"Cluck, Cluck, Cluck." Tasi looks out her bedroom window and sees chickens picking at the mangoes that have fallen from her mango tree in her backyard. "Here we are again, with the same view but on a different day." She slowly turns around to look at her phone and realizes she slept through the alarm clock she had set the night before. As she jumps up, her mom barges in, "Tasi! YOU ARE LATE AGAIN!" "I know, Mom. I'm going to get ready." Tasi's mother entered her into the island's festival beauty pageant, something Tasi dreaded. Just thinking about wearing dresses, makeup, and heels made her feel nauseous. However, since her grandmother had been involved in the island festival and there was some money to be made, Tasi decided to see it as a chance to earn a quick buck. As she prepared for the event, slipping into the floral dress provided by the organization, she looked in the mirror and thought, "This is only for a few hours. I hope!"
It was the third week of participating in celebrations and rehearsing for the coronation; Tasi had to navigate numerous hellos while maintaining a forced smile just to be presentable when, deep inside, all she could think about was finally being able to take off the annoying dresses and sliding into some sweatpants and a t-shirt. Tasi was the only girl in her family, surrounded by three brothers. Growing up, she learned to be challenging and playful instead of focusing on traditional girl activities like dressing up or playing with dolls. As the day continued, it was time for the practice for the coronation ceremony. She and her fellow princesses learned that they would be rehearsing alongside their escorts, who were members of the military. Tasi's expression twisted in disbelief. "Fantastic! Now I have to fake being an extrovert!" As Tasi looks around, she sees that she is the only one not jumping in excitement. She takes a step back and tells herself, "It's for a good cause, suck it up!"
When they walked onto the stage, they were introduced to the guys; the girls started getting all giggly while Tasi stood in place, saying hello. "Tasi, this is your escort, Aaron. Aaron, this is Tasi," said one of the committee members. "Hey there!" Tasi greets with a warm smile. Aaron replies, "Hello, Tasi; it's great to meet you!" They shook hands, and Tasi slowly turned to face the stage, concentrating on the empty chairs that had been set up a few hours ago.
The practice included a lot of holding arms and waving. She was nervous about the chance of tripping and falling during the ceremony, so she felt relieved to have someone to lean on, even if it meant holding onto Aaron's arm. After the practice ended, Tasi swapped her heels for her sneakers. "Ahh, these feel amazing." Now that suits you better," Tasi sees Aaron walking towards her. "How can you possibly know what works for me?" Tasi said with a dismissive smirk. "During practice today, it seemed like you were somewhere else entirely," Aaron remarked, a curious eyebrow raised. " "I wish I could be anywhere else but here," she murmured quietly. Tasi noticed her mom giving her a frustrated look. She shrugged her shoulders and turned to Aaron. "Sorry, it's been a long day. Walking in heels isn't my strong suit." "Some of us are heading out to get something to eat. Do you want to join us?" Tasi picked up the heels she had taken off. "As unappealing as that sounds, I do not like socializing. But thanks, I'll pass." As Tasi walked away, Aaron thought, "You're an interesting woman."
It was coronation day, and once again, Tasi had overslept. Her mom burst into her room, pulling the blanket from her as she exclaimed, "I KNOW, I KNOW, I KNOW! I'm getting up now!"Tasi stepped into her living room and noticed her grandmother holding a beautiful yellow gown, perfect for a princess, along with a shiny tiara and sash hanging nearby. With tears of joy, her grandmother exclaimed, "I'm so proud of you, Tasi! I remember when your grandpa and I took part in the festival. He would have been so happy to see you here if he were still with us." Tasi's grandfather passed away just four days after her seventh birthday. This loss was significant for her, as she understood the deep impact it had on her life: "I know, Grandma. I'm thrilled you're here to share this moment with me." Tasi wrapped her arms around her grandmother and headed to her bedroom to prepare. Inside her room, her mom already had her makeup and hair stylist waiting, " Let's transform you into a woman." Her mom says excitedly. "Mom, please! No wild ideas!" "Hey Tasi, it's just for today, so let everyone do their thing. Now, sit up straight and put on a smile!" Tasi patiently endured two long hours as her mom and stylist worked to perfect her look. "Are we done?" Tasi asked wearily. "Just about!" the stylist replied. Tasi gracefully slipped into her poofy dress and gazed at her reflection. "I don't know who you are, but you certainly aren't me!". Awaiting outside in the living room were her mom, dad, grandmother, and three brothers. Tasi graciously walks out of her bedroom into the living room to her family. " I look like the wish version of Beauty and the Beast!" Tasi's mom is amazed and tells her, "You look so beautiful." Her grandmother tearfully replies, "You are even more beautiful, sweetie!" "Hey, you! You look like a lemon," teased one of her brothers. Her mom playfully pinches her brother's arm and says, "Be nice, okay?" Her brother grins and replies, "Fine, you look like a banana," before running away, laughing.
