Arine woke to sunlight shining straight into her eyes. She blinked a bit
and stretched her arms, yawning. Birds sang outside the window.
Mia.
Images of yesterday came rushing into her mind. She smiled and relaxed,
lying with her face in the pillow and savouring the memory of the girl's
smile. Her friend.
She felt full of energy. After changing into her work clothes she had a
quick breakfast, then set the threads to be coloured into the big metal
vats with the dyes and started spinning. She caught herself humming and
whistling, and sometimes she made a mistake because she had been
thinking more about Mia than her work. She didn't mind, though. Even if
her head was spinning more than the wheel, she wanted to bask in the
feeling. Tomorrow, or the day after that, she would concentrate better.
Besides, her deft hands did a good job without much guidance from her
head. She kept planning all kinds of things to do with her friend. What
to make for dinner the next time she came over. Most of all, she just
wanted to walk with Mia on the shore again and talk with her. She hadn't
understood how much she had to talk about until Mia came into her life.
And she wanted to listen to Mia. She was already missing Mia's voice,
the gentle and beautiful voice that glided from high and melodic to a
soft murmur.
She laughed at herself. Her thoughts sounded like she was in love, but
she was just longing to have more time with her friend. She wondered if
Mia would come tomorrow or the day after that. She must have a lot of
work with her family, too. Arine wished it wouldn't be too long.
In the afternoon she went for a walk on the shore. She left a small note
on the door in case Mia came, and didn't go too far. The sandstone
cliffs were warm from the sun, and she climbed onto a high ledge to read
a book she had taken with her. In the note she had written where she
could be found. After a few dozen pages, she came back down and walked
to the house. The note was still there. She hadn't really expected Mia
to come today. Smiling, she went to the garden to do some weeding.
As the sun started to set, Arine walked to the shore again. Yesterday,
she had planned to walk alone on the beach and watch the sunset, but she
had forgotten about it after everything else that happened. On her waist
was a small pouch for collecting the purple seashells. She walked in the
direction of Falow, wondering how long it would take for her to walk
there. Laughing to herself, she ran a bit. Yesterday felt like a
far-away memory, and yet she could still feel Mia's hair on her cheek,
the slim hands around Arine as the girl hugged her. There was so much
she wanted to know about Mia. The birds called as she walked back to the
house. She hopped over bunches of seaweed, sometimes singing a bit.
Tonight she would get some good sleep, because Mia might come visit her
tomorrow.
.......
The cart rattled and banged as its wheels passed over the hardened ruts
of the dirt path. The sun was still low, glinting into Mia's eyes from
between the trunks of oak trees. Her uncle was singing as he drove the
cart, and occasionally Mia joined in for the bits she remembered. She
was sitting on top of the bales of hay loaded onto the cart, the warm
spring breeze caressing her face and hair. Her uncle had promised to
take her to Arine's house in exchange for helping him pack the cart. Her
arms felt weary from lifting the heavy bales, but she didn't even notice
it. It had been three days since she had met Arine, and every day she
had been all but bouncing from wanting to see her again.
She tried to recall every feature of her friend in her mind. Arine's
lovely, thoughtful eyes, as blue as the sea she loved so much. Her long
yellow hair that flowed in the wind. The small clasp that kept the hair
from her eyes, and the two small beaded braids. Mia wondered if it was
all right to go in the morning, but this was the only chance she was
going to get for the next few days. She could sit in the garden, or walk
in the woods or the shore all day if Arine needed time to work. As long
as she could talk with her just a little, to look into her eyes. Among
her family and kin, she felt loved and cared for, but Arine had made her
feel so happy that her eyes stung. Arine made her feel like nobody else
could replace her, that every word she said was precious. She didn't
know if it was wise to become so attached to someone after just one
evening, but she didn't care. Moving here from the inland, she had
parted with her friends, each of them leaving for a different family.
Many would return to their childhome eventually, but many would not.
Some found new places that comforted their hearts more than the woods
they had played in as children. Mia didn't know what she would do, but
at the moment, all she could occupy her mind with was her new friend.
