The next chapter is here! Enjoy :)
It has been a week since that day at the beach.
Since then, Julie seems to have noticed a change in Galen. He didn't seem to be as cheery or happy as of late, like something was bothering him. They would still spend time together and occasionally joke and tease one another, but even then, she can still see what looked like conflict and some sadness in his eyes sometimes.
She started noticing this change ever since they came back from the beach that day with Barlow. Julie ha even asked Galen what was wrong a few times, but he would just tell her everything is fine. Even though she strongly feels it's not.
The young woman could only imagine what it was that was bothering him. She likes to think they could confide in one another about anything that was bothering or upsetting them. But it looks like this time is different. He just refuses to open up and tell her what's wrong.
Then the day of the Summer Solstice Party came.
At this time, it was midevening, and Galen was about to start getting ready to go to the party. Though he didn't really seem all that enthusiastic about going. If he hadn't promised Cornelius he'd go, then he wouldn't be going at all. He just didn't care for parties anymore. It's been that way since his breakup with Kira a couple years back.
"Where's that stupid waist sash?" He muttered to himself as he rifled through his drawers.
"So, there going to be a lot of people at this party at the city hall?" Julie asks as she sat on his bed, while he went through his drawers pulling the articles of clothing out that he needed to change into.
"Probably, there usually is." He asks, as he continues trying to find that pesky sash.
"Seriously? Where is it?" Galen added, a tad annoyed.
"What's wrong? You having trouble finding something?" Julie asks.
"Yes, my green waist sash. Funny thing is, I think I may have already put it out before on the bed, but now I can't find it." He replied, while turning around to face her.
She shifted her gaze, looking around. She got up while doing so, then something caught her eye.
"Sorry, Galen. You're right, it was on the bed. I didn't realize when I came in here, I sat on it." Julie said, with a small sheepish look.
He huffed out a small chuckle.
"Figures." He says.
Julie then lightly wrapped it around her neck.
"Could wear it as a fashionable scarf. Create a new fashion statement." She joked.
Galen gave her an amused look. The he held out his hand towards her and made a gesture to hand it over.
When she did, he took it and then draped it over his head, crisscrossing it in front of his neck and chest. It looked like he was wearing one of those head scarves that old ladies would mainly wear.
"Or go in like this, looking like someone's grandmother. The kind that live alone and keep dozens of birds for pets and spy on the neighbors." He said, in a high-pitched feminine voice while fluttering his eyelids.
Julie laughed a little at his silly old lady impersonation.
"You could, but then many of the apes there may look at you like you're mental." She said, with laughter in her voice.
"That maybe nothing new to anyone who knows me well enough." He joked.
"No comment there." She joked back with a teasing grin.
Galen rolls his eyes, "Ok, you. Out, I need to start changing."
"Ay, Ay, Captain." She says with a small salute, then leaves the bedroom.
He just smiles and shakes his head, before closing his bedroom door and starts changing out of his clothes.
Julie went downstairs and sat on the couch. She then leaned forward and plucked the book she was reading off of the coffee table in front of her, opened it and began reading.
She couldn't have been reading for more than five minutes, when Galen came downstairs.
Her gaze shifted from the book in her hands to him. When she did, Julie suddenly found herself unable to take her eyes off of him. He was wearing these very dark green pants with the lighter medium green sash tied around his waist over a white cotton shirt and an open brown leather vest. It looked like he smoothed his hair back a little more too, so it wasn't as poofy as usual around his face and on top of his head.
"Looking good there, Romeo. Very handsome. Probably have more than half the female chimps at this party vying for your attention." She says, with a small smile.
Though while mentioning that last part of her remark, it hurt a little to think of him with another female or gaining one's attention.
Galen gave her a soft smile, "Thank you."
She then got up and approached him, coming to a stop in front of him, giving him one more glancing look over. Then she spotted some fuzz on his soft, leather vest. Julie reached up and plucked the small, white ball of fuzz off of his vest.
"Little fuzz here." She said, as she pulled it off and showed it to him in her pinched fingertips.
