A Celestial Legacy- Chapter 1.2
The following day, Celeste decided to take a walk, and see what the town had to offer.
She stopped at the first place along her path, King's Gardens. She marveled in the beauty of the gardens. What better place to relax and meet new people, she thought!
She made a quick turn around the lot, and noticed several people along the way. Some were fishing, some were chatting, while others sat in quiet solitude just enjoying the day. Such nice surroundings made her feel very content.
“Your one the new recruits for the Academy, right?” a man said as she re-entered one of the buildings.
“Yea, I am. I'm really enjoying it there.”
“My brother is in the academy, and he told me they had gotten a new girl. He failed to mention how beautiful you are.”
Celeste smiled, “Thank you, what did you say your name was?”
“I'm Shea, Shea Johnston. I run a small business downtown. You should come down sometime. Its a pretty hip place to hang out. We could have a drink, do some dancing.”
“Thats sounds great, I've been looking forward to getting out and letting loose as they say.” Celeste laughed along with him, he seemed nice. If anything it never hurt for her to make more friends.
“Yea we let loose. We'll have a couple of drinks, share a couple of kisses. Everyone always has a great time.”
Realization hit her hard. This guy obviously had some kinky thoughts running through his head about her.
“Here's my card, babe. Call me soon, and I'll set up a night we can get together.”
“On second thought, I don't think that sounds like my kind of environment.”
Celeste quickly ended the conversation, hoping that her next would not be so forward.
She headed out the door, and noticed another man coming her way. Observing his attire, she couldn't help herself but to question him about it.
“Is it common here for men to wear skirts?” she asked him after greeting him.
“This is NOT a skirt! Its a kilt!” he replied angrily.
With a disguised look and a wave of his hands he walked away.
Humph, men here were certainly different. She made her way back across the yard. She shot a quick glance behind her to make sure neither of the men were around before she tried approaching anyone else. Spotting another man, she decided to give it one more try before heading home for the day.
She quickly found he had nothing better to say than to brag about himself. She tried to stay polite, asking inquiring questions, but he would quickly bring the subject back upon himself.
“Dear lord, have you no humility?”
Her patience worn away, she dismissed him rather rudely, and decided she had enough for one day. Taking one last glance back at the gardens, she left to return home.
Feeling rather grumpy and tired, she called up the delivery man for some food. She had started to study cooking but she was in no mood tonight to eat her burnt attempts. She wanted something filling and yummy. With no effort on her part.
“Yes, hello, I'd like to have some food delivered.
Hmm, well whats on the menu?
Ah, hmm, yes.
Yes, that sounds fine, chef's special. Thank you. I'll see you in a few.”
She hadn't even been sure what she was ordering, but anything was better than nothing. So when her food arrived she dug in, and soon found she loved chinese food. They gave you these niffy little sticks you were supposed to eat with, and little cartons of food. She found the whole thing quite enjoyable, even if she had a helluva time getting it into her mouth.
She took to trying all types of delivery foods. She rang up the delivery services several times a week. She had sampled many things on the Chinese menu. So deciding on something different for once, she ordered pizza. Apparently this was traditional party food, and she wanted to know what all the fuss was about.
Greasy and wonderful. No wonder the people here were happy. If delivered food could taste this good, she couldn't wait to start making her own.
So as soon as she had a chance, she called up to have more groceries delivered. She had been living mostly off of leftovers, but her refrigerator was getting pretty bare. While she waited, she sat down to study the cookbook Audrey had lent her. It shocked her to see some of the things people did to make these meals. But if they could do it, it must be worth it in the end.
She waited as the delivery person bundled her stuff together. She couldn't help but enjoy the view.
Now here was man she wouldn't mind having a conversation with.
“Here's the stuff you ordered, ma'am. I hope we got everything you needed.”
“Looks like it's all there. Thanks for bringing it out so fast. I'm trying my hand at making a couple of new meals. Let's pray I don't burn it all this time.”
She smiled at him. He had lovely eyes.
“Well just give us a call if you need more sent out, I can be back anytime. My name's Todd. Just ask for me, ok?”
“Sure thing. Thanks.”
As he made to leave, she smiled to herself.
She would have to see what she could do to bring him back out soon.
First order of business. Grilled Cheese. Audrey says you can't go wrong with a nice grilled cheese. Pulling out the ingredients she set to work. She felt more confident now that she had something to try and achieve.
She set to work.
“Ha, this isn't so hard. Two slices of bread, some cheese, butter. Now to put it on the stove, and not burn it."
“Ta Da!” she exclaimed. She supposed she shouldn't have made this many, but she wanted to take some leftovers to work the next day. Proof that she could cook, and not everything she brought for lunch was burnt.