The cart rolled to the paved road with a clatter. Usually, Mia would
have felt a bit down at leaving the small forest path, but now she felt
joyful at reaching the smoother road, since the cart would travel
faster. She watched the landmarks, her heart beating a bit faster with
every mile towards Arine's house. Then suddenly the path leading to the
house was there. Her uncle stopped the cart, and Mia leaped down with a
delighted laugh.
"Have a good day, Mia", her uncle called.
"You too, Canje", Mia replied, waving her hand, and started down the
path. She wanted to run, but she made herself walk the half mile past
the couple of farms, listening to the sounds of the birds, smelling the
scents in the breeze. She hoped Arine wouldn't be bothered by her coming
so early.
Topping the last hill, she saw the house in the small valley. A bit of
smoke was coming from the chimney. Her heart soared, and she had to take
a deep breath before starting down the hillside. Stepping in front of
the door, she smiled and took another deep breath, smiling at her own
excitement. Before she could become too breathless she knocked at the
door and stepped a bit back, closing her eyes.
After a while, the lock clacked and Arine opened the door. Her beautiful
blue eyes widened in surprise at first, then she smiled, looking into
Mia's eyes. Mia didn't know what she should say. "Hi" just wouldn't
convey any of her feelings. She opened her mouth, but even had she had
something to say, there wouldn't have been time to say it before the
taller girl threw her arms around Mia and pulled her into a hug. Mia's
hands wrapped around her friend's shoulders, burying in her blonde hair.
Laying her head onto Arine's shoulder, she felt her emotions being
expressed better than any words could do.
Hanging there for what felt like minutes, she let herself relax and
forget everything else. She didn't need to say anything at all, didn't
need to plan what to do. "Hi", she murmured, smiling with contentment.
"Hi, Mia." Arine's voice sounded as content as she felt.
After a while, Mia raised her head to look into Arine's eyes. She hadn't
seen them this close before. Catching her breath, she had to pull
herself a little further away to see Arine's whole face. A smiling,
gentle, beautiful face. "I'm", Mia started, her voice sounding hoarse.
Coughing, Mia tried again with a smile. "I'm sorry I came so early. This
was the only ride I could get."
"I don't mind", Arine replied. "I don't need to work more today."
Mia looked at her friend, feeling troubled. "Arine", she said, "I don't
want to be a bother. I can take a walk on the shore, or help you with
your work, or make dinner for us. Really."
Mia blinked as Arine laid a finger on her lips to quiet her. "You don't
believe me, do you?", Arine said with a smile. Mia felt her face
colouring. "Come", Arine said. "I'll show you."
Mia followed her inside, taking off her shoes. Arine took her to the
work room. Large baskets of newly-dyed thread were stacked in a corner.
"I've been hard-working these last few days", Arine said, smiling. She
took Mia's hand and looked into her eyes. "Would you like to pack a
basket of food and go walking on the shore?"
"I'd love to." Mia wanted to hug her friend again, but she made herself
release Arine's hand and go to the stack of baskets. Picking up a ball
of thread, she caressed it with her fingers. It was so soft. She pressed
it to her chest, closing her eyes.
"I haven't started with your thread yet. I'll get more nettle in a few
days", Arine said with a smile.
"There's no hurry," Mia murmured as set the thread back in the basket.
"I'll make a salad", she said to Arine as they walked into the kitchen.
.......
Mia put the last of the sandwich into her mouth. Arine made some truly
delicious bread. Mia looked sideways at her friend, sitting beside her
on the hillside and gazing over the blue ocean to the horizon. She just
liked everything about Arine. As she dusted the remaining crumbs from
her hands, the small seashells clinked in her belt pouch. She was going
to treasure the purple and white spiral shells Arine had picked for her.
The food basket was nearly empty, and her stomach was full and as happy
as herself. She lowered herself onto the warm sandstone, feeling the
heat of the sun on her face. Shading her eyes, she looked at Arine as
her friend turned to her.
