Watching him…it made me feel upset. Why did I not go to him? Because it would ruin my look- a tough girl encased in a hard shell. I kept everyone far away from my heart…I had already learned my lesson. I clenched my fist bitterly at the thought of Marlin. Sure, he was cute and all…but he loved Celia. Not me. I saw Eric- that was his name- come up to me, balancing a jar of grape juice on his head. Ugh, not again. I was sick and tired of Eric bringing me gifts- wine, wild grapes, diamonds and rubies…the list went on and on. I loved the gifts…but I had to act indifferent to Eric's efforts. I couldn't make myself vulnerable. Not again. Eric handed me the juice shyly and I accepted the juice reluctantly. I replied by saying my usual drawl.
"Oh thank you. Oh is this for me? Thank you." I mumbled. Eric walked away sadly. As usual. A pang of sorrow shot through my heart, which was usually encased in a steel shell. I tucked the vial into my pants pocket. I walked away from the beach shore, stopping when I heard Kai call my name. It was obvious that Kai liked me…but unfortunately- he was only like my little brother.
"Hiya, Nami..." Kai said shyly. "Want some food…for free?"
"No thank you Kai." I sighed.
"Please?" Kai asked hopefully.
"Fine…gimme the spaghetti." I said.
"Coming right up!" Kai said, grinning broadly. I waited while Kai cooked up a storm.
"Here ya go!" Kai handed me the spaghetti. I ate it and handed some money to Kai.
"No! I told, you it's for free!" Kai said.
"I insist."
"NO!"
"Please? It'll make me happy…" I whimpered.
"Fine…" Kai accepted the money reluctantly.
I walked up to the lake, where I usually stood at this time of day. Eric was waiting there with a bottle of wine on his head. He handed it to me and I accepted. I waited until Eric ran off until I threw the wine bottle into the lake. It sank down to the bottom of the lake, along with my hopes and dreams. I waited there until night. Eric approached me, something in his pocket making a lump.
"What is that, Eric…?" I asked him warily. Eric pulled something out of his pocket shyly. I gasped when I saw it- a blue feather. I backed away slowly. I wasn't ready for this…or was I? I accepted the feather. Eric hugged me happily. I hugged back as well. He walked away happily, leading me by holding my hand. I guess being a softie isn't so bad after all…at least, not if you're with Eric.