weeks of each other. It was decided then and there, that Brian and Lin should also be friends. Share an innumerable amount of play dates and be in each other lives for as long as they both shall live. Their parents had of course been only joking, but little did they know their wild dreams would actually come true. My parents had grown up being the best of friends and getting into all kinds of trouble. They were thick as thieves. Whenever something crazy happened in their small and very quiet town, chances were they had either been responsible or had at least a hand in it. Brian was, as my Grandpa likes to put it, “high spirited,” and Lin was “adventurous.” This apparently made for a very “unpredictable” combination. When my Dad turned ten, he decided that he was done with the “single life.” It was time for him to “become a man,” and “settle down.” “Take the reins of his life,” or whatever else he always overheard the old ladies say when talking about the single men in town. So he got up early on a Saturday morning, which happened to be my mom’s birthday. Slipped out of the house unnoticed and went to the neighbor’s garden to look for flowers. Once he had obtained the perfect, colorful bouquet, he knocked on my Mom’s door. As soon as her Father opened it, he asked for her hand in marriage. Needless to say, my grandfather had laughed for about a full minute before sobering up. Apparently, Brian’s not-so-amused expression had had its desired effect. He was invited in for breakfast, where Lin graciously accepted the flowers but decided his marriage proposal was not the kind of birthday gift she was expecting. She kind of wanted a doll. Then her Father very politely declined his request, something that highly disappointed my dad. He did however receive a promise. He could return in about eight years, ask again, and Lin’s Father would grant him her hand in marriage. If she agreed of course.
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