The car ride to the place felt longer than it should be. "This is it! After this, I should be done with this whole ordeal." As Tasi takes a deep breath and counts the street lights, she passes by. She snaps back into reality as she hears the sound of the emergency brakes getting put into place. "Tasi, as soon as you step out of this car, I expect you to put that pouty face away and smile," her mom commands. Tasi opens the passenger door, and as she pushes the fluffy part of her dress out of the car first, a hand falls right in front of her."You look so cozy in that dress! It suits you." As she looked up, she spotted Aaron outside her car door, greeting her with a friendly smile. Tasi responded with a touch of sarcasm, saying, "It feels as though I am seated on a collection of pillows." Tasi held Aaron's hand as he helped her out of the car, assuring her everything would be fine. Although she wasn't fond of the situation, she preferred it over the embarrassment of falling flat on her face. They both laughed at the thought of Tasi stumbling in her heels, finding humor at the moment. Tasi pondered Aaron's recent night out as they waited for the coronation to begin. "So, how did it go?" she asked with curiosity. Aaron smirked in response. "Well, maybe if you weren't such a homebody, you'd know," he teased. Tasi's face fell at his remark, prompting Aaron to clarify. "Honestly, it wasn't that great. The guys were busy getting drunk, and the girls were more concerned about their makeup. I just wanted a low-key night - maybe at the pool hall with a few beers. Plus, the person I hoped to get to know didn't want to come."
Tasi perked up, intrigued. "Oh, who do you want to get to know?" she questioned. Aaron replied, "Tasi, on a scale of one to ten, how oblivious are you to someone showing interest in you?" She thought for a moment before saying, "From one to ten? I'd say 100." Aaron burst into laughter. "You are an odd one." Tasi smiled back, taking his comment as a compliment. As the staff member called the group to start, they gathered at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for their turn. Tasi, feeling anxious, clutched Aaron's arm tightly. Sensing her hesitation, Aaron reassured her, "Don't worry, I won't let you fall - just trust me." Tasi relaxed a bit, smiling back at him, saying, "I trust you."
The coronation ceremony unfolds, and Tasi and Aaron are introduced to the audience by the speaker: " Next up, we have the princess of Hagat Tasi! Tasi enjoys dirtbike riding, poetry, and making music; alongside is her escort, Aaron, who is originally from this beautiful island and is currently serving in the US Marine Corps." Tasi and Aaron made their way around the stage, eventually taking their seats. Aaron, intrigued, remarked on Tasi's interests, saying, "Dirt bike riding, poetry, and making music? I need to spend a day with you and experience that." Tasi leaned in closer and replied with a playful caution, "You might get sucked into my world, so be careful. With the coronation wrapping up, Tasi beamed with excitement. "I did it! Can you believe it, Aaron? I made it through four whole weeks of dresses, heels, and chatting with strangers - even though that's honestly one of my least favorite things!" She was bursting with joy, thrilled that everything had gone so smoothly. It felt like a huge victory! As Tasi continues to talk, Aaron can't help but gaze at her, caught up in his thoughts. He reflects on how this unexpected trip, originally intended for volunteer work, has transformed into something much deeper - his growing feelings for the woman standing before him. " You okay? Why are you looking at me like that?" Tasi says, which snaps Aaron back from his thoughts. Aaron said with a laugh, "Hold on to your excitement; we still need to get to the dressing room first!" Feeling a mix of urgency and gratitude, Tasi grabbed Aaron's hand and pulled him toward the changing room. "I appreciate all your help in making sure I don't trip or embarrass myself. It was great meeting you!" With a quick wave, she entered the room and closed the door behind her, leaving Aaron standing there, smiling at their brief interaction. In the changing room, Tasi quickly shed her heels and dress, opting instead for her favorite outfit: a pair of jeans, a plain black fitted t-shirt, and high-top sneakers. She topped off the look with her snapback hat and, admiring herself in the mirror, playfully exclaimed, "Well hello ME, I missed you!"
