The next chapter is posted! Enjoy :)
It has been three weeks since Galen's birthday and his brother finding out about Julie.
Once Galen felt healed enough from the injuries he received during the mountain lion attack, he started working again. He also continues to submit notes of his findings from his studies to his superiors back in Ape City. It was also during a couple of these times that he has visited Cornelius and Zira to see how everything was going.
At one point, Galen felt the need to ask Cornelius if he has said or hinted to others about Julie.
Of course, his brother said he didn't say a word and he wouldn't. Same with Zira. Because if anything, they were still concerned about what would happen to Galen if she were found out. That is why the ape couple agreed not to say a word to anyone and even if he is very young, they also cautioned their young son, Caesar to not say anything, stating that his uncle and the Julie could get hurt if he did.
Caesar understood well enough about not wanting someone to get hurt. So, he told his parents he won't say anything to his friends at nursery class or to the teachers.
Galen was lucky, he never really had any visitors come to his home. The only one who ever really visited was Barlow every once and a while. Which was completely fine because both the younger chimp and young woman liked his company when he did pop in for a visit.
He especially showed an interest in the fact that Julie was a writer and would often ask her questions about her work and how she started out. She never had any issues answering each question. If anything, she liked being able to talk about writing and some of the books she wrote. Even telling him how some in her time became pretty popular and were big hits.
Galen was not very surprised that Barlow took an interest in the kind of occupation she had. The old chimp loved books and everything about them. So of course, he be interested in hearing about books from a writer's perspective.
While it seems like everything is fine though, Julie can't help but feel she and Galen were kind of dancing around each other as far as getting closer as friends. It was like there was an internal conflict going on between them like they were both trying to stem down the flow of their emotions while trying to maintain a friend capacity.
Even though Galen enjoyed having her around and her company, he was starting to feel a change within him these last several weeks and he just didn't know what to make of these changes. If anything, they scared him a little. Because what he was starting to feel was quite strong and new to him.
To the point he kept trying to convince himself what he was starting to feel for Julie was wrong, unnatural, and abnormal. Like many would deem him sick in the head for some of the feelings he was gradually beginning to feel for the human woman. There are times he had to keep reminding himself that she was not a female chimp but a human. Friendship with her was one thing, but anything beyond that, was just wrong.
Yet, he can't seem to understand why whenever he was in close contact with her, why it felt right to him. He still thinks about the time he was chasing her around and when they lost their balance and fell into each other. The close contact and intimacy of it all, never felt so right.
Sure, he has had close contact with Kira and shared may kisses with her. But they never seemed to really spur up such strong feelings and reactions within him before. Not like he was feeling now with Julie.
At the same time, Julie was also facing the same feelings that have been bubbling to the surface about how she feels towards Galen. She has been trying and struggling to erase the feelings that she would've considered highly inappropriate and wrong, seeing as he wasn't even human. She knows in her time; it would be seen as fucked up if she were to express what she was starting to feel for the young chimp she has been living with for three months now.
A part of her wishes she could confide in someone about it and ask for their opinion. But there were a couple issues in regard to that. One being the only ones she really knew were Barlow, Cornelius, and his family. The second being, she worried they would judge her for harboring such feelings for an ape, seeing as she wasn't one herself.
Because of this, Julie felt like this was something she had to deal with on her own. the question was how?
She feels that maybe the reason why she was feeling this way towards him was because she was feeling lonely at not having a significant other and the underlying fact that she never will here, because all the other humans here were akin to dumb, mute animals that were nothing like her.
Julie wanted to believe that since Galen was intelligent like herself and could speak and one of the only ones that knew about her that perhaps he was substituted in to fill in that aching hole of loneliness that craved companionship beyond friendship.
But was that really it? Or was there something more to it?
Whatever it was, she didn't want Galen to know. Otherwise, she feels he would freak out and it could complicate or compromise the friendship they already have. Which is something she did not want to happen.
While the pair tried to continue on like nothing was wrong, every now and then they would sometimes catch the other seeming to have a conflicted look on their face or looked very deep in thought about something. Whenever either of them would ask the other what was wrong, both would just say nothing was wrong and move on like it didn't happen.