He smiled down at her, his gaze connecting with hers. Galen then reached up and grasped her hand, caressing her knuckles, putting a small smile on her face.
It faltered a little after a few seconds though.
"Galen, I know you have been telling me everything is fine. But I can't help but feel like something is still bothering you. And I just want to remind you that you can tell me anything." Julie said.
The chimp's smile started to falter as well.
"I know. It's just...what's been on my mind, it is very difficult to talk about." He admitted.
Before she could think, she slowly raised her other hand up to caress his cheek.
"I understand. But keeping it bottled up inside, isn't helping you either. It's clearly just eating away at you." She says.
His heartbeat stuttered at the soft contact and his eyes closed briefly. Then he slowly opened his eyes after a few moments and gazed into her light blue eyes.
"After I come back from the party, I'll talk with you about it." He finally told her.
"Ok. Either way, I'm here for you." She said.
His smile slowly returned, "I know, Juliet."
Galen watched her smile brighten at the mention of the affectionate nickname he sometimes referred her to. Just as he sometimes feels warmth pass through him, and he smiles when she calls him Romeo.
Before either of them could say anything else, there's a knock at the door.
"Who is it?" Galen asks.
"It's Barlow and Cornelius." Came a muffled voice beyond the door.
Galen got a puzzled look. While he was expecting Barlow because they were heading to the party together, he as not expecting his brother too.
The pair walked to the door, and Galen unlocked, and opened it.
"Well, look at you. Looking good this evening." Barlow says, as he steps inside.
Cornelius came in behind him. The two other chimps were also dressed nicely for the occasion.
"You as well." Galen told the older chimp.
Then Galen shifted his gaze tohis older brother.
"Cornelius, wasn't expecting you. Thought I was to meet you and Zira there." He stated.
His brother smiles, "Was just making sure you were still coming and not backing out."
The younger chimp rolled his eyes, "Of course, I was coming. I did promise you I would. And you know I don't go back on my word when I make it."
"You sure about that, brother? What about the time I accidentally broke father's small desk statue of the lawgiver, and you promised not to say anything. Yet, a soon as father saw it and leveled us with a look, you were quick to rat me out." Cornelius implied, with a smirk.
"I was eight years old then, Cornelius. That doesn't count as far as breaking promises go." Galen said.
Julie found the small conversation to be amusing.
"You both look very good. Try not to get carried away with the alcohol now. Because there is nothing more dangerous than riding drunk." She teased.
"I'd say no promises for this one. But I can only hope he stays sober enough to chat with some of the females. I bumped into Carsia a little while ago again and told her more about you. She would very much like to meet you, Galen." Cornelius said, with a smile.
"Cornelius, need I remind you on the one condition that I'm going? No pushing females at me." Galen reminded him.
"Who's Carsia? She also a scientist?" Julie inquired.
Though she really didn't like the fact that this female seems to already be showing a level of interest in Galen since Cornelius has spoken of him to her.
"Yes, she is. She's one of the chemists that works in one of the labs on the second floor of the science institute. Just transferred in from another ape settlement about five months back." Cornelius told her.
"That's nice. At least they already have one thing in common in that they are both scientists. Even if they are in different fields of study." Julie replied.
The more she talks about it though, the sadder she was becoming. She was hiding it quite well at the moment from the three males though.
"Yes, she's exceptionally bright and shows promise in our chemistry department. I believe she mentioned something about being promoted soon to a head chemist position." Cornelius announced.
Julie nodded, "Well, either way, I hope you all have a good time."
"Thank you." He replied.
Then he shifted his gaze back to his younger brother.
"You ready to go, Galen?" Cornelius asks.
He was silent for a moment, before answering.
"Yes, I'm ready." He said.
Then Galen followed Cornelius out. But not before giving Julie one last glance on the way out the door.
Barlow was the last to leave. Before he did though, he shifted his gaze to Julie. She may have hidden it well from the two younger chimps. But he could read her face well enough to see the sad look in her eyes, at the mention of Galen possibly meeting the female scientist, Carsia.