Tasi eagerly steps into the fair, a day she has anticipated for a long time. The festival is a special occasion for her, as it brings out all her favorite desserts, available only during this time. As Tasi walks along, she suddenly hears someone exclaim, "When I thought I saw it all, you surprised me again!" Turning around, she spots Aaron standing on the corner, a familiar face bringing a mix of surprise and curiosity to her night"Why are you still here?" Tasi questioned, her brow raised in playful disbelief.
Aaron grinned, leaning against the wall. "Oh, I'm not that easy to shake off!" he shot back, his eyes sparkling with mischiefTasi laughed, exclaiming, "I can see that!" Just then, Aaron approached her with a playful charm. "I was hoping to explore the festival a bit and see what's available. How about you be my tour guide? After all, I did save your reputation." "HAHAHA, Why not? Get ready for some fantastic food because we're about to dive in. And when I say dive in, I mean we're going ALL OUT!" Tasi and Aaron wander through the festival, their excitement palpable as they explore together. As time slips by, they eventually find a quiet spot on some steps overlooking the ocean. The moonlight dances on the water's surface, creating a serene backdrop for their moment together, encapsulating a sense of peace amidst the festivities. "Can I ask you something?" Aaron asks, looking at Tasi, who is busy stuffing her face with her favorite deep-fried Oreos. "What's up?" Tasi replies, her words slightly muffled by the treat. " Since I first met you, you made it clear that you hated this whole thing; why did you do it if you hated it?" Aaron asked. Tasi took a deep breath and shared, "When I was first asked to participate, I quickly said no. But then they mentioned that I could keep part of the money I raised, which got me interested. My real turning point was when my grandmother told me that she and my grandpa had been involved in the festival many years ago. It made me realize that I should do this for her. Aaron nods in agreement, saying, 'So money and your grandmother." "Are you suggesting that's a negative?" Tasi asks, a playful glint in her eye. Aaron quickly replies, "No, it's not bad. A lot of girls do this because it's about wearing fancy dresses and tiaras, but you have a completely different reason for doing it. I'm impressed!" Tasi looks at Aaron and laughingly says, " Calm down there, dude, you might fall in love with me." Aaron looks at Tasi straight-faced. " Would that be a bad thing?" Tasi gazed at Aaron, recognizing the seriousness in his expression. She hesitated before speaking. "I have a rule about not dating military men, and you epitomize that rule for me. People like you tend to leave, and I cannot see myself leaving home, even though I dream of exploring the world beyond this place. But for now, that does not seem possible." Aaron shrugged Tasi's shoulder, glancing out at the vast ocean. "How can you truly understand what's beyond this place if you never take a step outside your comfort zone?" he reflected, conveying a sense of curiosity and encouragement. Tasi stood up and brushed off her clothes, reflecting on the evening. "It's getting late, and I should head home," she thought. Despite the initial uncertainty, she found the night enjoyable and appreciated the chance to meet Aaron. "You're not so bad after all," she mused, realizing that their interaction had been pleasantly surprising. Tasi extended her hand for a handshake, but Aaron unexpectedly pulled her in for a hug instead. He joked, "I'm not sure how you feel about hugging, but I'm giving you one anyway." Tasi hugged back and laughed, saying, "For you, I'll make an exception." They both said goodbye and went their separate ways. Tasi gets comfortable at home and reflects on her day. She felt proud of herself for the entire experience, even though she nearly gave up after the first week. However, she was thankful she persevered, as it led her to meet Aaron, whom she began to view in a new light. Tasi lay in bed, her mind racing as she grappled with her thoughts. "Snap out of it," she reminded herself, clinging to the hope that they wouldn't become more than just a fleeting moment. He was only in town for the festival, she reasoned, and would soon return to his world. As her eyes grew heavy and sleep beckoned, a lingering question haunted her: "But what if?"
