Lunch Date (Part 4)

The garden had every type of flower that you can imagine. There were grass rows between the flowers, so we started walking down the rows while taking in all the scenery.

I was holding Becca's soft hand. We were sticking close together and our shoulders nudged each other from time to time. The light breeze felt great on my skin. We walked for a few minutes in silence.

It was like we both understand without saying anything that we wanted to soak in the relaxing atmosphere for a little while.

I took a deep breath and took in the spring air and floral scent. I used my thumb to gently rub the back of the hand that I was holding. When I started doing this, Becca looked up at me and gave a heartwarming smile. In this moment, regardless of the crazy circumstances that I have been thrown into, I felt truly lucky.

After we finished walking up and down the first couple of rows, I asked, "Do you like flowers?"

Becca's eyes scanned the horizon.

"I actually prefer to look at them from a distance, but I really enjoy walking hand in hand with you, so let's keep walking until we reach that tree over there and then we can sit in the shade."

Becca pointed to a big tree in the distance, it's trunk was so big that us sitting side by side would not be as wide as the trunk. It was still about 10 rows away from us, so we had some time to enjoy our walk.

"Ok, that sounds good to me. To continue with our talk, now that I got to know about a lot of your hobbies, is there anything that you don't like?"

"Well, you know that I hate the society we live in."

"Yes, what else do you not like?"

"I do not like to be flashy. I do not like people that feel the need to show off and think they are better than others.

I prefer for my hard work to speak for itself. I want people to see my ability and effort and respect me for it. But I don't want to flaunt it and make people look up to me like I'm on a pedestal."

"I see, you are a modest person. I think that's one of the things that makes you so attractive to me. If no one else appreciates you, just know that I will always acknowledge your ability and effort."

Becca had a bitter smile. "It was really hard. For all of my teenage years, no one would acknowledge my silent effort. I struggled with the thought that if I would let go on my values and become flashy, people would definitely flock to me. But I knew if I did that, then I would hate myself.

The people that would have gotten close to me would all be shallow. I wanted people to connect to the real me.

When I went to tea parties for noble women, I would refuse to wear eye catching makeup. I would sit in the corner with my friends, but I would occasionally hear the popular girls laughing at me and calling me plain. People started calling me plain because Nicolas would complain to anyone that would listen that his fiancé was too plain and boring.

I was minding my own business, not trying to bother anyone. Why did they have to be so rude?!"

There were a few tears coming down Becca's face. I let go of her hand and instead put my arm around her shoulder.

"I promise I won't let them say anything hurtful to you again."

Becca wiped the tears off her face.

"I'm sorry for getting too emotional. You just wanted to know a few things I don't like and I got too heavy."

"No, thank you for telling me this story so I can better understand the things you had to go through. Anything else you don't like?"

"Thinking about the tea parties I went to, I don't really like places with a lot of people. I am more of a home body. I like to spend time with the handful of people I am close to instead of large groups of people."

"I see, so you are an introvert."

"What's an introvert?"

"It's a word in my world and it means people that get emotionally drained from being in large social events with people they don't know.

They prefer one on one relationships and staying home to relax and recharge. I'd say I'm also an introvert. That's why having to act like Nicolas is so draining for me."

"So we are similar. Let's both recharge each other's batteries when we need it."

"Yeah."

Before I realized it, we had already reached the tree that Becca talked about earlier. We both sat down with our backs on the trunk of the tree.

The shade was nice and we could see all the colorful flowers from where we were sitting. It was a picture perfect scene.

It was a little difficult for Becca to sit down because of her corset and stiff dress. I wish there were more casual options for noble women when they are just lounging around the house. I should ask a dress maker about it.

Back to my main focus, I still had my arm around Becca and she leaned her head against my shoulder.

"Hey Becca, I have been trying to think of all the different kind of experiences I want to have with you. Is there any specific ones that you envision happening when you think of being with your lover?"

"I do want to experience some of the cliche things like dancing at a ball or going around a festival since it would be my first time doing those things with my lover, but the moments that I appreciate the most are moments like right now.

Moments where it is just you and me spending quality time together. Moments where we are not doing anything specific, just relaxing in a calm atmosphere.

The peacefulness of this moment makes me so happy. It actually makes me emotional."

As she started to talk about how she likes the peaceful atmosphere, I closed my eyes to appreciate the feeling her presence gave me. I too was feeling an overwhelming wave of emotions.

Then, something suddenly touched my cheek. It was only for a second, but it was soft and moist.

'Wait a minute…'

My eyes shot open and I turned to my side,

"Becca?!"

She was burying her head in my chest, so I couldn't see her face clearly.

"Earlier, you said I could kiss you whenever I wanted…this is the most I can do right now…"

I put my other arm around her and gave her a big hug.

"Gosh, you are too cute. Whenever you are ready for a real kiss, you can still take it from me anytime. I won't ever complain."

Becca squeezed me hard back, "shhhhh, just appreciate the moment."

"Alright."

I closed my eyes and soaked in the happiness.