As I watch Esme on the hill, picking flowers with the little children, her long white off the shoulder with puff sleeves dress dancing with the gentle breeze. Her hair is loose but keeps on covering her face.
I smile.
Esme looks happier, more open, and she smiles more.
She looks exactly like Mama... but with Papa's blueish gray eyes.
"You seem happier now that she's here." Says Delja behind me. I look over my shoulder, smiling at her she's glowing in the sunset light coming from behind her. Her curly hair is in a half up half down hairstyle. She's wearing a long dress, and the top is covered in shells with shell straps. The skirt is white and yellow.
"I might as well be the luckiest guy in Mar y Tierra! I have my sister back... and I'm with the love of my life, who also happens to be a beautiful princess!" I exclaim, with a big smile.
"Did you tell her yet?" She asks. She sits down next to me.
"No... I'm not sure how to... and I'm terrified if she wants to leave or something." I say sadly, looking down at the grass underneath me.
"Just take her to a quiet place and tell her. If she leaves, there is nothing you can do but honor her wish." She whispers.
"You're right." I admit softly.
"I'm always right... I am the princess of the sea, after all." She teases.
I give her a playful glare.
She giggles.
Even her giggle is a beautiful song that makes my heart skip a beat.
I change my position, then I kiss her, and she kisses me back.
I intangle my hand in her hair while my left hand is cupping her cheek.
"Eeww! You guys are gross!" The children on the hill yell at us.
Delja starts to giggle in the kiss, and I can't help but join.
I move my head a few inches back, looking at her... the most beautiful girl in the universe... it's not just her looks but her personality and her heart.
I kiss her forehead.
I sigh.
"I'll be right back... I just need to teach some kids a lesson." I say playfully.
She giggles.
"Don't be too hard on them now." She says, playing along.
I stand up, looking around. I turn towards the hill where the kids are waiting... ready to run.
Then I run toward them, they scream and laugh as I chase them into the town.
I grab Fay, a small girl with dark red hair with a pink dress on.
She squeals as I lift her in the air.
"Ainsley! Why do you have to be so fast!" She asks, still giggling.
I put her down, and she looked up at me, her light blue eyes shining against her red hair. Her face is full freckles.
"Well, I have to be fast for if the pirates come... I'll have to save everyone." I explain gently, kneeling down. She smiles at me.
"Thank you, Ainsley." She says, blowing a kiss, then she runs off.
"Pirates?" Asks an older voice from behind.
I look over my shoulder, it's Esme, she's holding a bouquet of wild flowers, of all colors.
I stand up.
"Yes, pirates."
"Where are they?" She asks curiously.
"Best, you stay away from those bloody pirates. They're dangerous." I say angrely, not at her but at the pirate that killed our parents.
"Well... I would like to make my own decisions. But I'll take your advice on that one." She says, looking down at her bare feet.
I sigh.
"Thank you. How are you settling in?" I ask, changing the subject.
She clears her throat.
"I'm settling in well. My bruises have healed... but the trauma will live with me." She says sadly.
"Trauma is a wicked thing." I say.
She stays quiet for a while.
"Tell you what... you, Echo, and Coda can go explore the island tomorrow... they'll show you around." I say, smiling.
"Really?" She asks excitedly.
"Yes." I answer happily.
She squeals.
"Thank you!" She says, hugging me tightly.
"You're welcome. But please stay safe... when you see a pirate run as fast as you can." I explain seriously.
"Okay... I will." She vows.
She steps away from me.
"I'm gonna go give these flowers to your girlfriend." She says, walking backward.
I chuckle.
"She will love them." I comment.
I watch her walk towards Delja down the hill. Delja stands up and hugs Esme. After a moment, Esme gives the flowers to Delja, her face goes in awe.
As I watch the two most important women in my life, I whisper to myself, "I really am the luckiest guy in the universe."
YOU ARE READING
The Fallen Stars
FantasíaThis is a story about the descendants of Peter Pan and Captain Hook. When Esme was three, her parents were murdered... now, after moving from foster home to foster home her whole life, she finally found a home. But is it the one she hoped for? Or sh...