Tasi is jolted awake the following morning by her mother, who is in a hurry. "Tasi, get up, get up now!" she insists, urgency in her voice. After forgetting that she had finished with the event, Tasi jumped up, "I'll get ready, Mom!" "Tasi, wake up! Someone is here to see you." Tasi's mom pulls the covers off her. "Tell them to come back later," she says. Tasi grabs her mom's hands, pulls the covers back, and throws them over her head. " "Tasi Aaron is here to see you. Get up!" Tasi sprang out of bed, bewildered. "What do you mean Aaron is here? How does he know where I live? Mom!" It suddenly dawned on her that her mom must have given Aaron her address the day before Tasi quickly got ready in the bathroom, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. As she walked into the living room, she greeted the unexpected visitor with a smile and said, "I thought we had wrapped things up, but it looks like I might have been mistaken!" Aaron said, "I mentioned yesterday that I was curious to experience a day in your world, so I figured today would be a good time to do it since I don't have any plans."Tasi chuckles and glances at Aaron. "Are you ready for this? I want to give you a heads-up that it might not turn out the way you think it will." "I'm not so sure about that! With you, there hasn't been a single dull moment yet," Aaron responds with a playful grin, confidence shining in his eyes. "Tasi announces that she needs about 15 minutes to get ready before rushing into her room to prepare herself. Once she has done this, she meets Aaron outside. " "What's first on the list?" Aaron asked. "I don't do lists," Tasi replied with a laugh, waving him toward the car. "We just go wherever the road leads us."
Their day began at her favorite diner, indulging in comforting food before heading out for some dirtbike riding. The thrill of racing through the trails filled the air with excitement. Afterward, they made a stop at the music store, where Tasi's eyes lit up at the sight of her dream guitar. As the day drew to a close, they found themselves at her favorite overlook, taking in the breathtaking view and reflecting on a perfect day spent together"This is incredible!" Aaron exclaimed, his eyes wide with astonishment. "Shh, don't talk, just listen," Tasi says as she closes her eyes. She takes in the cheerful chirping of the birds, the gentle rustle of the wind, and the soothing sound of waves crashing in the distance. "I come here whenever I need a break from everything. It's the only place where I can think." Aaron stared at Tasi, feeling a rush of emotions he couldn't ignore any longer. He reached out, turning her to face him as he leaned in for a kiss. But Tasi quickly covered her face with her hand. "Aaron, what are you doing?" she exclaimed. Frustrated, he replied, "Come on, Tasi! Can't you be in the moment and stop overthinking everything?" Tasi's hands gently drop as she gazes at Aaron, and all the feelings she had kept buried deep within begin to resurface. She replied, "Aaron, do you think I don't wish things could just be simple? You have no idea how many times I've wanted to enjoy our moments together - from the coronation to the festival and now this. But we can't keep pretending this is okay; we can't be together, and I need you to understand that." As Tasi's eyes well up with tears, Aaron moves closer to her and asks, "What are you truly afraid of? Because right now, it's clear that it's not me!" Tasi turns around to look out at the ocean. "It's not you that I'm scared of; it's the 'what if' that comes next. What if I give in to whatever this is, and then it ends up not being enough for you? I'm not what a woman is supposed to be. I like to stay home, hate crowded places, and scarf down my food without caring about how I look. I don't watch my weight or go to the gym. I don't wear dresses. Aaron, I can't even tell if a man is flirting with me! Everything about me screams red flags. So no, it's not you that I'm scared of; it's the worry that I'm not enough." Aaron gently wipes the tears from Tasi's face as he caresses her cheeks."You often overthink things, Tasi. But I've noticed the real you from the very start. Remember when you took off your heels and put on sneakers? Your smile said it all. It doesn't matter to me if you enjoy your food without worrying about what others think. If you prefer to stay home, that's completely understandable - given your family, I'd probably choose the same.
I've seen all these sides of you and want to keep seeing more. I want to be there when you do your happy dance for your favorite dessert or when you spot a cloud that looks like your favorite animal. If you let me, I'd love to be a part of your world. Tasi looked at Aaron, sadness on her face. "I appreciate your ideas, but I just can't do it. Can't we be happy where we are right now?"" Aaron quietly murmurs, "Because we could be so much more," as he walks slowly back to the car, lost in thought, "Hey, it's starting to get late, and I'd hate for your parents to start worrying. How about we make our way back?"