"Did you have enough? There's still a few sandwiches and cookies", Arine
asked her.
Mia simply raised her hand to caress the small braid at Arine's temple.
Arine smiled and laid down on the stone at Mia's side, closing her eyes.
Mia's hand sought Arine's, and she squeezed it gently, closing her own
eyes. The waves lapped, and the wind rustled the soft dry grass around
them. She could lay here forever with Arine.
.......
Blackbirds sang as the girls walked the path back to Arine's house.
Mia's uncle would come around sunset, so they still had hours. Mia's
voice felt tender from all the talking in the sea breeze, but Arine had
promised her herb tea as soon as they got back. Mia shifted the basket
to her other hand, so that she could grab Arine around the waist and hug
her a little while they walked. Arine stumbled a bit in surprise, but
smiled and put her hand around Mia's shoulder.
Inside, Arine filled a small kettle with water and lit a fire in the
stove. Mia sat down beside the table, taking off her socks.
"What would you like?", Arine asked.
"The same as you", Mia said with a smile. Anything Arine liked would be
delicious.
After a while, they were both sprawled happily on the sofa in Arine's
living room. Mia scanned the large bookshelf. Arine loved reading. Mia
hadn't read many books, but she wanted to read some of Arine's
favourites some time. Arine had her head on the other end of the sofa,
gazing into her tea mug on the floor, stirring the tea with a spoon.
"Mia", Arine said, "What are you doing tomorrow?"
"In the morning I ride with my uncle to the town, then we help a farmer
friend with his apple trees", Mia said. Today had been so wonderful that
she was having a hard time remembering her usual life.
Arine was silent for a long while. "Really?", she finally said with a
smile, still looking at the mug. "Would you like to stay for the night?"
Mia looked at her friend, feeling a wave of happiness in her body. Arine
turned her head to look at her.
"Yes", Mia said, her throat feeling a bit tight. Smiling, she rose so
that she could get a better look at Arine. "Why are you so kind to me,
Arine?", she said with a smile. Her eyes stung.
Arine rose too, to sit right next to Mia. "Because you're the best thing
this spring has brought me", she murmured, looking into Mia's eyes, then
grinned. "Do you like to play cards? I'll teach you a few games I'm sure
you don't know", she said.
.......
Mia's uncle came a bit before sunset, cheerfully agreeing to pick her up
the next morning. After good night wishes he drove the cart back the
path, singing a rhythmic tune. Mia turned to Arine, her face shining
with excitement.
"We can still catch the sunset", she said to Arine.
They shut the door and started down the path. After a few steps Mia took
a look at Arine's face, and they both started running so that they could
see as much of it as possible. Mia smiled as she ran. She didn't even
need to say much to Arine for the other girl to understand what she was
thinking.
They reached the top of a crest to see the magnificent view. Purple and
orange clouds bathed in the last beams of sunlight, and the sea
glittered. Birds wheeled high in the sky. The gentle inland breeze
brought the scent of night flowers.
"It's so beautiful", Mia said. "I love the sea." As the sun set they
stood there quietly, only occasionally pointing at a flock of birds or a
cloud.
.......
A few stars were already on the sky when they walked back to the house,
talking in quiet voices. As Arine opened the door, Mia felt an
undefineable happiness in her heart. Tonight, she could imagine she was
living here with Arine.
They ate a little and brushed their teeth in candlelight. "There are two
bedrooms", Arine said. "My aunt used to sleep in the other one, but you
can use it, it's no problem", she said, looking at Mia reassuringly.
Mia looked at her feet, feeling uncertain. She noticed she was fumbling
her bracelets, and stopped. Raising her eyes to look at Arine, who had a
quizzical expression, Mia tried to encourage herself to open her mouth
and say it.
"If you don't mind...", she started, looking into Arine's eyes, finding
encouragement in the kind deep blue. "I want to sleep in the same room
with you " She blushed and lowered her eyes. "If you don't-"
"I don't", Arine said gently. "The bed's big enough for both of us. I'll
get you a pillow and a nightshirt." Mia looked at her friend's eyes
again, smiling and blushing.
