I am aware that the book titles aren't underlined. Notepad wouldn't
let me do that for some reason, nor would notepad allow me to
italicize just those words. Just pretend the two titles are
underlined, lol.
Chapter Eight, Life On Earth:
"Ooof." Serenity landed hard but not too hard. She was in
grass. There was grass for miles as she looked both ways. She
looked around for Wesley. It was evening here. She was not sure if
that was because it had taken practically the whole day to arrive
on Earth, or if morning on the Moon was evening on Earth. She saw
a movement about a mile away. She got up and began to walk toward
the blurry brown spot, guessing it was Wesley since he was nowhere
to be found around where she had landed. She walked toward the
spot, and as it got closer it was apparent the spot was moving
toward her as well. In time she could see that it was Wesley after
all. She began to run. She had been cautious before in case the
spot had not been Wesley, but now she ran at full speed, using her
magic to propel her into his safe arms.
"Oh Wesley. We are here," Serenity said in relief. Wesley
nodded, embracing her.
"This must be one of those fields we read of in the book
Guide to the Lands of Earth," Wesley commented.
Serenity nodded. "So much grass," and she hugged him more
tightly.
"We should sleep here since it is almost night time here,
and I feel exhausted. What about you?" Wesley asked.
"I do not know. I do feel tired, but I am so nervous and
excited I cannot sleep I do not think."
Wesley nodded. "That is understandable dear. Perhaps we
could go look for a nice place to sleep at, and we could look for
the nearest town. One of us should begin looking for a job
tomorrow in town, and then we can save up for a place to live in.
Until then we will have to sleep in this field I suppose. What
do you think darling?"
Serenity nodded. "I think that is a good plan."
So they set out. They found some trees as a forest began
after several miles, and Serenity sighed in relief. Both were
now exhausted enough to simply make their two grass beds and go
to sleep.
Serenity was plagued by nightmares that night.
Nightmares in which Lune, Miriam, and her parents were all
horribly killed, and Wesley and she were taken prisoner by
these fierce guards. She was awakened briefly by Wesley asking
who would go to town to get a job, and she mumbled, "I need more
sleep."
He said, "all right. I will go."
When she woke up the second time, it was later in the
day. The sun was almost midway through the sky, so she ate some
berries she saw Wesley had left for her. It took her a few
minutes to figure out that he had gone to town about the job,
and she still was not sure if that was part of her nightmare or
reality. So, she explored some through the forest looking for
more berries to sustain them for a short while, but mostly she
was just passing the time. She felt anxious, hoping he would
return soon.
It was evening when he returned. They ate some berries,
and he gave her some bread he had gotten from the free samples
at the bakery. He admitted to being tempted to steal, but he did
not give in, mostly due to the fear he would get caught.
"We will be all right a little while longer. We can go
many days without food if we need to Wesley. Did you get a job?"
Serenity asked.
Wesley nodded. "I think so. I have to go back tomorrow
for an interview, but I think they liked me. I hope to be a
secretary at the health club. You would not believe how many
applications I had to fill out. Guess what I used for my name?"
he asked.
"Oh that is right. We cannot use our real names here.
Will they not look into your name though and place of residence
or references?"
Wesley nodded. "I went by William. Just like Lune's
husband."
"Oh, how wonderful," Serenity said.
"I suppose I could go by Samantha again, like when we
first met."
Wesley nodded. "Good idea. Now, how I figured this out
is I told them I am from an orphanage on the Moon, but now that
I have been 18 for awhile I have to go out on my own. I chose
to come to Earth because there were not many opportunities on
the Moon, and I was such a hard worker that I was transported
here by the magical owner of the orphanage. That magical
owner's name was Lune, and I gave her Lune's contact
information. I doubt she will go to the trouble, but if the
manager does, then I am sure Lune will catch on and back us
up."
Serenity nodded. "What a wonderful idea darling, but I
wish we had a way to contact her. I wish she had been able to
teach Miriam and me how to contact each other telepathically
before we had to leave so suddenly." Serenity sighed sadly.
Wesley sighed too and embraced Serenity. "I wish there
had been time for that too. I really do, but have some faith;
we will find a way to contact them. I believe that."
Serenity looked at him and smiled. "I hope so. I really
hope so."
"I would take you into town Serenity, but to be honest
we are probably already wanted on all planets in this solar
system at least, and your hair is so easily recognizable, even
when it is cut. I think we should wait until I get my first
paycheck and get both of our hairs dyed different colors."
Serenity nodded in agreement, and she fell asleep in
his arms. He placed her carefully into her bed an hour later,
and she slept more peacefully that night.
When she woke up, Wesley had just finished gathering
some berries. He sat down next to her and handed her some. She
sat up and ate the berries gratefully. "I hope these are not
poisonous," she said.
"I think I remember seeing them in the book Safety in
the Wilderness as a safe berry to eat, but I am not sure. I
guess we will see," Wesley said apologetically.
Serenity nodded and hugged him. "When is your
interview?"
"At noon, but I am leaving in a bit. I want to make
sure I am not late." She looked up and saw that it was a little
bit into the day.It was perhaps 8 in the morning or so. She
nodded. He got up and promised to be back by evening again.
Serenity was getting hungry at this point, so she
looked for as many berries as she could find. She most spent
the rest of the day having some fun with her magic and the
trees in the field and exploring some more of the forest. When
Wesley returned that evening with more bread samples, she
hugged him eagerly.
"I begin the job tomorrow," Wesley said happily.
"Oh thank goodness," Serenity said. "I am so proud of
you darling," and she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
Wesley smiled. "Thank you Serenity. The first thing we
will do with the first payment next week is buy some food and
dye our hair. We will save the rest all right? Once your hair
is dyed you can go into a town and perhaps get a job too I
hope. Until next week though you will have to stay in this
forest, and we will have to go without much food. I hope I do
not get recognized this whole week. I blend in more so that
helps. People do not seem to have recognized me yet. Or if
they have, they have not said anything."
"I really hope they have not and do not," Serenity
said worriedly.
"Do not worry Serenity. We will get through this,"
Wesley said in reassurance, holding her close.
Serenity smiled. "I love you so."
"And I love you so dearest Serenity."
The first day was the hardest. Wesley left at dawn.
"Work does not start until 8 in the morning, but I want to
make sure I am on time.The town is quite a ways away," he
reminded her. "I am not done until 8 at night, but I will
return with bread samples for you do not worry,"
he reassured her.
"Your shift is 12 hours?" she asked in amazement.
"Well, it is 10, plus we get two hours off in that
time. One hour for lunch and one hour for dinner. I asked to
have more than the usual 7 hour long shift because we need to
save up as much money as possible for food and residence," he
informed her.
She nodded in agreement. "Take care darling," she
said. The week passed slowly, but it was over eventually. When
Wesley came back to the area of the forest with his first
payment, they celebrated with lots of delicious food. The next
day was his one day of the week off, so they went searching
for another town a few more miles away from the first one and
got their hair dyed. Serenity dyed her now shoulder length
hair red, and Wesley dyed his smooth chin-length hair black.
The two smiled and embraced as they left the town, glad that
no one appeared to have recognized either of them. They had
each gone into a different salon in the town so as to not draw
attention to themselves as a couple. They did go back to the
town Wesley worked in to dine together for a nice lunch, and
then they bought a moderate amount of groceries that could be
preserved in the forest and eaten for the week. They agreed no
more restaurants until after they had gotten a place to live.
Serenity looked for work in many places that afternoon, and
she discovered that an obscure, quaint bookstore at the end of
the town was looking for a few cash register clerks. She was
interviewed that day and asked to start that Friday. She also
claimed to be from the orphanage Lune supposedly ran. Neither
of them found out if either of the managers looked into their
contact information, but if they did Lune must have convinced
them it was real because the subject was never brought up or
questioned with either of them. She did not lie about her age,
already thinking she was lying about enough. She simply said
she was motivated to go out on her own, and at 16 Lune felt
she was motivated and ambitious enough to make it on her own
with the help of an older orphan, William. The lady was
impressed by Serenity's maturity and ambition, so she hired
her quickly. Wesley and Serenity returned to their grass beds
in the forest. Serenity would be working 10 hours too, but she
was making somewhat less money as just a cash register clerk
instead of a secretary. Also she was only working five days of
the week as opposed to Wesley's six days.
Since only a bit of Wesley's paycheck was going to
food each week, they managed to save up the $2,000 needed for
the apartment they had both seen and really liked that was in
a reasonable price range. It was September 9th when they moved
in. *Luckily it had been late summer while we were sleeping
outside, * Serenity thought, knowing that on Earth they could
have some very cold winters and rainy falls. She was not sure
if that applied to this place since she only knew that the
name of the town was Knackson. She had no idea where on Earth
they were, but that was all right. She would see soon enough
she supposed.