Though neither of them had any idea that what they were feeling conflicted about was in fact the same thing. Which was what they were starting to feel for one another.
At this time, Julie had just woken up to the early morning sun filtering into her room.
As usual, she got up and made the bed. Before heading for the dresser to pull out some fresh clothes. She stripped out of her nightwear which was her shorts and tank top then put on her bra, undies, and dress. Julie picked up the brush that Galen got for her off of the top of the dresser and started brushing her hair out. Then she shoved her nightwear beneath her pillow and headed for the bedroom door.
She walked down the hall, then down the stairs. About halfway down, a lovely aroma started filling the air. Galen was probably cooking something for breakfast again.
Julie crossed the living room and headed into the kitchen where she saw Galen standing in front of the stove top with a metal spatula in hand. There was a thin plume of steam rising up into the air in front of him from the cooking food within the skillet.
"Smells good in here, Galen. Making eggs again with peppers and onions?" She asks.
He turned around with a small smile.
"Good morning, sleepy head. Yes, I am, and they are just about done. So, feel free to take a seat." Galen said.
"Starting to think I got you hooked on that dish." She says, as she sits down, with a small smile.
"Pretty much. But then, it is very good. I really do like the flavor the vegetables add to the eggs as well as some pepper and salt. Plus, it's a good source of protein for you. seeing as humans have to keep up on that more than apes. Don't want you becoming sickly and anemic after all." He stated.
"Nah, how can I? I live with a very good chef." Julie teased.
"Why thank you, I'm quite good aren't I?" Galen replied with a proud smile.
She chuckled at his stoic and proud stance while he stood there holding the spatula in one hand.
"Easy there, Rachel Ray don't go getting a bloated head now." Julie joked.
The chimp just rolled his eyes, "Hardly. I just know what I am good at. And I do happen to be quite good at cooking. Though who is this Rachel Ray you speak of?"
She grinned around a small piece of fruit she was chewing on that she nabbed out of the fruit bowl Galen had already made and sat on the table not far from her.
"She was an expert chef that had her own recipes and her own show. People would watch her as she made these recipes and then some people would try these recipes themselves." She explained.
"I see, and did you watch this chef yourself as well?" He asked.
Julie shook her head, "No, I don't watch cooking shows. My mom was the one that watched her, along with some other cooking shows. I was more into sci-fi, action, and horror stuff."
At this time, the eggs were finally finished. So, Galen scooped out some onto her plate then scooped some onto his. Then they both sat down to eat. They chatted a little as they ate breakfast.
"So, what are your plans today?" She asks him.
He shrugs, "Well, I think I'll take a day off from working today and hang around and bug you."
"Oh joy, can't wait. Whatever will you do to drive me crazy today?" She joked.
Galen rubbed his chin in thought.
"Hmm, that's a good question. I know there are many things I could come up with though. Could always hide your writing books. Or maybe rig a bucket filled with egg yolks over the back door so when you open it to go out, you'll get a lovely, gooey shower. The possibilities are endless I tell you." He says, wistfully with a smirk.
"While hiding the writing books may irk me a little, I highly advise you against rigging buckets of yolks or any other things to pour over me. Less you want me to beat the crap out of you. Or better yet, I'll go into your bedroom, pull out all your clothes and wipe myself all over them and get yolks all over your clothes." Julie replied with a grin.
The chimp cringed at that.
"Alright, I won't do anything that involves you getting dirty then. Because something tells me you'll make good on those threats." He says.
"Damn right I will." She stated.
He just silently chuckles as he shakes his head.
Once the pair finished up breakfast and cleaned up the kitchen, they retreated to the living room and sat on the couch. They were thinking about whether or not if they want to hang out by the lake or explore the woods within the property line of the home.
They were only talking about it for five minutes when they both heard a knock on the front door.
Julie went dead quiet once she heard the knocking, out of habit. Then they both got up and approached the door. Julie stayed by the stairs in case she had to go upstairs.
"Who is it?" Galen asks.
"It's Barlow." Came the muffled voice of the older chimp through the door.
