Big Tree Village

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

“It was nothing,” I explained to Larry as he scooped more green sherbert in to my cup. He nodded and handed the cup to me, my third helping.

“It was something,” he murmured shaking his head. “If it wasn’t something you wouldn’t be here. All crying and such.” He ushered at me and hopped off the stool. I sighed and settled down in to a vintage chair. “Zoey, everything happens for a reason. There’s a reason why Chance has Sarah at his side. There’s a reason why Demona has found love, and you haven’t. Your time will come, it will. Just be patient. Look at me; I’ve been patient for 67 years. Only time will tell if I will ever find love, but if I don’t I will survive. Because I have chased my dreams, I’ve made myself happy. I don’t need another person, I just want it. And if you want it enough, it will all play itself out. It will, trust me.” He was right, of course he was. But trust me. I trusted Chance. And he couldn’t even tell me her name, even though I knew her. He asked me to trust him, so I did. I didn’t think, I just fell in to his arms. The tears built up in my eyes and I reached for the door knob. “Zoey dear, please stay.”

“Larry thanks for the advice, and sherbert. Take it out of my paycheck; can I borrow your car?” I turned towards him. He slipped off his glasses and sighed.

“Where are you headed?” His voice sounded unsure.

“Away.” It was an easy answer, simple. But it was true. I had no idea where I was going. Just, away. Away from Big Tree Village. He chuckled.

“Oh Zoey, if this was Demona or Rocki I would have to say no. But since it’s you, my loyal employee I am going to let you,” he sighed and tossed me the key, “have fun.” He winked and I smiled at him, the tears overflowing my eyes and streaming down my cheeks.

“Thanks Larry, really. Thank you. Oh and I quit.”

I didn’t look back as I raced away from my first and favorite job. I just didn’t want it anymore, Chance so close. So next door.

Larry’s car is small, perfect for him. It was a dark green Lexus GS, 2002. I knew all this from the first day with Larry. He had told me everything about him, including his car. The seats were leather, and it smelled like sherbert. I stuck the key in the engine, it grumbled to life and I was away.

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Siri wouldn’t shut up, actually Peter wouldn’t.

“New voicemail from Peter,” Siri spoke robotically, with no emotion. My father’s voice echoed through the sherbert-smelling-car.

“Zoey. Where are you? What’s going on? Call me, now.” I held the power button and Siri was off. I flicked on the radio. It was only static; Big Tree Village was so far from anything. The sun started setting over the pines and I pulled over. I turned the key, and opened the door. It smelled woodsy, nature. I wiped my tears and stood next to the edge of the road. There was a silver rail, protecting me from falling off this mountain. I leaned back against the sleek car and sighed. I felt the tears rushing down my cheeks, and the sobs escaping my mouth. The bright red and pinks glowed over the trees and the sun was sinking, drowning in the trees. Slowly but surely I was losing it, it was leaving me, like the white speck of Chance’s car. Escaping my view, and there was nothing I could do about it. Escaping my grasp, sooner or later it would disappear completely, leaving me alone in this dark.

“Hey,” Chance’s voice echoed over the mountain rail and in to the world below. I didn’t turn around but I could feel his presence. I heard gravel crunching as he walked over. “Beautiful sunset, huh?” He said putting his arm around me. This simple gesture, simple conversation really made me mad. I flinched as he touched me and backed away. He noticed my tear streaked face. “Zoey, what’s wrong?” He wondered, as if he didn’t already know. I shook my head; I didn’t need to explain everything to him. He sighed deeply, and ran his hand through his blonde hair. So perfect, but yet so oblivious.

Now what? Now what comes next? Chance and I, watching the sunset. This could go many different ways. I could forgive him, I could kiss him, and we could start something. Or I could be a bitch, and keep to myself. And go further away.

“I’m young, and you’re young too.” I begin, the only way I know. He nodded. “But that doesn’t matter, because I love you.” He opened his mouth to speak but he didn’t, so I continued.  “The way you laugh, your big blue eyes. Then when you leave, I cry!” I could feel him becoming uncomfortable. My sudden outburst in song had definitely affected him. “Now all I want is you! Nothing but you! I dream about you, sing about you! I breathe for you! I need you, now. And forever baby. Now and forever baby!” He was walking towards me, his lips so close I could almost taste them. But I had to finish this, once and for all. “Oooooh, but you don’t love me, baby no. I just got here but now I have to go. Because, I see the love in your eyes. The way you ignore me, alright. Because you love her! Now and forever baby! It’s her!” I felt more tears come as he touched my cheek.

“Zoey,” he muttered under his breath. The sun sunk and it was officially dark and silent. I heard a cricket chirp, and I looked up in to the stars. I could feel my heart breaking inside of me, his next words were it. Deciding our faith. Our fortune in his fountain, it could be the perfect moment or not. But whatever he would know, he just would. He is Chance. And he is amazing. “You’re right. It’s her.”