Himmels: Yay! People like it so far!
Draculina: Calm down Himmels, its only the second chapter for Christ's sake...
Himmels: But I'm excited! I like writing this one! It is fun! Wheee!
Draculina: Shut up...
Chapter 2
Kings and McKirians
"We hear folks in the city party in Martini Bars,
And they like to show off in their fancy foreign cars,
Out here in the boondocks, we buy beer at Amoco,
And crank up our Kraco speakers with country radio,
We let it rip when we got money,
Let it roll if we got gas,
It gets wild yeah, but that's the way we get down,
In a hicktown."
--Jason Aldean
Out of five shelves, only three of them had books upon them. The last shelf had my dragon statues and figures and the first had my line of movies. On the very top, I lined up my porcelain dolls that my grandmother from Alabama (on my Mom's side) had made and sent me. That lady had a real talent for art and sewing. They were so life-like and the fancy little dresses she made for them were very creative and would have looked expensive if they were real. My favorite one was the brunette in the red.
After finishing the bookshelf, my Dad and Mom lugged up my dresser and put it directly opposite from my bed, so I could put my T.V. on it and watch it while I'm on the top bunk of the bed. Slowly, the room was starting to come together. I put in some of the clothes that I didn't hang in my closet into the first three drawers and used the bottom as the junk one, like I usually did. The desk held my laptop computer and a few random things that I usually find at small stores. It also had my purple lamp on it that was decorated with coiled Mardi Grass beads that I got from a friend's birthday party. I hung a poster of Legolas on one door of my closet and a Stairway to Heaven poster on the other. Jack Sparrow was placed in the inside of the closet behind Legolas and Interview with the Vampire behind Led Zeppelin. These swinging open closet doors were a kick. I searched through the newest box and took out my ipod stereo and put that also upon my desk and then uncoiled the small purple rectangular rug I had in the center of the room.
A soft knock was placed on the door and I answered with a, "Yeah?"
Mom came in then and looked about the room saying, "Wow, you're fast!" she smiled and walked around, "Why don't you take a break. I want to show you the peanut field and the backyard and everything."
The prospect of a break sounded great at this point, "Sure."
I followed her down the stairs and looked about the living room. So far, it was looking great. I ran my hand along the back of the black, leather couch as I walked by it and continued to follow Mom through the kitchen and out the door. The heat and humidity nearly knocked me out and I thanked God that I was wearing shorts. Mom, however, looked virtually unaffected. The sky was a lot bluer then in California, I noticed, and the air seemed so much cleaner. There wasn't the constant cars passing and it didn't seem like you had to be worried about anything. It was like you had all the time in world, unlike Nor Cal where you felt like you always had to move around. One could relax in a small place like this.
So, so, peaceful…
BOOM!
I nearly jumped out of my skin and yelled "Oh, my God!" when I saw smoke coming from behind the McKirian house. I also heard loud laughing and some people yelling 'Yeehaw!'
"What the hell?!"
Mom was unfazed and merely watched the smoke tumble upwards towards the sky, "Oh, that's just the McKirian boy. I found out his name, by the way, it's Link. And it turns out he has a little sister named Saria. She's a lively one."
My jaw hung open slightly as I watched my mom's dauntless face and then asked, "What exactly are they doing over there?"
"Well, judging by the loud explosion, they are probably blowing something up." She said matter-of-factly, "Alright, to the peanut fields."
I continued to look at my mom in disbelief, but ran after her anyway. I turned my head back to the McKirian house as we reached the crops and began to see the back of their house. When I squinted my eyes, I saw a few people putting out a small fire, still laughing loudly. From this distance I wasn't able to tell who was who, but it seemed like there were about 5 or 6 kids.
"Haha, it looks like Link and his friends are having fun." Dad said, shading his eyes and grinning and then looked at me, "Should we go over and meet them today?"
I laughed nervously and replied, "You two can, but I'll stay back here."
"Oh, come on, they ain't gonna bite." Dad laughed.
"Heh heh, I'm not worried about them biting, Dad." I mumbled to myself.
Finally taking my eyes away from the ranch next door, I looked at the long series of peanuts growing upon the ground. I've never seen a peanut plant until today and was surprised to see how leafy it was. The peanuts didn't really even look like peanuts. When I raised my eyes, I saw three people out in the fields all ready.
"Who are they?" I asked.
"Those are just some people to help me out with the place. They'll be more, but those three are just checking things out."
I nodded.
"Oh, and I forgot to tell you!" Dad said beaming, "I own a restaurant here!"
Staring at him I responded with a, "Huh?"
"A restaurant," he nodded, "we'll show it to you later."
"Wait, so we own a peanut farm and a restaurant? Why?"
"It's been passed down. When I left for California, I let someone else run it."
"What is it called?"
"King's Diner."
"Oh, well that's simple enough." I responded.
My Dad's name is Daltus King, my Mom's is Impa King, and I am Zelda King. Zelda Adala King, to be precise. My Mom and Dad were proud of giving me that name. Zelda, in German, meant 'gray battle maid' and Adala meant 'noble' and then the last name King, which I don't need to explain. Not a lot of people speak German, so nobody really put two and two together with the name, but now that I live in an old German town…we'll see what happens. It's not a bad name, its just with the last name King…I get tired of being called Princess all the time.