They relaxed a little and Galen opened the door. They saw Barlow standing there with a smile on his face.
"Good morning you two." He says.
"Morning, Barlow. Though this is a first I seen you come this early for a visit, seeing as you know I'd be heading off to work around this time." Galen says.
"Yes, I know. I just came to see if Julie wanted to see a change of scenery for a change. I was headed to Pebble Beach to do some fishing, read, and relax a little. I figured I'd come ask if she would like to come as well. Ger her out of the house a little." The older chimp suggested.
"That would be great Barlow. But it could also be dangerous for me if I were to leave the property and gorillas come by and happen to see me." Julie said.
"I wouldn't worry, there are many ways through the woods to take to safely get there. Including some that gorillas don't go to or use. Still, it's your decision. I understand completely if you still don't wish to go." He told her.
"He is right, there are some ways through the woods we can go that gorillas are nowhere nearby. Plus, the coast is not far from here at all remember? Only two and a half miles west of here. I can accompany you and go with you. Seeing as I stated earlier, I'm not working today." Galen says.
"Playing hooky from work today, are you?" Barlow joked.
"Not the first time I have done so. But yes, I am." The younger chimp replied.
"Ok, just as long as it is safe getting there and back. I do love the beach and miss it. Would like to see it again." Julie told them.
"Well then, let's pack some things and we'll go then." Galen said.
Barlow came in and sat on the couch while he waited for them to pack some things.
Julie and Galen grabbed their packs and canteens out of the closet in the hall then brought them around to the kitchen. Then they started pulling out some food for later and placed it all in the small bags that Galen keeps in one of the cabinets. Afterwards, they filled their water canteens and threw those into their packs with the food.
"I'm going to grab one of the books I've been reading. I left it upstairs on the nightstand. May bring a writing book too." She tells him.
"Yes, I'm bringing a book too. I may grab a towel to sit on as well. Would you like to bring a towel with you too?" He asks.
"Yeah, ok." Julie replied.
Then they went back out through the living room to the stairs, telling Barlow on the way that they were just grabbing a couple books and some towels, and they'll be right back.
They didn't take very long in grabbing the objects needed, before putting them in their packs and returning downstairs.
"Alright, Barlow. We're ready. Just need to go out back and saddle up Blaze and we'll meet you out front." Galen informed him.
"That's fine, I'll see you soon." The older chimp said as he stood up and headed for the front door.
The pair then headed for the back door and exited the home.
Galen and Julie walked around the side to where the horse stall was, brought Blaze out and saddled him. Then they both got on the horse and Galen directed him to walk out front to where Barlow was there waiting on top of his horse.
"I must say, Galen. I'm a little surprised you're coming. You never really were a beach person." Barlow says.
The younger chimp just shrugs.
"I don't necessarily mind the beach; it's getting wet and the water I don't like." He replied.
"Yeah, we get it. You're a total land whale." Julie teased from behind him.
Barlow chuckled a little at her remark, because it was quite true.
"Yes, I can believe that. Oh, I also brought this for you." The older chimp says, as he pulls a long piece of cloth out of one of the saddlebags and handed it over to Julie.
"It's a cloak, with straps fastening the front together. Figured it would help put you at lease while we are traveling out in the open woods. It's quite big and baggy and has a hood on it and sleeves. It should cover you up a lot." He informed her.
"Thanks." She replied.
Then she shuffled the light fabric around a little until she found the bottom opening. She then scrunched it up and pulled it over her head, while sticking her arms through the long, baggy sleeves that stretched a few inches past her hands. Two pieces of sewn on leather held the front flaps closed and pretty close together.
Julie then pulled the large hood up and over her head. It covered majority of her face well and the end of the cloak went down to about an inch below her feet while on top of the horse. It was also loose and baggy enough to go over her pack that was on her back.
"Fits and hides you well you well. Even if there were gorillas, from a distance they would just think there was another ape under there riding with Galen." Barlow said.
Galen peeked behind him to look and could barely make out Julie beneath the light-colored fabric.
"Looks good, Barlow. Where did you get it?" The young chimp inquired.
