It all Began and Ended with a Tree... Part 8

Hold your horses! Have you read the first Chapter? No? Well here's the link: Chapter 1

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It all Began and Ended with a Tree
Chapter 8

I hold my fingers gingerly over the place where Elle had slapped me. It stings like a thousand needles, nothing new. But there is something to the slap that makes it hurt all the worse.

I lower my hand and bring my other arm up to its level. I look at Elle with an at-a-loss expression. Yet again she surprises me by suddenly breaking into tears and falling against me. I hear her whispering “What did you do to the tree?”

“It wasn’t me.”

“Then who Dave? Who? You made me worry so much!”

“Someone who wanted me gone. It’s a long story, I’m so sorry…”

If there’s one thing in this world that could turn my knees into jelly it would be the sight of Elle crying. I have no idea, but it manages to make me lose my confidence, and it makes me guilty too.
I hold her at arm’s length and I hold her chin softly. I turn her head up softly and looked into her eyes with adoration. She looks straight at me too, a silent conversation takes place. There’s some sort of mutual understanding, words aren’t needed to know what the other is saying. I like it, but it’s weird. Thank heavens we’re isolated on an island.

I take her by the hand and help her sit where she usually sat. I stood beside her, one foot bent and placed on the tree. I find it cool. I’m acting a bit insensitive. I’m giving father’s death a cold shoulder. I can’t let it rule my life just yet.

Elle looks up at me, but I fail to notice the look in her eyes. Her lips tremble and she tries to say something, but she seals them again. I slide down from my position, into a crouch beside her. I quickly realize it as a big mistake, the bark of the tree digs into my back.

I too try to say something, but the courage deserts me. The moment I manage to muster my courage, I open my mouth and I begin to utter what I want to say. It turns out, Elle has the same idea and we stop in mid-sentence.

“You go first Elle.”

“No, you.”

“Okay”

“I’m not sure if I should keep meeting you here…”

“How come?”

“I’m not even sure of my feelings for you…”

“Well, you’re not the only one Elle…”

“WHAT?! You have someone else don’t you?”

“No, no” I say, scratching my head at the peculiar reaction. “I was talking about me.”

“Oh… Well, your turn.”

“I’ve just been offered the post of mayor.”

“Oh… That’s great!”
 
“I don’t want to take it…”

“How come?”

“I think someone better off could lead the town.”

“Well, it’s your life, you make the choices. Just know, whatever happens, I’ll be with you all the way.”
 
“Wait, I thought you said you were unsure of how you felt about me.”

“Hey, that doesn’t mean I can’t be a friend.”

I want so much to kiss her. I’m just trying to be modest and respect her feelings. Were I not, I would kiss her then and there and feel like the happiest man alive.

“I guess so… You know what, I’m sticking with my decision. I’m turning down the offer.”

“Why acting so modest Dave? You can lead people. You’re kind, you’re young, you’re good-looking--“ I am stunned. Elle stops mid sentence and takes a sudden liking of her feet. Again, I cup my fingers around her chin tenderly. I look at her, and I am surprised to see her face cherry red.

“A-awkward… Thanks though… No, I don’t want any part of politics. Besides, there are more people out there better than me…”

“Look at me Dave, look into my eyes. Are you saying the truth?” The question appals me, but I guess it is okay. I figure Elle would like some sense of security.

“Yes… Why would you think otherwise?”

“I just wanted to be sure… Dave…”

The moments pass and we hold each other’s gaze for what seems to be an eternity. I cannot describe the elation and serenity that floods my heart.

The moment is broken by the piercing cries of the birds that pass overhead. We both look up, expecting a flock, but there are only two birds.

My heart, all of a sudden, fills with yearning for freedom, freedom from the problems of the world and freedom from pain, misery and suffering.

We are both here, sitting under the tree, in its shade. We are both looking to the skies, contemplating its depth. I keep thinking that Elle is certainly “The One.” I’m not sure though, and I better not take any chances.

