Summer Afternoon

                Randy smiled as he placed a hot fudge sundae for two on the table.

                “It’s huge!” Angelique said. “I won’t be able to eat my share.”

                He squeezed her hand. “I’m still a growing boy. I can eat whatever you can’t finish.”

                It was a perfect summer afternoon, the first day of a two-week break from lessons and responsibilities. Everyone, queen candidates and guardians alike, was enjoying the brief break. They had just picked up their spoons and were about to dig in when a remote-controlled plane landed in the sundae.

                Ignoring her own smudged face, Angelique started wiping the ice cream, fudge and other toppings from Randy’s face.

                “Zephel,” he muttered under his breath. The guardian of steel had a fondness for all things mechanical, especially remote-controlled toys.

                The other guardian appeared, looking completely unapologetic for the mess his toy had caused. “Thanks for finding it for me.” He pulled the airplane out of the remains of the hot fudge sundae.

                Angelique caught Randy’s hand before he could go after Zephel.

                “You have some fudge on your cheek.” He rose from his chair and took care of the fudge with a flick of his tongue. “Oh, you have some on the corner of your mouth, too.”

                “So do you,” she murmured.

                As their lips met, he decided he would have to thank Zephel for his plane’s misguided flight. But later. Much later. . .