What could go wrong when taking a road trip, alone, across the USA after a break up? Well, I can answer that for you.
Your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. That's what could happen. The universe is really out to get me, these days.
That is...
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May 20, 2022
We slide into the large ferris wheel box, a narrow row of metal on each side, leaving empty space in the middle for feet.
James sits on one side of the box, me taking the other. He fidgets with his hand, becoming nervous for the first time since I have ever known him. I don't say anything, waiting for him to start.
"I got you something at the farmers market the other day," he says. "Something other than flowers," his gaze meeting mine.
"You didn't have to. I don't care about presents," I rush to say, hoping he already knows.
"I know. But when I saw it I immediately thought of you." He looks away for a moment before looking back at me, emotion growing behind his eyes. "Growing up in Adler, I often ran into Blackfoot Natives. They are a tribe that live near here. And my whole life I was fascinated by their culture, always wanting to know more. I would ask anyone who I could find to get more information about them, never knowing enough. One day, I couldn't have been more than 8, an elder of the Blackfoot tribe came in to eat at the diner. I watched from afar for a while. He must have noticed because he waved me over and had me take a seat." I listen intently, wanting to know what this has to do with me, but also loving this sneak peak into James's life.
"He told me that in his culture, they believe butterflies, aponi in their language, deliver dreams. Women would often embroider the sign of the butterfly on a piece of leather and tie it in a baby's hair when she wishes them to fall asleep. They would then sing a lullaby to the baby in which the butterfly is asked to come fly over their child and put them to sleep." He reaches for his pocket.
"Well that morning over breakfast you told me the meaning of your name. 'My dream of a powerful woman'. And the story that the man told me instantly came to mind. I mean, what's more powerful than Native women, who have proved their resilience time and time again?" I smile at him, still not knowing where this is going, but loving the story anyway.
"We passed by a few Indigenous tribes, selling their homemade jewelry, but I had no intention of stopping. That is until a little silver shine caught my eyes. When I looked over, I saw this," he holds out his hand, opening it, to reveal a beautiful handmade, silver butterfly necklace sitting in the middle of his palm.
I gasp, bringing my hands up to cover my mouth, flicking my eyes up to meet his once again.
"I knew that it was perfect for you. Just like you've been perfect for me." Tears well in my eyes, threatening to overflow. "May I?" I nod my head, turning around and moving my hair out of the way, so he can clip the necklace on.
Once it's safely fastened, I spin around and launch myself into his arms, wrapping my hand around his neck and crashing our lips together. Kissing him with so much passion, it almost makes me dizzy. Tears are dripping down my face, smearing my makeup, but I couldn't care less.
James kisses me back, with equally as much passion, but pulls away suddenly. "Why are you crying? Are you okay? Did I do something wrong? Did I hurt you?" He panics, his worry multiplying with each passing question.
I laugh, "I'm fine. Amazing. The best I've ever been," I smile as he pauses and looks at me in confusion. "Happy tears, they're happy tears," I laugh, wiping under my eyes.
He shakes his head, still utterly confused, "women are weird." I laugh even harder, leaning in to kiss him again.
