The Older Generation

Different - Lilly

After the Ninjago Talent Night (which yet again was won by the Royal Blacksmiths) I strolled off to the afterparty on my own.  I wanted to be alone, to curl up into a ball and hide myself but at the same time, I wanted to talk to someone.

Everybody started dancing.  I always love to dance but I was too sad to do so now.  Father had just made an appointment with someone called Wu to check on me because believe it or not, I could control an elemental power.  I never knew I was so different than the rest of my family.  That's why I broke the table, that's why I punched a hole in the wall, and my father knew everything and never told me.

Suddenly, I saw a guy coming towards me.

"Care for a dance?" he asked.

I realized at once that he was one of the Royal Blacksmiths.  I didn't know what he saw in me (I was wearing a zipper and my worst trainers) but I took his hand and danced, danced like we never danced before.  It was very relaxing and fun.  As I properly looked into his black, charming eyes I felt like I was loved again.  I wasn't perfect and nobody is.  I shouldn't try to be.

We went out for a walk after dancing.

"It was really nice dancing with you. You're Lou, right?" I began.

He nodded, "Yes it was.  I think this was the first time I danced with a girl who actually knew how to dance," he said, my face turning pink, "and you're - "

"Lilly," I said promptly, "I used to dance with my father when I was little. Now I'm just angry with him, that's all."

Awkward silence.  Crickets in the background.  But I knew that to stop being angry and upset I had to tell someone.

"You're gonna laugh, but I just realized that I can control a power - the earth.  My father knew about it, he used to do the same before his power was given.  He made me an appointment with someone to look out for me.  I just wish he told me before.  And now I feel that I'm living in a different world, with no one I can explain how I feel.  I'm so - "

"Brave," Lou said, finishing my sentence, "I understand the fact that your father expects something greater of you.  My dad does that to me too.  You've told me a lot of strange things but I believe you."

And then... Lou kissed me.  I pressed my lips against his, enjoying every moment.  We stopped to glance at each other, holding hands.

"Lilly, you're beautiful and I love you.  And I want you to know that I'll be there for you.  Here's my address, you can write to me."

He gave me a paper with his address on it.

"I know we just met, but, I love you too," I said.

We smiled.

"It's going to be a unusual - our relationship, but I'm willing to know you more," Lou said gently.

I held his hand tighter, "Unusual?  I suppose it will be different, of course, but that's what makes it unique."