CHAPTER 56. Happy Fair
1814 Words
The following day, after Crystal’s switch, Gabriel bid goodbye to the siren and promised to return before noon. He went to the port to check the information that his man gave him. Gabriel is wearing a cap and shades to hide his profile, even just a little, and strolls around, trying his luck to see Christian’s yacht docked somewhere.
"Excuse me," he approached a man who was tying a thick rope around a post.
"Yes, sir. How may I help you?" The man enthusiastically responded without looking at him.
"Would you know a couple named Christian and Aya Alonzo? They owned a yacht that has Crystal named on it and had docked in this port a week ago." The man stood up and finally turned to him, his hands on his waist as he looked around.
"Crystal," he muttered.
"Yes."
"As far as I know, someone already took it, but I'm not sure who did. Also, that yacht had no one on board when it arrived here. Only the lighthouse guard saw it hitting the sea float, and the next morning, they pulled it to our port. I don't have further information about it other than that." The man explained.
Gabriel sighed in disappointment and worried about what Crystal might feel when she learns about it.
He left the port and steered to the town’s plaza to buy clothes so they could change, especially that Crystal always needed to have one to change after soaking in the water. He also ran for food supplies and fuel up the SUV with a full tank.
While roaming around the area, his eyes darted to a flower shop and the mini bouquet displayed in the front. He smiled and thought to give one to the lady.
“Miss could give me a bouquet of this, please.” He ordered, pointing the white tulips on the rack.
"Right away, sir." The saleslady came over.
While waiting for the lady to finish the arrangement, his eyes saw a poster for tonight's fair happening in the town's park. He smiled as he thought of something to make Crystal smile about after so many struggles.
"Here's your order, sir." The saleslady interrupted with a smile crept on her face as she handed the flower to him.
"Thank you," Gabriel said, receiving the flower before he pulled out some bills to pay for it and walked back to where he parked the car.
He drives straight to a gas station and already heads back to the woods after. Gabriel stepped out of the car, getting the bags with supplies, and carried them inside the cabin. He then walked down to the river with the bouquet of tulips in his hand, the paper bag with burgers, and a bottle of water on the other.
Gabriel is standing on the bank of the river, looking around for his beloved siren. He looked at the watch on his wrist. It was past ten in the morning, just in time, as Gabriel promised to Crystal. He slumped on the grassy ground, putting the food and flower on the side as he started taking off his boots.
"Gabe!" Suddenly, the siren came out of the water.
Gabriel smiled and gestured to her to come closer, which she did. He then stood up, pulling his shirt over his head and jeans down, leaving only his boxers.
"Are you hungry?" Gabriel asked, and the siren nodded her head in response. He grabbed the paper bag and the flowers, then went down to the lower part of the land to reach Crystal.
"For you." He handed her the bouquet.
"Thank you, Gabe. You shouldn't have, but I love it." She smiled sweetly.
"I love you," Gabriel responded as he gently caressed her dripping face.
They eat together before Gabriel joins the siren on the water.
"Gabe, did you see our yacht at the port? What about my parents?" She asked excitedly.
"Crystal, there was no one on board when someone found your yacht."
"What!? How is that even possible!?" The new information shocked Crystal.
"Also, it wasn’t there anymore. The man I asked told me that someone had taken the yacht already from there. I don't know who took it yet but don't worry, Love. I will not stop the search for them and get further information about who took the yacht, but for now, let me put you first in my priority to keep you safe. Once we overcome all of this, we can focus again on finding your parents, okay?" He explained.
He pulled the siren closer for an embrace, as he knew how she felt after hearing his report.
"I thought I’d be seeing them soon, but I only expected too much." She muttered while sobbing on his chest.
"I'm sorry, baby." Gabriel apologized, caressing her wet hair as he tried to soothe her sadness.
*****
Gabriel carried Crystal back to the cabin. He helped her to dry up and brush her long hair. He made her wear long sleeves to hide her wounds on the wrist and jeans.
"Gabriel, where are we going?" Crystal asked when he invited her to ride in the car.
"It's a surprise, baby. You'll see later." He told her.
Gabriel steered the vehicle while Crystal enjoyed herself, watching the view outside the window on her side.
"I just realize now how beautiful Wingston Town is. Even their rivers are so clean, unlike the water surrounding the Creekwood." She dramatically remarked and frowned.
