Awkward Introductions
ANGELA`S POV
I breathed in deeply as the salty water scent wafted through the air and rode with the wind. I stared out into the endless horizon, taking in the sight. Out in the distance, a small, homey island stood solitary, as if floating on the water. My destination. I already liked the place since 1) I was out on my own for the first time and 2) the surrounding was different. You could actually see the blue sky instead of skyscrapers and smell nature instead of being suffocated by pollution. It was perfect.
The boat docked with a quiet thud as the side gently tapped the wooden dock. I picked up my bag slung it over my shoulder, extending my hand out to the captain, whose name, I learned, was Pascal.
"Thank you for the trip," I said with a smile, to which he returned with a crooked, toothy grin.
"The pleasure's all mine, miss." His hand lingered on mine and he gave me a wink. I yanked my hand away and quickly made my way off the boat. Well, that was disturbing.
There, on the dock, was a short, portly old man who waved me over enthusiastically. By the way he was dressed I could tell he was the mayor, or some important figure. He reached out to grab my hand and shook it mercilessly. Heck, he was using two hands.
"Very nice to meet you, young lady! You must be the newcomer that was arriving today. Well, of course you are since you're the only one here! HAHAHAHA! So I'm guessing you're Angela, correct?" he boomed loudly, still shaking my hand.
I tried desperately to keep my brain from falling out from my ear as he finally released my hand and waited eagerly for me to respond.
"Yes…" I said cautiously, setting my eyes to look straight again. "That's me, heh." I laughed awkwardly, slightly afraid of the small man. "And you're the mayor, yes?"
"Why, of course! I am Mayor Hamilton, pleasure to meet you. Now, come! Let us go to your new home!" He led the way, excitedly, talking now and then about the environment as if it was an advertisement.
The walk was short and soon we came to a stop at the base of a small hill.
"Home, sweet home!" he announced ceremoniously, modeling the house with his hands like it was a prize. That didn't make it seem any better.
The house was beaten up, small and dusty. The roof had holes which were badly patched up and the windows were cracked and barely see through.
I turned my head slowly to look at the small man in disbelief, not believing my eyes. This was my house? How am I supposed to live in this? But, of course, he had more to say.
"Now, I know it doesn't look like much now, but I'm sure you can build it up to look FANTASTIC!" He made a big gesture with his arms, his smile seeming to get bigger by the second. Well, at least he's enthusiastic. "Come by the Town Hall after you have settled in, alright? Payments and such."
Of course there'd be payments. Free land? Pfft. Too good to be true.
Mayor Hamilton, with one last pat on the back, ran back the way he came, almost tripping over his own two feet. The sight was too funny, and I found myself fond of the fatherly man. If only he gave me a better house…
GILL'S POV
I was sitting at my desk, doodling idly on a scrap piece of paper. Elli had called in absent that day, and the Town Hall was a dead silent. I couldn't really blame her, though. I know I would do anything to get away from this awkward silence.
Of course, that silence didn't last all day because, next thing I knew, Father came barrelling through the door shouting and laughing. It almost sounded as if he was crying, but by the look on his face it was more than obvious that he was beyond happy.
"Gillykins! We have a new resident!" he exclaimed proudly. "I told you those brochures would work!" With that he disappeared into his office, but not before giving me a small wink. What's that supposed to mean?
Honestly, I don't know what kind of moron would fall for such a lame attempt at advertisement but hey: it means there was work to be done. My favourite pastime.
Sure enough, a little while later, a short, petit girl came through the door. She had short, brown hair and matching puppy dog eyes. Her nose was button-like and her lips were a rosy pink.
Something stirred inside me and I was suddenly very aware of the temperature. Was the heater malfunctioning? I should look into that…
She strutted right up to the desk and she smiled widely at me before speaking.
"Hi, my name is Angela. I'm the new farmer. It's nice to meet you. What's your name?" Her voice sounded like bells.
I cleared my throat and did my best voice of authority. "Hello, my name is Gill Hamilton. I am Mayor Hamilton's only son and successor of this island. It is a pleasure to meet you." I extended my hand out and shook her small hand. Awkward silence.
"So… I heard I have some paperwork to fill out," she hinted, eyeing the stacks of paper on the tabletop.
"Oh yes!" I scrambled around to find the appropriate documents and handed her a pen. "Let me know when you are finished."
She smiled warmly before jotting down swiftly on the paper. Now that she was distracted, I watched her carefully, noticing how her lips pressed together as she wrote. Her eyes were brown and not the ugly, muddy brown either. It was a thick, chocolate brown that seemed to match her aura. Sweet, bubbly.
Suddenly, her head jerked up and she caught my eye, but didn't break the contact. She smiled sweetly before placing the papers in front of me and turning swiftly.
"I'll see you around, Gill," she called over her shoulder before the double doors closed behind her retreating figure.
I felt I was released from a tight hold and the temperature returned to normal. My cheeks, due to the extreme heat that pooled there, were more than likely redder than a tomato and my palms were moist with sweat. I gulped loudly.
Thank the Goddess Elli isn't here. She never would've let me hear the end of this.