"Are you alright, dear?" Barlow asks, in concern.
Her bright eyes flickered to his, and he saw a slight glassy look about them.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just going to go read to kill time for the rest of the night." She replied.
The older chimp nodded.
"I wouldn't worry. Odds are there may not be anything there between Galen and this female scientist." He assured.
Julie was a little surprised that Barlow noticed her inner turmoil. But she did find some comfort in his words.
"Maybe. Either way, have fun. Have a drink for me." She says, with a sad smile.
Barlow reached up and patted her shoulder with a reassuring smile. Then he finally left.
Julie watched as they mounted their horses and took off down the road. She closed the door once they were out of sight. Then she slowly turned around and leaned back against the door, closing her eyes briefly with a shaky sigh. She really wanted to believe Barlow's words. But part of her was afraid that there could be something between them.
She tried putting it out of her mind for now. She went back to the couch and grabbed her book. But instead of returning to the couch to read, she went out back and headed for the dock on the lake.
With Galen...
"So, Zira is just going to meet us there or are we stopping by your place and going together?" Galen inquires as they ride.
"She's meeting us there. When I left, she was still getting ready. Then she's dropping Caesar off with or elderly neighbor, Ganna." Cornelius replied.
2 Hours Later...
The three chimps made it to Ape City and slowed down their horses as they went through it, heading towards the large city hall building.
Within five minutes of walking the horses through the city, they all finally made it there. They all dismounted and walked the horses over to a post and started hitching them up. There were small crowds of apes still filtering in when they approached the entrance.
Once the three of them all went inside, it was already pretty crowded in there. Chimps, gorillas, and orangutans were all mingling and chatting. While a band played some instruments at the front of the large, grand hall. Lines of tables were against the side walls, filled with large varieties of food and drink.
"Well, I don't know about you two, but I'm going to go get a drink." Barlow stated, before walking off, leaving the two brothers alone.
"Cornelius, Galen." Came a female's voice.
They turned their attention over and saw Zira heading over to them.
"Hello, Zira. You look very ravishing tonight in that dress." Galen told her with a smile.
"Thank you. It's actually a dress Cornelius got me for my last birthday. Figured this be the perfect occasion for it." She says with a smile.
"And just as I thought, when I picked it out for you, you look beautiful in it." Cornelius told her.
"You know you're already married to her, so, you don't have to smooth talk her anymore." Galen teased.
His older brother just elbowed him in his side for the smartass remark.
"Speaking of marriage, how about you go start mingling with some others. See if you finally find someone who is of the marrying type for you." Cornelius quipped.
Galen snorted, "Do I at least have the option of getting drunk first before starting?"
"No, because that could only ruin your chances if you start raving like an idiot because you indulged yourself too much ahead of time." His brother countered.
"Cornelius, leave him be and let him do what he wants at the party." Zira told her husband.
Before either of them could say anything else, another feminine voice cut through the air.
"Cornelius, Zira, lovely to see you both again." The new voice said.
They all shifted their gaze to their left and saw a familiar female chimp.
One who was obviously very beautiful with her soft features and light eyes. She was wearing a very flattering red dress with a magenta-colored sash tied around her waist.
"Ah, Carsia. Good to see you again." Cornelius said, as she walked over to them.
"Yes, you did you just get here?" Zira inquires.
"Only about fifteen minutes ago." The pretty chimp said, then her light gaze shifted to the strikingly handsome male chimp standing right next to Cornelius.
"And who is this? I don't believe we had the pleasure of meeting before." Carsia stated, as she continued eyeing the male with interest.
"Carsia, this is my brother, Galen." Cornelius says, as he lightly wraps an arm around his younger brother's shoulder in a brief side hug.
Her eyes brightened when she heard this.
"Oh yes, the brother you told me a lot about. It is lovely to finally meet you. Cornelius has told me a lot about you." She says.
While most would consider her to be quite striking and beautiful, Galen didn't feel a thing towards her. Still, he will be polite and civil with this female.
