Skaydal - Hybrid's Omega

9

Amani

“Dad!” I exclaimed as I shot up from my seat. I couldn’t believe he had just said that. “What did we talk about?”

“Amani, the man just admitted that he has zero experience and neither do you. I think you both deserve to find partners that would be more suited,”

“Mom?” I turned my attention to my mother. “Do you agree with him?”

“Amani, we only want what is best for you,”

“And how do you know that he is not what is best for me?” I roared in question. I wasn’t angry, I was livid. I couldn’t believe they would stoop this low to ruin my first date. “I am an adult,” I then puffed out as I folded my arms across my chest. “I am an educated adult, and I can make my own decisions,”

“Amani…” Josiah whispered, but I shook my head.

“No,” I stated as I glared at my parents, who suddenly looked wary. “I told you what would happen if you didn’t give him a chance. I am not going to reject him. I am going to go on a date with him and I am going to get to know him, whether you like it or not,” I grabbed Josiah’s hand and hurriedly led him out of the living room until we were outside. I made a beeline for his car and once we were both seated, I breathed out in relief.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked, and I smiled as I relaxed in the car seat.

“I am more than sure,” I admitted. “I am excited, and I can’t wait to be with you,” Josiah nodded firmly before he started up the car. Of course, I was more than curious about our date, but I remained silent as he drove through Skaydal. When he kept going and left Skaydal, my excitement went up a notch. Where was he taking me? What did he have planned? A million different scenarios ran through my mind as I considered countless possibilities. The silence was comfortable as I watched the scenery and listened to the soft classical music Josiah had put on. It was nice. It was relaxing and I smiled to myself. I wasn’t tense. I wasn’t worried about anything. Of course, I could hear my parents’ voices in the back of my head, but I refused to allow them to ruin my first date. Josiah took a turn, and we ended up on a gravel road that made me frown. Where was he taking me?

“So, I wasn’t sure what to do for our first date,” Josiah spoke up, breaking the silence. “I wanted to do something fun and relaxing but also something that would give us a chance to get to know each other,” my heart skipped a beat as I held my breath. “So, I hope you don’t mind being on a boat,”

“A boat?” I asked as I sat up a bit straighter.

“Yes, a boat. Is that a problem?” he asked, and I could hear the worry in his voice. I looked down at myself and my eyes went wide.

“I am not dressed to be on a boat!” I exclaimed as panic rushed through me.

“Oh…what does one wear for a boat ride?” he questioned curiously as he glanced down at himself. He was wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and a white T-shirt. He looked casual and I had to admit that while he looked good, he wasn’t necessarily dressed for the occasion either.

“Shorts,” I remarked.

“Oh, well, then I think we will be fine,” he suddenly teased, and I frowned as I stared at him.

“Josiah…what did you do?” I asked curiously. The worry was replaced with amusement and my skin tingled with anticipation. I had been, admittedly, worried that our age difference would affect us, but his sudden playful attitude made me feel giddy. He didn’t answer me, but as I looked ahead, I could see the beach coming into view and I realized that I didn’t know the first thing about boats. Did he? He drove right down to the parking area, and I looked out at the numerous boats that were docked in the small harbor. I was beyond excited, but I was also terrified. Josiah parked the car and before I could even think about getting out, he was at my side and opened the door. I climbed out and immediately breathed in the salty sea air. My skin tingled from the sticky breeze, and I couldn’t stop smiling.

“Our Captain is a friend of mine that I met a few years ago. His name is Rudolf, and he has a beautiful yacht that he agreed to take us out on,” Josiah explained as he led me down to the docks. I hadn’t even noticed him remove the bag he was carrying from the car, but I was also focused on the scene ahead of me. The sea looked bright and inviting the closer we got.

“Josiah!” someone called out and he tugged on my hand as he led me in that direction.

“Captain!” Josiah greeted him warmly. “Permission to come aboard?” he then asked.

“Aye!” Rudolf yelled. I suddenly felt like I didn’t know how to walk, let alone how to get onto a boat or yacht. However, it didn’t matter as Josiah was right there to help me. It was nice and once we were on the boat I was blown away by the feeling. The gentle sway under my feet as I held onto Josiah’s hand while he introduced us. Rudolf gave us a quick tour before he left us alone to change. To change? Josiah handed me the bag and blushed.

“I hope it’s ok, Sierna picked it out,” he said before he hurried out and closed the door. I glanced around before I dug inside the bag. What I pulled out made me go a bright shade of red.