Peace
We hit a bit of traffic when we got off the freeway, but it eventually cleared. The sun was beginning its descent, but birds were still flying and the sky hadn’t darkened. We weren’t in Auburn anymore. Other than all the tall buildings, the roads were busy, and there were at least triple the amount of people out walking around. Winding roads curved left and right, spiraling until something sparkly caught my eye. They widened, and I gasped as I leaned forward. The sea. Donny brought me to the ocean. He slowed as we reached a sign that read Alki Beach. We passed by beach goers. People were playing volleyball, sitting and drinking hot chocolate, and others were barbecuing.
Could they even do that?
I was buzzing with excitement when I turned to him. Our eyes locked briefly, and he had a sheepish smile on his face. The smile on my own was genuine. Leaning over, I pressed a chaste kiss to his cheek. It wasn’t flirtatious. I remember one of the times talked to me about the islands. He’d been homesick and talked to me about how they greeted each other. Kisses on the cheeks were normal. No matter where you were, people would hug or kiss. He told me stories of staying up late until the sun came up, but I remember how badly he missed the community and the closeness. Turning from him, I looked out the window as he slowed, reversed, and parallel parked.
He hadn’t even turned the truck off before I pushed the door open and hopped out. It felt like I would break my ankle, but I didn’t even care. I’ve never been to the ocean and felt drawn to it. The sound of a door slamming and his laughter reached my ears. Then he was by my side, grabbing my hand as I tried to cross the street.
“Woah. Hold up. I’ve got to grab a few things. I might need you to carry the blanket,” Donny said.
“Oh, right,” I laughed.
Donny pulled me back toward the truck, and I followed. He let go of my hand when we reached the bed. Reaching in, he pulled out a cooler and a bag of wood. He placed them on the ground and grabbed out a blanket. Handing it to me, I took it. After he had everything he needed, we crossed the street and walked down the stairs. When we reached the sand, my sneakers sank, and I gasped.
“I should have told you to wear sandals, but you can take your shoes off when we find a spot. I think you’ll love the feel of the sand between your toes,” he said.
“I think I will too,” I laughed.
“Follow me,” he said happily.
The tribal designs on his arms flexed as he gripped the stuff. We wandered through the couples, the volleyball net, and the families set up around the beach. When he found “the perfect spot”, we stopped.
We were close enough to the beach to enjoy the view, but far enough that if the tide came in, we wouldn’t have to get up and rush away. He dropped the stuff he’d been holding. My mouth fell open as I stared out at the ocean. It was a beautiful mix of blues. It sparkled and the sounds that reached my ears stroked my soul.
“Do you like it?” Donny asked. Tearing my eyes from the water, I lifted my chin to look up at him. Our brown eyes locked, and I smiled.
“Yes,” I breathed.
“Good,” he murmured.
“Thank you for bringing me,” I said.
“Thanks for giving me a chance. Now spread out the blanket while I set up the fire,” he said.
I spread out the blanket and sat down on it. My heart cracked a tiny bit for him. Not because I had a piece to give him, but because that wasn’t what this was. I wasn’t giving him the chance he thought he was getting. I gave in, agreed to go on this date last night to get him to leave. This was a one and done deal. I would have to set some boundaries with Donny. There would be no more dates after tonight. It made me sad because I liked Donny. I just didn’t love him. Not the way he wanted, but I planned on being honest with him before the night’s end.
I watched as smoke billowed and an orange glow came from between the blocks of wood. Donny set up a table nearby. Not for us to sit and eat on, but for him to prepare our food. I made out sandwiches and chips from where I sat. He boiled water on top of a small burner, and my mouth watered when he pulled out two bowls of spicy noodles. After he poured the hot water in and turned off the burner, he carried my food over. I stared down at it while he grabbed his and sat next to me. I could smell his scent, feel his warmth at my side. Turning to look at him, his cheeks were a light pink, and his big brown eyes darted back and forth between me and the food in front of me.
“It’s tuna. I hope that’s okay. I didn’t think to ask,” he said shyly.
“I can’t think of a time I’ve ever had it, honestly,” I laughed.
“Well, I hope you like it. It’s something I used to eat back home. It’s nothing super crazy or fancy, but I’ve missed it and wanted to share it with you,” he said.
“I’m sure I’ll love it. Thank you,” I said.
Reaching over, I squeezed his arm, and he flexed. I giggled and turned back to my food. It was something he’d made with his own hands and I found it sweet of him. He picked up his bowl of ramen and I did the same. He picked up a sandwich and dipped it, so I mirrored him. I took my first bite and groaned. He handed me a fork, and I grabbed it, dipping it beneath the red broth and taking a bite. Lifting the bowl to my mouth, I blew it and took a small sip. It was hot, but Goddess, it was good. We ate as we stared out at the waves as they crashed on the shore and receded. The fire crackled, and I felt at peace.
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