She came home the following day, with another promotion. She was now a Patrol Officer. She worked later in the day now, so she would have some time in the morning to get some studying done. Not only did she need to keep increasing her body skills, she now needed to study up on her logic as well.
“Nice uniform, chief! Funny how you get to ride in the back. I can pretend your my prisoner, and I'm taking you downtown, Crook!” Shawn proclaimed as she settled in for the ride home.
“Ha ha, very funny. Don't make me slap the cuffs on you, I've got my own pair now.”
“Kinky, super woman. Didn't know you had it in you. Its always the quite ones that sneak up on you and get all freaky-like. Geeky girls with glasses, and their noses in books. Yep those are the ones that will whip ya, and chain ya to the wall.”
Celeste snorted. Shawn certainly had an imagination. She really enjoyed the little time they spent together and was happy to have found such a friend.
“Had a lot of weird girlfriends then?”
“Nah. Well yea, lots of girls to meet and see. Can't just drive them around all day can I? Got to get out there and see what there is to see. How about you? Meet any interesting candidates for love?”
He wiggled his eyebrows in the rear view at her. She blushed and shook her head. She didn't think it was time yet to admit she was harboring a crush for her delivery man.
She called for groceries again a couple of mornings later. She had the day off and was planning on puttering around. She figured now was a good time to see Todd again. He arrived just as she was cleaning her shower.
“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you!” he called with his back turned to her. She could tell by his voice he had thought she was doing something other than what she WAS actually doing.
“No big deal, really. I was just cleaning up a bit. Don't feel bad.”
She quickly followed him, not wanting him to leave to quickly.
“So you used up all those groceries all ready? Be truthful, how much did you burn?”
“HA! I haven't burned anything in days, I'm the master of grilled cheese, and I make a killer Mac N Cheese. I can make you some if you like? I was just getting ready to make myself some lunch.” She hoped she wasn't being to forward, but the more she saw him the more she wanted to know him.
“I'll take you up on that offer, on one condition. If you burn it, I don't have to pretend to like it, ok?” he asked with a smile. “Besides, I don't have any more deliveries, I could use some lunch.”
Excited at the thought of spending the afternoon with him, she made them some lunch.
She had a pleased smile upon her face as she served him a plate.
“Are you sure you didn't know how to cook? This looks yummy.” he told her.
“I've never had to cook before, so I'm finding it to be a fun experience.”
They continued to sit and chat for a bit. They had lots in common. Come to find out, Todd was very interested in ocean exploration. He was only working part time as a delivery driver to help supplement his meager wages. She told him about her career, her newest promotion, and her hope to become Captain Hero.
She got up to clear the plates, feeling pleased with herself.
“Well I'd best be getting back. I need to return the truck, and see if anything is happening over at the docks tonight. If I'm lucky, I can get on a dive team tonight.”
“Ooo, sounds fun. Thanks for keeping me company.” she said. She wanted to ask him to come by again, but hesitated. She waited to see if he would make a move.
He reached out and caressed her shoulder.
“Why don't you let me take you out to eat? I bet you haven't been many places downtown yet. I know a nice place with great eats.”
“Sure, sounds great.”
“Good I'll pick you up. Tomorrow? 8pm?”
“I'll be here.” she replied.
He let his hand trail down her arm, and smiled.
“See you tomorrow then,” he said as he made his way back to his truck.
She watched as he got in, started the vehicle and rounded the bend in the road.
Just as promised, Todd arrived the following day. Seeing him in something other than his uniform was a definite improvement. They made their way downtown walking slowly. They chatted about their day at work which helped to ease Celeste. It had been a long time since she had dated and wondered how different it would be here.
“Here we are,” Todd said gesturing to the small restaurant. “This place is great. Great food, and not hard on your pocket like some of those other joints.”
Celeste smiled at him. Pondering how one can be hard on their pockets, she followed him inside.
Inside the building it was small, but not lacking character. It had a nice open floor plan, with booths scattered around the room. The host greeted them and lead them to their seats.
She seated them at one of the bigger tables with room enough for at least six people. They looked up at each other, far across the table. Without a word, they scooted inward to be closer together.
“So what do you think?” Todd asked as Celeste examined the menu. The restaurant served a little bit of everything. Many things she hadn't heard of.
“Its very nice. Quite cozy. Do you have any suggestions on the best thing I should try?”
“Oh yea, the salmon here is great. They have a little pond out back, and catch their fish daily. I wouldn't be surprised if the chef wasn't out there right now, fishing away the day.”
“Then thats what I'll have! Can't say I've ever had salmon before, I've always enjoyed fish.” Celeste replied.
