The Night We Came to Be

The Night of the Idle Gnome

...What? This has got to be Tennis-O's doing. I heard he could mimic a female's voice. Such an unusual talent, but it's true.

But, isn't it also true that gnomes couldn't talk?

So through wet eyes, I look up and what I saw... was her pink dress swaying so gracefully against the winter's current.

"Maya."

She displays a confused, contorted face. "Why so sullen? What is it, what is it, what's your problem? Actually, wait! Before you talk, you have to listen to me first, okay? I have great news, and this cannot be interrupted, I can't stress that enough! With that, I declare your mouth be shut until I finish my story!"

"B-But--"

"Shhhh!" Maya shushed me. She freaking shushed me like she didn't do anything wrong!

"Hmm, hold on, something's off! I thought your greeting was now 'What's cookin'?' every time we meet? What happened to that? Your permission to speak is granted!" Maya announced gallantly.

I'm speechless, she's so carefree, I don't understand. Shouldn't she feel... regret? "I just forgot it."

She wrinkles her nose, but then, "Alright then! Permission to speak is ceased!"

Damn it, I can't combat her stupid little rules!

"Now, listen close!" Maya pulls up a paper from her behind. It looks familiar. "Yeah? Yeah? This is because it's... your drawing!" She shows me the drawing I made for her. The more that I stare into that pig with silly wings, the uglier it becomes.

"Don't get mad, but I showed this to Dad, said a special someone made it for me! Wink, wink!" I can't help but feel irritated, that's like, the worst first impression ever! Her dad's gonna think I'm a brainless kid or something!

"Anyway, uh..." Her expression grows tentative, but her beaming face never faltered. It never gave in. "We talked. We... we talked, we really did that." Dreamy, cerulean eyes. She was showered with fulfillment, that I am certain of.

"In the end, we managed to reconcile, settle our differences. For God knows how long, the house actually felt like it was, well, home."

Maya, she... Good for her. I'm happy for her. Glad to see that a drawing as distressing as that, has a purpose, and a meaning to exist after all.

I couldn't wish it for anyone any more than the girl standing in front of me, but...

"By the way, I wasn't here yesterday because the house I mentioned is actually in the city, so, yeah. Sorry if I made you wait." Maya frowns playfully, asking for forgiveness.

I shake my head.

"Oh, right! Um, ahem, I shall declare your curse of the zipped lip be lifted!"

"Why'd you tell Ma?" I couldn't control myself. I just had to.

Maya's eyebrows pop up. "Whoa, whoa, Darryl--"

"We're not talking because of you." I didn't wanna have to say it, but, it's true.

"Hold on, Darryl, because of me?" Her face immediately transformed into something stormy. Something offended and hurt. "Don't go accusing me, I don't even know what you're talking about--"

"Yes, you do, don't lie to me!" I accused her yet again. I just can't stop it. It's what I believe, and I have to set this argument straight! "Or maybe you just told her without even thinking of what's gonna happen to me? I see it as impossible, but we've only known each other for a week, right? It might be doable for someone like you. Maybe you're just that inconsiderate."

"Darryl, what is this, stop, this is crazy! Whatever it is you're thinking, it's not true, so stop!" she begged helplessly.

I take heavy breaths. I couldn't stop blaming her, because it's what I accept as the truth. There's no one else Ma could refer to but her. It could only be her.

"I... need some time alone. I've been waiting all night for you yesterday, and you never came. Now you show up like nothing bad ever happened! That's what's got me so pissed, you're too carefree!" I gasp at the severity of my sharp words. "I'm happy you're getting along with your dad, but what about me? Do you know how broken our relationship is since last year? Dreadful, depressing, I can't forget what she did to me, and Ma can't change to save her life! And now..."

Maya... she twitched, but only slightly.

"Maya, I need the perfect girl. The one that was made for me. I don't need your insensitive side." She stares, absolutely shocked. "I'm... disappointed, sorry. I just can't believe you."

I leave for the door. There's no telling how sly the gnomes' comments are for the way I acted, but...

I could care less.