"It is nice to meet you as well. Cornelius has also told me quite a bit about you too. How you're a very bright and upcoming chemist down in the chemistry department and that you may be receiving a promotion soon." Galen stated, politely.
Carsia let out a small giggle, "Why yes, I am due for one soon. My superior is calling me in, in a couple days to further discuss it. Didn't know your brother spoken that much of me."
"Oh yes, mainly because he believes you to be a rather promising new asset to the chemistry division in the science institute." He says.
Both Cornelius and Zira observed the exchange. While Cornelius thought they maybe hitting it off well, Zira was more or less uncertain. She knew her brother-in-law well enough. If he were truly interested, he would've already put on that flirtatious charm of his and most likely begun wooing this female. Instead, she can't help but feel he seemed completely disinterested and detached.
She can almost hear it in his tone. Galen maybe acting polite and cordial, but there was really no feeling behind it.
Then the band started playing a slow song.
"Would you care for a dance?" Carsia asks him.
"Umm well, you see..."
"He would love too. Galen is actually a very good dancer, especially with slow songs." Cornelius stated, cutting his brother off midsentence.
Galen clenched his jaw but kept a tight-lipped smile on his face.
"Really now? Well, that's lovely to know. While I love dancing, I can't say I'm the best at it. Perhaps, I may learn a few good dance moves from him." Carsia stated, with a coy smile.
She then held out her hand to Galen.
Now he was stuck, with no way out of this, and it's all because his older brother just couldn't keep his fat mouth shut.
'Oh, I'm so going to ream him out a new one for this when this is all over.'Galen thought.
Galen then put on a fake, yet convincing smile and lightly grasped her hand. Then when he went instep beside her, she looped her arm through his and started walking him off to the front where the dance floor was.
"I'm betting now by the end of this evening; they will begin courting each other." Cornelius stated with a proud smile as he watched his brother, and the lovely female scientist walked off.
Zira couldn't help but scoff, making her husband shift his gaze to her with a slightly confused look.
"What?" He asked.
"You know, despite the fact your brothers, you really can be quite blind at times, Cornelius." Zira stated.
"What's that supposed to mean?" He questioned, still not following.
"You may not have noticed, but I have. Galen was not interested at all. Not in the least. And yet, you still threw him at Carsia." She said, in a disapproving tone.
Though as she said this, Cornelius didn't believe a word of it.
"I think you're the one who doesn't know what they're talking about, Zira. How could Galen not be interested? Next to you, she's the most beautiful and bright female here. All the other male chimps were staring at her as well." He informed her.
Yes, Zira did take note that many male chimps often always give Carsia second glances, and most were glances of interest, but not Galen. Carsia definitely showed clear interest in her brother-in-law but unlike everyone else, she could clearly see it wasn't reciprocated by him.
"I'm telling you, Cornelius. The attraction and interest were just not there for Galen. And I don't think he appreciates the fact that you practically shoved him at her. After you told him that you wouldn't butt in when it came to females." Zira quipped.
"I didn't butt in. I just gave him a little push in the right direction. He was crushed when he and Kira broke up. I just want to see him happy again. And by that I mean find a suitable female, marry her, and start a family. Don't want to see him end up like Barlow, a bachelor for the rest of his life." Cornelius said.
Zira sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose in frustration.
"I don't want to argue with you about this right now, Cornelius. Let's just get a drink and start enjoying the party. And from now on, leave your brother to his own devices." She tells her husband.
"Fair enough. I'll leave him alone. Let's start having fun." He says, then lifts his bent arm up to her.
Zira smiles and loops her arm around his and they walked together to the nearest table serving drinks.
With Galen...
Out of all the dances he had to be roped into with someone, it had to be a damn slow dance, where everyone is very close together.
Carsia was still giving him a flirty smile as she danced within close proximity to the handsome male. She appeared to be completely unaware of his disinterest in her. But then, he was doing fairly well at hiding it. In a sense he was trying not to be rude by showing it.