"Oh, I made it. Wasn't very hard. As you know, my mother was an excellent seamstress and clothmaker. She taught me well. Figured Julie could use something like that, just in case. Now, are you two ready?" He asks.
"Yeah, ready when you are." Julie said, getting pretty excited at the prospect of seeing somewhere new, and the beach no less.
The three of them then headed off.
They traveled a little down the wide dirt road for about a half mile before turning their horses left and headed for the woods. There wasn't really a trail here, they were just walking the horses through some foliage. To Julie, it looked like they weren't kidding, they were literally off the unbeaten path and traveling through the thicket.
She can kind of see why gorillas wouldn't go through here. Hell, she's surprised Barlow and Galen can navigate through the tight spaces without getting the horses or themselves stuck.
"How is it you guys can get through here without getting stuck on anything?" She asks, as they push on.
"It's only like this for several yards or so, then it clears up a little more making a narrow little dirt path." Barlow told her.
"The woods here look very dense. Like you could almost hardly see through the foliage." Julie said, as she looks around a little.
"But that's very good. We want that. Makes it very difficult to be seen. Both by gorillas and predators if there ever were any back here." Galen says.
"Well, predators maybe. But not gorillas. I've used this path for years. Not once have I ever seen any gorilla troopers back here. There's just no point. The foliage here is too dense and it's really not a good hunting ground for them. Too many obstacles to get around." The older chimp stated.
Hearing all this put Julie more at ease.
Pretty soon, just like Barlo stated, the foliage lessened in front of them and there was a very narrow strip of a dirt path that led further through the woods. When they got to this point, they sent the horses to a trot, and kept it that way for some time, until the woods opened up and vanished, leaving only nothing but sand and several meters further, the ocean.
It was a nice area of beach. Though the small group wasn't alone. There was a series of strange sounds coming from their left and when they shifted their attention that way, they were amazed to see a decent size colony of sea lions laid out on the beach, sunning themselves and relaxing.
"That's what I like about this time of year. When some of the sea lions haul themselves out on land. Such curious and fascinating animals they are." Barlow says, with a small smile.
Julie could barely take her eyes off of them. She loved sea life and while she may have seen maybe one harbor seal on land once at one of the nearby beaches at home, she has never seen so many at once before in one place this up close. There had to be no less than forty to fifty individual sea lions here.
"That's a lot of sea lions." Galen said, as he observed them.
"Yeah, if I had to guess, they're probably California Sea Lions." Julie surmised.
"Well, since they are here, let's move down to the right. Give them a good thirty-five yards or so between them and us so, they have space." Barlow instructed.
They steered the horses to the right and got going, following the beach line.
After only a few more minutes of riding, they finally stopped the horses when they felt there was enough distance between them and the small sea lion colony. They hitched up their horses to some thick bush branches by the tree line then crossed the small strip of beach and parked themselves a few yards from the water's edge.
They all placed their packs down on the sand and started unpacking some of their stuff.
Galen and Julie unraveled their towels and placed them down on the sand next to each other. Then they took out their books and placed them on the towels. While Barlow rigged up his fishing line and rolled up his pant legs. He also grabbed a small yet deep hand net.
"Didn't know you fish, Barlow." Julie says, as she eyes him with the fishing stick and net in hand.
"Oh, he's a big fisher ape. Right, Barlow?" Galen stated, in a slight teasing tone.
"Why not? It's relaxing and fun. I took your brother, Cornelius out here with me a few times when he was young to fish. He enjoys it here too." The older chimp informed him.
"Yes, I remember. You'd sometimes stop by for him at house then he would grab his fishing stick, net, and bait box and you two would take the horses out there. He came back with a few fish a few times." Galen says.
"Definitely seems peaceful and relaxing. Even with our somewhat loud neighbors over there." Julie stated with a small smirk, while pointing a thumb at the sea lions several yards down the stretch of beach.
"Yes, they can be a noisy bunch. But as long as you don't bother them, they won't bother you. When I was still working, I actually studied them. Seeing as marine life is not something any ape scientist or animal researcher really get a chance to study because we're not the best swimmers and the ones that can come on land like sea lions and seals can be rather elusive creatures and a bit challenging to study.
