The Town Plaza

Alex

I smile and hold her, sky gazing as she does. My favorite thing to do as a kid...

"Going to the movies with my brother," I find myself saying, "Before my mom died, I mean. She would drop us off, let us watch whatever we wanted, and let us stuff our faces with however much candy we decided we wanted. That was the only time I felt like a kid around him. All the other times I was worrying about how we were gonna get through tomorrow."

I pause, trying to blockade the memories.

"The was the only time he would like the older brother," I say, "Even though we're nearly the same age."

Taylor

I smile and kiss his cheek. Before I knew it, the clouds turned black and the moon was up. Where did the day go? It feels like we are only out here for five minutes. “We should get going.” He says. I nod and we swim back to the edge of the lake. He helps me out of the water.

I dry off and put my cover up back on. I get my cell phone out of the bag and call a cab.

“Hi, um, can we get a cab to come pick us up?” I say.

“Sorry sweetheart, we closed an hour ago.” A man says.

“That's impossible it is only eight thirty.” I say catching my watch.

“No it is ten thirty.” The man says.

I hang up the phone. “Looks like we are walking thee miles back to the hotel.” I say.

Alex

The sky goes dark and we decide to get out of there. I help her out of the water and we dry off, trying to call a cab afterwards. Only to find the cab station was closed.

“Looks like we are walking thee miles back to the hotel," Taylor tells me.

I sigh and wrap an arm around her waist.

"I'll carry you when you get tired then," I smile, "Three miles isn't so bad."

Taylor

“I will take you up on that offer later, but now I am fine walking.” I say. I grip his hand and we begin to walk back to the hotel. Every step I take, my shoes make a duck sound. I giggle a little and quickly take them of and throw them in the bag. “I do not know why, but I have never liked duck.” I say smiling.

Alex

I smile at her and kiss the side of her face, "You don't like ducks?"

Taylor

“Um well one time I was at a park and we were going to feed the ducks. Lets just say a mother duck does not like you to get to close to her babies.” I say laughing.

Alex

I smile and laugh with her, shaking my head, "No, they don't. I don't mind ducks. Geese...Now, those things are scary. And roosters! God, I hate roosters."

Taylor

We have walked about two miles and I am so exhausted. My legs hurt and I feel like I am about to fall asleep. I do not want to bother Alex, so I do not say anything. The further we walk, the harder it is to walk in a straight line. I try to just think. “Right foot, left foot, right, left” and to keep straight.

Alex

After about two miles, Taylor starts to get tired but doesn't say anything. Flashing a smile, I shake my head and slip behind her. I scoop her up and sigh, kissing her forehead.

"Take it easy for a while," I say, my own feet aching slightly, "I've got this."

Taylor

He scoops me up and kissed my forehead. “I am fine really.” I say laying on his shoulder.

“Taylor, you do not have to lie to me.” he says.

I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss his cheek. “You know me so well.” I say. “Just put me down when you get tired. Do not try to go further than you can handle only thinking out me.” I say

Alex

I smile and nod, holding her close, "I know. I won't."

Taylor

I laugh at him as he holds me close. “Alex, you do not have to lie to me.” I say to him. The wind starts to blow really hard. I can fill the chill bumps on my arms. I hop down from Alex's grasp and dig the towel out of the bag and giving Alex his. He offers to pick me up again, but I say no. “I will be fine. We will be there in about ten minutes or so.” I say kissing his cheek. He puts his arm around me for warmth and we continue to walk, the wind blowing against us.

Alex

She hops down and wraps her towel around her, giving me mine. I wrap up and slink my arm around her after she says no to my offer to carry her again. Flashing a smile, we walk in step into town, getting there just as it begins to drizzle.

Taylor

“Thank goodness we are here. If you go change, bring extra clothes and all you need. I do not like it when you have to leave.” I say wrapping my arms around his neck and kissing him.

Alex

I smile and kiss her back.

"I will," I say, "Give me a few minutes and I'll be back."

She nods and I walk her to the hotel before heading home.