The Strength of Silence

CHAPTER THIRTY- SIX

   I was sitting out in my back patio on my wooden rocking chair, reading a book after a long day of teaching; it was hard work but it was worth it in the end. I didn't have to watch Gemma today since Anya took the energetic child with her to work. I heard she was a dance instructor so it should have helped tire the young brunette out...

    I took a deep breath of the cool crisp night air and glanced away from the reading material and up at the star filled sky; all was quiet besides crickets chirping as fireflies dancing with their flickering lights. Until...

   A enchanting song was added to nature's melody.

    It almost sounds Celtic...

     With my curiosity peaked, I put my book down, stood, and followed the sound. I only had to walk a few feet as my gaze met with a familiar figure:

    Anya

    She was standing in her backyard with a sleeping Gemma in her arms as she rocked side to side while singing. The mother's long brown hair was swaying elegantly in the wind and her eyes were closed in peaceful concentration. She had on a long silver night dress as the light from the fireflies made the whole scene look magical...

    During the years I have known Gemma and her mother, I couldn't help but fall for the silver eyed woman. We've had coffee at the cafe multiple times and have bumped into each other in various of places due to the many jobs that Anya has. She's a tough woman who's struggled and survived all while raising a child on her own; full of patience, kind, and loving.

    But, I am a bit hesitant to confess to her due to the fear of putting her and Gemma in harms way if ever my enemies were to get a hold of them. I let out a sad sigh as I leaned against the white picket fence that separates the houses before smiling in content as I continued to watch the mother/ daughter duo.

    "Did you enjoy the show, Mr. Strickler?"

    I almost fell off the fence from the shock I received as Anya's bright silver orbs locked onto my green ones. My breath got caught in my throat as my cheeks warmed in embarrassment. Those eyes always remind me of a full moon on a midsummer's night...

    I scratched the back of my neck while stammering, "I-I apologize... Anya!", I pointed to my patio, "I was just reading a book when your singing caught my attention. If I may ask, what are you doing up at this time?"

    The fair skinned mother chuckled softly, "It's quite alright. I was just putting Gemma back to sleep since she woke up from a nightmare."

    My brows furrowed in worry, "It wasn't anything serious, was it?"

    "No, it wasn't. Thank you for asking though."

    I gave her a kind smile, "Gemma is a sweet child, it's only right for anyone to be worried for her."

    Anya shifted the young girl at bit as she placed a strand of hair behind her ear, "You know... her birthday is in a few weeks... you are welcomed to stop by if you want?"

    My heart skipped a beat before a wide grin formed, exclaiming "I would be honored...!", I coughed into my fist to compose myself, "I would be delighted to."

   The older brunette's eyes crinkled in joy as she covered her mouth while giggling, "We'll be looking forward to it then. Goodnight... Walter."

    I watched with an elated heart as Anya walked into her home while breathlessly whispering, "Goodnight."

    ꧁☯︎︎꧂