Living in Fear

Chp 14

Nathaniel had a lot more fun than he thought he would. The night was spent eating, drinking, playing games, sharing stories, and singing songs.

"And there it was!" Moshe said with enthusiasm, "The biggest damn bear I'd ever laid my eyes on. So I got down low, stalking closer, and closer to the giant beast. There was no way I was gonna lose the bet! Once I got in arms reach, I smacked that bear's arse and booked it to the hills!"

Laughter filled the air as Moshe recalled the tale of him winning a bet by smacking a bear. 

"What about you, Nathaniel?" Moshe said after the laughter died down. 

"Me?"

"Aye, any tales worth remembering?"

After a moment of thought, he said, "I have one."

"Then go on lad! Tell us" Moshe bellowed.

Nathaniel leaned back before beginning. "I was young when this happened, barely a man at the time. I was running errands for my mother."

"Aw such a good Lad," Moshe said as he fluttered his eyelashes.

Nathaniel rolled his eyes and continued. "I was to go to the village to get some herbs and spices for a special roast she bought. So I was at the spicemaster's stand looking and smelling all the things he offered. Then the spice master pulled out a tiny black bottle and offered it to me. 'Go on and drink it, lad,' he said. It smelled so sweet and delicious that I took a big gulp. It was vanilla extract..."

The large crowd around him exploded in laughter.

Moshe clapped Nathaniel's back and wheezed, "Oh you poor lad, what happened next?"

"I thought I was being poisoned" Nathaniel answered with a chuckle, "I spat it out and gagged for a good while, but because of it, I got the spices half off for making the spice master wet himself from laughing. Now I don't trust vanilla flavored things to this day."

The group laughed again and continued o share stories. 

Nathaniel listened to the storied with a smile on his face. He felt a tug at his sleeve and looked down to see Petunia looking up at him.

"What is it, dear?"

"I need to tell you a secret!" Petunia whispered loudly as she climbed into his hand

Nathaniel smiled and brought the small girl up to his ear. "What is it?"

"I don't like vanilla either."

Nathaniel just chuckled, "Well thank you for letting me know that. I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

He set her down and let her run around the table, dodging mugs and plates.

At least I'm not alone anymore. Nathaniel thought to himself.

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Hi! I know it's been forever since I've updated... truth be told I forgot...

Sorry!

I will try to update more (hopefully at least once a month like my other story)

Have a great day!

Love Ya!