nitka

Fiddler's Green

Hey it was a 5 day cruise with carnival for 550, food included! So we didn't get esch other gifts and I sold my compound bow so we could go. Couldn't pass up that price.

Fiddler's Green

haha! That's hilarious. btw I meant to say it sounds like you've been to a TON of places in the US, that's awesome! I know we should travel to more places in the US before kids come along (go up north, maybe out near las vegas) but we can't help but take a cruise or go to Florida each and every trip xD I mean there's only been 2 trips, but still.

It was awesome that the first time he went in the ocean was the Bahamas, though. It was like watching a little kid haha

Fiddler's Green

As if he hadn’t already proved it, the hug at the door proved Peter was mature, a modern gentleman. I hugged him right back with enthusiasm before waving a small goodbye and going inside.

Just as he had missed me during his day out taking photographs, I longed for his company with every passing hour at work that next day. I didn’t even notice him come in until the end of the song when Brent said my name to get my attention. “Alice, isn’t that the photographer you were talking to?”

I looked up and immediately caught his eye, grinning ear to ear. “What, were you watching me or something?” I smirked, unable to look away. It surprised me how happy I was to see he’d met me at work instead of waiting to come to my place right before the dinner.

“Not necessarily, but I’ve been watching him. His eyes have barely left you, darlin’,” the older man grinned, standing and putting a hand on her back.

“Oh, stop it. He doesn’t know anyone else, of course he’s going to look at me. Don’t say another word about it. I’m off, see you later,” I said, rolling my eyes before practically running off the stage to his side. “Ready to go?” I ask. “Come on, park your car in the back by mine and we can ride together. I need to get my jacket, I’ll meet you there okay?” I said, touching his arm and awaiting confirmation. My hair was half up in curls that day, a purple dress with a lace three-quarter sleeve on. I gave him that same smile before rushing behind the counter to head through the kitchen and out the back door. Even then I knew I’d have a good time with him no matter what we were doing, I couldn’t stop smiling at him. It was actually a bit embarrassing, and I hoped my co-workers didn’t read too much into it. Two people of the opposite gender could love hanging out and just be friends, I figured.

When we were finally in my truck again I started her up, ready to explain how the evening would go. He would need a warning beforehand, that I knew.

“Did you have a good day, today? It was a bit cloudy, I wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing,” I started, enjoying the casual conversation. I told him about my day, of a tourist that had been causing trouble earlier that day not wanting to pay his bill. It was something small, but it was what my day consisted of and he didn’t seem bothered to listen.

“By the way…I should warn you about today. I told my mother I just wanted it to be us and maybe a couple others, but she tends to…make a big deal out of everything. Don’t be surprised if she and the too many people she invited to be obsessed with finding out more about you and your home.” Or if they ask about your love life, I wanted to add, but didn’t. I hoped they would be polite enough to not try and set me up this time…it was like being single at 22, almost 23, was a sin.

“Just remember you don’t have to answer all their questions, ‘kay? They can be a little overwhelming, but they mean well. Oh, and my grandpa is huge into fishing. If he starts to ramble I’ll try to rescue you. We need a signal if you need saving with any of them… Oh! Just ask if I have any juice. I don’t,” I told him quickly, “and I’ll know I should intervene in the conversation. Oh, and my mom will probably bring way too much food and try to get you to fill your place more than you should…just ignore it.”

I sighed deeply, giving him an apologetic look while laughing at myself. I was nervous and we weren’t even dating. I wanted him to approve, have a good time, and possibly learn something for his work. Because of this I was worried before we were halfway there.

Fiddler's Green

uhhh...cell phones weren't really around enough to be mentioning them at this point, right? lol I was about to mention it, but from research I see phones were in some cars in the early 90s, but that's it... So I'm assuming somebody like Alice wouldn't have one. I think.

Fiddler's Green

All he had to do was reach for the pictures in his pocket and I shifted excitedly, wanting to get the best look at them as quickly as possible. “Oh…” The light shined on the pictures and my eyes lit up, my smile growing. “Is that really me? I’ve never liked myself in pictures,” I laughed in surprise, reaching out to touch the second picture.

By the last one I was practically leaning against his side, still looking at the pictures. “Peter, thank you. These are gorgeous shots. Not that I think I’m gorgeous! I just-“ A blush crept up and I laughed again, embarrassed. “Nobody else could have captured the beauty like you did. I’m complimenting you, and I can’t wait to see what else is on that camera. Thank you,” I said, curling up to wrap my arms around my legs. I thought it strange he already had them printed, but didn’t ask how at the time.

I would have been happy to sit there for most of the night, but it was late and we still had a drive ahead of us. “I’m exhausted,” I sighed after a bit, uncurling myself to stretch my legs. If I were by myself I probably would have slept in the car before driving home in the morning. It was the kind of area you could do that and not worry about any trouble. “We should head back.” With an exaggerated groan I slid off the hood, landing on my feet and stretching. “So…what would it take for me to convince you to drive? I don’t know if I’ll be alert enough for these roads and I hate driving in the dark with the wildlife. It’s a straight shot for almost an hour, until we get closer. Besides, I’ll be okay to help with directions right beside you.” As I should have expected, however, I had trouble staying awake during the long road back home, curled up against the window in my fatigue from walking so much that day. “I’m sorry,” I murmured tiredly with half a grin, staring over at him with half closed eyes. The seats of that old truck were perfect, soft without a space or barrier between the passenger and driver like newer vehicles do now. It was all one seat, letting me get comfortable with my arms wrapped around my stomach beneath my breasts. Conversation was the only way I was going to stay awake.

