Immortals Of Byolla Bay

He loves me. That beautiful specimen of a man loves me. Our souls are bound together for eternity. When he said that it was like a veil had been lifted from my eyes and I seen everything clearly finally. The reason I had never had a boyfriend, or showed interest in any boy around here was because I was never meant to be with anyone from this town, or even this world.

Within less than a month I have changed my whole view on life. I now believe in magic, immortals, different worlds and time travel, most importantly though I believe in everlasting love. I must have been too quiet for Maggie because she pulled over on the side of the road, “He told you, didn’t he?” I grinned and she squealed, wrapping me in a big hug, “Yay! Now I can stop watching what I say around you completely, especially since one day you will officially be my sister!”

When she said that I felt a thrill race through my body, one day I’ll be Mrs. Rikki Viken, or whatever last name I’ll actually be getting. Maggie got back on the road and within a few minutes we were at the store. “This is what you call the grocery store, Kinsley?” Maggie asked bewildered.

I looked at her, “Yeah, it’s the only place to buy food in town.” Maggie nodded slowly, “Okay...well anyways, I’ll see you soon! Oh Kinsley I’m so happy! I have to go finish the ideas in presenting to Meshella for your party! Be safe. Call if you need anything, and I mean anything.” She pulled me into a hug and I opened the door.

Harold’s Stop and Shop was our town grocery and convenient store with the gas station attached. Mom worked 3:00 to 8:00 pm stocking shelves, checking the shelf life on products and helping people find what they need. Today, however, she picked up a morning shift instead. I’ve tried to get her to let me take this one over so she can rest on the weekends, but she refuses.

It didn’t take me long to locate her. She was in the stock room rummaging through assorted cans of vegetables and soups when she looked up at spotted me, “What a pleasant surprise! Hey baby girl, what brings you here?” She hugged me like she hadn’t seen me in years, then again these past two days are the longest we’ve ever been apart.

I told her about Maggie and going dress shopping with her, leaving out some major details. I made up a story about spending the night with her and watching movies. I then told her about Rikki, “I met someone.” Mom dropped a can of chicken noodle soup, which rolled under a pallet of cereal boxes, “What? How? Who? When did you all of a sudden get an interest in boys? I thought you hated the boys in your school?”

I calmed her down before she had an aneurysm, “Chill mom, it’s Maggie’s brother and I just met him Friday night at her house. His name is Rikki and he is my age. I also want you to meet him so I was hoping I could make dinner tonight and invite him over.”

Lying to my mom sucked, but I knew it was necessary. I’ve never had to lie to her and I felt a little guilty at how easily she believed me, “Oh, well how sweet! Your first boyfriend! I’m so excited to meet him so of course he can come. What are you planning on making?”

I thought about it for a minute, “What’s your favorite thing that I cook?” Mom smiled, “All of it.” I shook my head, “That’s such a mom answer. What about my chicken Alfredo?” Mom nodded approvingly, “Sounds perfect, but I’m almost positive you are going to need chicken and penne noodles because I don’t think we have anymore at home. Just get whatever you need and tell Margaret up front to put it on my tab okay?”

I hugged her tight, “Thank you mom and trust me, you are going to like him.” Mom chuckled, “I know I am because he was good enough to catch your attention so I already know I’ll approve. I’ll see you when I get home.”

After checking out I walked up the sidewalk in front of the store only to find Gene standing there. He winked at me, “I’m here to walk you home, Kinsley. I hope you don’t mind.” I smiled and shook my head.

It took about 10 minutes to reach my street and Gene insisted he carry my bags. Apparently he’s a gentleman like Rikki. Keri most definitely raised her boys right. He asked me questions about my childhood and the town, just making polite conversation the whole way.

When we made it to where Meshella’s house was, she just happened to be outside shutting the door to her mom’s car. When she seen us she waved eagerly, then did a double take as she realized that the guy beside me was not Rikki. As I knew she would, she walked over to investigate. “Hey girl, who is this?” Gene smiled and introduced himself, “Hello. My name is Gene Viken. I’m the older brother of Maggie and Rikki. I was just walking Kinsley home from the grocery store.”

Meshella looked star struck, “Oh... Maggie didn’t mention she had an older brother, neither did Kinsley for that matter.” She looked pointedly at me. I pressed my lips together to try to stop from giggling. Gene reached out and grabbed her hand, raising it to his lips, “Please don’t be cross with Kinsley. It is I who is sorry that I am just now meeting a beautiful creature such as yourself. May I ask your name, lady?”

Meshella turned fifty shades of red and stuttered through her name. “Now that is a pretty name for a very pretty woman. It’s been the greatest pleasure of my week so far meeting you Meshella. I must get Kinsley home, but I truly hope you bless me with your presence again one day soon.” Meshella could do nothing, but smile big and nod her head.

We waved goodbye at the still stunned Meshella and walked a few doors down to my house. “You are as smooth as satin, do you know that? I’ve never seen Meshella so shocked she couldn’t talk.” Gene chuckled, “Well over my long life I have learned how to speak to members of the female persuasion, and she most definitely is a beautiful woman. I didn’t know I was smooth as satin, but thank you for the compliment. You should bring her with you next time you come over.”

I narrowed my eyebrows, “Aren’t you scared she will find out about you guys?” My biggest fear is negative attention getting drawn to them so they’ll be forced to move. Gene shook his head, “You must understand, Kinsley. You being with my brother practically already makes us family, therefore whoever is in your life automatically becomes a part of ours. That is your best friend, correct? Well then it’s important she doesn’t feel like we are not wanting anyone to come around us other than you, or make her feel like we are taking you away from her. So please, next time you come over bring her with you. We’ve been so used to keeping up appearances that she’ll never know the difference and father keeps all the things that have to do with what we are locked in his study, with a very complicated locking mechanism of his own design. She’ll never know, and you can live in peace and happiness with everyone you love at your side.”

I felt tears well up in my eyes, “Thank you Gene. That means the world to me, really. Well let me go get the food started. I’ll see you later.” Gene nodded and left quicker than my eyes could follow.