TWO TONES ON THE PEKKU COAST            

Low tide was at its lowest, a time the locals called the “two tones” for the fact that the distinctive dry and wet pink sands of this coast of Goloreya are at the most contrasted. For the past few days, the tide has been coinciding with sunsets, making the two pink hues almost glow, turning the entire sky a light shade of pink.

 Jeshen was cleaning his bar counter in preparation for the throng of tourists lucky enough to be here at this special time. Jeshen’s little refreshment shack on the beach was his sole source of income, and he took immense pride in this. It did good business, especially during the drier season when tourist from the far reaches of the metropolis flocked to release their stress on the soft sands and gentle surf of Galoreya’s Pekku Coast.

 “What can I get you?” Jeshen asked a young woman who had just sat at the stool.

“What’s your specialty?” She asked.

 Jeshen saw her walking the beach alone during sunset the last couple nights, she was just a silhouette by the water’s edge, and hoped she’d stop by for a drink at some point. During those sunset walks by his bar, Jeshen noticed her muscular physique and could not help wondering if he would have any chance in Ketch with a woman like her.

“Uh…,” he had trouble getting the words out of his mouth.

The woman smiled flattered that she was the thief of those words. “I’ll just have whatever juice you recommend; something not too sour.”

“How about a blend of beitra and kala fruit with a couple mi seeds for that extra kick?” Jeshen was proud of his unique concoctions, which had made him a sort of local celebrity.

“O.K., that sounds good.”

He thoroughly washed his hands and reached down to the mini fridge to grab a container of a premix of his invention. Unlike most men at this time of year, he was wearing a long-sleeve shirt.

The woman seemed to have noticed it was almost soaked in sweat. “Aren’t you awfully hot?”

 “Yes, I’m sorry about that. It is just I am not originally from around here and never got used to the liberal attitude toward clothing here.” He lied.

“Where are you from?” The woman asked in a tone that told Jeshen that she was sincere. “I could tell from your accent that you are not native to this part of the city.”

“I moved down here from Shidou about 5 years ago.” Another lie.

She released a small knowing smile, unsettling Jeshen. “I am also not from around here. But I think you knew that since you probably know all the locals.”

“Yes, and your accent as well. You are from the Great Bend area, are you not?”

 “Yes.” She was surprised at this. “My accent is that noticeable?” She seemed uncomfortable.

Jeshen felt bad but he had to know. Why wasn’t she hiding her accent like me? “I’m just interested in the various dialects and languages of the city, so I guess I am more tuned to those sorts of things.” He tried to put his her at ease. “Is this your first time to the Pekku Coast?” He needed to change the subject.

“Yes. It’s gorgeous.”

“How long are you here for?” He hoped for an answer that was more than a week.

“Just a couple more days, unfortunately.” She seemed a little depressed at this. “I wish I had found your wonderful place earlier. It has such a beautiful view of the sea.”

“Yes, the best on this part of the beach.” He said proudly.

“May I take off my over-shirt, I want that lovely soft sea breeze on my skin.”

“Yes, of course.” He liked the fact that she was being sensitive to his false cultural values.”

She started to take off the pastel orange shirt covering her two-piece bathing suit. Jeshen noticed here muscles contract and release in chorus with her actions and could not help staring, almost overflowing her drink in the process.

He took his eyes off her to finish preparing her order, a bit ashamed. As he placed here dink in front of her, he saw long, un-tanned scars running down the back of her arms and down her sides as she was finally pulling her off around her head. He immediately looked down to wash his hands that were sticky with beitra and kala juice.

 “So, what’s your name?” He smiled thinking that he was no longer alone in this strange but safer pink world.