Though he knew eventually, he had to tell her.
"So, Cornelius tells me you do a lot of field work. What's that like?" She inquired, as they continued to slow dance.
"It's fun and at times exciting. You never know what to expect when you go out there. Been studying humans for years and yet, I'm still learning something new about them each time I'm out there." He stated.
"I must say, it's rather cute how fondly you talk of such animals. Even if they are among some of the dumbest beasts out there. I also hear they breed like rabbits and that is why Urko and Ursus have been commanding so many culls of them as of late." She said.
"Perhaps, but then that is because Urko and Ursus don't understand that there is more to learn from them alive rather than dead. And in truth, their numbers are not that high, if anything they have been declining quite rapidly and the culls that Urko and his brother Ursus are orchestrating are making it worse. They just do it though because they hate humans and enjoy killing a little too much." Galen pointed out.
There sadly was a lot of truth to his words.
There have been many wild humans he had become familiar with over the years, only for them to suddenly disappear. When Galen goes to the killing grounds where the gorillas tend to pile the bodies or hang them upside next to each other on posts, he then sees where many of the wild humans he has been studying have gone. Not just the adults either. He has seen children as young as toddler age strung up dead too.
Carsia just shrugs, "Even so, it's not like humans contribute much to the environment. Just like cockroaches don't serve any vital role to the environment. And if something doesn't serve a good purpose to this world, perhaps it is best to let it die out or be eradicated."
The more this female talked, the less and less he liked her. It seemed pretty clear, she was rather petty, ignorant, and a little arrogant. Sure, he has had plenty of apes diss his job before proclaiming it to be unimportant in a sense. But most didn't rub his face in it as much as this female was doing.
When the song ended, she gestured for them to leave the dance floor.
"Shall we get a drink?" She inquires.
"Sure." He says.
Carsia still kept her arm looped through his.
This female was sure pretty touchy. She still has yet to relinquish any physical contact from him. She was practically flush against his front while they danced the entire time, and now she still held his arm in hers as they headed for one of the tables.
She grabbed a glass of white wine off the metal tray on the table. While Galen grabbed a glass of red wine.
"You know, once I get my promotion, I'm allowed take on an assistant." She told him as she took a small sip of her wine.
He arched an eye ridge, "That so?"
"Come, let's talk about it more, out over on the balcony there." She gestured with her head over to the right and slightly up ahead.
Between a could tables there was an archway that led out to a balcony. There were actually a couple archways on both sides of the building that led out to balconies and had some nice views.
He was reluctant to go. But it was clear she insisted, as she somewhat dragged him along by their looped arms.
Once they got out there, he noticed there was no one else out on this balcony but them.
They came to a stop by the railing. Where she placed her glass of wine down on the flat surface of the thick stone railing that lined it. Then faced Galen once more. Again, she was quite close to him. Something that was beginning to annoy him a little. Maybe in the past he didn't mind a pretty forward female, especially, if he fancied them. But things were different now and he just didn't like it at all.
"I would like you to consider the position of assistant. I think we would make quite the team and work well together. We'd accomplish a lot and further expand our progressions in the chemistry field that could prove very beneficial for apes in the future." Carsia stated.
"I'm no chemist though. If anything, chemistry was never my strong suit. I flunked it many times during my studies." Galen told her, in hopes of putting her off and the fact that it was also the truth. He was a complete dummy when it came to that field of science. Always has been.
The female scientist reaches up and starts lightly running her hands down his front.
"I could teach you." She purrs as she leans in closer to his face.
Galen knew what she was about to do, and he tensed up when her lips touched his. When this happened, Julie's smiling face came to mind along with images of her laughing freely with him. To the time she gave him a soft smile earlier while she reached up and caressed his face.
Then he felt physical revulsion as this female continued pressing her lips to his while she as pressed flush against his front.
Carsia went to wrap her arms around his neck, when he suddenly pulled away, shaking his head.
"I'm sorry, but I can't. Forgive me, but the interest is just not there. Both for the position and for you." He says, in an apologetic tone.