Tasi sat in the car, the silence stretching between her and Aaron as they drove to the house. She struggled to push away the weight of Aaron's recent words, but they lingered stubbornly in her thoughts. Meanwhile, Aaron, seated beside her, gazed out the window, lost in his own contemplation about whether to let everything unfold as it may. They arrive at the house and step out of the car. As Aaron prepared to leave, his voice carried a hint of sadness. "Have a good night, Tasi," he said, glancing back at her. Tasi's concern was palpable; she quickly pressed him for how much time he had left before departing. "Just two more days," he replied, making his way toward his car.
Frustrated, Tasi reflected on past moments and shouted after him, "Aaron!" He turned, surprised to see her sprinting toward him. In a spontaneous gesture, she leaped into his arms, confessing her uncertainty about their situation. "All I know is that I want to spend more time with you. Let's see what happens until you leave." Aaron's expression widened into a beaming smile, and he affectionately kissed her cheek, teasing, "Atta girl." Tasi quickly interjected, "Let's not use those words again. My dad says that to me, and it sounds so wrong coming from you." Laughing, Aaron agreed. "Noted." With a newfound spark, he proposed, "Since I got to experience a day in your world, how about you spend a day in mine tomorrow?" " "Please tell me I won't have to watch a bunch of guys trying to see who can smash more cans on their heads," Aaron laughs heartily. "I promise I won't make you do that, and I wouldn't even put myself through it! Just make sure you're up and ready by 10 am tomorrow. After this morning, I realized you're not much of a morning person like I am." Aaron kisses Tasi gently on the forehead and hugs her before he heads out.
Tasi lies in bed, reflecting on the events of the day. Thoughts race through her mind: "What am I doing? How did I let this happen? What on earth is wrong with me?"Tasi hasn't felt this way in a long time, and now her fears and desires are bubbling to the surface, hinting at the exciting changes ahead. "Let's not worry about it right now; we'll just go with the flow tomorrow!" She drifts to sleep, curious about what Aaron has in store for them.
Tasi wakes up for the first time in a while before her alarm goes off. She glances out the window and flings it open, greeting the chickens in her backyard with a loud "Bawk, Bawk, Bawk!" Laughing, she adds, "Ha! I bet you all can't do that! Take that!" After closing the window, she eagerly gets ready for her day with Aaron.
When the doorbell rings, Tasi starts pacing in her room, feeling nervous. "Do I look okay? Oh no, I look so messy! Gah! It's too late to change," she worries. "You know what? He'll have to accept me as I am because this is the best I can do!" Tasi strolls into the kitchen and spots Aaron chatting with her dad. "Good morning, Dad!" she exclaims cheerfully. "Good morning, sweetie!" her dad responds with a smile. Then he turns to Aaron and says, "You should come over more often. It's not every day that Tasi wakes up before I've even finished making breakfast!" Feeling a bit embarrassed by her dad's comment, Tasi quickly grabs Aaron's arm and says, "Dad, Aaron, and I are heading out for the day. We'll be back around?" She hesitates for a moment, glancing at Aaron and realizing she doesn't know their plans. "So, what time are we planning to come back?"Aaron smiles as he takes Tasi's hand and gently holds it." "Sir, I will return Tasi before 10 PM tonight. Is that all right?" Tasi's dad grins and pushes them both out the door.
Aaron and Tasi head out. " Aaron, you still haven't told me what we are doing?" Aaron looks at Tasi and grabs her hand. "First things first, let's treat your hungry belly to something delicious. Your dad shared a funny little secret: if you skip a meal, you turn into the beast. It's clear now why you resembled Belle during the coronation." With a playful chuckle, Aaron stole a glance at Tasi, who was seated in the passenger seat, her lips pursed in a dramatic pout. "Let's get you some food, Belle, and then we'll head to the beach! I booked some jet skis at a place recommended by a friend. How does that sound?" " Food and then Jetskis, now you speaking my language!" Tasi said with excitement.
