Falling Into Place

A year later, my life began to take some sort of shape. Venia had studied architectural design after upper school and she began to explain things to me.

"You see, you need a support beam. Otherwise, the whole foundation will collapse," she explained one day.

It seemed to make sense. I began going to work with her. Seneca managed to find some time to stop by and visit us. During the winter season, he actually stayed for a week. What a great vacation that had been for all. I was surprised to find out that both Venia and Seneca had gotten me presents for my birthday.

My parents continued searching for me. Seneca told me of their attempts to question him. He told them that he knew nothing of my disappearance. After hearing of their attempts, I felt a momentary pang of guilt. However, I was finally living life the way I wanted.

The last few weeks of upper school were among us. I had been studying extra hard with hopes of getting good marks. Seneca had called and told me that he had sent in an application to Games school with my name on it. Once I turned eighteen, I could safely return to the City Circle.

"So what do you think about a graduation party?" Venia asked one night.

"Just something small. Seneca, you, and I. The usual," I replied while working on a bit of homework.

"Sounds good," she agreed, "It will finally give me an excuse to try out that new dish I have been working on."

Come finals week, I had studied like a maniac. I thought that there was no possible way that I could be any more prepared. I went in confident. After three hours of rigorous paperwork, I had successfully completed my finals. We were told to report on Saturday for graduation. On the morning before graduation, Seneca came over.

"Seneca!" I squealed as he pulled into the driveway.

"Why hello," he said with his usual verve, "Or should I say congratulations?"

"Say whatever you would like," I threw myself into his arms.

He carried me into Venia's house and greeted her. We spent the day shopping for banners and other party favors. When we got home, Venia dismissed us from the house so she could begin the chore of cooking. Seneca suggested we go on a walk down to lake. I agreed with a smile.

"I am so proud of you," he spoke as we walked.

We were holding hands, the warm sun radiating off our features. I chanced a glance over at him and took him in. He had dressed simply, a reasonable cardigan and fashionable slacks. His hair hung over his eyes, providing a sort of shade. A hint of stubble played on his chin.

"Thank you," I replied, "I have been working so hard for this. I cannot believe it is almost over."

"You know, we have the whole summer to be together before Games school. Then, we have Games school. We will be seeing a lot of each other," he said carefully.

"If I get in," I reminded him, "I still have not received a letter."

"Come on, you are a sure in. You will love it," he answered, leading me down a path.

"As long as you will be there," I answered.

We reached a small swing set. He gestured for me to sit. I gently took the chains with my hands and sat down. He moved behind me and placed a hand on the small of my back.

"Hold on tight," he whispered in my ear.

He gave me a push. I rose in the air. From my vantage point, the lake seemed to grow. The crystal clear blue water looked so inviting. The breeze was comforting too. This is so peaceful and perfect. I came back down, and Seneca pushed harder. Again, I rose to the world's splendors.

We swung for a few minutes, and then continued to the lake. Once reaching the lake, I got an idea.

"Let's go swimming," I suggested.

"We haven't a swimming outfit," he said.

"So improvise," I gave him a soft wink.

There was no one else on the lake's shores. I needed to feel that crystal water on me. Slowly, I turned to Seneca and began to remove his shirt. He looked mildly embarrassed, but allowed me to remove it. We undressed each other and he took my hand. Then we walked into the lake.

"This is beautiful," I gasped as the water met my feet.

"Lovely," he agreed.

We waded farther in. As the water reached our waist, we let out involuntary gasps. It was not cold, yet it was not warm. It was perfect. I swam away from him, letting my body encompass the whole of the lake. The water was clear, a healthy sign. Seneca showed off, completing a graceful dolphin-like tactic.

I watched him with love in my eyes. He had been on my mind lately, something that frequently happened before his arrivals. When he was with me, small trivial things mattered. When he was with me, everything mattered much more. Often, I wondered about his doings in the City Circle. His life there, his friends, his faithfulness. I never questioned his loyalty though.

"Are you frozen?" he joked, splashing me with water.

"No!" I gasped with surprise.

I tried to splash him back, but I was unsuccessful. He moved under me and caught me in his arms. He looked so good. We embraced in the water, feeling rejuvenated by the freshness.

"You know I have missed you," I spoke softly to him.

"As have I," he responded, looking into my eyes.

"Things have been so easy since moving in with Venia. She has been teaching me architectural design, you know," I told him.

"I have heard. She has relayed that in the event Games school declines you, you should come to work with her," he led us out of the lake.

"Really?" I asked with genuine surprise.

"Of course. She says you have become somewhat of an expert on the subject," he answered seriously.

"Oh, you are jesting," I dismissed him.

He set me down on the shore. We redressed quickly and lay hand in hand.

"Would you like that? Living with Venia and becoming an architect?" he asked quietly.

"Maybe," I thought about it, "Or, I would like to go to Games school with you."

"I would like that very much," he replied.

We laid on the shore, listening to the quiet tones of the lake. Frogs were beginning to sound as the day grew on. At one point, another couple came down to the lake and fancied a swim. I may have fallen asleep at some point. When nightfall approached, Seneca took my hand and we walked back to Venia's house.

The first thing we noticed was her car. Or lack thereof.

"Where did Venia go?" I asked Seneca.

"Beats me," he responded, "She probably went out for some last minute surprise."

I led the way into the house and checked around for a note. Sure enough, a note lay on the kitchen counter. It read:

'Effie, I will be back soon. I needed one last minute thing. Please remove the tarts from the oven. Thank you.'

I removed the tarts from the oven and offered Seneca food. He declined politely, and we decided to continue our festivities upstairs. I led him into my bedroom where he began to set up for the next few days. Every time he came over, he slept in my room.

"You know, we are alone," I told him suggestively.

"Oh?" he responded feigning ignorance, "What does that entail?"

"I just want to get to know you a little better," I responded, moving onto the bed and removing my shoes.

"Ah, I see," he removed his shoes and climbed onto the bed, "And what would you like to know?"

"Anything you are willing to teach me," I whispered.

We kissed heavily, removed clothing, and got under the covers. I lay back against the pillows, allowing him to move forward. I felt all the passion and tension come in time. Through the day, my desire had built. The moment came and took us over.

"Right now?" he whispered, moving on top of me.

"Yes," I managed to get out.

Suddenly, we heard the front door open. We paused with embarrassment, choosing not to continue while others were around. He apologized quietly and moved back. I felt pangs of want pulling me back.

"Come back," I whimpered, feeling unsatisfied.

"Later," he promised and threw me my clothes.

We dressed quickly and hurried downstairs to meet Venia. We could hear her talking in the kitchen.

"She will be so excited!" she kept saying.

She must be on the phone with someone. I decided to surprise her by jumping out from behind a pillar in the kitchen. Just as I sprang, I met my own surprise.

Alfie stood in the kitchen.