Trees leafed out in shades of green and yellow, showing their spring colors that would soon turn to a vibrant forest of green. The green popped against the blue of the sky and the white of the marble monuments. We followed the outline of the Washington Monument, using its tall white peak as a guide point.
We came to the World War Two Memorial and I turned into it. Despite the sadness of what it represented, I loved the elegant beauty of this memorial. Water flowed through the fountain in the center, the sound musically combining with the voices of tourists as they snapped pictures. I led Henry through the square and to the edge of the Reflecting Pool.
Behind us, the Washington Monument stood tall against the sky, almost as if it was watching over us yet again. In front of us, the long expanse of water reflected the sun and sky all the way to the columned building where Lincoln sat.
“This is probably my favorite tourist spot,” I told Henry. “It’s just so beautiful here. In the evening, the stars reflect in the water. It’s peaceful.”
“I can see why you like it,” he said, looking around. “There’s a sense of history here. It actually reminds me a little of home.”
“Paradisa is like this?” I asked.
“We have lots of water and trees just like this,” he explained. “But, it’s more the feeling that something important is represented here. A beauty of the nation.”
He shrugged and tugged on the brim of his hat with a smile.
“I like that. If this is what it looks like, I think I would like Paradisa.”
He grinned at me, his blue eyes bright under his hat. At that moment, I knew I wanted to go to Paradisa with him. I wanted to go everywhere with him.
He reached over and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. The gentle, yet almost intimate motion made my breath catch. His fingers grazed my cheek, sending shivers of hope for more of his touch all the way down to my toes.
A group of teenage girls giggled, catching my attention. The four girls wore uniform plaid skirts and were obviously looking at Henry. I felt a small surge of jealousy as they batted their eyelashes at him. They leaned over and whispered to one another, pointing in his direction.
“Maybe we can head over to those trees,” Henry suggested, turning away from the girls. The green-eyed monster in my belly grumbled, but quieted as we walked away from the girls and their flirtatious smiles. I knew Henry was attractive, but I wasn’t expecting quite the level of attention they were giving him.
We walked over to the trees lining the Reflecting Pool. The sun dappled through the leaves as Henry settled his back against one. I sat timidly beside him, tucking my legs underneath me. I didn’t need grass stains on my pants again. I wished I had the guts to snuggle into his shoulder, but the good girl in me couldn’t seem to find the courage.
I almost wished we were walking again just so I could hold his hand.
“You said you help with your family’s business,” I said, finding a comfortable position. “Is that what you’ve always wanted to do?”
Henry looked thoughtful, his blue eyes following the sparkle of the water.
“I’ve never thought I could do anything else,” he said softly. “I play rugby, but it’s not a professional calling. I did some military work, but it’s expected in Paradisa. I’ve never thought of another profession. It’s always been this.”
“But is it what you want?” I asked, shifting slightly to the side of my knees and getting a little closer to him.
“It is my duty and my privilege,” he replied, not really answering the question. “I’m good at it. I wouldn’t want my brother’s part in things, but I do enjoy my work.”
He paused, and looked at me, his blue eyes taking in my every movement.
“What?” I asked, unsure of his scrutiny. A stand of hair fell across my face again and I nervously tucked it back behind my ear.
“No one has ever actually asked me that question before,” he replied. “I don’t think anyone even thought to.”
“They should,” I said. “Everyone should have a choice in their future.”
He chuckled. “So American,” he said, his voice warm and rich. “I like it.”