Beauty in The Eyes Beholder

CHAPTER EIGHT

SEVERAL MONTHS LATER:

The sound of a high-pitched whistle emanates from the heated tea kettle on the stove. A woman enters the kitchen, and quickly pours the hot water into a couple of blue mugs, the sound of rain begins to tatter on the roof. Streaks of rain begin to rundown the kitchen window as the woman puts in a teabag in both mugs. She looks about the kitchen for a moment, marveling at the fact it's been awhile since silence was the prevailing sound.

"Diric, tea's ready!" she calls out, adding some honey and cinnamon into the two mugs.

Dzukya's head slowly pops off the well slept-in pillow, one eye half open. It takes him a moment to get from under the bedsheet and heavy blanket, placing his feet on the floor.

"Coming, Mom." He runs his hand through his messed-up red hair, waiting for his mind to leave quiet hours. Dzukya's face winces while slowly twisting, the lower back is not happy. A couple minutes later, he heads down the wooden stairs, every step makes a short creaking sound when he places his full weight on it. "Good grief, Mom, what are you doing up so early?"

A smile appears on her face as she shakes her head. She gives him a mug of hot tea. "It's half-past noon, dear." She watches her son stopping himself from taking a quick sip, looking over at her. "That's what happens when you work past midnight, Diric."

Dzukya just shakes his head as she walks by, giving him a playful nudge. He looks around the kitchen while his mother takes out a handful of squash rolls, butter and apricot jam. "Where's Dad?"

"Off into town, mainly to the see the butcher...he thinks Algen shorted him on the meat again."

Dzukya pinches the bridge of his nose with two fingers, as he shakes his head slightly. "Algen has lived here on Eriadu for twenty years and dealt with Dad for as long. When will Dad realize that placing a 'various meats' order always means smaller portions?" Both mother and son are about have a laugh when they both hear the sound of a speeder bike approach the homestead. The two of them leave the kitchen and look through the wide window in the living room. They see someone covered in a hooded rain poncho get off the bike. Dzukya's mom instantly recognizes the rider's attire.

"Imperial Military? Why is this person here? Do they need you for something?"

Dzukya can hear the concern in his mom's tone of voice. He re-assures her everything is fine and heads out. 'Let's see what this guy wants.' Dzukya walks onto the covered porch with his cup of tea. "Yes, can I help you?"

"You look good." The person pulls back the hood, taking off the goggles.

Dzukya relaxes his shoulders as a smile quickly appears on his face. "Dammit, Jana! I thought you were someone else. Now will you get out of this rain!"

Olyone gladly does what's she's told. She wipes the rain off her face the minute she's standing under the covered porch. Dzukya offers her hot tea, which she accepts. "I just wanted to see how civilian life is treating you.", says Olyone.

"It's been good thus far." Dzukya then takes a portion of Olyone's poncho near her collarbone, pulling it slightly – revealing a piece of her uniform. "I like the new threads," he nods in approval, "it suits you." He watches as she wipes off the rain from her walnut complexioned face. Her thin jet-black hair has survived the wet weather mostly intact.

"Thanks. Got some news for you: Capt. Verlund is back at the Academy on the planet Carida as a Major. Cap is still on the mend, getting better each month. Which leaves our friend, Pvt. Lenck." Olyone shows a smile. "He's moving to Medical."

Dzukya almost spits out his hot tea while sitting down on the swinging bench. "He's going to be a doctor?!" The two of them look at the clouds as the rainfall gets a little heavier. Dzukya tells Olyone to come inside but she declines.