Chapter 1

33 1 0
                                    

The cool breeze on my face awoke me from my summer nap, finding myself on a hill in the countryside. I sat up so I could see over the tall grass that consumed my presence. Remembering why I fell asleep, I was thinking how life could be changed within a single dream.

I stood up, wiping grass and dirt off my short, jade green peasant dress. This oddly enough did not match my long blond hair that flew around me and my blue hued eyes. I snatched my sandals from the grass then scrambled through the forest. Leaping over fallen branches, hoping on stones in the river and combing through trees until I finally reaching the dirt road. I slid my sandals on and ran up road. I just hope my ride home was still there. And there he was, riding in his old wagon, as always, filled with oranges and potatoes.

“Labon!  Labon!” I yelled to the old man with a snow white moustache on his face and eyes that sparkled with contentment.

“Oh...” he said startled. “There you are Miss. Nakari! I thought I was goin’ to be leaving you this evenin’.”

“You know you would never leave me here. You’re too nice.” I said in a sweet voice.

“Aw shucks miss. Nakari,” the wrinkly man said blushing, “You know I’d never be leavin’ a young lady out here in the middle nowhere now would I? Anyways get on so I can get ya back home.”

“Kay!” I said as I pulled myself up in to the topless wagon. Only one bushel of oranges and potatoes each remained in the cart, with a few stragglers at the bottom.

“Hang on!”  Labon yelled as the small wagon started to pick up speed.

Tightening my grip on the side of the wagon, I made sure that I wouldn’t get hit by an orange, or worse, a potato. The wagon creaked and squeaked its way down the hill picking up speed, all the while Labon was yelling “Get outta the way!” or “Move it or I’ll hit ya!” to the few pedestrians walking up the hill to the small town behind us. At least the people that Labon almost ran over got a few free oranges or potatoes.

“Hang on!” Labon yelled, “Time to take the scenic route.”

I closed my eyes as I felt the wagon yank to the right. I almost flew off the side. Losing my grip I fell in to the sea of fruits and veggies. Being pelted by flying food and sliding back and forth in the wagon made my head spin. Until there was a sudden stop that slammed me to the front of the wagon.

“We’re here!” Labon said, “Was the ride comfier than last time?”

“A little,” I said rubbing my head, and the newly formed bruises.

“Nakari!” a dulcet voice called from the trees.

“Valencia!” I shouted. The woman who stepped out of the trees was only 17, a year older than I, but still, she was much more mature than me. Her light blonde silk-like hair that was almost white was pulled back into a casual updo that had been ruffled from walking through trees. Her eyes were a beautiful ocean blue that were gentle but as stern as a mother’s. She was as skinny as me but her body was much curvier than mine. She also had this natural elegance whenever she walked, including her bending around tree branches to get to me.

“My goodness Nakari, I was getting worried,” She said grabbing my hand and pulling me through the trees.

“Bye Labon! See you next time!” I yelled.

“Yes Mr. Labon! Thank you for bringing her home safely,” Valencia shouted.

“Bye lil’ ladies,” he said as the sound of the wagon buried his voice.

We ran until we bursted onto perfectly cut grass and the smell of roses in the nearby garden. When I opened my eyes I knew I was home. Ugh!

 “Stop pouting, it’s not lady like,” Valencia snapped as we slowed to a fast pace walk.

InfinityWhere stories live. Discover now