Beka sat cross-legged in the cool grass. A vacation had been long-needed, and so the small crew-- just herself, Rev, and the new engineer, Harper-- had taken off for a week at one of the most beautiful beaches of Infinity Atoll.
Only a week ago, she's kicked Bobby out, as she should have done months ago. In the same day, she ran into Seamus Harper-- quite literally-- and found herself with a new engineer. A skittish, sleep-with-one-eye-open engineer, but an engineer none the less. Of course, that day would have been much less unpleasant if Harper weren't the reason Bobby had to go.
Beka ate a big spoonful of triple fudge ice cream.
One of the things Bobby demanded to know was why she chose Harper over him. At the time, she had no answer. She told him Harper was a better engineer, although really, she had no idea of the younger Earther's engineering skills. Looking back, Beka had one theory, although she had no way to prove it. Her theory stated that she really didn't want to be with Bobby--and never had, really-- and needed an excuse to get rid of him before it was too late. Yes, this was probably the likely reason.
She took another bite of the rich gooey goodness. Amazing how something so bad for her made her feel so good. She savored the mouthful of ice cream, letting it melt in her mouth.
Harper really was a better engineer.
Another spoonful, mmm, pure bliss.
But she loved Bobby.
Another spoonful.
No she didn't, that's why she got rid of him, remember? Yes, it was. Her theory was correct. But why did she hang on so long? This one question bothered Beka, it never went away. She was a strong woman, she didn't usually get herself into these messes. Why this time? Why not another man, why Bobby?
The last spoonful Beka lifted to her mouth. The empty carton in her lap has starting to get her pants wet from the melted ice on the outside.
This last spoonful, so delicious, she wanted another carton of triple fudge ice cream. But she really couldn't afford it, this trip was already too expensive.
She put the spoon in the carton and set the carton beside her.
The breeze blew softly, it was the perfect temperature in the shade under the tree where she sat. She tried to pick out Harper on the beach, but she couldn't.
Where was he? He was near-impossible to miss, with his bright clothing and seemingly endless amount of energy. But no, he was nowhere on that beach, it was a fairly quiet day, as far as Infinity Atoll goes.
"Hey Boss?" There he was!
Beka turned around to see Harper, standing there, he had his hands behind his back and was shifting from one foot to the other nervously.
"Yeah?" Beka responded. She wasn't in a great mood and Harper up close and personal was a little much right now.
"I got you these," he said quickly and thrust his hand out. In his hand were three roses, a red one, a yellow one, and a pink one.
"They're really pretty," Beka said and took the flowers from Harper. Harper sat down in the grass next to her.
"The red one is for courage. It really took a lotta courage to do what you did."
No more explanation was necessary, Beka knew what Harper was referring to.
"The yellow one is for happiness. I want ya to be happy even though you're kinda down."
This brought a smile to Beka's face.
"And the pink one is for appreciation. I really, really, appreciate what you did for me. If you hadn't taken me in, I don't even know if I'd still be alive."
Beka nodded, feeling tears prick her eyes.
"Um, yeah, I'll go now, then." Harper said after an uncomfortable silence, stood quickly, and started to walk away.
"No, stay here. Sit for awhile." Beka said.
"Really?"
"Yeah. I could use some company."