“I work all evening again tomorrow and I know this isn’t exactly a vacation so you be out during the day tomorrow, but I was serious about coming over. Maybe the day after, I only work really late that night. Have a home cooked meal, my mother will probably want those that are like family to us to come over. Not often we have a stranger around here. She might be able to point you toward some other places to visit.” It was a simple offer, and I could barely see his face in the dim glow of the headlights outside. “Say you’ll come.” The last bit was said more of a statement than a question, the hope in my voice something I hoped he couldn’t say no to.

Fiddler's Green

Hey really dont rush yourself. When I go on vacation in a couple months I wont even have internet so ur doin better than I will. Rps r for relaxing, not to worry about replying on time.

Fiddler's Green

Living with a relative other than his parents...I felt awful for Peter and the sister I didn't know. It made sense that he was all right to travel so much, what with hardly any family back home waiting for him to return. Still, it had to be a lonely job.

"Well, I'm not Sammy, but I am happy to be here with you. Thank you Alice. It's been a wonderful day.”

I laughed, leaning in closer as if someone might overhear. “Yes, well, don’t tell him but you’re slightly better company than a dog. Slightly,” I teased, playfully shoving his shoulder before laying back with my hands behind my head. “I love watching you work, though. I know you’ll probably be leaving the area soon, but…if you ever want some company and I’m not working I’d love to tag along. You know, just for fun.”

I sat up suddenly, scooting even closer to him. I was probably flirting even back then but didn’t realize it.. “Speaking of fun, can I see those pictures you took of me? I’ve been dying to see all day but I figured I should wait until we were finished for the day.”

Fiddler's Green

Good, I want you to take your time on this one. No rush, really.

Enjoy the trip. Never been that far up north, I bet it's awesome!

Fiddler's Green

wow, fantastic! oh, i knew something would work out. Have a good trip!

Fiddler's Green

It didn't take long to tell him about my family. My mother’s parents lived in the area near my place, and we simply didn’t speak to my father’s side anymore. I briefly told him of my father leaving when I was younger, of how he and his family lived a couple hours away in Main Brook. It was pretty normal for people to move away from Raliegh- afterall, there wasn’t much there to begin with.

“But that’s all right. I love my mother, we get along pretty well, and she has a brother here that watched over me quite a bit growing up. I have a few second cousins or something that still live in the area, but anymore we’re all kind of like family. If anything happens in my life I can guarantee everyone in town will know about it within a day,” I laughed, halfway finished with my food. “That’s the bad thing about small towns, there’s no privacy.” When Peter seemed interested in seeing my family I immediately brightened. “I’m sure you’re tired of eating out all the time, being away from home. Oh, and my mom would kill to see your work. Come over, have dinner. I’ll attempt to cook, you can show me your blog, and Mom will get out those pictures I talked about. Please?” I asked with a smile, motioning to the waitress that we needed our bills.

“I came here because it’s close to the main docks. We’ll stop by there…there will be people working, going about their business, but I think you’ll be good.” We took a short drive to the boats, and just as I’d said there were men working with their nets, older gentlemen relaxing by the water with a knife and piece of wood in hand. They could make beautiful art, it was sold in the shops, but I didn’t mention it. While Peter went about his work I sat atop a post on the edge of the water, careful to not let my dangling feet touch the sea creatures growing on the wood beneath me. I was content to grab a sandwich I’d packed and toss pieces of the bread out toward the sand for the birds to eat.

All in all, it was a long with a couple others stops within towns before dinner. Most the buildings were older, but still used. Lastly I wanted to show him my favorite spot, and unfortunately it was a drive away. We stopped for dinner but ate in the car, as I wanted to reach our destination by a certain time- sunset.

Peter was good for conversation. I told him about my attempt at college, of how I was honestly afraid to leave home because it was what I knew. How I’d taken plenty of dance classes that led to my talent on stage, and my distaste of being an only child. We listened to the radio, and I asked for stories of his travels. “Here we are,” I said tiredly, exhausted from driving. We were about two and a half hours away from my home, and getting back wasn’t exactly something I’d thought about yet. I was only focused on showing Peter my favorite spot in the world. Thankfully we were able to drive right up to it.

There were a thousand colors in the sky, the sun setting in the distance. The edge was a cliff, fog hanging over the water below. Though I didn’t go there today I usually sat right on the edge, my legs dangling over so the salty water sprayed on my legs when the waves crashed against the rocks below. To my left were fields of grass, a couple barns a couple hundred meters away. I could never tell if they were abandoned or not. “The birds, they must have nests down there because I see them all the time,” I said, pointing down below against the cliffs. The wind blew my hair and our clothes away from the water, toward my truck behind us. The colors and clouds could be seen on all sides, a dozen scenes around them with the fields, the ocean, and the uneven cliffs.

I took my shoe off, kicking them against the tire of my truck before sitting on the hood. “I’ll stay out of the way, back here. Do you like it?” I asked hopefully, leaning back on my elbows. “I usually sit right there, with Sammy beside me. And then I can just…be happy. Does that make sense? There’s no view like it, not to me.”