Moving to Harmony wasn’t the easiest decision to make. It wasn’t like I wasn’t leaving anything behind. I mean, I was basically engaged. I did consider not going even, but my dad was getting on in years and I worried about what would happen to my brother and sister if my father passed. So I went with them to Harmony.Almost immediately I was designted the gardener in our new home. C.J’s reaction when she found out all families in the colony had to garden was, “Ewww! You mean, in dirt?”
So, yes, my sister was too prissy to garden, my father too busy, and my brother…well, just too lazy basically. Which left me. So I broke out the fertilizer and got started.
C.J. was happy to watch me from her patio chair by the pool and Woalfe hovered nearby giving me tips.
By the time I actually got into the real planting I was ready to dig the hoe into them. They must have sensed my mood though, as they quickly left me alone. When I was finally alone in the garden I actually found the work relaxing. It was quiet and monotonous, so I could just go on autopilot and let my mind wonder. It was nice break, and as the days went by I began to seek out the solitude of the garden more and more. C.J. and my father who too busy to notice my withdrawl, but Woalfe was not so unobservant.
“You need to get out and explore the colony,” he told me one afternoon, “Meet a new girl. Stop pineing.”
“I’m not pineing, “ I said.
“Yeah you are. Come on – we’re going, now!”
“But-”
“No buts!” He grabbed my arm and dragged me towards our car. I didn’t bother fighting him. I knew better than to argue with my brother when he had an idea and was convinced he was right. So we ended up cruising the colony looking for girls. We checked out every building, and, nothing. I was ready to go back home but Woalfe insisted on going to the Sirens Nightclub. I thought it would be pointless, but went along anway.
And once there, I did see a girl I liked.
I was nervous though about going up to talk to her.
“Just go up and whistle,” Woalfe said.
“Whistle at her!?”
“Yeah! Look, bro, you know video games – I know girls. Now go!”
With a sigh and a knot in my stomach I followed my little brother’s advice. The girl just laughed and playfully went alone with it. I felt like an idiot, but it had worked.
We talked for a bit and I managed to get her number.
“See?” Woalfe said when we were driving home, “You met a new girl. Wedding bells are in the future.”
I stared down at the phone number, “I don’t know Woalfe…she’s nice and all, but.. there’s just something missing.”
“What could be missing?” Woalfe asked, “She’s cute, funny, semi intelligent. What more do you want?”
I shrugged, “I don’t know. That something that puts it over the edge.”
Woalfe gave me a confused look and I didn’t try to explain. Woalfe was just out of college, girls and dating for him were still all about fun. I, though, was passed that stage. I wanted to settle down and have a family.
I would have forgotten about the phone number all together if Woalfe hadn’t bugged me so much about it all week. So, finally, just to appease him I phoned her and asked her out. She refused. I didn’t try to change her mind. That something extra just wasn’t there. So I retreated back to my garden
Woalfe came again one afternoon. “Guess what I found!” He said.
I eyed him, suspicious, “What?”
“There’s a matchmaker in town!”
“And…”
“And I called her! She’ll be in an hour.”
I gave an exasperated sigh, “Woalfe!”
“Just try her. Come on, what can it hurt?”
“Fine!”
So I met the lady and told her about myself and what I was looking for.
She said she knew of the perfect match and we were made for each other. I aactually grew a little hopeful and gave her the money she asked for. The date was set for the next day….and turned out to my father’s age!
I was disgusted and ended the date and immediately fired the matchmaker. Woalfe was smart enough to avoid me for the rest of the day and, instead of just annoying me, he annoyed the whole house – by setting the kitchen on fire!
After the flames were put out, Woalfe decided it was best to just stay hidden in his room. I knew Woalfe didn‘t mean to cause trouble – he just had a knack for finding it. I went upstairs to talk to him.
“hey bro” I greeted, going into his room, “You didn’t get burned did you?”
“No. Thanks. Look, I’m sorry about that matchmaker and all. I really thought it would work.”
“Woalfe, I know you just care and I appreciate it, but I’ll find a girl in my own time.”
“It’s just…”
“Just what little brother?”
“Xaiden, would have come to the Colony if it weren’t for me and C.J.?”
I looked at my brother. Sometimes he still seemed so young. “Is that what this is about?” I asked, “You feel guilty for me leaving my girlfriend?”
“Well, is it our fault?”
I thought about the answer. I knew lieing wouldn’t do any good with Woalfe. He always seemed to know when I was lieing. I finally found the truth. “You and C.J. and Dad – you’re more important than any girl. Honest. Okay?”
“Okay.”
“Now, promise me – no more schemes to get me married! I don’t think I can take anymore!”
Woalfe laughed, “Fine, I promise. As long as you promise not to spend all of your time in the garden.”
I grinned, “okay, it’s a deal.”
We shook on it. Then we went downstairs together to clean up the remains of our kitchen.
Aww! Poor Xaiden! I hope you’ll find someone someday and have a bunch of little Jalens running around.
Xaiden will find love when the time is right. Woalfe needs to be looking for his own love.