My parents showed me the rest of the place and I told them my idea about planting a garden between the fence and the house. They liked it, so I'll be planting soon, knowing them. Thankfully, my Dad also said they'll take the truck into town instead of the Mustang. I'd like to fit in just a bit here. The two of them went inside to get ready, but I stayed out and waited for them. To keep out of the smoldering lemon sun, I leaned against a big oak tree that let some of its branches escape to the McKirian property. The old thing was big enough to the point that some of its branches could be walked upon to reach the roof of the house. While waiting for the two of them, I started to day dream about all that's happening. Despite the fact that I liked this place so far, I still missed California. My friends were in California…I'll make sure to send them a post card and e-mail them whenever I can. I wouldn't be surprised if my best friend from my old school already sent a million messages. I'll have to check that as soon as I get back from the trip to town.
Within my own mind, I didn't notice the cowboy that rode up next to the fence, "Howdy." He said.
I snapped out of my reverie and looked at him and blinked, then blushed very slightly, "Uh, hi."
I knew instinctively that this was probably the McKirian boy from next door. He had a big, white smile and shoulder length blond hair, which was covered with a straw cowboy hat with a green feather sticking out of the silver band wrapped around it. He also had bright, blue eyes and slightly angular features. He wore a sand flannel shirt, blue jeans, and matching tan chaps, complete with black boots. Damn, he was just a Southern angel upon his bay colored Pegasus.
"You're the new girl right?" He asked, still smiling happily. He had a thick accent that I found funny. Is this how Mom felt when she met Dad?
"Uh, yes!" I said stepping forward finally and returning his smiled, "I'm Zelda King. Nice to meet you."
He clucked to his horse and had her line up against the fence and then held out his hand while leaning down, "I'm Link Alberich McKirian."
I took his hand, shook it and said, "Alberich? That's German!"
"Haha, so is yours." He smiled.
"Oh…you speak German."
"Of course." He laughed, "You are in Burgstadt, you know. Just about everyone stuck to German a little bit."
"What does it mean?"
Link hesitated and shook his head, "I'd rather not."
"Oh, come on, I'm sure it's not that bad."
"Its bad." He shook his head and laughed, "Anyway, I heard you came from California."
"Yes. This place is a lot different."
"I bet, but don't worry. The Burgan's will break out some form of Southern hospitality."
I smiled, "So I'm a Burgan now?"
"Yup!" he said, "I still say we should be called the Burgers, but they just won't listen."
I laughed and asked, "You go to the high school?"
"Yeah, what grade are you in?" he asked.
"Oh, er, I'm only a sophomore."
"So am I."
"Really?" I said genuinely surprised, "You seem older."
"I'm taking that as a compliment, but yes, I'm but a sophomore. We'll be in the same classes then!" he said thrilled, "I'll introduce you to everybody!"
"Goody," I thought sarcastically, but smiled to him, "That'd be great!"
I was about to ask him what he was doing over behind his house earlier, but I was interrupted.
"Hey, you little redneck, don't flirt with my daughter!"
Link looked pass me with a wide grin and answered, "Better a redneck then a hillbilly!"
My Dad laughed and shook Link's hand when he came up, "So you're Old McKirian's son, huh?"
"Yeah, I'm Link."
"And you've met my daughter, Zelda, I see." He said turning to me with a sly look making me give him a warning glare, but that just made him look even more mischievous, "Yeah, that's our little Princess Zelda."
Link's grin went huge and he looked at me, which only made me flush more.
"Anyway, we're going soon, so you'll have to come and court my daughter a bit later." He told him.
"I'll be sure too." Link laughed and tipped his hat, "See ya, King." And then looked at me with the same mischievous smile that Dad had, "And nice meetin' ya, Princess."
He turned his mare around and loped off.
After making sure he was out of hearing distance I turned to Dad and stated plainly, "I hate you."
He burst out laughing and said, "Sorry, I had to do it!"
"No!" I said to him shaking my head, "No, you really didn't have to do it!"
"I really did," Dad disagreed and then put on a babying voice, "because you're my whittle pwincess." That voice sounded odd with the accent.
I gave up and said, "You know what, let's just go."
He laughed again and put his arm around my shoulder as we walked to the truck that Mom was waiting by. She had a smirk on her face, so I assumed that Dad told her what he was going to do before he came over.
"I like that Link boy." Dad said to Mom grinning.
"That's good, honey." Mom nodded with a smile. Totally sarcastic, the both of them.
I ignored them and hopped into the truck and looked out the window while we drove. When we drove pass the McKirian house. Link and his friends that blew things up with him earlier were in the outdoor arena. He looked up when he heard the truck and then waved. I could practically see his grin. His friends, three of which were girls now that I look closer, turned their heads to see what he was waving and then looked at him again. He leaned closer to them, obviously telling them about me. As long as its good talk, I don't care. On the way there, Dad told me about a few things about the people and the shops and other such. I was half-listening, but mainly off in my own world. I blinked at how quickly we reached the restaurant. I jumped out of the truck and followed my parents in. There were some people in it and they all turned to see who came in. They smiled at Dad and Mom, but didn't recognize me. I put on a bit stronger accent when I was introduced to the man that kept charge of the restaurant when Dad went to California. Everybody seemed to turn back to their meals when they heard the accent, making me sigh in relief.
