Jaya walked with Tyran hand in hand. She was still moving slowly due to the lingering pain in her chest. But he had talked her into a picnic, telling her it would be good for her to get out into the sunlight and get some fresh air.
It had sounded like a better idea than lingering in the house for another day and she knew she could use the distraction a picnic would present for her, rather and turning the event that had cause her injury over and over in her mind, wondering if there was something she could have done better.
Jaya tried to remember the voice of a counselor who had once told her that when she began to magnify on a problem to the exclusion of all else, it was time to realize it and distract her mind. After all, she could only learn from the mistake. She couldn't go back into the past and change.
As they reached the park, Tyran helped her lay out the blanket they had brought. The spot was perfect, just under a group of trees. Before them was a fantastic view of the playground and beyond that was a fountain spraying water around, much to the delight of several children.
He then helped her sit down and put the basket between them. She grimaced in pain just a bit as she moved to make herself more comfortable.
"Are you hurting?" He asked and wondering if this had been such a good idea. But he knew it had to be better than staying in the house all day and feel rotten.
He began to unpack the basket, pulling several food items and drinks from within.
"Just a little," she said softly. "But I've been in worse shape before. Thanks," she said as she gazed into his eyes, reflecting her feelings. It was nice to be cared about again.
"I hope the pain'll leave you soon, but I think it's still better to be here, than inside that house of yours."
"I completely agree," she replied with a gentle smile. She grabbed a bottle of water as her eyes strayed to the children laughing and playing in the splashing water of the fountain, and to several of the children playing in the playground.
"The children really like it here," Tyran said wistfully. "I always regretted not to have a little one of my own."
"Yeah," she replied. "Children can bring the greatest joys in life." There was something in her green eyes... a visible sadness that she tried to push away. "I always loved children."
"So did I, but my wife couldn't have children. I guess that's why the neighborhood children are so often in my bar. I like having them there."
She nodded and yet was unusually quiet as she watched the children. "I use to think I would be a mother," she said. "But I guess it wasn't meant to be."
"Maybe we are meant to be parents, if it ever comes to that." He said.
Her gazed strayed to him and she smiled. "Anything's possible, I suppose," she replied and for the first time in several years she considered the possibly of being a normal woman again... with a normal life... and a normal family.
"Yeah, just remember that whatever job you have, you can always stop doing it, and help me in the bar."
Then reality intruded. "I can't until I'm done. I have a... certain obligation I have to meet before I can stop my... profession," she said softly, looking away at the children again.
"Then I hope it's met soon, so we can build up our relationship. I really want that Jaya."
She gazed at him once more. "I want that too," she said as she caressed his face. "You see those kids over there? And their parents watching? That's all I ever really wanted."
Her eyes misted for a moment.
"Then make it happen. I would love to have a child with you." He said tenderly. "In fact, I'd love to raise a large family with you by my side."
"I would be happy with just one. One that I could keep safe," she added cryptically as she continued to watch the children.
Tenderly, she took his hand in her own.
"It'll be safe, Jaya." He promised her, and kissed her, knowing he wanted this more than anything.
She melted into his embrace, only to have the pain make her wince just a bit, bringing reality once again into her mind. Regardless of what she wanted, there were things she had to do. She had to do them not just because it was her job, but to protect them, she thought as she gazed at the playing kids.
"We better eat." He said feeling he couldn't continue to dream of something that was not yet possible. But one day it would be, he was certain.
She took the sandwich he offered her and exchanged a knowing smile with him. One day, maybe a real life would be possible, she thought. One with a husband and children. At that, she took a bite of the sandwich, settled herself against Tyran and simply watched the carefree antics of the kids as they played.
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