Waterfall

Chapter 2: Sorry

As exciting as the day was I started to feel the effects of my flight sooner. It did my body good to swim but as soon as I stepped out the shower and sat down on my bed I knocked out. Goddard found me curled up with dried drool. Sleep was something I had an estranged relationship with but the few times we got together it was love at first sight. I've always liked being in the water and having the chance to be in it out in nature was peaceful. I wanted to find out more about that waterfall. The thought of colorful beads sprung forth in my mind like the easy flow of a stream.

"I'm getting a throwaway camera because I need to capture you sprawled out and open mouth snoring, at least once!" he guffawed.

"You do that and the camera is not the only thing getting thrown away"

My stomach growled and it was clear it needed more than I allowed myself to eat earlier. Something about that water gave me a sense of renewal. Being born again. And I woke up reborn and starving. We decided, well, Goddard demanded we go out to eat. And though I felt the pull I would have preferred ordering in again, but he kept insisting.

"Let's go to that Say-Sayray-Loo-Loo thing"

"Ceremonia Di Luna?"

"YES! That Loo-Loo thing"

"I don't know... there's going to be people there..." I said staring off and zoning out at the thought.

"Newsflash, they're everywhere! It's not ending any time soon buddy. Remember what I said earlier about—"

"You know... for someone who has not ever been in my position, you make it seem so easy to navigate when it's not"

"Thanks, it's a gift" he smirked.

"I-I don't even know what to wear—"

"Anything, Austin! Just... lets go"

"I'm not that hungry though"

The rumbling of my stomach pleaded with him too and it was unfortunately loud enough for both of us to quell my hesitancy. I figured some food and fresh air should be enough and I can recover from this whole day once more in my bedroom and decide how to tackle the next day until I hopefully fall asleep again.

We headed out on the borrowed bikes since I really enjoyed riding during the day. I felt braver to ride while it was darker. It just meant I wouldn't be seen and I can easily leave without being noticed. Goddard wanted to take a taxi, but I told him cycling is better and with several eye rolls and instructions on how to get there, we were off.

While cycling I tried to let go of the handles and close my eyes so I can drift away into the cool night air. Perhaps the wind could carry me off into the starry night but instead I was met with screams of my own and of Goddard because I was struggling to maintain my balance. I guess the stars will have to wait.

From afar we heard music and some cheering. The air carried the scent of cooked food and sweet-smelling ingredients. We set our bikes off to the side and walked the rest of the way. As we neared the entrance I could feel my body tensing up. Entrances were something that were very extreme for me. It was either a really good jolt of energy or a really bad frenzy. I tried to reason with Goddard for us to find a different entry point, but he was so swayed by the music and the smell of food. It was like I was talking to a zombie. He was in a trance and hungry.

"Austin Brown!"

We both turn around and see Sherry. She makes her way over all excited. She reminded me of some of the women in my family. I felt safe. Not that Goddard couldn't provide me with a sense of safety. He does, but a woman seems to have this innate sensitivity to being a place of refuge while in her presence, that is unmatched when it comes to the men I've experienced in my life.