"Don't worry I had to go through this too." Mom whispered to me, "And good job with the accent. That'll make them like you more. Brush up on your German to top it off."
"Crap, California is nothing compared to this." I said tensely.
"Haha, wait until you become apart of the small town gossip, then this will be worse then California."
"What makes you think that I will be in the gossip?!"
"Everybody is, don't worry about it, hun."
Though I do like Texas so far, it was still so odd to me. When I younger my Mom and Dad took me here to visit Dad's relatives, but I don't remember much of that experience. I was very little older then two, but believe it or not, I did retain a few things that I particularly enjoyed, such as fishing in my grandmother's pond where I caught my first fish and shopping in this little corner store where my Mom bought me some Indian arrowheads. I found myself looking for them in my closet back in California when I first learned of our moving to the land down under. Surprisingly, I found them in my old jewelry box. When I get time, I plan on somehow making one of them into a necklace. On the ride to Texas I also thought about popping off a few rattlesnakes and making the rattlers earrings thinking that those would make me fit in a bit more. Now that I look around this ancient town, it doesn't sound like such a bad idea…and I don't think they'd be that all bad looking.
The only thing that I can't really get used to here would have to be how tiny Burgstadt is. I'm not used to being so far away from an actual town with at least a few fast food places before. Even in California where we were in a town not to much bigger then this, there was still a little pizza parlor we could escape to. And I worked in this little country store where I was friends with everyone. I'll also have to get used to the miniature school. My parents had to drive me out quite a distance to get me to my high school in California where I was put in the middle of city folk. I was used to that, not these microscopic, pint sized schools where I doubted there were twenty to a class. All in all, I hope this all works out for both me and my parents' sake.
I mean, what could possibly go wrong?
After we left the little restaurant and we were back driving in the truck, Dad offered to give me a waitress job at King's. At first I thought that I'd be odd having the daughter of King working at King's, but then I heard that Mom was going to be one of the chefs and I thought again. Maybe it won't be such a bad idea. I can get people to warm up to me that way…well, unless I spill their food on them. I can be clumsy sometimes. Not all the time, but when I get nervous…bad things happen.
I shook my head rapidly to get those thoughts away and told Dad, "Sure, I probably will, but I want to get used to this place first."
"Yes, yes of course!" he said quickly and grinning.
The shops we were passing were very old. They never got passed those old western days, I guess. People were walking on planked porches that led to the doors and large wooden patio roofs were shading them. They looked as though they had second stories in the stores which made me wonder if maybe a family lived upstairs. The plots that the people lived on out farther into ranch country were huge, so if they got too spaced out, maybe they were too far way from the town, so they bought those shops so they'll be closer. Oh, I'm just thinking too much. As we continued to drive, I noticed a few people my age and candidates for being in sophomore class with me.
Oh, God…thinking about school again makes me nauseas.
That next morning, the first day of school…I was so nervous that I could barely eat. I didn't know what to wear exactly; I didn't want to wear something too fancy, but I also didn't want to look homeless also. I settled with a simple pair of faded jeans and a pink tank top. I also put on this Indian necklace with a horse on it that Dad gave me when he went to Arizona one time. I left my hair down and picked up the backpack Dad got me earlier then walked slowly down the stairs. Dad gave me an encouraging and sympathetic smile as I followed Mom out the door and to the truck. Taking that same jump inside that freakin' German tank, Mom started the loud engine and we pulled out of the driveway. I saw in the distance that the McKirian's were also pulling out and were on the road. It seemed at a time like this that the car ride would be extremely slow, but actually it was going to fast. I constantly looked at the speed speedometer to see how fast she was going. Only sixty miles an hour…It feels as if we were going a hundred. In no time at all, we were within the tiny school parking lot. Some of the older students had their own cars, one of which happened to be Link. He was the one driving his old truck and the three people inside it were unidentifiable to me. One was a blond that kept their head bowed, believe it or not, I couldn't tell if it was a boy or a girl, another was a black haired boy, but I couldn't get much of his face because he was facing Link, and the other was a small girl with blond hair also, but with a flaring lime green hat. I arched my eyebrow at the energetic girl who clung to Link happily.
"Well, sugar, are you ready?" Mom asked.
"No, but I'll go." I said sadly and opened the truck door and hopping down, dragging my backpack with me.
"Have fun!" she called, "Meet some friends!"
Yeah, right…
Himmels: Yeehaw, next chapter we right about the school experience! -bounces in anticipation-
Draculina: Himmels, you've got to calm down, you hyperactive annoying creature! Anyway...we only update when our status quota of reviews is filled.
Himmels: And we don't tell you our quota, so yeah, you better just review. Teehee...
Draculina: Thanks for reading and review!