Galen watched as her smile gradually disappeared and was replaced with a scowl.
"Really? You choose to stay at the bottom of the scientific rung scribbling down baseless notes on some unimportant filthy animals then join me at the top and at my side? Perhaps you're not as smart as I was told you were. Many would be scrambling for the opportunity to have me both as a partner in a top position and in the bedroom. Yet, you're throwing it all away. I guess the stupidity of humans have rubbed off on you after studying them for so long." She snapped.
Galen snorted, "That maybe. But when you ask or should I say bribe your superior for the promotion just be sure to cross pettiness and arrogance off of your resume. Otherwise, it may just botch your chance to go all the way to the top."
Not long after the words left his mouth, he felt a sharp sting to his left cheek.
The female chimp was red with anger as she slapped him for his crude and impertinent remarks. She couldn't believe the nerve of this male insulting her like that. Just thinking about what he said, made her itch to slap him again.
Galen just glared at her.
"On that note, goodbye." He retorted, then quickly turned around and left the balcony.
As soon as he rounded the corner, someone lightly grasped his forearm. He shifted his gaze to see Barlow.
"Are you alright? I heard and saw what happened." The older chimp said, in a concerned voice.
Galen sighed in frustration while running a hand over the back of his head.
"Yes, though I'm sorry to say this party has really put me off and I just want to leave. So, I think I'll head out now." He told Barlow.
"I understand. An encounter like that would put me off too. Would put anyone off really. She certainly is a conceded one, that's for sure." Barlow says.
"That's putting it lightly. I believe she is what Julie would call; a total and utter bitch." Galen stated.
The older chimp chuckled at his response.
"I couldn't agree more. So, tell me again why you're here instead of with the one that really holds your heart?" Barlow questioned.
Galen just gave him a slightly surprised look. This only made the older chimp give him a wide, knowing smile.
"Please, Galen. I'm old. But I'm not oblivious or blind. Now, get going." He tells him with a wink.
The younger chimp couldn't help the small smile that suddenly appeared on his face. Then he nodded and left.
As he weeded through the crowds to get to the exit, he happened to bypass Urko, his brother Ursus, and a couple of their friends. The chief of security was a bit wobbly on his feet and clearly drunk.
"Well, if isn't the human lover. Leaving already, is he?" Urko slurred.
Galen shifted his gaze to the gorilla chief.
"Urko, get bent." The chimp stated with a condescending smirk, then continued on without looking back.
Urko, Ursus, and some of their friends had confused looks on their faces, not quite understanding what he meant. Though Kava who was standing off to the side with his glass of beer, silently chuckled as he took a sip finding the whole exchange amusing.
Thankfully, it was so crowded in there and both Cornelius and Zira were currently engaged in talking with their friends that they didn't notice him leave.
Galen walked out to his horse and unhitched him, then hopped on and started to leave. For some reason he can't help but feel a heavy weight was lifted off of his shoulders as a smile made its way to his face.
Now, he just wanted to get home as fast as possible.
Once he cleared the city, he had Blaze go into a full-on gallop and raced home.
2 Hours Later...
It was dark by the time he got back to the house. The sun having gone down a good couple hours prior, the sun having set right around the time he left city hall.
He knew Julie would still be awake.
Galen took his horse to the stall off to the side and back. He then dismounted and unsaddled the horse, before leading him inside the stall and closing the gate behind him.
The chimp then circled around the back to go inside, seeing as the back door was closer to the horse stall then the front door. As he rounded the corner of the home, he paused when he saw a figure sitting on the dock beneath the light of the full moon.
He knew it was her. So, Galen started heading over to the dock.
Julie sat at the end of the dock, with her feet dangling over the side and lazily swung them back and forth through the cool water below. Her book sat to her left, having put it down some time ago when it became too dark to see. Even with the pale moonlight shining down on her, it still wasn't light enough to make out the tiny print on the pages of the book.
Now, she just sat here, gazing at the lovely view of the still lake with the reflection of the fairly large moon bouncing off of the semi-flat surface of the water.
