Human spirit is the ability to face the uncertainty of the future with curiosity and optimism. It is the belief that problems can be solved, differences resolved. It is a type of confidence. And it is fragile. It can be blackened by fear and superstition.

-Bernard Beckett

Katerina

I wasn’t regretting coming to my friend Phoebe's family function per say, since I was the one who put the whole thing together but I wasn’t big on crowds, I gave a polite nod to another of her many family members who smiled as they passed me, a glass of wine in hand a big smile on her face, what was her name again? Hmm Amy! I was pretty good at remembering things once I was told them or saw them I didn’t have a perfect photographic memory but I was close Phoebe called it my super power, hers was getting anyone to do anything for her she didn’t even have to try, beg or bribe, she just had that something about her that made you want to help her in any way.

Speaking of there she was grabbing another slice of strawberry cake, she smiled when she spotted me, Phoebe was gorgeous, she made me think of a pixie fairy she had thick blonde hair that she wore a few inches shy of her shoulders and dyed pink on the tips, her skin was creamy, smooth and was pale as moonlight, her eyes a captivating baby blue, she had a petite and delicate build, as i approached she lifted a forkful of strawberry cake to her lips, a soft smile graced her face.

“ Hey girly, having fun” she asked once I reached her. I tried to think of how to word my response as I grabbed a large slice of double chocolate cake from the table of various desserts and pastries. I took a big bite, chewed and swallowed before I answered.

“I’m not having a bad time but you know how I am with crowds” I took a another bite “ Also even though I’m not working I feel like I am since I am the event planner” I technically wasn’t working I had my staff take over and help out so I could be here in a guest/friendship capacity. But I couldn’t turn my need to make sure everything was running smoothly and perfectly as planned the table were set with the perfect amount of space between them where you could get past another one without bumping into another table but close enough if you wanted to talk with someone by you, you wouldn’t have to yell. There was mixture of alcohol and non alcohol as well as a mix of meat and vegetarian dishes I made sure to cover every base and also give the client Phoebe’s mom anything she asked for.

“ I know and I really appreciate you being here, my brother is finally back in town I haven’t seen him in over a year, and I wanted you to meet him” she finished her cake, threw her plate away and gave me a big hug. I also wasn’t big on being touched as well, but Phoebe was one of the people I allowed inside my bubble. She had been patient and kind with me since we became friends in college, she would try and talk to me everyday I would respond but keep my distance, eventually she wore me down and we’d been best friends ever since we practically lived with each other during college we were rarely seen apart.

“ I know, I promise it’s all good” I assured her, hugging her back “ I’m here as long as you need me, so where’s your brother anyways” I asked it had only been an hour since we had arrived and everyone else had started arriving as well and we’re enjoying the festivities.

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“He should be here soon, he’s coming straight from the airport” I couldn’t help but smile as Phoebe talked about her brother, with nothing but love in her tone she didn’t talk about him every waking moment, but when she did it was always good stuff or memories they shared, she told me he was a few years older to us, he was twenty-seven to our twenty-four so not that big of an age gap amongst us.

“Great, let’s get a drink or three, and mingle while we wait” I suggested if I was going to be here might as well enjoy ourselves and all these delicious foods.

Everybody’s got that split between the beautiful and fragile, the hard and the dark.

-Aurora

Ethan

I was finally here, I hadn’t told anyone the exact time I was coming I wanted to surprise everyone, especially my little sister who I hadn’t seen in over a year while I traveled for work. We spoke almost every day though, we were thick as thieves I couldn’t wait to hear what was going on in her life and meet this friend of hers she had told me about on more than one occasion, from the way she spoke about her you would think she’d known her, her whole life. I was glad she had made a good friend she hadn’t had many close ones growing up. I had my driver pull into the driveway of the venue and exited my car. I looked around it was very nice The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the garden. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers a gentle breeze rustled through the leaves of the trees, giving off a soothing breeze.

As I approached the garden, i could hear the murmur of voices and the clinking of glasses. A group of people were gathered around a long table, laden with platters of food and bottles of wine. Laughter and animated conversation filled the air. In the heart of the garden, a winding path led to a secluded gazebo, its white pillars and intricate latticework bathed in sunlight. The gazebo was surrounded by a riot of colorful flowers, their vibrant hues adding to the enchanting atmosphere. A small fountain stood nearby, its gentle trickle adding to the tranquility of the scene. The water sparkled in the sunlight, reflecting the colorful flowers and the clear blue sky.

As I moved deeper into the garden, I was immediately drawn to the festive atmosphere. The gathering seemed to be in full swing, with people mingling and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. I couldn’t help but smile as they joined the group, eager to be a part of the celebration and find my sister and ask her who put this together they did and outstanding job.

I froze in my tracks as I spotted my sister and the women next to her lord have mercy. My breath caught in my throat as i saw her. She was a vision, a goddess incarnate. Her skin, the color of golden brown, glowed beneath the sun’s kiss. Her hair, a cascade of midnight curls, tumbled down her back to her waist, a stark contrast to the vibrant green of her eyes. Her curves were soft and inviting, yet there was a strength in her posture. She was both delicate and formidable, a captivating paradox. The moment my eyes met hers, something shifted within him. It was as if a spark ignited, a firestorm of longing and curiosity. He was captivated by her beauty, her mystery. Every curve of her body, every strand of her hair, every flicker of her emerald eyes held a story waiting to be told. He knew, In that instant, that he couldn’t let her slip away. He had to know her, to understand the woman behind the breathtaking exterior. He wanted to unravel the secrets hidden within her eyes, to be the one to witness her laughter, her tears, her triumphs, and her failures. A determination surged through him, a fierce desire to make her his. He was ready to face any challenge, to overcome any obstacle, to prove himself worthy of her.