Tasi and Aaron spent most of their day at the beach, and before they knew it, the sun was beginning to set. Aaron laid out a blanket and set down a basket filled with his favorite foods. "I know you're a junk food fanatic, but since you're spending the day in my world, I thought I should go all out," Aaron said with a laugh. Aaron takes out a container filled with a variety of fruits, along with his main dish - steak, mashed potatoes, and a side of asparagus. Tasi glances at Aaron's spread and playfully says, "So that you know, I can eat all of this!" She waves her hand before him, but Aaron quickly pulls it towards him, ending up face-to-face with Tasi. Tasi gazes intently into Aaron's eyes as he gently strokes her cheek. "I wish I didn't have to say goodbye tomorrow," he confesses. Tasi's smile fades. "You're leaving already?" she asks, her voice filled with sadness. "As much as I wish I could stay, I have to leave. But please trust me when I say that I still care about you and want this relationship to continue. Even though we might be far apart, I truly believe we can make this work. The distance won't change how I feel for you, Tasi," Aaron says, pulling Tasi closer. "What if we can't handle the distance? What if the time difference makes things too hard for us? Just what if, Aaron?" Tasi continued to voice her concerns, but Aaron quickly pulled her into his arms and kissed her gently. "I understand your doubts, and I'm here to remind you every day why we belong together. You say I deserve someone better, but in my eyes, that person is you. When you say you can't carry on like this, I want you to know that I'm not going anywhere." Aaron says with reassurance. "Ugh, I dislike how optimistic you are, you know?" Tasi says with a playful smile, gently kissing Aaron on the lips. As the night comes to a close, Aaron drives up to Tasi's house. He asks, "Are you going to say goodbye tomorrow?" Tasi feels a tear roll down her cheek and replies, "I'll be there. I can't promise I won't be crying like a little kid by the time you leave." Aaron embraced Tasi warmly, kissing her deeply. "Out of all the journeys I've been on, this trip back home is truly unforgettable and one I'll always cherish." They say their goodbyes, and Aaron leaves. As Tasi lies in bed, she thinks about her relationship and how it might go. "He'll be in a completely different part of the world, and I'll be busy with my studies while he's working. But I have to stay hopeful. If it doesn't work out, then it doesn't, but it's a risk worth taking." With a small laugh, she drifts off to sleep.
Tasi wakes up to her alarm clock and looks at the time. "4 AM? Aaron, I'm waking up this early just for you; hope you know that," she says to herself. Tasi gets ready and makes her way to the airport. As she approaches the departures area, she spots Aaron, dressed in uniform and holding a backpack and a duffle bag. "There's my princess!" Aaron says, smiling. "I was a bit worried you might not show up." Tasi leans into his arms and replies, "It's the last time I'll see you for who knows how long. "The announcement comes over the speaker: 'Flight UA320 to Honolulu, HI, will be boarding in 5 minutes. Please head to the gate.' Tasi's eyes start to fill with tears. 'I don't want you to go,' she says. Aaron drops his bags and wraps Tasi in a big hug. 'I don't want to go either,' he replies, gently wiping the tears from her face. 'But I have something important to tell you!' He continues, 'I was planning to surprise you, but since you worry so much, I might as well just tell you now.'". Tasi looked worried and said, "You're not coming back, are you? I had a feeling this would happen!" Aaron interrupts Tasi mid-sentence, saying, "Tasi, shush for one second. I'll be seeing you this Christmas!" Tasi excitedly exclaimed, "I can't believe I get to spend Christmas with you!" The announcement comes on again, and Aaron places something in: "Tasi, I want you to know that I'm in love with you. Whenever you start to have doubts about us, remember this. I promise to call you every day and keep reaching out as much as possible, even if it might get annoying! But that's okay because I love your annoyed expression. I can't wait to see you in December." Aaron shares a heartfelt kiss with Tasi before grabbing his bags and heading to the gate. "I'll see you in December, Beastly," she says as she waves and smiles at him. As he walks away, tears begin to fall from Tasi's eyes. She looks down at what Aaron had given her - a pair of his dog tags and a note that reads, "Until next time, Belle. Yours always, Beast!" She glances up and smiles as she sees Aaron getting on his flight. Taking a deep breath, she softly murmurs, "I love you too."
