Guiding light

Forgotten

Tyler

The following day as agreed, we went with Paloma and Jake to purchase a smaller ship. I took them to the shop we are frequent with my father and the owner greeted me in a friendly manner.

- Hey Tyler! Nice to see you! How is your father doing?

- Thanks Mich! He is fine, this weekend he takes out the ship with my uncle. - Mich pat my shoulder with a big smile. He was a short, chubby man with thick mustache and thin eyebrows. With his big glasses and funny walk, he always reminded me of a walrus.

- It was about time to heal and give you some time to rest! But it must be good to have a son like you, who helps out his old man in trouble.

- Oh... Stop whining dad! Like you are always all alone here! Hey Ty! Who is your friend?

- Hi Harry! - Mich's daughter swung down with a long cord from the first floor of the shop, which served also as their home. She was a childhood friend of mine. Reckless, wild, a bit crazy and a really creative person. I admired secretly her rebellious behavior and how she pursued her dream despite of Mich's continuous grumbling. She looked like a weird mixture of a pirate and a hippy. Her curly red hair was all over the place, her freckled skin and green eyes always reminded me of a dangerous predator disguised as a stray cat. She hugged me but her attention turned immediately to Paloma and Jake. Jake tried to fix his hair quickly and this was the first time since we metz that he seemed to be nervous.

- Welcome to our ship shop! My name is Harriett, but everyone calls me Harry! - she wrapped her arm around my shoulder and said with a proud grin.

- We are friends with Ty since we could talk!

- Nice to meet you! My name is Paloma, and this is my son Jake, who normally cannot simply shut up, but seems quiet speechless now! - Paloma giggled and Jake blushed.

- Ma!!! - he complained but turned to Harry and shook her hand.

- Nice to meet you too, I'm Jake!- Harriett chuckled and said.

- I hole to see you around more frequently from now on Jake! - I could see the sweat run down on Jake's forehead.

- I bet you'll, because they are here to buy a ship! - I said quickly bringing the father daughter duo's attention to me.

- Is this true miss Paloma? - Mich asked and she nodded.

- Mr. Mich.

- Just call me Mich please! - Paloma nodded calmly.

- Mich, my dear husband and son got the idea in their mind that they need a ship, so here we are! This rascal, inherited his curiosity of the world from his father and they both want to learn more about he nearby islands, flora and fauna. I myself, want to enjoy the nice weather with my little girl while sailing. So we would need a ship for both purposes, that can even host a few guests if needed. - Mich hit his palms together happily.

- Finally! Someone who knows what she wants! - he said and Harry pinched his side.

- I always knew what I wanted, yet I hear only complaining. - Mich shushed Harry and I caught Jake looking at her totally lost. While Mich showed the ships to Paloma I stayed behind with Jake.

- So... You like Harry. - I said and saw my friend jump a tiny in place and he looked mortified.

- What are you talking about? - he asked trying to hide it but it was even obvious for someone simple as me.

- Dude... It's written all over your face!

- Oh my God... Do you think she noticed it as well?! - I chuckled and said.

- I hate to worry you my friend, but Harry is really sharp. If I noticed it, she definitely did. Although, she is not this friendly woth strangers normally, so you might have a chance! - Jake grabbed my shoulders and said in a low voice.

- Tell. Me. Everything. - I rolled my eyes and heard Harry calling us.

- It looks like your mom chose a ship.- After checking out Paloma's choice, we bought all the equipment for the ship as well and she filled Phineas's check graciously.

- Thank you very mich for the excellent services! - Paloma said and Mich grinned.

- Oh it was my pleasure! Please if you need help with anything or any fixing, don't hesitate to contact us! - Paloma thanked but before we left I turned to her.

- Something is missing. - I looked at Harry who rushed to her room and came back with a big bag of paint. Mich hit his forehead.

- That's right! The lady needs a name!

- The lady? - Jake asked and Harriett nodded.

- All ships are usually getting a female name. I'm more than happy to paint it on you, if you have a name in mind. - Paloma smiled and said softly.

- Please, paint the name "Mirabel" on it. - Harry nodded and started working on the side of the boat. She did a quick and excellent job. After the purchase while we walked to the car and Mich helped with the trailer and boat for Paloma I asked Jake.

- Who is Mirabel? - Jake smiled a bit sadly.

- I had another little sister, before Jeanette. Unfortunately, mom lost the baby when she was only three months old in her belly.

-I'm sorry. That explains why is there such a big age difference between you and Jeanette. - Jake smiled.

- Although Mirabel couldn't join the family in a regular way I believe she is here with us, and this is a really nice tribute. - I pat my friend's shoulder and handed him a piece of paper.

- What is this? - he asked and I shrugged. Jake opened the paper and his eyes widened while his jaw dropped.

- What is it? - I asked and his smile spread from ear ot ear.

- Dude! Harriett gave me her number!

- I told you, you have a chance with her. Congratulations! Harry is picky! - Jake stares at the piece of paper as if it was a national treasure.

- Put it in your phone before you loose it.

- Good idea! - Jake quickly noted the number and rang it. He put it on speaker and I stood next to him clueless.

- Hey! I'm not buying anything! - I heard Harry's voice.

- It's Jake. - Jake said and Harry laughed.

- That was fast!

- I had to check it if it's a real number. - I felt tension building up in me as I remembered Harry used to beat the s**t out of he if I questioned her. But this time I heard a soft giggle.

- Fair enough! Now that you checked it, I'll talk to you later.

- Yeah! Have a nice day!

- You too! - she hang up and Jake was smiling so happily like a child at boxing day. Paloma shouted to us to move our asses back to the car if we didn't want to walk home. Once we arrived to their home and told everything to Phineas and Jeanette, Jake said.

- Oh man! I can't wait to start this adventure together! - Phineas cleared his throat.

- Aren't you forgetting something? - Jake looked at him and said.

- Oh Mierda... - Paloma hit him at the back of his neck and Jeanette laughed repeating the swear word.

- What's wrong? - I asked Phineas while Paloma tried to kill Jake with her slippers and Jeanette laughed wholeheartedly.

- Just is tiny inconvenience.

- Like what? - Phineas shrugged.

- None of us knows how to drive a boat!