Honey Tea Lemon Tree

Chapter Seven

I quietly opened the door to Oceanus' bedroom. He lay awake in his bed, and when he saw me, he smiled. "Happy birthday, Oceanus!" I whispered, going over to give him a kiss. It was about seven in the morning, and Daddy wasn't awake yet. 
"Do you want me to give you your birthday present early?" I whispered. He nodded excitedly. I took his hand and led him to the piano. He stared at it hesitantly for a moment, and I tugged his hand. "C'mon, it's okay," I said softly. I sat down at the bench, and gestured for him to sit beside me. "I know it's a little sad to see this piano, but it's part of your present." 
He sat down, and I played the first note. I took a deep breath, and began to sing the song.

"Honey tea, lemon tree, gingham blanket by the sea

Warm and safe beneath the sunshine

Sweet dreams, whipped cream, on a bowl of gelatine

Lavender, vanilla and thyme

Blueberry pie, cinnamon buns

Honey glazed donuts, and fun in the sun

All of these things are sweet, that's true

But nowhere near as sweet as you....."

When I finished, I looked at him. I expected him to be crying, but his smile was wide and warm. He hugged me tight, and I returned the hug. "I love you, Oceanus," I whispered softly. "You're my best friend, and you always will be."

Sure enough, he was. When I learned to drive, graduated from high school, got my first job, moved out of my Daddy's home, and moved into my first apartment, Oceanus was there. Right now, he and I are living in a small studio apartment infested with fleas. I work a job at a retail shop dealing with rude customers. My car is a clunker from 1993. But none of that even matters. I have food, shelter, air, and most of all, Oceanus. He's everything I need, and everything I want. Quite frankly, I couldn't be happier.