“So, what brings you to Juniper Springs, Celeste? Its kinda of a hole in the road. I've spent my life trying to leave this place.”
Celeste took a second to answer. She took a sip of her water, as she thought of the best way to answer this question.
“Well I've always liked to travel. Believe it or not, I kinda just happened upon this island. After being here a few days, I decided it was a pretty good place to settle down. Not too close to anything, not too far away if I need to go somewhere. Why would you want to leave?” Celeste asked him.
“I don't want to leave anymore. But when I was younger I had big dreams. I wanted to move out of here, to a big city, make something of myself. Unfortunately, life always gets in the way. I made a couple of mistakes, and in the process of fixing them realized all I ever wanted was right here. I'm surrounded by the ocean. Its a hop, skip, and jump into the water from anywhere on this island. I don't know how I ever thought leaving would be a good idea!”
Their food soon arrived. Before they began to eat, Celeste turned to him.
“Let us toast to our new beginnings. To a new life, and to new friends.”
Todd smiled, “Cheers to that.”
“This salmon is wonderful. I'll have to ask Audrey if she has any cookbooks on fish. I'd like to try preparing this at home.”
“You'll have to catch the fish first.” Todd replied.
“Is it terribly difficult to catch fish?”
Todd laughed. “No, its not that difficult to catch fish. You just need a little patience and skill. I'll take you sometime. You'd enjoy it.”
The promise of another date, had Celeste excited. She had many questions she would have liked to ask, but seeing as this was a first date after all she decided not to for the time being.
Finished his meal, Todd walked his hand the table.
“I'm really enjoying getting to know you, Celeste. I hope I'm not being too forward. Meeting you, just kind of put some things in perspective for me. I feel like my life has been on hold for a while, but when I'm with you, I feel differently.”
Celeste smiled, and placed her hand on his. It was true, she felted the same way about him. Her only deteriorate was she still had Lanier fresh in her heart. She knew she would never be able to replace what they had.
“I feel the same way. Well except for the stand still part. My life has pretty much been lived by orders or demands of other people. I'm finding it to be a relief to think and act for myself. I want nothing more than to be happy. You make me happy when I'm with you.”
They spent the remainder of their date, outside on the balcony. Overlooking the pond, they sat and played chess for several hours. As the sun began to set, they decided it was about time to head home.
Todd pulled Celeste closed to him. Surprised again, Celeste let him draw her closer.
“Thank you for coming out with me tonight. I hope we will see each other again soon.” Todd told her.
“You know where to find me. You can always pretend I ordered more groceries anytime.”
That night Celeste fell asleep with only one thing on her mind.
“What do you mean, they haven't returned yet?!?! That ship left here over a month ago. They should have been back by now.”
Cowering in front of the Queen, Zeona had been the bearer of bad news. The Queen had started asking daily for news about Celeste's whereabouts. As each day went by, her temper became worse.
“I'm sorry, my Queen. The last time we heard from the guards, they had just reached the planet. There has been no contact since.” Zeona told her once again.
“I know that! But why?! I gave them strict orders to contact us, after leaving Celeste behind. Those fools! If they dare show up now, I will kill them myself!”
“Get out of my sight. Do not come to me again, until you have some good news to bring me.” With a wave of her hand, the Queen dismissed Zeona. Not wanting to infuriate her further, Zeona left the room quickly. She didn't bother to remind the Queen, that she had been the one to summon her here in the first place.
The Queen had begun to worry that this plan of hers had failed.
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Authors Note:
Character Stats:
Celeste Vela:
Family : Become Captain Hero
Gemini : 4/6/10/1/4
Hobby:Sports
Turn ons: Red hair & Athletic Off: Fatness
Todd Jabwitz:
Fortune: Become Hand of Poseidon
Scorpio: 7/7/0/6/5
Turn Ons: Fitness & Blonde OFF: Fatness
Celeste took 9 days to find anyone she was remotely interested in. I looked at several community lots, and then took to calling all of the NPC's. The minute Todd showed up with the groceries, she swooned for him. They only had 1 bolt in the beginning. But as of now, I've tweaked her turn ons and they now are a 2 bolt couple.
I didn't want to marry in Black hair in the first generation. I know how hard it is to get rid of it. But oh well. We shall see. Todd's Hot, so hmmm, yea.
Todd also annoys the piss out of me, with his laziness. He has the slouch. Every time I go to take pictures hes got that goofy, blank stare.
This update its a bit longer than all the others. I really hope everyone enjoys this chapter. I'm having a hard time writing dialogue. So let me know if I succeeded. ;)
Again, thanks for reading!