#day 45.3

Preston:  I could get used to this?

Zena:  *chuckles* Me too!

Preston:  Yeah, but I mean more than this-this.  I mean...I could get used to being around you...all the time. 

Zena chuckles and climbs out of the hot tub.  Preston follows her.

Preston:  I mean it, Zee.  I spent my entire life working, so much so that I never took the time to find someone to settle down with.  I want that now before it’s too late...with you!

Zena:  Isn’t this a bit soon?

Preston:  Neither of us knows how long we have.  It’s like, one moment you’re young and you have the whole world in front of you.  Then those birthdays creep up on you and you find yourself at the final stage of your life. I don’t know about you, but I’d like to live out my days happy!  You make me happy.

After the photos are taken, Zeton and Anton rejoin the party inside.  Zena and Preston remain outside to enjoy some privacy.

Zena: It really is a nice day today. *looks up at the sky*

Preston:  *looks up with Zena* It is...it really is!

Zena:  I almost wish I had thrown Zeton an outdoor party.  It’s a shame to be inside missing all this great weather.

Preston:  It’s still a nice party.

Zena can’t think of any more small talk to help her avoid saying what she really wants to say, so she just goes for it...

Zena:  I’m ready for you to take me home now.

Preston:  *concerned* Does your head still hurt?

Zena:   Oh...no, no that’s passed.  Did you mean it when you said you wanted to make this a birthday that I’d remember?

Preston:  Yes...of course. *slides closer to Zena*

Meanwhile, Zena continues to discuss her sudden headache.

Zena:  I hope this is not what old age is going to be about - sudden unexplained aches and pains.  It’s bad enough that I’m now self-conscious about my wrinkles and the bags under my eyes-

Preston:  What wrinkles and bags?  All I see is wisdom and beauty!

Zena:  *big smile* Bless you! Bless your precious soul!

One minute everything is fine and Zena is openly chatting with Preston.  The next minute she has a throbbing headache.

Sophia is the first to notice.

Sophia:  *concerned* You okay, Zee?

Preston:  Can I get you some water? 

Zena:  No...thanks, it’ll pass.  It’s strange, though...I didn’t even drink any alcohol. 

Preston:  I can take you home if you need me to.

Zena:  I think I’ll be okay.

Zeton:  You sure, ma?