Serenity's salary was exactly enough to pay for their
rent every month, so they used Wesley's money for the food,
clothes, and furniture. Later they could also use it for any
other extra things they wanted they hoped. They also got free
membership to the health club due to his job. The first night
in the apartment was nice though they knew it would be another
week before they could afford a bed and a few more months
before they had gotten all the furniture for the place.
The place was nice. It was actually a townhouse and
was painted light blue on the outside. The windows had white
shutters, and when one entered through the doorway one was in
the living room. Across from the living room was an archway
through which was the kitchen. There was a hall down to the
left, and there were two bedrooms and a bathroom down there.
The next week they bought two small beds together on their
day off. Serenity also bought a chair for the living room on
her extra day off. Although they were each in separate beds,
they did sleep in the same room. It gave them both comfort to
be in the same room. It was two weeks before they bought the
couch, and another week before they got the kitchen table.
Thus, two months after beginning their journey, they were
settled in so to speak.
It was only a little over a week and a half later
though, on September 25th, that Wesley turned 19. Serenity
had bought him a huge birthday cake on her day off. She
remembered reading about that as the traditional way to
celebrate birthdays here on Earth, and she had paper hats and
confetti too. Wesley smiled happily and called her a big kid
but said he needed that. He was feeling so old lately.
Serenity understood that feeling. They had both had to become
independent, live in a new place under harder conditions at
first, and work jobs for the first time on a new planet
without their parents or friends or even familiar places.
They were both doing well they thought and enjoying
themselves in this new place, but it could get very
overwhelming. They both enjoyed the break to be a child again
for awhile at this birthday party. "Serenity," Wesley's voice
rang out on the cool fall evening. "Want to go with me to the
health club?"
"All right," Serenity yelled back. "Just let me get
my coat."
Tomorrow was Halloween, and they were both excited to
learn about the new holiday. They had both bought costumes,
thinking it would be fun. Though they had learned they could
only hand out candy. They were too old to get some on their
own. "See we need to have a kid," Serenity joked. The truth
was Wesley had never pressured her into sleeping with him,
let alone mentioned actually having sex. Serenity did not
feel close to ready, and Wesley was good with that. Serenity
was planning to dress up as a fairy. She had a light blue,
sparkling silk dress and white sparkling wings that attached
to the dress. Wesley was going to dress up as a magician. His
costume consisted of the blue robe and blue hat with silver
stars on it. They both had bought buckets and buckets of
candy in excitement. They kept some for themselves of course!
At the health club Wesley went to the gym, so Serenity joined
him. She had not come to his health club before except to
catch him at lunch sometimes or just say hi on her day off.
Today though she entered it as a guest and went into the gym
with him. She did not enjoy herself however. She lifted some
weights and ran on the treadmill.
"It is good exercise, and it keeps you healthy,"
Wesley informed her.
Serenity nodded. "I am just not an athletic person,"
she admitted.
"That is all right darling. You do not have to come.
You do get enough exercise anyway, and I like you just the
way you are." He kissed her gently. She went home early, and
she ended up watching a movie alone. The movie was not
enjoyable however; she kept thinking of Miriam and Lune and
wishing she had a way to contact them. She was just beginning
to get used to this place, and she wanted to include them in
her life again. She had so many exciting stories to tell them
about Halloween and birthdays on this planet.
Halloween came and went and so did Thanksgiving. They
both enjoyed that holiday and found it helpful to look at all
the blessings in their life. Of course they were most thankful
for one another and for this wonderful townhouse and their
steady jobs. Neither of them had yet figured out a way to
contact either Lune or Miriam. Although they had told the
managers of the places they worked out where Lune was located
on the Moon, they did not know her exact position
unfortunately and did not know how the managers would be able
to contact her, let alone how they could. They supposed the
managers must have some kind of technology available on Earth,
but they did not know what this technology would be or where
to find it. They knew they could not mail her a letter because
mail service did not go to other planets. Although the Moon
had contact devices similar to the phones on Earth, they were
not the same and would not work between different planets.
Besides Lune did not own one anyway. Miriam surely did, but it
would not work anyway.
They both experienced the rain on Earth for the first
time; it was an exhilarating, strange, wonderful experience for
them both. When winter rolled around, they both experienced
snow. Serenity did not like how cold it was, but she enjoyed
learning to make a snow man and having snowball fights with
Wesley since he got two weeks vacation from work, and she got
one and a half weeks off. She looked in awe at the sparkling
crystals she saw in the snow. They spent Christmas together.
They got a beautiful evergreen tree, and they bought a few
decorations and lots of lights. "We will buy more ornaments
next year," Wesley promised, and Serenity smiled in
contentment. The excitement of opening the brightly colored
gifts and hanging the stockings and leaving cookies and milk
for Santa Claus excited her. She knew Wesley really ate the
cookies and drank the milk, but she still squealed in
excitement when it was all gone the next day. She liked these
traditions and enjoyed celebrating these new experiences with
her own true love. New Year's with its confetti and sparkling
cider was an enjoyable experience for them both as well. In
time Valentine's Day came, and the two of them sat together at
home enjoying one another's company and eating out of a heart
box of chocolates. Serenity had bought it for Wesley, but of
course it was really for both of them Wesley had teased.
Wesley had bought her some beautiful purple flowers. The name
of this exotic looking flower was iris. They drank sparkling
cider again and watched romantic movies. After that they gave
one another massages, and they fell asleep together on the
couch.
As time passed they had their first major argument.
It was the end of March and the beginning of spring. The
beautiful flowers were blooming outside, but some pent up
issues were brewing in the hearts of Serenity and Wesley.
Serenity heard the door open, and she looked at the
clock. *8:10, he must have just come straight home from work.
I thought I asked him to pick up some late dinner tonight.*
Wesley walked into the room. "Hey darling." He gave
her a quick peck on the cheek.
Serenity nodded. "Did I forget to ask you to get dinner
dear? I remember thinking it my head, but we know how forgetful
I can be," she chuckled, though a little upset.
"Oh yes you did, but I was thinking why do we not go
out to eat at a restaurant and then go work out at the gym?"
"You know I do not go to the gym with you. I do not
like working out."
"Oh I know. There are plenty of other things to do at
the health club. You do not have to work out."
"No thanks. I just want dinner," Serenity said in
exasperation.
Wesley sighed. "Do not be like this Serenity. Why will
you not go out to eat with me?"
"Because I am hungry Wesley. I just want to eat. I am
exhausted from my time at the bookstore." Serenity worked from
6 a.m. to 6 p.m.at the bookstore. Unlike Wesley she did not have
exact set times everyday, though it was always 10 hours plus two
hours of break time. 6 a.m. was earlier than her usual shift at
8, 9, or sometimes 10 in the morning.
Wesley shook his head. "Maybe you would not be so
exhausted if you did more than just sit here and watch movies or
play games when you get home."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Serenity asked,
offended.
"I meant what I said Serenity. Get up and do something.
You have not ever gone with me to the health club before. You
have not really made any friends here. You do not go out
anywhere with anyone, me or friends, in the evening. You just
sit in here alone, sometimes with me when I stay."
"So what? We have different lifestyle choices. I like
things quieter. How dare you judge me? You think you are so
great just because you work out? You sure cannot tell that is
for sure."
Wesley's mouth opened. "Wow Serenity. There was no need
to get so angry."
"I am defensive. You attacked me first."
"Serenity darling, I did not attack you. I was simply
commenting. I am worried about you."
"Just shut up, and do not call me darling."
"Fine Serenity," Wesley yelled, upset. "Maybe someday
you will get off your butt and do something, but until then I
am not going to stick around your irritated, boring presence.
Get yourself something to eat," he said angrily.
"Fine, I will. You go out to eat and be your macho
self, jerk," she yelled angrily.
He left, slamming the door, and Serenity cringed
remembering her father slamming doors the same way.
When he returned, Wesley opened the door and walked
into the living room quietly. He found Serenity curled up on
the couch rocking herself back and forth. Wesley sat next to her
and held her in his arms. "I am sorry Serenity. So sorry."
She sobbed. "No, I am sorry Wesley."
He held her and rocked with her. "Did I frighten you
Serenity?"
"Just a little. I am sorry. I know I yelled too, but you
slamming the door reminded me of my father."
"Oh Serenity. I am sorry. I would never hurt you like
that."
Serenity nodded. "I know Wesley. Thank you."
"Oh Serenity. I am just so worried about you."
"Please do not be Wesley. I am glad to be here, and I
prefer to have my time alone that is all. We have different
lifestyle choices."
Wesley nodded. "I accept that. I am sorry."
"Oh, me too Wesley. Me too."
April Fool's day was interesting because Serenity spent
many days contemplating how to trick Wesley. When Wesley came
home, she had fixed him dinner. He eyed her suspiciously. "Is
there something wrong with the dinner?" he asked.
