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The sun was setting, dyeing the world in an orange hue. Nymphaea was sitting at the edge of the fountain, looking at the fishes that swam in the water. She smiled faintly as she saw one fish bump into another. They were silly little friends of hers, ones she could understand more than anyone else.
She was waiting for Celeste. The two met in this very spot and became fast friends because of their love for the sea. A few weeks later, they started dating. They continued meeting by this very fountain, almost as if the it became the sea itself — that is, a safe place for the both of them.
Celeste usually takes her time to get ready, hence she is always late. This time was no different. But Nymphaea doesn’t mind. She is as patient as can be, like a slow stream in the mountains.
Then she saw a white sail on the horizon. The murmur of the fountain stopped, leaves quieted down as if they knew that they shouldn’t interfere in this moment.
The other girl’s figure was facing away from the sun. The light created a bright halo around her figure, and even made her glow slightly due to her translucent body. She was like a ghost, almost unreal, almost like a dream one doesn’t want to wake from. Nymphaea has seen Celeste like this countless times, but it always feels like a first. After all, Celeste was beautiful. Like foamy waves, a water lily with shining dew on an early morning, a shipwreck that has become home for the sea life around it.
Celeste approached the fountain and smiled, a faint blush tainted her cheeks. “Hello, Nymphaea.”
Nymphaea simply returned the smile and bowed her head. There wasn’t a need for anything more elaborate, especially between the two of them. Celeste sat down next to Nymphaea.
“I saw a squirrel on my way here.” Celeste tucked some hair behind her ear.
“Oh, do you like squirrels?” Nymphaea replied.
“Yes, I like how fluffy they are.”
“Same. They remind me of baby ducklings.”
“Heehee, I see.” …her chuckles are adorable. Nymphaea thought. Celeste continued. “I wish to go see some ducklings with you when the season comes. Is that okay?”
“Sure, I would be happy to.”
This is basically how their conversations went. From an outsider’s perspective, nothing more than small talk. But for those two, the ordinary is precious. For Nymphaea, she can forget all the time when she was alone. For Celeste, she can experience life as an ordinary girl, instead of as the wish-maker she once was.
While their conversation was one to stop time, it was only in their perception. The sun slowly sunk beneath the trees, making way for the moon to shine instead. The world turned a tender blue, occassionally mixing with the yellow light from the street lights. The leaves quieted down a little bit, just a little. The fishes inside the fountain slowed down, seemingly to admire this tranquil change in atmosphere.
Nymphaea started talking about the celebrations in her home town.
“Every year, we would come onto the beach and dance until our legs got tired. I could barely leave my house sometimes due to my illness, but hearing the sound of guitars and drums from the distance cheered me up.”
“Did you ever get dance?” Celeste tilted her head.
“…” the black-haired girl quieted down, in thought. “Once, when I was a child. I barely remember anything from that time but…I do remember holding my mom’s hand with my left, and my dad’s with my right…it was really nice.” A pause. “What about you? Did your ship have any celebrations?”
“Yes.” she looked away. “After an especially successful voyage, the crew would sing sea shanties, with the captain leading… but I wasn’t allowed to join them…”
“…I’m sorry.”
Celeste shook her head. “It’s okay. They were all much too energetic for me anyway.” The way she immediately brushed off any unease harbored in her head. It sort of made Nymphaea feel sadder. The two knew the air turned somber, and paused. To breathe, to let their thoughts and memories sink in. Nymphaea was the first one to speak up.
“Do you want to dance with me?”
Celeste looked at her. “Me?”
Nymphaea nodded. She wanted to reach out her hand but drowned the thought last minute. The last thing she wanted to do was accidentally poison Celeste. And for this reason Nymphaea never initiated physical contact with her partner. She stood up and straightened out her dress. “I’ll teach you a few simple steps I know from my hometown.”
Celeste looked at her for a moment and then stood up herself. She then reached out to hold Nymphaea’s hand. Nymphaea moved hers away.
“I might poison you.” she said.
Celeste didn’t reply, but reached further and held Nymphaea’s hand. “I’ll be fine.” She smiled. Nymphaea didn’t know what to think. But hearing Celeste say those words convinced her that yes, the brown-haired girl will be fine.
And so they danced; the moon a witness to their waltz. Swaying back and forth, like lilies on a summer’s breeze.