Author: becky
Pairing: Maria POV
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I own nothing to do with Roswell or the characters thereof.
Spoilers: Graduation
Notes: I have never been to Maine, but this is the way I picture it. Kind of.
Muse #4 – cerulean – sand – nightfall – warning
~*~
We’ve been to the beaches and gazed into the cerulean face of the oceans. We’ve watched for hours as the tides rolled in and out stealing bits of sand with it every time. We’ve held hands as the salty mist washed over us in a mild fury of its awakening. We’ve felt the sun beating down on our heads. Sweat trickling down our necks, soaking into our clothes.
Then the coolness of the night would consume us with shivers and goosebumps. We’d settle down together in front of a bonfire and hold each other close. Although we had smiles on our faces, it was just a fallacy, we weren’t happy at the beaches. Telling stories as the flames blazed in front of us, smelling the ocean and all that lives in it. Stepping on masses of dried seaweed, tiny arms of a deadened life pricking our bare feet.
Michael and I would hold hands and stroll down the beach after the others had retired for the evening. We’d laugh and cry together, talk about our past and try to plan a future. But a future in the sand wasn’t what we were wanting. This was only a phase, one we had outgrown shortly after we had arrived.
We’ve seen enough of the poverty of the beaches to last a lifetime. We’ve witnessed the desecration of man and the triumph of indulgence. We’ve seen the lies and betrayals. We’ve seen it all, but we never fell victim to it.
Time is a funny thing. It seems to stand still and then without a moments notice, it flies by. By summer’s end we were gone from the beaches. In a way, we were all relieved.
We traveled for days, stopping only where we wished. Staying only long enough to get a little sleep. We had a new destination. A new vision in sight. A new life was waiting for us and the sentiments were similar all around. Excitement.
As we crossed the state line into Maine, I tilted my head to the window and took in a deep breath. I let it fill my lungs and I knew this was where we were supposed to be. This was right. This was going to be home for a while.
We drove for hours, closer to the shore. The salty smell was among us again, but it was different. It was crisper. Cleaner. I didn’t hear any of the decisions that were made after unusually subdued discussions. Our destination didn't matter.
The van stopped outside of what looked like a large timber-built Lodge. My guess is that we would be working here for a bit. I had heard Isabel on the phone earlier and assumed she would be setting up something for us. She was so good at things like that. I didn’t care what I would be doing, that wasn't important.
I stepped outside into the Maine air and breathed in so deeply I thought my lungs might explode. I didn’t know the name of the town we were in; didn’t really matter, I was just going to call it ‘Home’.
I felt Michael envelope my hand in his, warm and safe. I tuned out the mindless chatter of my friends and only heard the sounds of nature. I started walking towards dense trees and knew in an instant they would be bare in a few months. For now they were full and beautiful.
I tried to count the different colors of the changing leaves, but there were too many. Yellows, reds, oranges, browns, golds and greens. I gasped at the image of the trees being engulfed by flames of vibrant colors. The beauty was magnificent. There were no words to describe the awesome power of nature.
By nightfall I will have combed the area. From the amazing forests to the rocky shores. I will have touched nature and let it touch me. I will have shared the moments with my love. I will have embraced him as we watched the fisherman pull in lobsters.
I know in my heart that we may have to leave without warning. But until that time comes, I’ll treasure every second of my Autumn in Maine.
End