"Oh do not be so suspicious and silly," she responded.
He sat down to the dinner. "Well I am impressed. Thank
you for making dinner tonight. I thought I would have to make it
for the third night in a row."
"Oh come on, I make it as often as you," Serenity said,
annoyed.
"All right, all right," he conceded. "You are right
darling." Serenity smiled and gave him the fettuccine alfredo
she had cooked. "Oh yum delicious," he said, eating a big ball
of noodles as Serenity sat down next to him.
"How was your day at work darling?"
"It was tiring, but all right. How was your day at
work?"
"Tiring as usual, but all right too," she said.
"This is a great dinner. Thank you so much for making
it."
"Ah, you are welcome dearest." He gave her a quick peck
on the cheek, and she smiled. "I cannot wait for you to see what
I made for dessert," she said, joking.
Wesley chuckled. "What is for dessert dearest?"
"You will see," she said, bringing out a chocolate
mousse pie.
"Oh yum," he dug into the pie, feeling a gritty taste in
his mouth. "Oh yuck," he said.
"Ha ha," Serenity giggled. "There is gravel in there."
"What?? Gravel?!!" Wesley went to the bathroom, spitting
it out. "Yuck Serenity!"
"It was the best I could come up with," Serenity
admitted. "I am so new to this."
"It was adorable Serenity. Just like you," Wesley said,
giving her another quick peck on the cheek.
That night, as they lay down in bed, Serenity jumped up
screaming. "There is something in my bed. She jumped up and down
on Wesley's bed. "Hurry, find out what it is. Get it."
Wesley was laughing so hard his face was turning red. He
stood up and turned on the light and held up the fake furry mouse
he had put in her bed.
Serenity's face lit up in a smile. "Awww, it is so cute.
That was great honey. Thank you for that."
Wesley chuckled, and they both went to sleep.
A few days later their next fight came. It was fairly
similar to the last one. It was their day off and Wesley asked
where Serenity wanted to go. "Serenity where would you like to go
for the day? Perhaps we could go bowling or to the park?"
"No thanks. I think I am in the mood for a good movie or
a card game," Serenity responded.
Wesley shook his head. "No way. You have got to get out
of this apartment Serenity. This cannot be healthy."
Serenity shook her head. "Leave me alone. Go to the park
if you want, but leave me out of it."
"Serenity please, come on."
"No, stop telling me what to do. It is my life. Stay out
of it."
"Stay out of your life? It is intertwined with mine. How
the hell am I supposed to stay out of it?" Wesley asked, upset.
"Forget it," Serenity said.
"No, I will not forget it. Serenity this is important.
Where do you want to go? I do not care where. I just want us out
of this apartment."
"So go if you need out. I understand, but you promised
you would accept my lifestyle choice too," Serenity reminded him
as her voice was getting louder.
"This is not a lifestyle choice Serenity. You are
miserable. Why will you not talk to me about it? You have
seriously got to go out and do something. Have some fun, let
loose."
"I have plenty of fun here. Now go wherever you want. I
refuse to go, and you cannot make me," she said angrily.
"Fine Serenity," he said angrily. "I will go. I swear
you are impossible sometimes."
"So are you," she shot back.
"Always have to get the last word in Serenity?" he
asked caustically.
Serenity shut her mouth firmly and angrily.
He nodded and walked out the door.
Serenity cried.
He returned a few hours later, looking refreshed and
apologetic. "Serenity dearest did you cry?" he asked upon his
return.
Serenity nodded.
He sat down next to her and held her in his arms again.
"I am sorry Serenity. I do not know why I get so worked up. I
should not do that. You know I accept your lifestyle choice. I
just think it would help you to get out every once in awhile."
"I go to work everyday Wesley."
"All right. I guess we will just drop this. I am sorry.
Want to watch a movie?"
"All right," Serenity agreed.
However this subject was not dropped and was the focal
point of nearly all their arguments throughout April,
culminating in their biggest fight ever on the first day of
May.
That evening Serenity walked in tired at 8 p.m., and
Wesley was already home. "Oh did you get off work early?" she
asked.
"Yes," he said shortly.
"Is something wrong?" Serenity asked cautiously. *We
have been getting in so many fights. Please tell me we will
not have another one.*
"Nothing," he said.
"Oh Wesley. What is it? I am here darling." She sat
down next to him.
"It is just. Can we go out tonight?" he asked.
"Aw Wesley I just got off a long day at work. I think
I need to rest. You understand?"
"I guess, sort of. It is just that I know that a long
day at work can be tiring, but what if we just do something
small? I really want to go out with you. It has been so long
since we went out."
"Oh Wesley, please do not start this again. Not
tonight."
"Not ever," Wesley said in a biting tone.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Serenity asked, upset.
"It means you never want to discuss this topic. You
will never even consider going out sometime."
"We went out for dinner last week," Serenity shot back.
"Yeah, yeah. You will give in for a dinner on occasion,
but you mostly live in this apartment. It is driving me crazy."
"Oh great, now I drive you crazy. Well then why do you
not just find some other girl who will go out with you Wesley?
I am certainly not good enough," Serenity said angrily.
"Serenity you know I do not want anyone but you, but
for goodness sakes at least admit that you have a problem."
"I do not have ANY problem mister. You are the one with
the freaking problem."
"God, get out of your freaking denial Serenity."
Serenity's mouth opened. "How dare you say that to me?"
"Oh what, I cannot say that to the Princess? Excuse me
Miss Princess. I guess it would be too much to ask the high
and mighty to leave her castle."
"Fuck you," Serenity said angrily, running to their
room and shutting and locking the door.
"Serenity, open this door." Wesley was pounding on the
door.
"NO!" Serenity yelled.
"Serenity I am serious. We are going out tonight."
"And I am serious. You are sleeping on the floor in the
other bedroom or on the couch in the living room you asshole."
"Stop cussing at me Serenity and open the door."
"Stop being an ass, and I will not have to call you
one."
Wesley sighed and left. He did sleep on the couch that
night. The next day Serenity had unlocked the door, and he came
into the bedroom. Serenity had a worried look on her face. When
he went to his closet, she asked hesitantly. "Are you leaving?"
"What?" Wesley asked, surprised. "Of course not."
"I am sorry for what I said. I should not have called
you those names," Serenity said apologetically.
Wesley nodded. "I am sorry too Serenity. You have never
acted all high and mighty or flaunted your princess status. I
just wish that I knew why you never want to leave the house."
Tears streamed down Serenity's eyes. "Nothing is fun
here anymore Wesley. I enjoy being with you, but I do not enjoy
being with these people." Wesley sat next to her and held her in
his arms as she sobbed and continued. "I want lunar beings. I do
not understand so many of these people. I get so confused, and
some of them make fun of me at work for it. I miss Miriam. I
miss Lune. I miss Darla. I miss my friends. I miss my home
Wesley. I miss it so bad; it tears at my heart every single
day."
Wesley nodded. "I am so sorry Serenity. I miss my
parents and home so much too. I understand. I guess I am the
opposite of you. I lose myself in becoming busy and going out
all the time. You get so depressed you just sit in the house and
lose yourself in the movies or games. We both need to work on
this. We need to work through it. We cannot go back there. At
least not now. I hope we will see that place, and those people
again Serenity. I truly do, but we have to make the best of
here. I will help you."
"I will help you too," Serenity sniffled.
"I know you will darling," Wesley said quietly, rocking
with her. "I wish so badly I could take all your pain away, but
we will get through this. We will always miss them, but I think
the hole in our hearts will become less and less."
"And the days brighter and brighter?" Serenity asked
hopefully.
"Oh yes Serenity."
"I hope so," Serenity said.
"Me too. Me too," Wesley agreed. "How about we make some
kind of agreement? I will try to manage to stay in here four
nights of the week: watch a movie, enjoy a game with you, or
whatever, but the other three nights you will go out with me.
Maybe to the health club one of those nights?"
Serenity nodded. "All right, you are right, but the
health club?" she asked.
"I think you could find something to do besides the gym.
There is so much there. Just one night please," he asked.
"All right. Since I get one more night at home, you get
the health club one night. That is fair. This will be so hard."
"I know Serenity, but I have to learn to face this thing
instead of running from it and burying myself in things to do,
and you need to learn to get moving again and get out of this
funk you are in."
Serenity nodded, and they rocked together for their day
off. That night Serenity even went for a walk with him through
the park. They held hands the entire time. "Oh Serenity, I am
so proud of you," he told her that night.
"You are? Really?" she asked.
"Yes, very."
"Oh thank you Wesley. I am so glad we worked through
this. I was so tired of fighting."
"Oh me too Serenity, me too."
That was a much more peaceful night for Serenity than she
had had in months.
