Page 109 of Painting Her Fate

“Oh, God. Make it stop.” He groans again, making me chuckle.

“Can’t drink like you used to, Shark?” I ask with a hint of amusement. All I get is a heavily mumbled‘fuck off’then Ford stumbles in, a little worse for wear. Shark is the second youngest of our team, he could always drink like a fish and be mostly fine the next day; puke his brains out, but he would still run past most marines even with his condition. I don’t know how he ever did it.

Ford stretches and sniffs the air. “Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about. Happy fuckin’ Dyngus dayhermanos (brothers)!” He and I high five, then I hand him a mug and he’s quick to fill it with fresh coffee. “I’m so fuckin’ ready for some action today. It’s going to be the best Dyngus day to - date, I just know it.

Shark grumbles for Ford to lower his voice, which is funny because

Shark is always loud. I’m not sure what to make of this new Shark.

That will teach him.

“Man Shark, workin’ a desk job has made you soft,amigo (buddy).” Ford claps him on the back.

“Alright ladies, food is done. Let’s eat. Then the both of you are helping me clean that mess out there.”

“Yes Corporal,” rang out loud and clear.

God how I’ve missed this.

I stop at our yearly meet-up spot for the Dyngus day parade, Ford and Shark deciding to ditch me to go find ‘Pussy’ willows of their own. Knowing them, they will probably have an orgy or something, just not at my place. Last year it was bad enough when I caught Shark and three girls in my living room. He’s lucky I let him back at all. Shark is the VIP of womanizers; he tops Ford by a mile.

Lili and Emma make their way to me, the crowd beginning to fill in now. She is so superb in that red ‘Ski’ shirt, and the thought of her actually having my last name flutters in the back of my mind. I can’t help it, she does this to me. Liliana Gorski, it has a good ring to it.

When she is near enough, I snag her by the waist, our lips crashing together, acting like we spent months apart rather than a few hours.

“Okay, break it up. There are children present.” Emma interjects, grinning at us.

“Get that finedupa (Polish for ass)over here.” Wyatt slides in and kisses his wife on the neck.

“Oh, but that’s okay?” I ask, sarcastically. “I see how it is.” We all laugh and find our spots as the parade kicks off.

Polish pride day, or Dyngus day is one of the biggest festivals Buffalo offers during the spring. Being that both my parents have polish blood, I have grown up with kielbasa, perogies, krupnik, and many of the other traditions of my Polish heritage.

I am a Pollock, and proud of it!

"The color red, pussy willows, and squirt guns are customary.” I hold a branch of pussy willows for her to take. “Here. You are gorgeous in that flower crown by the way.”

"Why do you get the squirt gun? I want a squirt gun." She pouts and cocks her hip out in mock resentment. I laugh at how adorable she looks.

The hoots and cheers from family, friends, and thousands of other community members abound as the parade begins, the one-hundred or so floats this year will make this event to be an outstanding one.

Only thing is, I didn't have time before now to explain what the traditions are, most being fun and permissive nowadays.

"Don't worry, I'm only going to use it on you." I grin.

Some men bring super soakers.We like our women very wet.

"Then I take it I get whip you with this later?" Her eyes flicker with devious intent.

I lean in close to her ear, “whatever the mistress wants.” I set a kiss to her temple, “the mistress shall have.”

We watch the parade flow by and it’s the best feeling to have this girl in my arms, right where I want her most.

With the parade complete, we head back to my parent’s place where the kitchen is filled with smells of Polish foods, laughs, and background music. There are so many family members, neighbors, and friends I have not had the chance to chat with since before my service days. It’s humbling to sense everyone’s merriment and the ease of mingling with these people has my demon subdued.

Brighter days are ahead. I know it.

By the time Lili and I leave to go back to my place, our bellies are full, and spirits are soaring. I taught her how to dance the jig, although I have to say, it took her a little longer than expected. Then again, the lack of alcohol might’ve played a factor in trying to get it down just right. Alcohol loosens you up and does wonders for dancing. Neither of us drank; however, I had enough last night, and Lili wasn’t in the mood.

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