Ishari - chapter 4: Humble Beginnings
#4 of Ishari
Helen raced down the street, her summer dress fluttering about her feet. For the moment, she was happy and carefree. School had just let out, and she knew she was starting the last summer of her youth. She fully intended to enjoy this summer before the responsibilities of adulthood made their demands of her.
Several paces behind her, her best friend, Sarah, was struggling to keep up.
"Helen, wait up," Sarah yelled from behind her.
Helen finally stopped when she reached the main street of Lion's Heart, and leaned against a light post to catch her breath. After a moment, she grabbed onto the light post and spun around it playfully.
Sarah finally caught up with her, then slouched against a building, struggling to catch her breath. She wasn't as active as Helen was, and often had a hard time keeping pace with her.
"Helen, what's the big rush?" she asked.
Helen wrapped her arms around the light pole and let gravity spin her body around it before stopping so she could face Sarah.
"I want to get to the market."
Sarah let out a sigh, "The market doesn't even start 'til tomorrow."
"I know," Helen said, "But they'll be setting up today." She gave her friend a conspiratorial look, "we can get first dibs on the good stuff. Come on!"
Helen took off again down the main street, and Sarah hopped up to her feet to try keeping up again.
After a short sprint they reached the park where the farmer's market was held every year. Quite a few booths were scattered about the park in various states of preparedness. When Sarah finally caught up with her friend, Helen was staring at the booths with a thoughtful look on her face.
"You know, Sarah," she said, "We should go check out the Dowls' booth and see if they have any cupcakes yet."
"Helen!" Sarah said accusingly, her face, however, all smiles, "You just came here to see Johnny!"
Helen gave her friend a look of mock innocence.
"Who? Me?" she teased, and started toward the market.
"You're hopeless, you know that?" And with that Sarah followed after her.
"Hi, Mr. Dowls."
Mr. Dowls, a jovial man in his forties, was busy hanging a canvas sign above his booth. He looked down from his work at the two girls standing below him.
"Good afternoon, Helen, Sarah," He said charmingly. "What brings you girls here? We're not ready for business yet."
"We just wanted to check the market out early," Helen said.
Mr. Dowls smiled as Sarah rolled her eyes.
"Of course you did," he said, then pointed over his shoulder with his thumb, "Johnny's in the back."
"I'll just go help out," Helen said, then darted off.
Mr Dowls let out a good natured laugh as he watched her skip towards the back of the booth, where the young man in question was busy setting up tables.
"She really is that easy to read, isn't she?" Sarah said
Mr. Dowls chuckled, then dug in a box on the table next to him and produced a small cupcake.
"Here you go, Sara. On the house," he said, handing it to her.
"Thank you, Mr. Dowls."
"It must not be easy, playing third wheel to those two," he commented.
"Yeah. But it's worth it for the cupcakes," she said with a wink. "Need help with that sign?"
"Sure, if you don't mind," he said, and motioned to a second step latter.
Johnathan Dowls sat on a hill overlooking Lion's Heart watching the sunset. Helen was lying with her head resting in his lap looking up at him.
He looked down at her and gently caressed her cheek. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He loved her, deeply, and would give her the world if he could. He wished he could truly convey his feelings for her.
"I love you, Helen," he said, "I really do."
She blushed a little, but was giddy to hear him say this. This was, quite possibly, the happiest moment of her life. But she was also scared. She loved him very much, and was worried that his love may be fleeting. She reached up and playfully tapped on his nose.
"Prove it," she said with a wry smile.
"Anything," he said, running his fingers through her hair, "Just name it, and it's yours."
Helen took this comment as a challenge. What was the most impossible thing she could ask for? What would he do when she asked for it? Finally she gave him a mischievous smile.
"I want the jewel," she said.
He squinted a little, trying to figure out what she was talking about.
"You want a jewel?" he asked.
"No. The jewel," she said, "The ruby from the Kurn Emperor's crown."
He let out a shocked laugh.
"How would I even get that?" he asked.
"I'm just playing," she said, closing her eyes and snuggling into him. "I have everything I want right here."
He sat there and watched her resting in his lap. He truly did love her, and desired nothing more than to prove that love to her. To see her happy would be the greatest joy to him.
"I'll do it," he whispered.
"Hmm?" she said quietly, too content to open her eyes.
"Nothing," he said and continued to caress her face.
She had intended to ask him what he meant, but she never got the chance. The next morning he was gone.