It was her second time at the health club. After watching
Wesley in the gym for a few minutes, Serenity went exploring
through the place. She tried some tennis for awhile, but it was
not that interesting to her though all right she supposed. Then
she smelled a funny smell. As she followed it she realized it was
chlorine, and she soon saw the pool. It was a big, beautiful blue
pool. She bought a swimsuit there because she wanted to get in
the cool, refreshing water so badly. She put on the swimsuit in a
locker room and then went into the pool, allowing the cool water
to surround her. She let it fill her body and mind with peace.
She floated for awhile. Eventually she began doing strokes down
to the end of the pool, and then she floated peacefully for
awhile longer. She got out of the pool, refreshed and feeling
cleansed. That evening she told Wesley about how much she enjoyed
going to the pool, and often when they went out together at night
she would pick going to the health club even though it was not a
health club night just to go swimming or floating in the pool. It
was so tranquiland rejuvenated her so much.
Serenity's birthday came up soon, and that morning she
woke up to breakfast in bed. Wesley and Serenity had both made
sure they got the day off. Serenity smiled in content as he lay
next to her in bed and ate his homemade strawberry pancakes with
her. Serenity smiled. These were one of her favorite breakfast
meals. "You are so amazing," she said, kissing him fully on the
mouth.
He smiled and bit into a strawberry. "Happy Birthday
dearest. You are the big 17 gorgeous," Wesley said, smiling.
"Oh Wesley," she hugged him close, smelling his sweet
scent and feeling his warmth surround her in bliss. She scraped
his whipping cream off his pancakes and added it onto hers.
"Hey," he said. Serenity giggled.
"Awww," she pouted.
He pouted too. "Aww, all right, fine. Just this once
birthday girl."
She smiled in triumph.
That night was the best though. After watching her
favorite movies all day with Wesley and going swimming in the
health club on her own, she returned home to smell a delicious
dinner baking. "It is almost ready," Wesley said, entering in a
nice tuxedo.
"Should I be dressed up?" she asked curiously.
"Simply put on your nicest dress Mademoiselle and sit
down at the table. I will be your waiter tonight." Serenity
smiled and ran to put on her sparkling light purple dress. It
had sparkling fake crystals on it and small elegant sleeves.
She returned with her hair in a twist and a dab of sweet
smelling perfume on.
He served her a delicious meal. When he brought dessert
on a platter, he sat the platter down in a flourish. Serenity
giggled. "What is it?" she asked. Ironically, it was chocolate
mousse pie, but even more astonishing she saw a gorgeous diamond
ring on the platter. Serenity turned to Wesley to see him on one
knee in his tuxedo next to her chair. Her hand flew to her mouth.
"Serenity," he asked seriously. "Will you do me the
pleasure and honor of marrying me?"
"Oh Wesley. Yes. Yes. A hundred times yes!" she squealed,
wrapping her arms around his neck in delight.
The month of July was dedicated to planning the wedding
because they had set the date for August 10 which had been their
first day on Earth, but it did make their planning schedule
quite tight.
They had found a certified marriage reader from the town
over and decided to put their names on the legal paperwork as
Serenity/Samantha and Wesley/William. That way they were legally
married by their correct names, but their nicknames, Samantha and
William, were now legal as well. That way they could not get in
trouble with anyone at their jobs. They were fairly sure that by
now it was safe to put their real names just on the paperwork.
Only the one person who read it would be at risk of realizing who
they were since they still went by Samantha and William in the
ceremony.
At work Serenity managed to get up the courage to ask a
few people if they would like to come to the wedding. Wesley and
she were each inviting a few people from work plus a caterer and
the certified marriage reader. So it was a very small gathering.
Serenity thought Leslie seemed like the nicest person
around. She was always respectful of Serenity although her best
friend Carrie did not seem to care for Serenity very much.
However, she was polite enough, and Serenity could not think of
anyone else she would consider asking.
She approached Leslie when dinner break had just begun.
"Hi Leslie," she said cautiously.
Leslie nodded at her. "How are you Samantha?"
"All right. How are you?"
"I am doing well," Leslie said kindly.
Carrie watched them but said nothing. "I was wondering
if I could ask you something?" Serenity asked.
"Sure. You don't need to ask my permission to ask me
something," Leslie said kindly.
Carrie chuckled to herself, and Serenity turned a beet
red. "Right," she said quietly. "I guess I was just wondering.
I mean I am marrying my love William on August 10. I will give
you a formal invitation later of course if you like, but I was
wondering if you would be interested in coming to the wedding?"
Serenity asked breathlessly.
"All right, sure. Thank you Samantha. I would like
that," Leslie nodded and left for lunch with Carrie.
Serenity could hear Carrie mentioning to Leslie how
strange Serenity talked. "She doesn't use contractions, and did
you hear her call her fiancé her love? Weird," Carrie said.
Leslie grudgingly nodded, and Serenity sighed in sorrow. *I
certainly do not fit in here,* she thought sadly.
When Wesley came home from work, he saw Serenity's sad
face and asked her about it. She recounted her day at work.
"And this was a better shift. They are the nice ones. I hate
when I am working with Tammy and Vince. They are mean to me the
whole time openly."
"Aww, I am sorry dearest."
"Who did you ask to the wedding?" Serenity asked
curiously.
"Oh this funny guy at work, Roger. You will like him.
He makes me laugh so hard all the time. I also invited a nice
woman Tabitha, and she will probably be bringing her husband
Tom."
Serenity nodded. "Sounds good. I cannot wait for our
wedding darling," she said.
He hugged her. "Me neither beautiful, me neither."
The wedding day was a gorgeous, sunny day. Serenity was
in the most beautiful, flowing white silk dress for her day.
There were sparkling crystals all over with a veil that
sparkled as well. It was made around a tiara of fake diamonds.
Serenity looked like a sparkling white princess. Wesley was in
a handsome, traditional black tuxedo with a black bowtie. He
stood up straight and looked like a stiff, handsome gentleman.
As soon as he saw Serenity enter the hall though, a vision of
elegance and beauty, he became much calmer and less tense.
Serenity glided toward him. She was smiling in joy as was he.
They embraced when she arrived, ignoring tradition, and they
stepped up on the pedestal with the certified marriage reader.
As the reader said his words, they looked at one another, lost
in each other's eyes and souls. When the priest finished, they
each said "I do," and Wesley carefully placed the wedding ring
he had bought for her on her finger. She placed his wedding
band on his finger now as well. They kissed happily. As they
exited, bubbles that were clear with beautiful rainbows
shining through them were blowing everywhere.
They took a week off from work to enjoy their
honeymoon on a beach not too far away due to not having their
own form of transportation to get there except walking. When
they arrived at the hotel exhausted, Serenity took off her
dress, and he took off his tuxedo. They were each in their
pajamas as they slept next to one another in the same hotel
bed. Neither one felt ready to take the usual honeymoon step
though, but that was all right. They were both perfectly
content to go against tradition. The bed was a big comfortable
white bed that they both got a restful, peaceful sleep on. The
next day was enjoyable as they ran around the beach and swam in
the ocean. They ate out at a wonderful seafood restaurant. The
second day was spent scuba diving and reading on the beach. The
third day was for beach volleyball and castle building in the
sand. The fourth day was just a day in the ocean, swimming and
on the beach running around again. The fifth day was when they
went horseback riding. The sixth day was for chasing lizards
and ordering room service. Their last day was dedicated to
running on the beach and looking for seashells as well as
swimming again of course. They returned to their townhouse
rejuvenated and in bliss.
Although the initial blissful feeling faded, their love
for one another and general contentment did not.
Serenity had a big surprise planned for Wesley's 20th
birthday, and the two of them spent the morning eating a
delicious packed breakfast in the park. The best part for both
of them though was the time at the dance club that evening.
Wesley and Serenity danced together through the fast and slow
songs, enjoying every moment of it, and Wesley went home to a
big cake and confetti at dinnertime. "Woohoo! 20 years old. You
are in the adult range buddy," Serenity teased him. Wesley
stuck his tongue out at her, and they giggled together.
The next year they spent together was full of surprises
and fun. They enjoyed the holidays even more now that they had
lived them once before and knew for sure how they worked.
Serenity became slightly more social and made a few friends
after becoming fairly good friends with Leslie. Roger was a
constant guest at their house. His red hair did not seeem to
correspond with his jovial, joking, but calm temper. He became
close to both Wesley and Serenity and ironically dated Leslie
for quite a time. Although they ended up breaking up in April,
they remained good friends. Some days were hard for each of
them, but they always had each other. Each of them would have
some days when his or her heart would ache for home and for
loved ones very badly. Some days they both had a day like that,
but they stumbled through it together. Often on the really bad
days they tried to just stay at home, lay in bed, and listen to
music, talk, or watch movies to calm their restless spirits.
Every day they thought of those back home and missed them, but
they became more and more at home on Earth as time passed as
well, and they were soon very content with and attached to their
life on Earth.
