Sorry for the delay mates, but here's the second chapter to Back to Endora.
Lip Balm
…
Night had fallen, the tinkling of several pipe wind-chimes echoing throughout the barren fields of no where, thin, whip-like grass blades hitting Gilbert's calves as he walked to a nearby lake. The water was cool, peaceful like a slumber and clear with settled grains of sand. Slowly peeling off his socks, he placed a foot inside the shallow water and then immediately jumped in, the water spraying into his face.
Nowhere land was beautiful, where the sunsets met the west in the melting butter horizon and steamed off into morning by a blink. The trees were real, planted by mother natures sweeping fingers, perfect for Arnie to climb on and hold onto. It was silent. I'm happy here, Gilbert thought, sitting in the water with a pair of pants on. Happy. Arnie's happy here. Becky's happy here. I'm happy here.
The waters stilled around him as he stared off into the darkening corners of the lake. Arnie was fast asleep inside the RV, Becky slumbering peacefully in their bed. Tomorrow, they would drive off into who-knows-where and then it would start again. The meeting of new people, the shaking of stranger's hands, the look Arnie got when he shrieked with happiness and stuffed his mouth with food or jumped arou…
"Gilbert…"
He turned around, surprised that Becky was behind him, in the sweeping, summer dress that he had given to her for her birthday. "What are you doing up?"
Gilbert smiled, and got up from his sitting position, fingers pruned and wet from the minutes of contemplating in the middle of water. He grabbed her by his waist and kissed her, dragging her into the water. The bottom parts of her dress were soaked and began to float and skid across the lake. He finally pushed her into the shallow parts of the lake and ran as fast as he could away from her.
She doubled over with laughter, splashing Gilbert with all her might. Becky chased him, pausing once or twice to breathe from laughing so hard. Finally, stomachs aching, the two settled on the shore of the lake, still soaked but content.
He turned to her, smiling, "I hate water."
"Yeah?" She smiled, folding up her knees and wrapping arms around them.
His faced turned grim as he draped an arm around her shoulders, keeping her warm from the draft that was currently non-existent. After a paused he said, "I'm not happy here."
She looked at him, eyebrows knitted. "Why?" She asked, confused.
"I mean, I am happy here, with you." He raised his eyes to the sky, dark eyes staring up at the liquid blue in front of him. "I…just. I don't know."
Becky leaned her head against his shoulder and stood silent.
…
The morning was cold, like a rude awakening to Gilbert. Clouds drearily hanging in large clumps of gray . Arnie had acted as if nothing had ever phased him, and continued to pick up ants from the ant homes and place them in trees.
"Good morning," Gilbert said tiredly, pouring himself a glass of orange juice.
"Good morning Gilbert, Good morning," Arnie exclaimed cheerfully, sitting on the ground. Looking over at Becky, Gilbert gave a small smile and then turned to Arnie once more.
"Arnie," Gilbert spoke softly. "You're going to turn twenty soon. And Becky and I would love it for you to celebrate your birthday..in Endora. With Amy and Mr. Lamson..and.."
"And Momma?"
His gaze softened, "Yes Arnie, and Momma. She'll be with you right here." He pointed to his heart; Arnie placed a hand upon it.
"Are we leaving soon Gilbert? How many minutes?"
"Two million, Arnie," He playfully ruffled his hair and then picked up his bowl of cereal.
"Two minutes, Gilbert?"
"Two days." Becky smiled.
"Two days…" Arnie echoed. "I have to, I have to say good bye, Gilbert. Good bye trees.."
Arnie's birthday was nearing soon, like the dawn of the next day, shining a glorious light and touching the horizon like a waters lap. Twenty, twenty years old. Back to Endora, shimmering in it's glory, a visit and talk of silent eyes would bring smiles like no other. To Gilbert, to Arnie to Becky…To Momma. You're my knight in shimmering armor, Gilbert.
Gilbert closed his eyes, washing the dishes and allowing the soap bubbles to hit against his face gently, butterfly kisses. He could hear Becky making the bed from behind him, Arnie still slurping at his cereal.
You're my night in shimmer armor.
He wondered if anyone else thought so.
…
Review please. :] Sorry the update took so long. :D Don't kill me!