Here's the latest update. I'm so sorry it took forever to update, it's been hectic at school. Anyway, here it is, hope you enjoy!
Gentle winds seemed to tickle the faces of two children as they raced past the lakeside in efforts to reach their nearby sanctuary.
Palo had been planning out the clubhouse of their dreams. Sketches under his arm, he had already gathered wood from one of his uncle's lumberyards. Padme had agreed to help him build it, as she had managed to snag her father's tool belt.
Leaves were scattering on the forest floor, which the children happily crunched through. Padme immediately began to climb up the steps that they had attached a day earlier, waiting to her friend to hand her a plank. She tucked her hammer in her back pocket, lifting the board up.
Palo climbed up beside her, holding the board down. "Wow. You're good at this stuff. You hiding something from me?" he remarked, as he watched her nail down an edge.
She shrugged, pushing her curly hair out of her eyes. She looked over at him, grinning. "My dad taught me a lot of handy tricks for working around the house. You know, fastest way to repair a leak, how to set down boards, the basics," she replied, motioning to for him to bring the next board.
He immediately passed her the board, then turning to start the framework for the walls. "What do ya think we'll put in here?" he asked, nailing together the thicker planks.
She stood up, helping him set up the framework. "Wow. Just the walls and roof, then we're done," she said with amazement, clasping his shoulder.
He grinned, hugging her around the shoulders. "Yeah. We got a lot done so far. Good thing we're on vacation, or this would not even be close to being done," he replied.
The two sat on the edge of the clubhouse floor, watching the sunset.
"We picked a great spot, huh?" Padme murmured, her gaze across the forest and out towards the lake.
"Amazing," he stated, looking out in the same direction. He brushed his fingers against the wood, warmth seeping into his skin. Palo was surprised at the glorious beauty up here, the colors of the sky painted.
He had always had a gift for seeing the most remarkable things in nature: the gentle hues in the blade of grass, the boldness of the sun's colors. He had noticed this as he had grown, and he easily became attracted to art.
He ran his fingers through his dark hair, as he glanced over at his friend by his side. As the rays of sunlight began to set, he recalled what his family had believed about his love for the arts.
Palo stood in the doorway, watching in horror as his father threw papers on the ground.
"Why are you choosing this? Art will get you nowhere! I don't understand, I thought that we had agreed to focus on politics?" the old man roared, the boy remaining silent. He felt no right to respond, fear causing him to shake.
Fear of his father being angered. Fear of his works to be destroyed.
"I'll give you time to change your mind. I don't want to see…these…paints lying around anymore. Deal?" Palo's father said huskily, his eyes darting around at the scattered papers.
"Yes sir," he replied, watching the man exit the boy's room. As soon as he heard the footsteps fade, he leapt towards the ground to the paintings he had been working on. He pulled out a small box, folding the papers and stuffing them inside.
Sadness and gloom was all over his face. He pushed the box behind his pillow, as he plopped on his bed.
He did not want to be rejected again because of his interests.
Padme frowned, her chocolate eyes now on him. "Palo? What's wrong?" she asked, touching his shoulder.
"Huh? Oh yeah! I'm fine…" he said, looking around wildly when he realized that he was running late for dinner.
She furrowed her eyebrows, doubting his response. "You don't look fine," she replied, as she gently grasped his shoulder.
"I am, okay?" he replied sharply, closing his eyes. She nodded, gazing out towards the lake.
"Palo, we're best friends, right?" she asked softly, which took the boy aback. He did believe that they were best friends; more than that, he thought they could be even siblings.
"Of course we are. I've always thought we were," he replied, smiling as he draped his arm across her shoulders.
"Good. 'Cause I hope that we never stop. No secrets, deal?" she suggested, her eyes twinkling with happiness. He stared towards the ground, closing his eyes.
"I haven't been completely honest…about what stuff I like," he said monotonously. She nodding, understanding enough. Everyone had stuff they liked, why should he be any different.
"Okay. Tell me," she insisted, hugging his arm tightly. He felt shivers tremble down his spine.
"I…I like art. Drawing, paints, and sculpture…they're amazing. Y-You won't make me stop, will you?" he stuttered, wincing.
Padme smiled, patting his shoulder. "Really? I think it's awesome. It's so beautiful, how could you ever stop?" she asked with surprise.
His eyes lit up, as he hugged her tightly. "I don't know. But…everyone I know has always judged me wrongly because I love it. You're the first that didn't try to make me quit. All I can say is…thanks," he replied.
She grinned, enjoying his happiness. "I'm glad I got to. And besides, I'm your friend. We're supposed to get along."
Sorry it took so long to update. I've been sort of busy. Thanks to all of my reviewers, so mucho thank you. Feel bad for Palo? Me too, and to get him and Padme closer as friends. Anyway, we're getting a step closer to the main plot. It may take some time, because the center surprise gift is later. Anyway, enjoy.
You know what I'd love? Some reviews! That'd be nice, and you'd have my eternal gratitude. And a cookie.