It's early. Insanely early as the sun hits my eyes through the blinds. I make out my surroundings. I'm at the small hotel room designated as mine. The room is quaint as usual just the way it was the last time I stayed here.
I get up and get dressed. There really is no rush and I could just sleep in. Unfortunately my body decides differently, already used to the schedule of being a "weather girl". I stretch as I peer at myself in the bathroom mirror. Still the same pale old me.
Deciding that there was no use brooding and staying inside I went downstairs to get something to eat. The cafe was empty as I was reminded how early it was. Groaning, I made my way outside and felt thankful I had my sunglasses. It was a really bright morning. How did anyone else stay asleep right now?
There was barely any movement in the main road as I walked towards the beach. A few of the townsfolk were awake preparing their livestock or fields. As I got to the bridge I couldn't help but stare down at the river on its way to connect to the ocean. I could barely make out some small fish making their way to parts unknown. A tinge of jealousy came over me, animals had no need to figure themselves out unlike people. If I was a beast I would probably be a bird with the ability to fly and never really need to stay in one place. I could go around the world and no one would care. Trapped in my reverie, I did not notice someone running towards me until the last moment.
Unfortunately for both of us we fell flat to the ground from the collision.
"Oh geez! I'm so sorry! I should have-wait oh hey!"
I look up from rubbing my head, trying to ease the pain from the hit. Thankfully nothing bad was done just a few scratches and bruises. I got helped up by my careless stranger who turned out to be none other than Tina.
"Tina you should watch more where you're going!" I scolded. This is not how I wanted my morning to happen. I had dirt stains on my white shorts.
"I'm sorry Nami! Really! If you need cash for cleaning your shorts I can pay you back!" She explained, her face flushed with embarrassment. I looked back down to brush off whatever I could of the dirt off but got caught by something else. Blood.
It wasn't a deep gash but a scratch that was bleeding slightly off her knee.
"Tina your knee." I stated bluntly.
"Wha?"
She looked down and noticed the scratch nearly flinching.
"Oh crap! Shoot and I'm doing the swimming festival today." She murmured quickly, face filled with worry.
"Your what?"
"I'm sorry Nami, but I have to go. I was actually on my way to get some seeds before the festival starts." She said as she ran off.
I couldn't help but smirk at her. She was a bit too clumsy. Hopefully farm work wasn't too hard on her.
I spend most of my morning at the beach till my stomach became verbal in protest for lack of food. Sighing, I walked back to the inn and ordered the usual sandwich. The gruff inn keeper and his blonde niece Gwen are busy attending other guests as I sit by the window to gaze at the landscape. It would soon be time for the swimming contest, an event that I've always been indifferent to. It provided a change of pace for the villagers here though and I wouldn't disagree that I've found it amusing seeing who would win.
"I see you've come to join our fair village again, maiden."
I turn to look at the intruder. The man is familiar with a bright red bandana tied around his forehead. Dan, the local womanizer. Oh how I hated these kinds of men.
"Tell me Dan, have you forgotten about the last time you came up to me?"
"Hmm?"
"I threw a cup of coffee at you. Buzz off."
"Alright, alright! I'll stay away babe." He sauntered off. Leaving me to shiver in anger. Damn guy. His presence brought up an unwanted issue. Something I didn't want to admit. I was alone. Traveling gave me freedom yet it also didn't provide any friends or... I refused to finish that sentence. I finished what was left of my meal and went outside.
The beach was crowded as the festivities began. Out of curiosity I peered between the crowd to see the contestants. I could see Tina, with a band aid covering the scratch earlier. I hope the salt water won't sting. She wore a two piece pink bathing suit that showed off her developing figure. I could see the lean muscle start to creep in to her arms and stomach area from all the farm work she's done. I couldn't help but reflect on my figure, the slim but soft gut and my flat chest. Tina, one could say she had the whole package. I could see the way Dan and one of the carpenter's apprentices stared at her. A warm feeling crept up on me most likely due to the sun. Really hoping I don't get a sunburn.
I heard the only gun in town go off by the village drifter Terry, signaling the start of the contest. All the participants did their best yet by a narrow victory Tina somehow won. As everyone congratulated her I couldn't help but smile as I walked back to the inn. I was happy for her, she seemed to be adapting well to her new life.