"Got the best view in the house. Or shall I say the outside of it." Came a familiar voice behind her.
Julie jumped a little, not expecting it. Then looked over her shoulder to see Galen standing a couple feet behind her on the dock.
He was looking down at her with a soft smile. She gave him a brief smile back.
"Hey, how was the party? Anyone get belligerently drunk and start having arguments with anymore inanimate objects again?" Julie lightly joked.
Galen chuckled, "No, but then it's still early yet. The party was still going on when I left. I wasn't really enjoying it, so, I left early."
Her smile faltered a little, "Sorry to hear that."
The chimp just shrugs.
"Just not as fun as they used to be I suppose. May I join you?" He asks.
"Sure, it's your home and property after all." She says.
"True, just as much it is yours." Galen stated.
Then he bent down and removed his shoes. Then he started to roll up his pant legs.
Afterwards, he closed the last couple feet and plopped down beside her, sticking his feet in the water below as he went. Julie looked at him when he did this.
"That's a first. You never stick your feet in the water." She says.
He grinned, "First time for everything. Though I won't lie, this is kind of relaxing."
"Well yeah, I've only been telling you that since I first started doing this once it got warmer out." Julie pointed out.
"True, but if you know me by now, then know some things do tend to go in one ear and out the other." He joked.
"For once, something we both agree on." She lightly joked.
His grin turned into one of amusement after her smart reply.
They then sat in silence for a couple minutes. Galen was trying to think of the best approach on how to tell her how he feels. He was thinking so hard on the matter that he missed what she just said to him.
"Sorry? What was that?" He asks.
"I asked, if you at least bumped into a few friends there to talk to." She says.
"Oh, some. Though only a quick hello here and there. I was...kind of engaged elsewhere." Galen said.
Julie furrowed her brows in slight confusion.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
He didn't want to tell her the truth. But he didn't want to lie to her either. So, he fought down his nerves and started explaining.
"I was introduced to the female scientist, Carsia. The same one Cornelius was talking about earlier. She seemed pleasant at the time. Not long after introductions, she requested I danced with her. I was hesitant to do so, but my brother kind of pushed me at her, so, I went along with it."
Just hearing him talk about this female and the fact he interacted with her and shared a dance with her, sent a sharp pang through Julie's heart.
"And... did you guys...end up connecting?" She reluctantly asked, fighting down her sadness.
"No, despite being physically there, my mind and heart were elsewhere. The more time spent with Carsia, the more I wanted to get away from her." Galen says, as he overlooked the view in front of him.
"Why? From what your brother said, she's very smart and successful. Most likely beautiful as well. So, why would you feel that way?" Julie asks.
Galen slowly shifted his haze from the view ahead to the young woman sitting beside him.
"Because...she wasn't you." He says, barely above a whisper.
Julie swore she felt her heart skip at what he just said. Yet, she almost didn't know what to say either.
"I'm...not sure...I understand." She said.
"I didn't feel anything for her. Because...my heart already belongs to another." He told her as he continued holding her gaze.
She started to feel her heart accelerate a little. But at the same time, a small wave of sadness hit her.
"But Galen...I'm not an ape. I'm a human." Julie said, in a broken voice, trying to keep the tears at bay.
"I'm well aware of that. But I can no longer get myself to care anymore. I know what I feel and it...feels right. Because I finally came to realize something." He said.
"And... what's that?" She asks.
"That even though we may be different on the outside. We are the same inside. And that is what matters." Galen softly says.
A smile slowly appears on her face as a couple tears escape her eyes.
He smiles back, as he reaches up to gently wipe her tears away, then cups her cheek. Julie reaches up and lightly caresses his cheek in return. His smile widens and he briefly closes his eyes, enjoying the soft feel of her hand against his cheek.
Then Galen slowly opens his eyes, and his gaze connects with hers.
The pair continued gazing at one another, seemingly lost within each other's eyes. Then without either of them knowing it, they both started leaning in closer to one another.