But I was able to learn a little about their diets and distinguished between the males and females. I also studied a little of their foraging habits from shore and even some from when there were times, I took a small boat out to study them on the water a little. Took down many notes over the years on them and submitted them to the superior researchers." Barlow explained as he pulled out his small, wooden bait box.
"They are actually part of what is called the 'Pinniped' family. If I remember correctly, pinniped means fin or flipper footed. Which is obviously what seals and sea lions have for feet, flippers. I think there are four distinctive pinniped families. Though I can't recall the names of them, or which one sea lions belong to. But there are many different species of seals and sea lions worldwide." Julie informed him.
"I always thought they were very weird looking animals. With their odd-shaped bodies and feet." Galen stated.
"To them, they probably think the same about you, Galen." Julie joked.
Barlow laughed a little at that remark. She certainly can be an amusing one, that's for sure and he can see why Galen enjoys her company as much as he does.
"Hey now, I'm not odd in any way. As I've stated before, I'm considered to be quite attractive with the females back in the city." He stated.
Julie rolled her eyes and mumbled something along the lines like, 'oh brother.'
Their bickering really was amusing to the older chimp that silently watched the exchange in amusement.
"Well, I was probably going to get some fishing in. Feel free to join me by the water's edge if you like." Barlow told them.
Then he grabbed his fishing gear and walked the seven yards to the water in front of them.
Julie would like to at least get her feet wet. She turned her attention to Galen who was sitting next to her on his towel. He was about to reach for his book next to him when he noticed she was looking at him.
"I'm going to at least stick my feet in the water. You want to come?" She asks.
"No thanks, don't like getting wet, remember?" He reminded her.
"Not even your feet?" Julie inquires.
"Nope. I'll just sit here like a land whale, like you said earlier. Even if I am nowhere near the size of one." He said, in a teasing tone.
"Boo, you're no fun." Julie said, before standing up and walking to the water. She already removed her shoes when they took their things out.
Galen just smirks and shakes his head. He then watched as she walked up to Barlow and said something. Before she walked a few feet further in until the water was up to her shins. She didn't care if part of the bottom of her dress got wet, it would dry.
He was at least happy to see she was happy and enjoying herself.
It's funny. Even though he went to pick up his book and flipped it open to a page, he still spent most of his time watching her as she waded through the shallows. This was a good idea, as far as outings go and it was different.
Even he was finding it to be quite relaxing as he sat on his towel in the warm sun.
They were probably there for almost an hour, before Barlow caught his first fish on his line and pulled it in. It was a nice size stripper too. He netted it and turned to walk back where Galen and their stuff was so he can put the fish in the sack he brought with him for the fish he caught.
"That's a big fish you got there, Barlow. Probably big enough to make a couple meals out of." Julie said, as she came up and started walking back with him.
Galen looked up from his book and saw them coming back. At the same time he caught movement out of the corner of his eye and heard grunting sounds.
Julie and Barlow saw it too and quickly called out to Galen.
"Galen! Don't move! A sea lion is moving towards you!" Barlow called out to him.
The younger chimp froze when he looked to his left and saw a pretty large sea lion come wandering over to where he was sitting.
It wasn't rushing towards him in an aggressive manner, just moseying on over at a pretty slow and casual pace. The sea creature was eyeing him in curiosity as it drew closer.
By now Julie and Barlow were very slowly and cautiously making their way over, trying not to spook or startle the large animal.
The animal made it to Galen before they did though. The young chimp still remained frozen to the spot and didn't move a muscle. While the sea lion started sniffing him. He was hoping it would take its look at him then leave.
But to his dismay, the sea lion parked itself alongside of him and laid its head on his right thigh.
Julie and Barlow eventually made their way there and both of them were now sporting amused looks. The sea lion seemed pretty comfortable as it cozied up to the tense younger chimp.
"Uhh, help." Galen got out awkwardly.
Julie put a hand up to her mouth to muffle her laughter. Even Barlow was trying not to laugh and was failing miserably.
"Galen, where are your manners? Aren't you going to introduce us to your new girlfriend?" She joked.