"I wonder who will clean up the water this time if Pearl is not around." She muttered while Gabriel noticed the sadness in her eyes.
He reaches for her hand and squeezes it gently.
"Don't worry, love. Once this problem is over, I swear to help you maintain the Creekwood water clean." Gabriel told her while he focused his eyes on the road.
They are in a complicated situation, and Gabriel is very aware of it. That is why he is always reluctant on his every move to avoid any additional problem as his connection is minimal. Gabriel can't even call his friend or uncle Leo for help as Gabriel is also afraid of what they would think once they learn Crystal is a siren. He can't even count on his mother. He sighed as he had to admit that Jason is such a big help for them.
'If only we could find Crystal's father soon, that would be a problem to solve.' He thought and hoped that Christian could also help him get out of his forced marriage with Rachel.
Gabriel halted the car in the parking lot area while he also noticed how Crystal's expression changed after seeing the beautiful attractions surrounding the entire place. There were rides, different booths with games, and stores for souvenirs and food. Also, many people came to the fair, including kids, families, friends, and some were couples like them.
"Gabriel! I'm so excited! This night would be so fun!" Crystal exclaimed as her eyes twinkled with the sight.
"Let's go." Gabriel extended his hand to hold the lady, but she refused and dashed towards the fair entrance. He just chuckles, shaking his head in disbelief. But, more than that, he is feeling delighted that he saw the lady being genuinely happy.
"Gabriel! I want to ride there! Can we?" she asked with her puppy eyes, referring to the Ferris wheel.
"Sure, love." He agreed and grabbed her hand before she could run away again, and walked towards the ride.
"For two, please." Gabriel paid for their tickets and stood at the end of the line to wait for their turn.
"Love, I also want to try there later after this." Crystal said, pointing to another ride.
"Sure, let's finish this one first, okay?" He said, chuckling at the lady's sudden childish manner.
Crystal was very excited and amazed as this is her first time in a place like this. She gripped Gabriel's both hands tightly as the ride moved.
"Oh, no!" She felt her heart skip a beat when it went up and round, while Gabriel can't stop laughing at her. He caged her legs by his to steady her on the seat.
"How is it?"
"I don't know. My heart is beating so fast. I can't even look outside!" She complains, though her smile never left her face.
After their round, Crystal's knees wobble when she stepped out from the small chamber of the Ferris wheel. Luckily, Gabriel immediately keeps her steady while laughing softly at her.
"You want more?" Gabriel asked, and the lady nodded her head with no hesitation, even though her body kept on trembling.
"I just don't want something like this that goes up in the air."
"Alright, let's have a seat first." Gabriel pulled her to sit on a bench.
"Gabriel, what is that?" Crystal inquired, pointing to a cart that is selling cotton candy.
"Cotton candy, love. You want to try it?"
"Yes, please!"
Gabriel walked in the cart's direction and bought one.
"Here," handing her the pink cloud-like candy on a stick.
"Thank you." Crystal pinch some by her fingers.
"Oh! It's so soft!" She commented with so much amusement and brought it to her mouth.
"Too sweet!" She said after taking a bite.
Gabriel smiled, watching how she acted like a child innocently.
They continue to try some other rides and enjoy some food that Crystal wants until her eyes darted into an improvised wishing fountain.
"Gabriel, what is that? Why are they throwing coins in the water?" She confusingly asked.
"That's a wishing fountain, baby." He answered.
"They said that once you toss a coin in the water, you can make any wish," Gabriel explained.
"Oh?" The information surprised her.
"Here." Gabriel handed her a coin before she could ask.
"Thanks!" And Crystal quickly ran to whisper her wish.
She stops in front of the fountain and closes her eyes as she holds the coin tightly above her chest while Gabriel is just waiting for her next move. Then, after a few moments, she finally tosses the coin in the water, followed by Gabriel as he throws one as well.
"What did you wish?" Gabriel inquired.
"To finally find my parents soon," she honestly answers.
"What about you?" Crystal also added.
"Secret." He teased her, and that made the lady frown.
"You're so unfair!" She complains, with her furrowed eyebrows, looking sharply at the man.
Suddenly, Gabriel holds both her hands and squeezes them gently while staring at the ring on her finger.
"I wish that your wish would come true."
Crystal smiled with teary eyes and abruptly encircled her arms around his waist.
"Thank you, Gabe. I love you so much."
"I love you best, Crystal." He responded, hugging the lady back and kissing her on top of her head.
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