To Be Continued...
let me do that for some reason, nor would notepad allow me to
italicize just those words. Just pretend the two titles are
underlined, lol.
Chapter Eight, Life On Earth:
"Ooof." Serenity landed hard but not too hard. She was in
grass. There was grass for miles as she looked both ways. She
looked around for Wesley. It was evening here. She was not sure if
that was because it had taken practically the whole day to arrive
on Earth, or if morning on the Moon was evening on Earth. She saw
a movement about a mile away. She got up and began to walk toward
the blurry brown spot, guessing it was Wesley since he was nowhere
to be found around where she had landed. She walked toward the
spot, and as it got closer it was apparent the spot was moving
toward her as well. In time she could see that it was Wesley after
all. She began to run. She had been cautious before in case the
spot had not been Wesley, but now she ran at full speed, using her
magic to propel her into his safe arms.
"Oh Wesley. We are here," Serenity said in relief. Wesley
nodded, embracing her.
"This must be one of those fields we read of in the book
Guide to the Lands of Earth," Wesley commented.
Serenity nodded. "So much grass," and she hugged him more
tightly.
"We should sleep here since it is almost night time here,
and I feel exhausted. What about you?" Wesley asked.
"I do not know. I do feel tired, but I am so nervous and
excited I cannot sleep I do not think."
Wesley nodded. "That is understandable dear. Perhaps we
could go look for a nice place to sleep at, and we could look for
the nearest town. One of us should begin looking for a job
tomorrow in town, and then we can save up for a place to live in.
Until then we will have to sleep in this field I suppose. What
do you think darling?"
Serenity nodded. "I think that is a good plan."
So they set out. They found some trees as a forest began
after several miles, and Serenity sighed in relief. Both were
now exhausted enough to simply make their two grass beds and go
to sleep.
Serenity was plagued by nightmares that night.
Nightmares in which Lune, Miriam, and her parents were all
horribly killed, and Wesley and she were taken prisoner by
these fierce guards. She was awakened briefly by Wesley asking
who would go to town to get a job, and she mumbled, "I need more
sleep."
He said, "all right. I will go."
When she woke up the second time, it was later in the
day. The sun was almost midway through the sky, so she ate some
berries she saw Wesley had left for her. It took her a few
minutes to figure out that he had gone to town about the job,
and she still was not sure if that was part of her nightmare or
reality. So, she explored some through the forest looking for
more berries to sustain them for a short while, but mostly she
was just passing the time. She felt anxious, hoping he would
return soon.
It was evening when he returned. They ate some berries,
and he gave her some bread he had gotten from the free samples
at the bakery. He admitted to being tempted to steal, but he did
not give in, mostly due to the fear he would get caught.
"We will be all right a little while longer. We can go
many days without food if we need to Wesley. Did you get a job?"
Serenity asked.
Wesley nodded. "I think so. I have to go back tomorrow
for an interview, but I think they liked me. I hope to be a
secretary at the health club. You would not believe how many
applications I had to fill out. Guess what I used for my name?"
he asked.
"Oh that is right. We cannot use our real names here.
Will they not look into your name though and place of residence
or references?"
Wesley nodded. "I went by William. Just like Lune's
husband."
"Oh, how wonderful," Serenity said.
"I suppose I could go by Samantha again, like when we
first met."
Wesley nodded. "Good idea. Now, how I figured this out
is I told them I am from an orphanage on the Moon, but now that
I have been 18 for awhile I have to go out on my own. I chose
to come to Earth because there were not many opportunities on
the Moon, and I was such a hard worker that I was transported
here by the magical owner of the orphanage. That magical
owner's name was Lune, and I gave her Lune's contact
information. I doubt she will go to the trouble, but if the
manager does, then I am sure Lune will catch on and back us
up."
Serenity nodded. "What a wonderful idea darling, but I
wish we had a way to contact her. I wish she had been able to
teach Miriam and me how to contact each other telepathically
before we had to leave so suddenly." Serenity sighed sadly.
Wesley sighed too and embraced Serenity. "I wish there
had been time for that too. I really do, but have some faith;
we will find a way to contact them. I believe that."
Serenity looked at him and smiled. "I hope so. I really
hope so."
"I would take you into town Serenity, but to be honest
we are probably already wanted on all planets in this solar
system at least, and your hair is so easily recognizable, even
when it is cut. I think we should wait until I get my first
paycheck and get both of our hairs dyed different colors."
Serenity nodded in agreement, and she fell asleep in
his arms. He placed her carefully into her bed an hour later,
and she slept more peacefully that night.
When she woke up, Wesley had just finished gathering
some berries. He sat down next to her and handed her some. She
sat up and ate the berries gratefully. "I hope these are not
poisonous," she said.
"I think I remember seeing them in the book Safety in
the Wilderness as a safe berry to eat, but I am not sure. I
guess we will see," Wesley said apologetically.
Serenity nodded and hugged him. "When is your
interview?"
"At noon, but I am leaving in a bit. I want to make
sure I am not late." She looked up and saw that it was a little
bit into the day.It was perhaps 8 in the morning or so. She
nodded. He got up and promised to be back by evening again.
Serenity was getting hungry at this point, so she
looked for as many berries as she could find. She most spent
the rest of the day having some fun with her magic and the
trees in the field and exploring some more of the forest. When
Wesley returned that evening with more bread samples, she
hugged him eagerly.
"I begin the job tomorrow," Wesley said happily.
"Oh thank goodness," Serenity said. "I am so proud of
you darling," and she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
Wesley smiled. "Thank you Serenity. The first thing we
will do with the first payment next week is buy some food and
dye our hair. We will save the rest all right? Once your hair
is dyed you can go into a town and perhaps get a job too I
hope. Until next week though you will have to stay in this
forest, and we will have to go without much food. I hope I do
not get recognized this whole week. I blend in more so that
helps. People do not seem to have recognized me yet. Or if
they have, they have not said anything."
"I really hope they have not and do not," Serenity
said worriedly.
"Do not worry Serenity. We will get through this,"
Wesley said in reassurance, holding her close.
Serenity smiled. "I love you so."
"And I love you so dearest Serenity."
The first day was the hardest. Wesley left at dawn.
"Work does not start until 8 in the morning, but I want to
make sure I am on time.The town is quite a ways away," he
reminded her. "I am not done until 8 at night, but I will
return with bread samples for you do not worry,"
he reassured her.
"Your shift is 12 hours?" she asked in amazement.
"Well, it is 10, plus we get two hours off in that
time. One hour for lunch and one hour for dinner. I asked to
have more than the usual 7 hour long shift because we need to
save up as much money as possible for food and residence," he
informed her.
She nodded in agreement. "Take care darling," she
said. The week passed slowly, but it was over eventually. When
Wesley came back to the area of the forest with his first
payment, they celebrated with lots of delicious food. The next
day was his one day of the week off, so they went searching
for another town a few more miles away from the first one and
got their hair dyed. Serenity dyed her now shoulder length
hair red, and Wesley dyed his smooth chin-length hair black.
The two smiled and embraced as they left the town, glad that
no one appeared to have recognized either of them. They had
each gone into a different salon in the town so as to not draw
attention to themselves as a couple. They did go back to the
town Wesley worked in to dine together for a nice lunch, and
then they bought a moderate amount of groceries that could be
preserved in the forest and eaten for the week. They agreed no
more restaurants until after they had gotten a place to live.
Serenity looked for work in many places that afternoon, and
she discovered that an obscure, quaint bookstore at the end of
the town was looking for a few cash register clerks. She was
interviewed that day and asked to start that Friday. She also
claimed to be from the orphanage Lune supposedly ran. Neither
of them found out if either of the managers looked into their
contact information, but if they did Lune must have convinced
them it was real because the subject was never brought up or
questioned with either of them. She did not lie about her age,
already thinking she was lying about enough. She simply said
she was motivated to go out on her own, and at 16 Lune felt
she was motivated and ambitious enough to make it on her own
with the help of an older orphan, William. The lady was
impressed by Serenity's maturity and ambition, so she hired
her quickly. Wesley and Serenity returned to their grass beds
in the forest. Serenity would be working 10 hours too, but she
was making somewhat less money as just a cash register clerk
instead of a secretary. Also she was only working five days of
the week as opposed to Wesley's six days.
Since only a bit of Wesley's paycheck was going to
food each week, they managed to save up the $2,000 needed for
the apartment they had both seen and really liked that was in
a reasonable price range. It was September 9th when they moved
in. *Luckily it had been late summer while we were sleeping
outside, * Serenity thought, knowing that on Earth they could
have some very cold winters and rainy falls. She was not sure
if that applied to this place since she only knew that the
name of the town was Knackson. She had no idea where on Earth
they were, but that was all right. She would see soon enough
she supposed.
