I'm A Goddess?!

The Thanksgiving Festival!

It was a cold and chilly morning. The sun was just beginning to rise as the villagers began to prepare for Thanksgiving. There was the rich smell of freshly baked bread in the air. Tables were being set, banners were being hung and apples were being gathered for this day-long event. (This part of Spain celebrated traditional holidays; but they also celebrated American holidays because centuries ago, villagers immigrated from America and established this very town).

After waking up bright and early, Eva and the dogs were racing through the forest. She had so much energy from the anticipation of moving to America that she just had to run. The cold air was making her face numb, but she didn't care. To Eva, it felt quite refreshing. They ran and ran until they were stopped dead in their tracks. A stranger with a dark cloak was standing before them. He stood there with his eyes fixed on Eva; not saying a single word. "Umm, excuse me sir. Are you lost?" Eva asked between breaths. He said nothing as the wind ruffled his coat—and he gave an ever so slight smile. "Ok, then." Eva said, a little weirded out. She began to run again, and as she ran past him, he whispered, "Nothing is as it seems." "What?" She stopped to look back, but he was gone. Eva's eyes grew wide. "W-what the heck just happened? Where did he go?" Eva looked all about her trying to find him. Tater and Spud stopped to look back, wondering if Eva was going to keep going. She just sighed. "Let's go back, you guys. The festival will be starting soon." Eva turned around and walked back. "Was-that a hallucination?" Eva wondered as the dogs finally caught up with her. She took one last curious glance behind her, and then headed back.

By the time Eva returned, the people were hustling and bustling with activity. "Eva!" A girl with curly, red hair ran up to her. "Oh, hello Lily!" Eva said as she fixed her hair. (Lily is a friend from school; though they have grown rather distant over the past several years, since, as of late, Lily has been torn between being with people like Eva and being with the popular girls). "Aren't you just excited about the festival?" Lily asked. "Eh, well. To be honest, we seem to be having a celebration every other day, so it's starting to lose its thrill for me." Eva replied. "Oh, I suppose you're right. These sort of things were much more thrilling when we were children. I'm still a bit excited, though!" "Umm, Lily? There's something I have to tell you." "What is it?" "We're...moving." "What?!" In the meantime, Bertha and Craig were setting up their own booth with the delicious pies made the night before. "This is the perfect opportunity to tell everybody." Craig said as he drank some coffee. "Yes, but-it's not going to be easy. I'm going to miss everyone terribly." "So will I. But, it's for the best." Craig said as he looked away. Bertha glanced down as tears welled up in her eyes.

Back at the village, Miguel was strolling around and taking in the scenery. "Heh, dunno why it didn't occur to me that the festival meant no work." Miguel laughed. He stopped and stood before the lake. (This is where Annabelle and Miguel met every single morning). He sat down on the luscious grass and peered into the water, looking at his reflection. "What is she going to say?" Miguel wondered nervously. "My love!" "Annabelle!" Miguel said as he quickly stood up. "My, aren't you jumpy this morning." Annabelle laughed. "Heh, yeah. I guess I am. How are you doing this morning?" "Good as always!" She said, leaning in for a kiss. Annabelle sighed sweetly and said, "You always make my mornings brighter!" "And you make my life worth living." Miguel said as he took Annabelle by the hand. "Want to go for a walk?" She smiled, then said, "You know I do!" She said as they strolled down the cobblestone road. They kept walking until they came across a meadow filled with the more fragrant of flowers. "Annabelle." Miguel began as he faced her. "What is it?" "There's something-very important I have to tell you." Annabelle froze as she held her breath. "We're...moving to America." "What? No!" She cried as tears filled her eyes. "Wait, don't cry! I will stay behind." "You will?" Annabelle asked as she wiped away her tears. "I will. But-only if you can't come with us." "W-what do you mean?" "Annabelle. I love you more than anything! However, I've always wanted to leave this place to explore the world; just like my sister. You have my entire family's permission to join us so that we may travel the world together! Annabelle, I'm really hoping that you will come. But, if you don't want to, then I'll stay." He said as he caressed her face. "Miguel." Annabelle said as she held his hand and closed her eyes. "I really like it here. But, if seeing the world is your dream, then I want to follow you wherever your dreams take you." "You do?" "Besides, it sounds like fun." Annabelle smiled. Miguel smiled as well and said, "Then, we will go together! But, I don't want you to come just as my girlfriend..." "What?" "Annabelle." Miguel began as he kneeled down and opened a little velvet box that revealed a heart-shaped diamond ring that glistened in the sun. "Will you marry me?" "Oh, my God." Annabelle said softly as she delicately covered her mouth. "Yes! Yes I'll marry you!" "Oh, Annabelle!" Miguel said as he rose to embrace her. He slid the ring on her finger and they kissed as the wind blew flower petals all around them.