There is something, however, that I am completely sure of already. I’m not taking up the mantle of mayor. It’s too much of a responsibility.

“Hey, Elle. We’re on an island right, since we’re surrounded by water, we should at least take a dip.”

“Maybe next time, Dave. I don’t have any spare clothes.”

“Oh okay… So, what do you want to do?”

“I just want to relax… a lot has happened, you know?”

“Yeah… Tomorrow then?”
 
“Will do…”

The day passes by like a snail. We are sitting there, having the time of our lives. We point to clouds that have funny shapes and then we burst into laughter.
When I take a crack at joking, we would pause for a moment. Melodramatic even, and then, we would burst out guffawing. It’s silly, yes, but it makes me feel like the happiest man alive.
The moment we get bored of staring at the clouds, Elle gets this mischievous look. I have no idea what she’s about to do until she does it. She tickles me.

It’s really as if she has known me since birth. She knows exactly where to tickle me. I can barely breathe and a tear rolls down my cheek from all the laughing. I manage to stand up and run from her.
We end up chasing each other around the tree like children. But then, Elle trips on a stone and falls face first in the stand. I help her up and she brushes the sand from her face.

She then begins laughing. Take my word for it, her laughter is contagious. Soon enough, I’m doubled over having coughing fits because of all the laughing. I think my jaw hasn’t had this much work since, like forever.

I really, really enjoy her company. I even think that’s a gross understatement. Our day ends with a bittersweet note. On one hand, we’re parting already and the fun won’t come around until the next day. On the other hand, it was even better than the previous times we had together.

We part our ways with aching bellies because of laughter. My side hurts from all the tickling too. Elle gets in the boat and makes me laugh one more time. She’s the one that waves goodbye frantically this time. I just wave my hand idly in the air, stunned.

I begin the swim back to the hut. It’s when the bitterness of father’s death sinks in and I cry when I reach the shore. I wipe the tears from my eyes; I have one last stop to make.
The moment I am not dripping we anymore, I dress myself. I start the long trip to the old woman that had offered the position. I knock on her door and she is the one that comes out.
It is the dead of night and I am concerned why she is still up. I walk up to her and I take her hands. I tell her “I’m sorry, but I can’t take the responsibility.”

“That’s too bad… We thought you’d make a good leader. After all, you’re the one that leaves bread with the needy…”

“H-how did you know about that?”

“It’s a small town, dear, word gets around quickly.”

“Well, I believe this town could have a better say at its future. Make it so that the people choose their ruler. Make it a democracy.”

“Very well. We shall do as you say, but will you not take back the mansion at least?”

“No, I’ll just take a portion of the money, just enough to buy some clothes, fix my hut and gain me some sustenance.”

“You know what dear? You’ll make a good leader, but you’ll make a better man. You’re pure of heart, may life bring you fortune.”

“You know what, ma’am? I hope so too…” At that moment, it was Elle on my mind.

I go home and I plop down on my cot. I look to the ceiling, deep in my own thoughts.

I shed many a tear for father. I think back upon all the wonderful times we spent together. But I guess he wouldn’t want me to cry over him. It’s the kind of man he is, he would rather have people laughing at memories of him than crying at his funeral. The thought reminds me that I should at least give him a proper burial. I would think about it come the morrow.
For now, I pray that Elle really is the one. I haven’t had such a time in my life as I do with her. I don’t know, but I feel as though I’ve really fallen for her. But the thought that she might not have the same feelings for me stings.

I fall asleep thinking of Elle. The dreams bring pleasant images because of her, not vivid projections of the terror that Mother wrought. The night is calm, the waves lap at the shore. The crickets sing in the distance and the cawing of the occasional bird echoes. All is well with my world, at least I hope it is so.

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Well, now that isn't too bad isn't it? Such lovers, the two. Here's the next chapter: A Swim to Remember