Chapter 3: A Strange Sight
The digital clock on my night-stand read five-twenty.
I had slept for almost four hours. I looked out the window and no one was in the small park. When I descended the stairs, I saw grandpa sitting at the bar in the kitchen, and my mother was cooking something that smelled delicious.
“Good evening sleepy-head. How did you sleep?” My grandfather asked.
I rubbed the sleeping out of my eyes and answered, “Very good.”
I could smell the several different aromas the food my mother was cooking made. Cheese mashed potatoes, with bacon, pork chops, sweet corn and small pot of gravy. The bacon and gravy had the strongest smell. I knew the dinner would be satisfying when I eat it.
I sat down next to my grandfather, which had an empty plate, a fork, knife and spoon. A glass of water, with four ice cubes and small water droplets around it from the condensation, stood next to my plate.
The empty plate.
I always loved my mother’s cooking. Every meal tasted better than the last, even the same meals tasted better the next we had it for dinner. My father only cooked very simple, basic meals and he usually had to read the directions, unlike my mother.
“So…have any plans for tomorrow?” My grandfather turned in his seat to face me.
I looked at my mom, who was now walking over to my grandfather’s plate, holding the mashed potatoes.
“Well, today’s Saturday and I can’t really think of anything.”
My grandfather smiled and winked at me. “How about that girl who was in the park earlier—you know which one.”
“Harold, stop bothering him about that girl.”
She put two big scoops of the cheese mashed potatoes on one side of my plate, and then she went to grab the pork chops.
After everyone had a plate full of food, my mother sat down and we began to have a nice, calm, delicious dinner.
My grandfather and I exchanged all the new things happening in our lives. I most certainly didn't have much to say, except that I had good grades. He told me he recently got a ring made, with a star-sapphire stone. The ring was gold, and when the ring was in light, you could see a star. I told him I had to see it.
“That was a lovely dinner Alexis. Thank you.”
She gave him a pleased smile and began to clean up dinner.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to show Joshua the ring.”
“No of course I don’t.”
We walked into his master bedroom, and went back to the closet. He then opened the second drawer of a cherry-red dresser. There in his hands was a small blue box and he handed it to me.
“Go ahead, take off the lid boy.”
I was so anxious I almost dropped the box as I popped of the lid to the box. In it was a black, fuzzy bag with gold colored strings. I lifted it out of the box and slowly opened the bag.
He motioned a hand of help, but then withdrew when I pulled the ring out.
Oh my god!
My mouth dropped open, and I couldn't search for any words. My throat locked up as I saw the star in the stone.
“Do you like it? I hope you do.”
Wait what? What does he mean, do I like it?
He laughed.
“Well I…think its amazing…but why are you showing me this?” My gaze went from the ring to his blue eyes.
“I…am giving you this ring. I personally found the stone on the beach. I have so many rings Joshua, and I knew it would mean more to me if I got it cut and then gave it to you”—he laughed—“consider an early present, slash, thoughtful thing to do.”
The ring was so beautiful, I just couldn't accept it, but when I held it felt like it was apart of me.
“Thank you.” I gave him a big hug and I smiled at him.
He led me back to the kitchen, and I put the ring on my right ring finger. I showed my mother and she was just as surprised as I was. She told my grandfather “but you didn't have to”. He said it was his desire to get me something this special, ever since I was born.
After I was excused from the room, well basically the whole first floor, I went to my room and stared at the ring. Before my eyes could look away, a silver-ish light flashed from the ring. At first I was speechless, but then the light seemed to have stained the ring. The ring now had a curvy design of engravings, and as I searched the entire ring, I then found a small word in blue. It said “Jonah”.
The strange sight produced several questions in my mind. I couldn't understand what just happened, but I was probably bound to find out someday, if ever. But for now I thought it was cool.
Several questioning hours passed and I finally found the tiredness in my body and I went into a deep sleep.
Copyright 2011 William Lari - All Rights Reserved