After a while Arine came back from the dressroom with a big pillow and a
white linen shirt. "Are you sleepy yet?", she asked Mia.
"Just a little", Mia said. "But I'd like to go to bed and talk." She
couldn't help her blushing, but it was as if no normal manners applied
to the two of them, like there was nobody else to compare to. And there
wasn't. There was no one else like Arine. She didn't feel at all strange
at wanting to sleep in the same bed with her friend.
Taking the soft shirt, she followed Arine into the bedroom. On the wall
near the sturdy bed was a small shelf with a dozen books, and a writing
table was set in front of the window. Arine sat on the bed with a laugh,
setting the other pillow on the bed. "We can make it if you don't kick
too much in your sleep", she said, grinning.
"I'll try not to", Mia said with a giggle. She felt dreamy. The whole
day had been like a fantasy. She wanted to forget everything but this
day and Arine, to feel nothing but the warm and cozy happiness that
filled every part of her body.
"I'll go lock the door", Arine said as she rose. "Do you need anything?"
"No", Mia replied. The bed looked soft and warm. She took off her
blouse, shirt and bra and pulled the nightshirt over her head. It was
soft and smelled nice. She unbuttoned her trousers and folded them
neatly, setting the clothes on a small wicker basket in the corner.
Arine came back with a small glass of water, and set it beside the bed.
"You took a head start", she said to Mia, "But I'll let it pass since
you are a guest. Which side do you want?"
"The wall", Mia said without hesitation. She hadn't even thought about
it, but given the question, she knew she wanted to be between Arine and
the wall. She lifted the thick blanket and slipped under it. The bed was
as soft and comfortable as it looked, and it smelled of Arine. She
turned and lay her head on the pillow, watching her friend unbutton her
shirt. Arine laid the shirt on the table and unfastened the clasp of her
bra.
Arine glanced at Mia. "Hey, that's unfair", she exclaimed. "You think
you can just lie there covered and watch while I undress?", she said.
"Yes", Mia said, smiling sweetly.
Arine frowned at her. "I'll get you back, you know", she said and took
off the bra, smiling. Mia let her eyes wander over Arine's shoulders and
arms she had never seen before, her slim waist and her pretty breasts.
She was beautiful.
"That's enough", Arine told her, putting on her nightshirt. She loosened
her trousers and tossed them onto the table, then sat on the bed next to
Mia. "You really are going to sleep there, are you?", she asked with a
fond smile.
"If you'll let me", Mia replied, snuggling the pillow.
"You're so cute that I couldn't throw you out", Arine said as she slid
under the blanket with Mia. There was less room than Mia had thought,
but she wouldn't have loosened from the bed for anything. She looked
into Arine's eyes. Today had been the best day of her life. She didn't
know what exactly she felt for this beautiful yellow-haired girl. Friend
just didn't begin to describe this feeling of understanding and
affection. Not a sister. Not a lover. She didn't care. This feeling,
this day was all that mattered, and she wouldn't be bothered by what
anybody would have thought about her lying in bed with Arine.
"I'm happy with you", she said.
"Me too", Arine said. Even though Mia had said she'd like to talk in
bed, she felt like just lying there and falling into sweet sleep beside
her friend. Arine seemed to enjoy just looking at her, too. After a long
while Arine said, "I'll put the candle out."
"Mm." Mia was already feeling half asleep, but she felt a content smile
on her face. Arine turned to snuff the candle on the small table beside
the bed, then snuggled back under the sheet. The starlight from the
window made her face faintly visible, though night vision was already
making her features more clear. Mia took Arine's hand in hers. "Good
night, Arine", she murmured, smiling.
"Good night, Mia", Arine said, her voice sounding sleepy too. Closing
her eyes, Mia let the memories of the day softly flow in her mind. Her
hand still in Arine's, sleep soon took her.
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