Serenity's salary was exactly enough to pay for their
rent every month, so they used Wesley's money for the food,
clothes, and furniture. Later they could also use it for any
other extra things they wanted they hoped. They also got free
membership to the health club due to his job. The first night
in the apartment was nice though they knew it would be another
week before they could afford a bed and a few more months
before they had gotten all the furniture for the place.
The place was nice. It was actually a townhouse and
was painted light blue on the outside. The windows had white
shutters, and when one entered through the doorway one was in
the living room. Across from the living room was an archway
through which was the kitchen. There was a hall down to the
left, and there were two bedrooms and a bathroom down there.
The next week they bought two small beds together on their
day off. Serenity also bought a chair for the living room on
her extra day off. Although they were each in separate beds,
they did sleep in the same room. It gave them both comfort to
be in the same room. It was two weeks before they bought the
couch, and another week before they got the kitchen table.
Thus, two months after beginning their journey, they were
settled in so to speak.
It was only a little over a week and a half later
though, on September 25th, that Wesley turned 19. Serenity
had bought him a huge birthday cake on her day off. She
remembered reading about that as the traditional way to
celebrate birthdays here on Earth, and she had paper hats and
confetti too. Wesley smiled happily and called her a big kid
but said he needed that. He was feeling so old lately.
Serenity understood that feeling. They had both had to become
independent, live in a new place under harder conditions at
first, and work jobs for the first time on a new planet
without their parents or friends or even familiar places.
They were both doing well they thought and enjoying
themselves in this new place, but it could get very
overwhelming. They both enjoyed the break to be a child again
for awhile at this birthday party. "Serenity," Wesley's voice
rang out on the cool fall evening. "Want to go with me to the
health club?"
"All right," Serenity yelled back. "Just let me get
my coat."
Tomorrow was Halloween, and they were both excited to
learn about the new holiday. They had both bought costumes,
thinking it would be fun. Though they had learned they could
only hand out candy. They were too old to get some on their
own. "See we need to have a kid," Serenity joked. The truth
was Wesley had never pressured her into sleeping with him,
let alone mentioned actually having sex. Serenity did not
feel close to ready, and Wesley was good with that. Serenity
was planning to dress up as a fairy. She had a light blue,
sparkling silk dress and white sparkling wings that attached
to the dress. Wesley was going to dress up as a magician. His
costume consisted of the blue robe and blue hat with silver
stars on it. They both had bought buckets and buckets of
candy in excitement. They kept some for themselves of course!
At the health club Wesley went to the gym, so Serenity joined
him. She had not come to his health club before except to
catch him at lunch sometimes or just say hi on her day off.
Today though she entered it as a guest and went into the gym
with him. She did not enjoy herself however. She lifted some
weights and ran on the treadmill.
"It is good exercise, and it keeps you healthy,"
Wesley informed her.
Serenity nodded. "I am just not an athletic person,"
she admitted.
"That is all right darling. You do not have to come.
You do get enough exercise anyway, and I like you just the
way you are." He kissed her gently. She went home early, and
she ended up watching a movie alone. The movie was not
enjoyable however; she kept thinking of Miriam and Lune and
wishing she had a way to contact them. She was just beginning
to get used to this place, and she wanted to include them in
her life again. She had so many exciting stories to tell them
about Halloween and birthdays on this planet.
Halloween came and went and so did Thanksgiving. They
both enjoyed that holiday and found it helpful to look at all
the blessings in their life. Of course they were most thankful
for one another and for this wonderful townhouse and their
steady jobs. Neither of them had yet figured out a way to
contact either Lune or Miriam. Although they had told the
managers of the places they worked out where Lune was located
on the Moon, they did not know her exact position
unfortunately and did not know how the managers would be able
to contact her, let alone how they could. They supposed the
managers must have some kind of technology available on Earth,
but they did not know what this technology would be or where
to find it. They knew they could not mail her a letter because
mail service did not go to other planets. Although the Moon
had contact devices similar to the phones on Earth, they were
not the same and would not work between different planets.
Besides Lune did not own one anyway. Miriam surely did, but it
would not work anyway.
They both experienced the rain on Earth for the first
time; it was an exhilarating, strange, wonderful experience for
them both. When winter rolled around, they both experienced
snow. Serenity did not like how cold it was, but she enjoyed
learning to make a snow man and having snowball fights with
Wesley since he got two weeks vacation from work, and she got
one and a half weeks off. She looked in awe at the sparkling
crystals she saw in the snow. They spent Christmas together.
They got a beautiful evergreen tree, and they bought a few
decorations and lots of lights. "We will buy more ornaments
next year," Wesley promised, and Serenity smiled in
contentment. The excitement of opening the brightly colored
gifts and hanging the stockings and leaving cookies and milk
for Santa Claus excited her. She knew Wesley really ate the
cookies and drank the milk, but she still squealed in
excitement when it was all gone the next day. She liked these
traditions and enjoyed celebrating these new experiences with
her own true love. New Year's with its confetti and sparkling
cider was an enjoyable experience for them both as well. In
time Valentine's Day came, and the two of them sat together at
home enjoying one another's company and eating out of a heart
box of chocolates. Serenity had bought it for Wesley, but of
course it was really for both of them Wesley had teased.
Wesley had bought her some beautiful purple flowers. The name
of this exotic looking flower was iris. They drank sparkling
cider again and watched romantic movies. After that they gave
one another massages, and they fell asleep together on the
couch.
As time passed they had their first major argument.
It was the end of March and the beginning of spring. The
beautiful flowers were blooming outside, but some pent up
issues were brewing in the hearts of Serenity and Wesley.
Serenity heard the door open, and she looked at the
clock. *8:10, he must have just come straight home from work.
I thought I asked him to pick up some late dinner tonight.*
Wesley walked into the room. "Hey darling." He gave
her a quick peck on the cheek.
Serenity nodded. "Did I forget to ask you to get dinner
dear? I remember thinking it my head, but we know how forgetful
I can be," she chuckled, though a little upset.
"Oh yes you did, but I was thinking why do we not go
out to eat at a restaurant and then go work out at the gym?"
"You know I do not go to the gym with you. I do not
like working out."
"Oh I know. There are plenty of other things to do at
the health club. You do not have to work out."
"No thanks. I just want dinner," Serenity said in
exasperation.
Wesley sighed. "Do not be like this Serenity. Why will
you not go out to eat with me?"
"Because I am hungry Wesley. I just want to eat. I am
exhausted from my time at the bookstore." Serenity worked from
6 a.m. to 6 p.m.at the bookstore. Unlike Wesley she did not have
exact set times everyday, though it was always 10 hours plus two
hours of break time. 6 a.m. was earlier than her usual shift at
8, 9, or sometimes 10 in the morning.
Wesley shook his head. "Maybe you would not be so
exhausted if you did more than just sit here and watch movies or
play games when you get home."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Serenity asked,
offended.
"I meant what I said Serenity. Get up and do something.
You have not ever gone with me to the health club before. You
have not really made any friends here. You do not go out
anywhere with anyone, me or friends, in the evening. You just
sit in here alone, sometimes with me when I stay."
"So what? We have different lifestyle choices. I like
things quieter. How dare you judge me? You think you are so
great just because you work out? You sure cannot tell that is
for sure."
Wesley's mouth opened. "Wow Serenity. There was no need
to get so angry."
"I am defensive. You attacked me first."
"Serenity darling, I did not attack you. I was simply
commenting. I am worried about you."
"Just shut up, and do not call me darling."
"Fine Serenity," Wesley yelled, upset. "Maybe someday
you will get off your butt and do something, but until then I
am not going to stick around your irritated, boring presence.
Get yourself something to eat," he said angrily.
"Fine, I will. You go out to eat and be your macho
self, jerk," she yelled angrily.
He left, slamming the door, and Serenity cringed
remembering her father slamming doors the same way.
When he returned, Wesley opened the door and walked
into the living room quietly. He found Serenity curled up on
the couch rocking herself back and forth. Wesley sat next to her
and held her in his arms. "I am sorry Serenity. So sorry."
She sobbed. "No, I am sorry Wesley."
He held her and rocked with her. "Did I frighten you
Serenity?"
"Just a little. I am sorry. I know I yelled too, but you
slamming the door reminded me of my father."
"Oh Serenity. I am sorry. I would never hurt you like
that."
Serenity nodded. "I know Wesley. Thank you."
"Oh Serenity. I am just so worried about you."
"Please do not be Wesley. I am glad to be here, and I
prefer to have my time alone that is all. We have different
lifestyle choices."
Wesley nodded. "I accept that. I am sorry."
"Oh, me too Wesley. Me too."
April Fool's day was interesting because Serenity spent
many days contemplating how to trick Wesley. When Wesley came
home, she had fixed him dinner. He eyed her suspiciously. "Is
there something wrong with the dinner?" he asked.
