A Meadow Of Wild Flowers

1 Old Gibbs

Uncertainty strangled Meadow like a current winding through a wild river. Eyeing Evers, she stayed glued to her spot. With gritted teeth - Evers looked at anything but her - he spoke, "Get over here." Meadow looked down at his feet where a broken plate rested in shattered pieces. Oh, a similar resemblance of how my life has end up, Meadow thought grimly as she shuffled in his direction.

Once she was in arms reach, he grasped her shoulders in a vice grip. "See how angry you make me? There's no point in arguing, Meadow. You know I always win because I just have your best interest at heart. So, clean up the mess you caused." Evers admired his lovely girlfriend who just stared at the floor before pressing a chaste kiss to her forehead. "I love you. Don't be too long: I won't wait on you forever to start the movie."

Evers released her, stepping away with another quick glance at Meadow and a final nod before walking into the living room, the old floorboards creaking under his weight. Meadow grit her teeth, willing the tears to remain unseen. If there was anything she hated more than being humiliated, it was crying in front of someone; especially if that someone was Evers.

Meadow's feelings for Evers were complex in the sense that she could never really pinpoint what she wanted from him. They'd been together for a little over a year, and she loved him, but most days she wanted nothing more than for him to walk out of the house and never come back. She couldn't imagine the process of separating from him when he was majority of her life now, and she couldn't focus clearly without his guiding hand. But she longed for a peaceful picnic in the soft grass of the yard with fresh berries and a good book.

Gods, how she missed her mother and the times they'd shared in the mossy earth beneath the sun.

"Meadow, I don't hear you cleaning in there," Evers sang from the living room. "I suggest you begin, I've already put in the movie. I'll give you another three minutes as it's only been two - that's a total of five minutes and most gracious of me to lend you that amount of time for such a simple task."

But most of all, some days she really wished Evers misplaced the ability to use his vocal chords and make her feel like a small child he constantly had to scold. It was infuriating, to say the least.

So, before Evers could really begin to get mad again and create another mess as a result, she grabbed the broom that leaned against the counter. Of course, Evers had place it there for her convenience before pointing out her mess like she was a bad dog.

Once the mess of shattered glass was deep in the trash bin and the broom was reunited with the dust pan and propped against the counter, Meadow trudged into the living room. Evers was splayed out in a glorious position across the couch, and Meadow knew what an artist felt when they got the urge to paint such a beautiful specimen to allow a certain image be carried throughout all time.

If there was one thing Meadow would never be able to disagree with in regard to Evers, it'd be that he was simply the finest man she'd ever laid her eyes upon.

Evers looked up and found Meadow staring and shot her a devilish grin. "C'mere babe," he sighed happily, opening his arms. Don't deny the affection: accept it, and watch the movie. Don't cause another scene. Meadow gave a shy smile and leaned into Evers' embrace, curling up into his side. Evers pressed play and the movie began to blare through the TV speakers. "I think we should get better speakers, don't you?" He asked, rubbing her arm softly. "This movie has such potential if the sound quality on the TV was better."

Meadow just nodded along. Don't disagree, just keep him happy, and minimize the daily mess. With a yawn, Meadow watched the movie and felt the rise and fall of Evers' chest. "I meant to talk to you about something over dinner," he began, his eyes remaining glued to the TV. "My father asked that I come work at the firm so he can train me properly for the event that he retires and I take over. Of course, I'll need to leave early in order to make it on time and I'll be home late, but I'll be bringing in good money. What d'ya say?"