Next thing either of them knew, their lips connected in a soft, gentle kiss.
It was hard describing what they were feeling as they shared a kiss. Her heart was pounding against her ribcage while Galen felt like his heart was beating a mile a minute. They also felt a warm, tingly feeling where their lips connected and caressed one another.
Then at one point, Julie parted her lips, and Galen felt the tip of her tongue lightly prodding his lips. He parted his to allow her access. Then his breath hitched as he felt her warm tongue slide over his. What felt like electricity shot through his entire being. His arms automatically came up to gently wrap around her petite form while her arms circled around his neck.
Julie could hardly describe the feeling. Other than she felt like her whole body just came alive. She never recalled a kiss with any of her previous boyfriends having this kind of strong effect on her. Nor has it ever felt so right, like it does now.
After several more seconds, they finally parted. When they did, the pair as huffing and puffing like no tomorrow.
Galen lightly pressed his forehead to hers, as he continued holding her close. He knew in his heart what this was, what the strong feelings meant. Yet, at the same time, there was still this wall building up in front of him. Because he knows he must tell her about what Barlow told him last week. It wouldn't be fair to keep such information from her. But the question was, if he can let her go.
It was hard, but this is something he cannot afford to be selfish about. Sometimes...it is those you love that you have to let go of. Especially, if it means their safety and a chance at a future.
"There is...something else. Something Barlow told me last week at the beach. Something I have been putting off talking about because...I didn't know how to address it with you." Galen says.
"What? What did he tell you? And was it the reason why there are times you have seemed sad or a little closed off as of late?" Julie asked.
"Yes, it was. You're...not the only one, Julie. There's...a human settlement out there. Somewhere far beyond the forbidden zone. The humans are just like you. Intelligent and capable of speech, with their own community. Barlow said he knew the way there and has been there several times before. He also says it's safe and secure. Far from the danger of apes." He told her.
Julie's eyes widened a little in shock at what he just told her. It was almost hard to believe. Here she thought she was the only intelligent human on this futuristic earth. Now, come to find out, there were in fact others just like her.
"But...why? Why didn't Barlow tell you this sooner when he learned of me?" She questioned.
Galen was silent for a moment, before answering.
"Because...he could see how close we have become and that it would come down to the logical decision of letting you go. When that does happen, you would be safe and have a secure future with your own kind again. But...it also means, we may...never see each other again." He confessed.
The words sunk in deep, like a rock in her gut. A decision that could change everything for her and for the better. But she never would've thought when it came down to it, having to choose between a safer life among her kind and Galen.
Now, she can see what he meant by a difficult decision to make.
He could see she was hesitant and didn't seem to know what to say.
"Julie, don't feel like you have to stay because of me. If you wish to go and live more freely among your own kind, I understand completely." Galen tells her.
Though as he does, he feels like his heart is splitting in two.
He was so lost in his own emotions that started to suddenly run amok. That the only thing that snapped him out of it was when he felt her warm hand caressing his cheek again.
His gaze rose to meet hers once more and he saw a soft smile on her face.
"I chose to stay, with you. How can I not? When the one I love is right here?" Julie said.
A smile slowly appears on his face, brightening it up.
Galen couldn't help but lean in for another heart stopping kiss after that. Julie smiled into the kiss and deepened it. Most would've thought her choice was unwise and unsafe. But with him, she was willing to take that risk.
After a few more moments they pulled back for some air.
"I love you, Julie." Galen says, between breaths.
"I love you too, Galen." She replied.
The pair then sat there leaning against each other.
Though it felt a little awkward because both of them were facing forward. So, at some point, Julie pulled her feet up and out of the water and shifted her body towards Galen.
He then lightly grasped her sides and started to pull her to sit across his lap instead.
When he had her situated there, she wrapped her and arm around his front and rested her head against his shoulder. While he wrapped both arms around her, pressing a small kiss to her head.
They continued sitting there for a while, enjoying each other's company, plus, the beautiful and peaceful view with the large full moon and trillions of stars shining down on both of them.
Until Next Time ;)