"Oh do not be so suspicious and silly," she responded.
He sat down to the dinner. "Well I am impressed. Thank
you for making dinner tonight. I thought I would have to make it
for the third night in a row."
"Oh come on, I make it as often as you," Serenity said,
annoyed.
"All right, all right," he conceded. "You are right
darling." Serenity smiled and gave him the fettuccine alfredo
she had cooked. "Oh yum delicious," he said, eating a big ball
of noodles as Serenity sat down next to him.
"How was your day at work darling?"
"It was tiring, but all right. How was your day at
work?"
"Tiring as usual, but all right too," she said.
"This is a great dinner. Thank you so much for making
it."
"Ah, you are welcome dearest." He gave her a quick peck
on the cheek, and she smiled. "I cannot wait for you to see what
I made for dessert," she said, joking.
Wesley chuckled. "What is for dessert dearest?"
"You will see," she said, bringing out a chocolate
mousse pie.
"Oh yum," he dug into the pie, feeling a gritty taste in
his mouth. "Oh yuck," he said.
"Ha ha," Serenity giggled. "There is gravel in there."
"What?? Gravel?!!" Wesley went to the bathroom, spitting
it out. "Yuck Serenity!"
"It was the best I could come up with," Serenity
admitted. "I am so new to this."
"It was adorable Serenity. Just like you," Wesley said,
giving her another quick peck on the cheek.
That night, as they lay down in bed, Serenity jumped up
screaming. "There is something in my bed. She jumped up and down
on Wesley's bed. "Hurry, find out what it is. Get it."
Wesley was laughing so hard his face was turning red. He
stood up and turned on the light and held up the fake furry mouse
he had put in her bed.
Serenity's face lit up in a smile. "Awww, it is so cute.
That was great honey. Thank you for that."
Wesley chuckled, and they both went to sleep.
A few days later their next fight came. It was fairly
similar to the last one. It was their day off and Wesley asked
where Serenity wanted to go. "Serenity where would you like to go
for the day? Perhaps we could go bowling or to the park?"
"No thanks. I think I am in the mood for a good movie or
a card game," Serenity responded.
Wesley shook his head. "No way. You have got to get out
of this apartment Serenity. This cannot be healthy."
Serenity shook her head. "Leave me alone. Go to the park
if you want, but leave me out of it."
"Serenity please, come on."
"No, stop telling me what to do. It is my life. Stay out
of it."
"Stay out of your life? It is intertwined with mine. How
the hell am I supposed to stay out of it?" Wesley asked, upset.
"Forget it," Serenity said.
"No, I will not forget it. Serenity this is important.
Where do you want to go? I do not care where. I just want us out
of this apartment."
"So go if you need out. I understand, but you promised
you would accept my lifestyle choice too," Serenity reminded him
as her voice was getting louder.
"This is not a lifestyle choice Serenity. You are
miserable. Why will you not talk to me about it? You have
seriously got to go out and do something. Have some fun, let
loose."
"I have plenty of fun here. Now go wherever you want. I
refuse to go, and you cannot make me," she said angrily.
"Fine Serenity," he said angrily. "I will go. I swear
you are impossible sometimes."
"So are you," she shot back.
"Always have to get the last word in Serenity?" he
asked caustically.
Serenity shut her mouth firmly and angrily.
He nodded and walked out the door.
Serenity cried.
He returned a few hours later, looking refreshed and
apologetic. "Serenity dearest did you cry?" he asked upon his
return.
Serenity nodded.
He sat down next to her and held her in his arms again.
"I am sorry Serenity. I do not know why I get so worked up. I
should not do that. You know I accept your lifestyle choice. I
just think it would help you to get out every once in awhile."
"I go to work everyday Wesley."
"All right. I guess we will just drop this. I am sorry.
Want to watch a movie?"
"All right," Serenity agreed.
However this subject was not dropped and was the focal
point of nearly all their arguments throughout April,
culminating in their biggest fight ever on the first day of
May.
That evening Serenity walked in tired at 8 p.m., and
Wesley was already home. "Oh did you get off work early?" she
asked.
"Yes," he said shortly.
"Is something wrong?" Serenity asked cautiously. *We
have been getting in so many fights. Please tell me we will
not have another one.*
"Nothing," he said.
"Oh Wesley. What is it? I am here darling." She sat
down next to him.
"It is just. Can we go out tonight?" he asked.
"Aw Wesley I just got off a long day at work. I think
I need to rest. You understand?"
"I guess, sort of. It is just that I know that a long
day at work can be tiring, but what if we just do something
small? I really want to go out with you. It has been so long
since we went out."
"Oh Wesley, please do not start this again. Not
tonight."
"Not ever," Wesley said in a biting tone.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Serenity asked, upset.
"It means you never want to discuss this topic. You
will never even consider going out sometime."
"We went out for dinner last week," Serenity shot back.
"Yeah, yeah. You will give in for a dinner on occasion,
but you mostly live in this apartment. It is driving me crazy."
"Oh great, now I drive you crazy. Well then why do you
not just find some other girl who will go out with you Wesley?
I am certainly not good enough," Serenity said angrily.
"Serenity you know I do not want anyone but you, but
for goodness sakes at least admit that you have a problem."
"I do not have ANY problem mister. You are the one with
the freaking problem."
"God, get out of your freaking denial Serenity."
Serenity's mouth opened. "How dare you say that to me?"
"Oh what, I cannot say that to the Princess? Excuse me
Miss Princess. I guess it would be too much to ask the high
and mighty to leave her castle."
"Fuck you," Serenity said angrily, running to their
room and shutting and locking the door.
"Serenity, open this door." Wesley was pounding on the
door.
"NO!" Serenity yelled.
"Serenity I am serious. We are going out tonight."
"And I am serious. You are sleeping on the floor in the
other bedroom or on the couch in the living room you asshole."
"Stop cussing at me Serenity and open the door."
"Stop being an ass, and I will not have to call you
one."
Wesley sighed and left. He did sleep on the couch that
night. The next day Serenity had unlocked the door, and he came
into the bedroom. Serenity had a worried look on her face. When
he went to his closet, she asked hesitantly. "Are you leaving?"
"What?" Wesley asked, surprised. "Of course not."
"I am sorry for what I said. I should not have called
you those names," Serenity said apologetically.
Wesley nodded. "I am sorry too Serenity. You have never
acted all high and mighty or flaunted your princess status. I
just wish that I knew why you never want to leave the house."
Tears streamed down Serenity's eyes. "Nothing is fun
here anymore Wesley. I enjoy being with you, but I do not enjoy
being with these people." Wesley sat next to her and held her in
his arms as she sobbed and continued. "I want lunar beings. I do
not understand so many of these people. I get so confused, and
some of them make fun of me at work for it. I miss Miriam. I
miss Lune. I miss Darla. I miss my friends. I miss my home
Wesley. I miss it so bad; it tears at my heart every single
day."
Wesley nodded. "I am so sorry Serenity. I miss my
parents and home so much too. I understand. I guess I am the
opposite of you. I lose myself in becoming busy and going out
all the time. You get so depressed you just sit in the house and
lose yourself in the movies or games. We both need to work on
this. We need to work through it. We cannot go back there. At
least not now. I hope we will see that place, and those people
again Serenity. I truly do, but we have to make the best of
here. I will help you."
"I will help you too," Serenity sniffled.
"I know you will darling," Wesley said quietly, rocking
with her. "I wish so badly I could take all your pain away, but
we will get through this. We will always miss them, but I think
the hole in our hearts will become less and less."
"And the days brighter and brighter?" Serenity asked
hopefully.
"Oh yes Serenity."
"I hope so," Serenity said.
"Me too. Me too," Wesley agreed. "How about we make some
kind of agreement? I will try to manage to stay in here four
nights of the week: watch a movie, enjoy a game with you, or
whatever, but the other three nights you will go out with me.
Maybe to the health club one of those nights?"
Serenity nodded. "All right, you are right, but the
health club?" she asked.
"I think you could find something to do besides the gym.
There is so much there. Just one night please," he asked.
"All right. Since I get one more night at home, you get
the health club one night. That is fair. This will be so hard."
"I know Serenity, but I have to learn to face this thing
instead of running from it and burying myself in things to do,
and you need to learn to get moving again and get out of this
funk you are in."
Serenity nodded, and they rocked together for their day
off. That night Serenity even went for a walk with him through
the park. They held hands the entire time. "Oh Serenity, I am
so proud of you," he told her that night.
"You are? Really?" she asked.
"Yes, very."
"Oh thank you Wesley. I am so glad we worked through
this. I was so tired of fighting."
"Oh me too Serenity, me too."
That was a much more peaceful night for Serenity than she
had had in months.
