+++ This is a fictional story. +++
I grew up in a small quiet town, where everybody knows everybody. There was only 1 elementary school & secondary school, so all the kids knew each other, and we all pretty much grew up together, hanged out together. I loved the peacefulness & relaxing life here, never thought about leaving. I always thought that I would live the same life like my parents did.
There were 2 boys constantly hanging around me as long as I could remember.
One boy was called Jack. He was an accountant’s son. He was kind, gentle, like an elder brother to me. We studied, read books, went hiking together. He was very knowledgeable. He taught me a lot of things, like fishing & skating. When I was with him, I felt safe and contented. I knew he enjoy my company too.
Another boy was called Jay. He was a butcher’s son. I knew his father wanted him to continue his business, but Jay always wanted to get out of town. He was naughty, resourceful, adventurous, fun to hang out with. We did all kinds of outdoor things together. He was full of surprises & always made me laugh.
One time, I told my parents that I would have a sleepover at my girlfriend’s home, but actually I went for “survival game” with Jay. We were to spend a night in the woods, make our own roof & beds, catch or find whatever we could find. To be honest, I was a little scared doing such “wild” things, but it was so tempting. Also, I knew that I could trust Jay. He would protect me. Indeed, He did most of the work. We built a funny camp with branches and leaves. I covered the ground with the thick blanket that I sneaked from home. He somehow caught a duck by the river, so we grilled it by fire as our dinner. After dinner, we lied side by side to watch the stars on the sky. It was as if the time has stopped, and became constant. We lied silently next to each other, but somehow I enjoyed that quiet moment so much. I thought if he would kiss me, but I waved the thought away. He was my good friend.
When I opened my eyes again, it was already morning. The fire had burnt out long time ago. Half-eaten cold duck meat was still hanging by sticks by our fireplace. I felt warm. Then, I realized Jay’s jacket was on top of me, and his arms were around me too, keeping me warm. I couldn’t help but staring at his sleeping face. Then, he suddenly woke up, and jumped up from the floor. It looked like he forgot where he was. We both laughed like crazy. We gathered all the things and went home separately. It didn’t really change anything. I just had a sweet memory of a fun adventure. That was it.
Then, a few days later, out of blue, Jack showed up at my parent’s bakery at the evening, just when they were closing. He was strangely quiet and serious, said that he wanted to talk to us. My parents invited him home, and we all had dinner at our house together. Jack bought my favorite strawberry pie for dessert.
When we were sharing the strawberry pie and sipping tea peacefully, Jack suddenly stood up from his chair, and looked tense.
“Mr. Alesiani, Mrs. Alesiani, please give me permission to marry June.”
My parents were so shocked that they both stared at me at the same time, maybe expecting me to say something, but I was as shocked as them. I didn’t know what to say. I loved Jack, but as a friend. I didn’t need a husband and didn’t want to a wife yet!!! I just left the table without a word, and ran outside.
Moments later, Jack caught me with me. His face was all red, and he was breathing hard like a cow.
“June, is that a NO?”
“Jack, I’m sorry. It’s a NOT NOW. I want yo see the world, I really do. I can’t settle without doing that.”
“So, you will come back?” Jack did not give up easily.
“I don’t know… Please, don’t wait for me…” I knew I was crying, but I had to spit this out.
Jack didn’t say anything. He just suddenly looked blank and defeated. He turned away and walked away. I guess, Jack was so hurt that he will never forgive me.
A few days ago, I left home quietly with Jay.
Does it mean that I’ m with Jay now? No.
Does it mean that I won’t return? I don’t know.
I just went with Jay because we were good friends, and we both wanted to see the world, but who knows what the world will put upon us? No matter success or failure, I’m sure we’ll have a hell of adventure, and that’s all we need.
+++ The End +++