The older chimp next to her let out a low rumbling laugh. While Galen just gave them both a dirty look.
The sea lion let out a big old yawn and closed its eyes as it rested the side of its head on his thigh. Something that made Julie and Barlow laugh even more. The animal didn't appear to be bothered by their semi-quiet laughter though so, it stayed where it was.
They slowly walked up and sat beside Galen and his 'new' friend.
"I must say, all my years studying these animals, I can't say any have ever gotten that close to me. You're quite lucky." Barlow says.
"Funny, I don't feel very lucky at all. It has this whole stretch of beach, and it has to come all the way over here and park itself right up against me?" Galen bit out.
"Well, you did say the females found you to be very attractive. Looks like you made your point." Julie teased.
Barlow chuckled, "She's right, you did mention that not long ago."
"I meant as in female chimps. Besides for all you know this isn't a female sea lion." The younger chimp pointed out.
"Actually, it is a female. She's lighter in color, not as large, and is missing the bumpy crest on her head that are mainly only features found on males. That was something else I learned during my years of observation on these animals." Barlow stated.
"So, Galen, what's her name and when's the wedding? And can Barlow and I be in it?" Julie continued teasing him.
"I call the position for best man if that's the case." The older chimp joked.
"You're hilarious. Both of you." Galen deadpanned.
"Yeah, only took you about three months to notice that with me and years with Barlow." She stated, with an amused grin.
"But I knew up front of how much of a smarty pants you can be." He told her.
"Hey, you two, I don't mean to interrupt, but I just saw a whale out there. I saw it spouting. It's to the right about...a quarter mile out." Barlow informed them and pointed out to sea.
"No way, seriously?" Julie says, then looks to where he's pointing.
Several moments later, she saw something dark and large rolling through the water's surface and swore she saw what appeared to be a pectoral fin.
"Be right back." She said.
Then Julie got up and headed towards the water.
She entered up to the bottom of her shins, and cupped a hand over her eyes to see if she can spot it again. While the two males stayed back and remained where they were. Not like Galen had much of a choice of moving. The sea lion was still resting against him.
"So, you still attending the summer solstice party at the city hall? It's next week, correct?" Barlow inquired.
"Yes, only because I told Cornelius I would. Even if I don't really want to go. You still going?" Galen asks.
"Yes, if not to see some old friends and colleagues. Just too bad Julie has to miss out. The parties here can be pretty fun." The older chimp stated.
Galen sighs, "I know. There sadly is a lot of things she just cannot do while here. And it really isn't fair to her. And while she does appear to be happy most days, I still know deep down, that she is still sad that she can't go back home and is stuck here."
"At least she is happy to an extent. And most of that is in large part of you. You're doing well at taking care of her and keeping her safe. You also spend time with her, so she doesn't feel so alone, which is good." Barlow says, as they both stare ahead, watching Julie standing in the shallows.
"Perhaps, but is it truly enough? How can anyone truly be happy when they have to remain hidden for the rest of their life from the rest of the world?" Galen inquires.
Barlow is silent for a moment, before speaking again.
"There is a chance, she will not have to." He says.
The younger chimp turned his gaze to his friend.
"What do you mean?" He asked.
Barlow closes his eyes and lets out a long sigh.
"She...is not the only one, Galen. There is a settlement out there quite far removed from here. A well-hidden and guarded human settlement, with humans just like her. I have discovered it several years ago while I was traveling and have been there several times over the years ever since. Even going as far as making some friends there. Like Julie, they are highly intelligent and have their own society. It lies far beyond the forbidden zone away from any ape settlements." The old chimp explained.
Galen gave him an incredulous look, almost like he didn't believe what he just heard.
"But...but how? How's this possible? And how could such a place exist without any other apes knowing? It just doesn't make any sense. Plus, how can there be others like her? When all the humans we have all ever known were dumb, mute, and animal-like?" He questioned.
"As I told you, it's well hidden and beyond the forbidden zone where majority of apes wouldn't think to travel and aren't generally allowed to travel to. As for how they're like her, apparently, they are survivors reminiscent of the old days. Those who were able to maintain their intelligence and speech and continued passing it on through generations. Or so they told me. There are even a couple astronauts that were lucky enough to find their away there and made a home within the safety of the settlement among the others. They are part of the small group of friends I have there." Barlow says.
