Just Love

Venture

Venture- A risky or daring journey or undertaking; dare to do something or somewhere that may be dangerous or unpleasant.

MACY'S POV

Marcus holds my hand the entire walk to the quaint little restaurant in the museum, surprisingly it was more upscale then I imagined. The lighting was dim and it was furnished with rich taste and fancy decor.

The restaurant was deserted, Marcus and I were the only costumers inside, which I liked because it gifted us more privacy and seclusion.

I poured all my nervous energy into pursuing the menu, studying the specials and entrees listed horizontally across the pages. A lot of the dishes I had never heard of so I decided on ordering something simple.

When our waiter comes by I ask for a house salad, but Marcus orders something more elaborate. Salmon, I think, with seasoned spinach.

"So, what was your childhood like?" Marcus asked, curiosity brewing in his coffee eyes.

"It was nice. I grew up in a small neighborhood and sometimes money was tight, but my parents did what they could to support me and my grandparents. I think that's why I'm so thrifty now." I chuckle, reminiscing in my youth.

"Ah." Marcus ponders on my words, soaking up my reply like a sponge. I love how he truly listened to everything I had to say, his eyes hold genuine care, fascinated by any of the utterance leaving my lips.

"What was your childhood like?" I queried. I tried to imagine a little Marcus with brown hair in a tangled mop playing with a toy airplane, amusement clear on his features.

"Well, mine was almost the exact opposite. Unlike yours, I grew up in a very high end neighborhood. Everyone I knew had a lot of money. But that rested a heavy burden of pressure on my shoulders to make my own fortune. It's not a good way to grow up when everyone around you's main focus in life is to earn money. My parents drew large emphasis on getting rich, cash was and still is of great importance to them. But materialism isn't something I relish in, I wish they reflected that. Nonetheless, they are my parents and I love them deeply but we highlight different priories. That a side, I consider my childhood a pleasure and an experience I learned a lot from." He sighs of relief, grinning afterward.

I had always kind of assumed that he grew up in a wealthy household; he seemed more comfortable in formal situations than I was and had the carefree demeanor of someone who had never had to worry about whether or not they could pay their bills. But I never would have imagined that being well off would have added more pressure to his life than being poor had added to mine. I guess the poor have problems as do the wealthy have issues.

A selfish part of me envied his assuagement in financial stability, having relaxation in paying bills seemed unimaginable to my childlike chimera.

Just as my vigilance started to wonder our waiter came by with our dinner, setting the entrées swiftly in front of us. We thanked him, then indulged in our mouthwatering meals, small talking about how satisfying our food tasted. My salad was nice, it wasn't amazing but it sufficed. Food is food.

"What's your favorite holiday?" He questioned, lulling his head to the side, a light smirk spread on his lips.

I thought for a second, remembering all the fond occasions marked on calendars and such.

"I like Thanksgiving." I sat for moment, commemorating all the warm feelings surfacing in my mind and stomach. It was a time the distress and difficulty faded in life. Where my family and I could enjoy a home-cooked dinner, annexing appreciation in everything we've been blessed with.

"My mother and I would spend almost the entire day prepping, cooking, and serving the traditional feast. Dining at the table with my whole family, conversing over delicious food, swapping stories- it's just a happy day. What's yours?"

"Hmm." He mumbled, drumming his fingers on the dining table. "My absolute favorite holiday is the Fourth of July. My father is the mayor of Darling New York, which is just a few miles north of here, and every year the town hall musters up a celebratory party, with picnics and fireworks. It's always lively with festivity, I just love it." He breaths, a cute smile perched on his mouth.

I never would have pinned Marcus as the Fourth of July type of guy. But since he said his dad is the mayor of Darling, Marcus's father probably spurred interest in the holiday when he was little.

After that the waiter came by with our bills, I offered Marcus to pay my half but he shook his head insisting that it wasn't a big deal.

-

"Should we venture?" I grin, gesturing to the museum outside.

"By all means." He said, filling his hand into mine.