It was her second time at the health club. After watching
Wesley in the gym for a few minutes, Serenity went exploring
through the place. She tried some tennis for awhile, but it was
not that interesting to her though all right she supposed. Then
she smelled a funny smell. As she followed it she realized it was
chlorine, and she soon saw the pool. It was a big, beautiful blue
pool. She bought a swimsuit there because she wanted to get in
the cool, refreshing water so badly. She put on the swimsuit in a
locker room and then went into the pool, allowing the cool water
to surround her. She let it fill her body and mind with peace.
She floated for awhile. Eventually she began doing strokes down
to the end of the pool, and then she floated peacefully for
awhile longer. She got out of the pool, refreshed and feeling
cleansed. That evening she told Wesley about how much she enjoyed
going to the pool, and often when they went out together at night
she would pick going to the health club even though it was not a
health club night just to go swimming or floating in the pool. It
was so tranquiland rejuvenated her so much.
Serenity's birthday came up soon, and that morning she
woke up to breakfast in bed. Wesley and Serenity had both made
sure they got the day off. Serenity smiled in content as he lay
next to her in bed and ate his homemade strawberry pancakes with
her. Serenity smiled. These were one of her favorite breakfast
meals. "You are so amazing," she said, kissing him fully on the
mouth.
He smiled and bit into a strawberry. "Happy Birthday
dearest. You are the big 17 gorgeous," Wesley said, smiling.
"Oh Wesley," she hugged him close, smelling his sweet
scent and feeling his warmth surround her in bliss. She scraped
his whipping cream off his pancakes and added it onto hers.
"Hey," he said. Serenity giggled.
"Awww," she pouted.
He pouted too. "Aww, all right, fine. Just this once
birthday girl."
She smiled in triumph.
That night was the best though. After watching her
favorite movies all day with Wesley and going swimming in the
health club on her own, she returned home to smell a delicious
dinner baking. "It is almost ready," Wesley said, entering in a
nice tuxedo.
"Should I be dressed up?" she asked curiously.
"Simply put on your nicest dress Mademoiselle and sit
down at the table. I will be your waiter tonight." Serenity
smiled and ran to put on her sparkling light purple dress. It
had sparkling fake crystals on it and small elegant sleeves.
She returned with her hair in a twist and a dab of sweet
smelling perfume on.
He served her a delicious meal. When he brought dessert
on a platter, he sat the platter down in a flourish. Serenity
giggled. "What is it?" she asked. Ironically, it was chocolate
mousse pie, but even more astonishing she saw a gorgeous diamond
ring on the platter. Serenity turned to Wesley to see him on one
knee in his tuxedo next to her chair. Her hand flew to her mouth.
"Serenity," he asked seriously. "Will you do me the
pleasure and honor of marrying me?"
"Oh Wesley. Yes. Yes. A hundred times yes!" she squealed,
wrapping her arms around his neck in delight.
The month of July was dedicated to planning the wedding
because they had set the date for August 10 which had been their
first day on Earth, but it did make their planning schedule
quite tight.
They had found a certified marriage reader from the town
over and decided to put their names on the legal paperwork as
Serenity/Samantha and Wesley/William. That way they were legally
married by their correct names, but their nicknames, Samantha and
William, were now legal as well. That way they could not get in
trouble with anyone at their jobs. They were fairly sure that by
now it was safe to put their real names just on the paperwork.
Only the one person who read it would be at risk of realizing who
they were since they still went by Samantha and William in the
ceremony.
At work Serenity managed to get up the courage to ask a
few people if they would like to come to the wedding. Wesley and
she were each inviting a few people from work plus a caterer and
the certified marriage reader. So it was a very small gathering.
Serenity thought Leslie seemed like the nicest person
around. She was always respectful of Serenity although her best
friend Carrie did not seem to care for Serenity very much.
However, she was polite enough, and Serenity could not think of
anyone else she would consider asking.
She approached Leslie when dinner break had just begun.
"Hi Leslie," she said cautiously.
Leslie nodded at her. "How are you Samantha?"
"All right. How are you?"
"I am doing well," Leslie said kindly.
Carrie watched them but said nothing. "I was wondering
if I could ask you something?" Serenity asked.
"Sure. You don't need to ask my permission to ask me
something," Leslie said kindly.
Carrie chuckled to herself, and Serenity turned a beet
red. "Right," she said quietly. "I guess I was just wondering.
I mean I am marrying my love William on August 10. I will give
you a formal invitation later of course if you like, but I was
wondering if you would be interested in coming to the wedding?"
Serenity asked breathlessly.
"All right, sure. Thank you Samantha. I would like
that," Leslie nodded and left for lunch with Carrie.
Serenity could hear Carrie mentioning to Leslie how
strange Serenity talked. "She doesn't use contractions, and did
you hear her call her fiancé her love? Weird," Carrie said.
Leslie grudgingly nodded, and Serenity sighed in sorrow. *I
certainly do not fit in here,* she thought sadly.
When Wesley came home from work, he saw Serenity's sad
face and asked her about it. She recounted her day at work.
"And this was a better shift. They are the nice ones. I hate
when I am working with Tammy and Vince. They are mean to me the
whole time openly."
"Aww, I am sorry dearest."
"Who did you ask to the wedding?" Serenity asked
curiously.
"Oh this funny guy at work, Roger. You will like him.
He makes me laugh so hard all the time. I also invited a nice
woman Tabitha, and she will probably be bringing her husband
Tom."
Serenity nodded. "Sounds good. I cannot wait for our
wedding darling," she said.
He hugged her. "Me neither beautiful, me neither."
The wedding day was a gorgeous, sunny day. Serenity was
in the most beautiful, flowing white silk dress for her day.
There were sparkling crystals all over with a veil that
sparkled as well. It was made around a tiara of fake diamonds.
Serenity looked like a sparkling white princess. Wesley was in
a handsome, traditional black tuxedo with a black bowtie. He
stood up straight and looked like a stiff, handsome gentleman.
As soon as he saw Serenity enter the hall though, a vision of
elegance and beauty, he became much calmer and less tense.
Serenity glided toward him. She was smiling in joy as was he.
They embraced when she arrived, ignoring tradition, and they
stepped up on the pedestal with the certified marriage reader.
As the reader said his words, they looked at one another, lost
in each other's eyes and souls. When the priest finished, they
each said "I do," and Wesley carefully placed the wedding ring
he had bought for her on her finger. She placed his wedding
band on his finger now as well. They kissed happily. As they
exited, bubbles that were clear with beautiful rainbows
shining through them were blowing everywhere.
They took a week off from work to enjoy their
honeymoon on a beach not too far away due to not having their
own form of transportation to get there except walking. When
they arrived at the hotel exhausted, Serenity took off her
dress, and he took off his tuxedo. They were each in their
pajamas as they slept next to one another in the same hotel
bed. Neither one felt ready to take the usual honeymoon step
though, but that was all right. They were both perfectly
content to go against tradition. The bed was a big comfortable
white bed that they both got a restful, peaceful sleep on. The
next day was enjoyable as they ran around the beach and swam in
the ocean. They ate out at a wonderful seafood restaurant. The
second day was spent scuba diving and reading on the beach. The
third day was for beach volleyball and castle building in the
sand. The fourth day was just a day in the ocean, swimming and
on the beach running around again. The fifth day was when they
went horseback riding. The sixth day was for chasing lizards
and ordering room service. Their last day was dedicated to
running on the beach and looking for seashells as well as
swimming again of course. They returned to their townhouse
rejuvenated and in bliss.
Although the initial blissful feeling faded, their love
for one another and general contentment did not.
Serenity had a big surprise planned for Wesley's 20th
birthday, and the two of them spent the morning eating a
delicious packed breakfast in the park. The best part for both
of them though was the time at the dance club that evening.
Wesley and Serenity danced together through the fast and slow
songs, enjoying every moment of it, and Wesley went home to a
big cake and confetti at dinnertime. "Woohoo! 20 years old. You
are in the adult range buddy," Serenity teased him. Wesley
stuck his tongue out at her, and they giggled together.
The next year they spent together was full of surprises
and fun. They enjoyed the holidays even more now that they had
lived them once before and knew for sure how they worked.
Serenity became slightly more social and made a few friends
after becoming fairly good friends with Leslie. Roger was a
constant guest at their house. His red hair did not seeem to
correspond with his jovial, joking, but calm temper. He became
close to both Wesley and Serenity and ironically dated Leslie
for quite a time. Although they ended up breaking up in April,
they remained good friends. Some days were hard for each of
them, but they always had each other. Each of them would have
some days when his or her heart would ache for home and for
loved ones very badly. Some days they both had a day like that,
but they stumbled through it together. Often on the really bad
days they tried to just stay at home, lay in bed, and listen to
music, talk, or watch movies to calm their restless spirits.
Every day they thought of those back home and missed them, but
they became more and more at home on Earth as time passed as
well, and they were soon very content with and attached to their
life on Earth.
To Be Continued...