"Why didn't you ever tell me this before, Barlow? You and father have been friends for years and have been my friend for many years as well. Why didn't you say anything?" Galen inquired.
"Because I promised them, I wouldn't tell a soul. It was for their own safety. I'm only breaking this promise now because Julie is here. I also didn't say anything, because then you would be faced with the difficult decision of letting her go. Something I know will be very hard for you and for her. Seeing as you both have become close these last few months since she got here." Barlow admitted.
He's not wrong there, they have become close. Closer than he ever expected to become with her. To the point his feelings have been warring in his mind for the better part of the last month or so.
"You're right, it would be a difficult decision." The younger chimp says, then shifts his gaze back to Julie who was now just chilling in shin deep water.
"But...if it means a chance at a more normal life and safety for her, it would be the right choice to make." He added, barely above a whisper.
Though as he said that his heart started to hurt a little. The thought of letting her go and possibly never seeing her again, for some reason, it really hurt him to think about it. But Galen knew, this doesn't have to do with his developing feelings towards Julie. This has to do with her safety, survival, and a normal life among her kind.
"I will bring it up with her and see what she decides. If she does wish to go to this settlement...we'll take her." Galen told him.
Barlow wasn't blind, he could already see how this decision was already affecting him. Not only that but seeing the younger chimp's reaction had him thinking further on the matter. Like if there was more to it than friendship. But he also felt it wasn't his place or business to ask. Even if it does come off as strange if that were the case.
Before either of them could say anything else, Julie turned around and started heading back to them.
"Are you going to mention this to her?" Galen asks him in a low tone as she continues walking back to them.
"No, you can mention it to her, when you're ready to bring it up with her and ask her what she wishes to do." Barlow says.
Galen nodded.
Not a couple minutes later, Julie made it back to them. She was all smiles too.
"Hey, did you guys see? It looked like the whale breached a little before. A good portion of its body came out of the water. Looked like possibly a humpback whale." She informed them.
"Sorry, my dear. I think we missed it. We were just talking about upcoming events like the summer solstice party which is coming up at the end of next week." Barlow told her.
"Oh, right. I heard Galen at some point mention the party some time ago. It's that close?" She asked.
"Yes, it is. Should be pretty entertaining. And by that, I mean, I'm curious to see how many apes end up belligerently drunk at this party and then make utter fools of themselves. It's bound to happen too. Happens every year at this party with a handful of individuals." The older chimp stated, with amusement.
"Sounds hilarious. Can only imagine how funny a drunk ape looks and acts." Julie said with an amused smile.
"Let's just say they had to reinforce some of the legs on the tables because one too many drunk apes thought it a good idea to get up on them and start dancing and jumping around on them." Barlow implied, with a wide grin.
The young woman started laughing a little at what he just told her.
"You're kidding? That bad?" She asks, between laughs.
"Oh yes, it can be. I recall one year, one of the gorillas was so drunk, he bumped into a statue of an ape, turned around and started yelling at it. Then the idiot actually punched it and ended up being carted off to the hospital with a broken hand." Galen added, with a smirk.
Julie started laughing again.
They talked a little more about it, sharing more stories about drunken apes at this party over the years. Each one sounding even more hilarious than the last. It was a good distraction from the ongoing conflict in Galen's mind. Both about his growing feelings towards Julie and what Barlow had just told him in which was leading to making a huge and difficult decision for them both.
But for now, he will try to put it out of his mind and try and enjoy the rest of his time here at the beach with Julie and Barlow.
The small group stayed for a few hours, having lunch while they were there with the food and water they packed. Then as it drew closer to early evening, they decided it was time to go. Thankfully, the sea lion that was taking up residence on Galen's leg had got up and finally moved on at one point. So, Galen was able to move more freely again to his relief. Then they packed up their things and left the beach, heading for home.
Decisions will have to be made soon. Now, it was all about finding the right time to bring it up and discuss it. Either way, it won't be easy.
Until Next Time ;)