6 years ago...
" If you're going to jump, jumpâŚ.. your blocking the view "
Lou turned around to see a woman with short blonde hair chuckling, while she walked up to the balcony wall and stood beside him, leaning on the stone bricks.
Their shoulders nudged " Ah, sorry" He scooted across to the edge balcony wall,only a hand's width away from her. His attention turned back to the view of the rocky castle being lit up by the city lights, under the barely visible crescent moon.
"It's beautiful, isn't it? " her soft voice floated into his ear.
He quickly gave her a small smile " Yeh⌠it's my hiding spot"
Gabriel scoffed whilst she leaned back " Don't worry I wont tell anyoneâŚ
it's mine too "
She ran her hair behind her ear " So why are you up here?" She looked at the Luo, who was still staring at the castle, shrugged her shoulders upon seeing he wasn't going to reply " Todays the happiest day of my life "
Luo peeked at her with the corner of his eye only to be stunned by the golden hue that radiated from her skin. 'Dayum'
" I...I'm unsure on what to do with my future " dragon breath followed Luo's long sigh as he ran his hand through his black bushy hair.
" Ahahahah hah "
He quickly turned his head to see the woman covering her mouth with her hand trying to stifle her laughter.
She started waving her hand in front of his face " I'm sorry, I'm sorryâŚ.it's just, your sentence reminded me of when I was younger and just naiveâŚ..not that your navie...it's just,uhh..I'm sorry, I shouldn't have laughed like that " She lightly nodded towards him
" It's okayâŚ.even my parents laughed at me " Luo brushed it off with a wave of the hand.
She regained her composure and wiped a tear off her cheek " Care to share...in what it is you want to do? I promise I won't laugh " she put on a stern face that made Lou chuckle
" Honestly...I want to do everything! ⌠I guess,I'm of unsure of where to start "
Gabriel raised her sword sharp eyebrows at his words " Oh wow⌠well, If you want my advice, start small and work your way up and take your time, you'll enjoy life a bit more " a solemn expression appeared on her face.
" Thank youâŚ..I'll be sure to make the most of the next few years then " With a wide smile, Luo rubbed the back of his head.
" Make the most huh " she leaned over the rail gazing at the castle, lost in momentary thought.
The conversation turned quiet.
They both looked at the view at the castle, with the rising yells and hollering of the city below filling their ears. Lou turned to his side and saw that the woman was wearing a black sleeveless dress; large goosebumps were beginning to rise on her toned arms.
" Here, have my jacket...you look like your freezing to death " He quickly took off his outer coat, placing it over her shoulders.
" Thank you " she gave him a gentle smile as the city lights illuminated her eyes, which made Lou freeze for a moment due to the depth of color in her oceanic eyes.
" 10! 9! 8! 7! 6! 4! 3! 2! 1! HAPPY NEW YEAR !" A thunderous roar came from near the castle. Immediately the sky was light up with canon smoke and a vibrant light display
" umm..Happy New Year" Lou said with a bright smile as he rubbed the back of his head while still looking into her eyes.
She brushed away a few hair strands from her face " Same to youâŚ.so isn't this part where we kiss?"
Lou froze on the spot looking at her glossy lips with a gulp louder than the fireworks " AhâŚ.ahhhh, I mean if you want to "
She looked down for a moment, shaking her head and hopped forward with a quick step, giving him a peck on the cheek " Happy New Year " she pulled away with a smile. " It looks like my night is done, it was nice speaking to you...may you enjoy your life in doing everything "
" Wait! wait! What's your number maybe we can grab a drink or something" Lou said as he buried his hands into his jean pockets.
" Ah sorryâŚ. I've got someone at home waiting for me"
"How about a drink tomorrow?" Lou quickly interjected
"You see, I'm leaving the city tomorrow for the next few months so that wouldn't be possible " she said while standing in front of Lou.
" No, I understand, totally...um,enjoy your night and ...may your year be merry " Lou said with a stiff smile.
" Farewell" she gave him a wave and skipped to the exit, closing the balcony door as she went down the stairs.
" May your year be merryâŚ.smooth Lou, real smooth " He rubbed his arms " Achoo!....ah, my jacket " he ran towards the door to see it was closed.
" Ah fuck" He kept banging on the plastic window plane on the door, there wasn't a door handle on his side.
....
Gabriel arrived home, slung off the jacket,her low heeled shoes and sprinted towards her living room.
She opened the door to be greeted by her family members; her mom, her dad and her two brothers.
"How was she?" She walked into the room giving everyone a hug as she made her way to the wicker white rocking cot in the room.
" She was a lot easier to handle than you lot, I can tell you that " her mother chimed in,while Gabriel rubbed the little blue eyed buns peachy cheeks.
" Did you get the divorced finalized?" Her father asked as he sat perched on the arm rest of the sofa next to the fire place.
" Yeh, I'm back to being a Duton" Gabriel lifted the baby out of the cot, holding her.
" Good! Like we said, your mom and I shall be staying here, so just focus on you and the company, we'll help you out with the little one!" Her father walked up to her, giving her a kiss on the forehead.
" Eh! Excuse me! Me and Dan are here! We'll look after the little " Her brother Scott patted Dan firmly on the chest
Their mother laughed as she drank her tea " Excuse me! You two can barely take care of yourselves, you're just here for the food "
"Lies, tell her Gab!"
" Shhhh, you'll wake her up,.. I'll take all the help I can get, so thank you guys " She rubbed the baby's back while walking up to the windows; fireworks were still blooming in the sky.
" I'll definitely make most of the next few years with your help...won't we little bun"