KABARCIK
We were making good time on our journey to town. We always got there faster than I thought we would. Always. Especially when Key drove. But we got there faster than I thought even when I drove. I never understood it. My concept of time has always been a little shaky at best though. So, I'm not really too surprised.
"WOW, look how beautiful." Margo exclaimed waving her finger out of the window to draw our attention.
"Where are we now?" She asked in an excited, curious tone.
"We are currently passing through kabarcik. To our right you will see the magnificent bubble falls." Key said in the voice of an old time city cabbie. He is really enjoying this time with our newfound strange friend.
You could see the excitement building in Margo's face, too. It reminded me of a dog meeting you at the door when you first get home after a long day out in the world. It was nice to see. It made me feel wholesome. It's been a long time since I have felt wholesome.
"Pull over!!!" She screamed, immediately popping out of the door as soon as we stopped. It may have even been before we came to an actual complete stop.
"It's just so wonderful." She said, taking in a deep breath while spinning around in circles before collapsing to the ground, staring up at the sky above us.
"Do you guys smell that? It smells like sweet berries and vanilla. Maybe even a hint of sweet golgmarth cream." Margo asked to Key and I as we stood there patiently waiting for the magic of this moment to pass for our newfound friend.
I don't smell the sweet berries and vanilla. The bubbles always smell different to different people. I smelled licorice today. Sometimes it smells like I am in a field of roses. It's always pleasant. I have never had a bad experience at the falls. People in town say that if you smell something unpleasant, it is a sign for bad times too come. I have never subscribed to this type of logic in life. But I never hold it against those that do.
"To me it smells like eternal spring time. Like a bright meadow teaming with flowers and butterflies." Key said as he stepped out of the car. He took his opium stone from his chest pocket and drew a long hard pull, exhaling it into the wind. The wind took that hit a far and great distance, all the way passed the horizon. Twirling it like a ballerina through the air the entire way. The wind can be playful like that at times.
We've stopped here before. I think in this very spot exactly. I bet if I looked I could find the tire tracks from the car that we left when we peeled away. I always remember spots like this. Bubble Falls isn't my favorite. But I know Key always enjoys it. The air is nice here. Thick.
Margo was running around popping bubbles and catching them with her tongue. The taste of the bubbles is an entirely different matter. Very earthy. Its what I imagine spoonfuls of actual dirt taste like. She was clearly enjoying herself, like a child's first snow day from school. She was really taking in these moments with us, It sure was nice. It is always nice to feel appreciated, even when you're more and more becoming the third wheel of the group.
"Have you ever been here before?" Key asked looking in Margo's direction. I am glad he his still poking her for information, I am useless in my current space. But, there is still so much I am curious about. She hasn't exactly been withholding, but she hasn't parted with anything grueling yet. She remains very much a mystery still. My old friend Key has felt the universal connection with her. That's probably the only reason she isn't tied up and in the trunk. If Key trusts her, well, then I trust her as well.
"I think maybe when I was a young girl I came here. I can remember the smell and the sound of the bubbles hitting the rocks. I always remember lots of things about the places I end up, but then I can never quite put them in the right order. My grandfather has always said I am clumsy with my mind." Margo said while running towards the falls. "My mother says it's my gift."
Margo propped herself on the rail and dangled her feet over the edge. I could tell she was dreaming of diving right in. It was illegal to jump into the falls. It's been illegal since before I came to Mercer Street. I think perhaps it has just always been illegal. I am not really sure why. To keep things in good taste I suppose. But I think it is just because they want to keep the bubbles beautiful. And not let them all go to shit with people ripping through from all over time. Mercer street is a hidden gem. And we like to keep it that way. People have to seek a great amount of light and knowledge before they are able to find this place. It is special.
I remember hearing tales when I was a child about this place. For me, it was always somewhat of a dream. I never thought it actually existed. Or that I would ever be graced with its presence. And then one day I finally found my way here with the help of my long time friend. We've been here ever since.
Key pulled a joint out of his pocket and sparked it up. It was made in the shape of a delicate rose. It however was not that delicate. It felt solid and unbreakable in between my fingers. I played with it for a moment, rolling down the line of fingers, admiring the technique my dear friend used to create such a masterful piece of art. I love when he uses the gold tinted papers. I think he found them one of the times we visited Istanbul. I remember the shop lady giving us a hard time because we smelled like reefer. And then we saw her later that night in a Turkish speakeasy. I watched her most of the evening, she left with a man who was twice her age and lacking an incredible amount of teeth. I slept well that night knowing her judgement was useless in the big picture.
I didn't want to sit here long, the daylight was disappearing faster and faster and my eyes were getting heavy. I know the opium stone isn't helping. But, I wanted to continue on our journey into town. I didn't want to be a grumpy old fuck though, so I waited it out a little longer. Also, I couldn't wait to stop by our friend Henry's house and see if he was home. I hadn't seen Henry in quite a while. I have not made the last few trips to town with Key due to my lack of wanting to go, so I wanted to use this opportunity to drop by and say hello.
"Alright Margo, lets get a move on. I want you to meet our friend Henry!" Key said in an excited manner as he brushed her towards the car. He noticed I was getting fidgety and knew I wanted to get on our way. He knew I would want to see our old friend Henry. One of Keys greatest qualities as a being is his complete understanding and selflessness that he bestows on those around him. Doesn't matter if he has known you for twenty minutes, or twenty life times. If youre black, white, yellow, purple, green or blue. He will always lend his hand to anyone or anything that requires his gentle touch.
"Do we really have to go?" She asked in a disheartened tone. She was longing at the falls, wishing she could stay forever.
"I could stay here forever." She said as she started to turn back towards the car.
In my mind I scoffed at that idea. Living at the falls forever? It sounded disgusting to me. I couldn't blame her though. I remember having the exact thought myself years and years ago. It is one of the first places that really draws you into life here. It helps to trap you here with its beauty, like a siren luring you towards the rocks. Only instead of death you receive a sort of salvation.
"I know, I could sit here and watch your wonder for hours." Key retorted. He wasn't hiding his interest in our newfound strange friend Margo anymore. I liked watching him like this. Confidence in mingling with the fairer sex has never been Keys strong suit. So this is quite the breath of fresh air.
I got into the back seat of the car, Margo and Key paused for a moment before getting in to lock eyes and smile at one another above the roof, out of sight.
Key adjusted the mirror so we could see each other for a moment. He had the most tranquil look I have ever seen on his face. We both knew where this was leading. We acknowledged that to one another through looks. I just hoped for my good friends sake it ended up in a place as wonderful as this place is now. I was never been a fan of the falls. But everything is better with love in the air.