522
Views
4.7
Rating
Welcome to "Catch a Falling Star, Part 4" When we left Lhuwhon, he'd found someone to spend some time with, and his financies are finally growing well. Seems like things are going his way! But will this continue?
$26,565 I only had a few weeks until the design competition, so I made a point of telling Bettina what was going on. She seemed relieved, as apparently she was preparing for a showing, herself. As it happened, even when I had downtime, she didn't, so I spent what little free time I had in solo pursuits. Turns out Orela's show was somewhat mindless, but very entertaining, much like most of what was on television. She ended up for an award, which she handily won, and the studio was so grateful they gave her a $10,000 bonus. I told her she'd just paid for her food and vet care for the rest of her life. She seemed pleased, although that was likely just because I was obviously happy about the whole thing.
$41,098 I had decided on my theme for the shopping center - a Roman Coliseum type edifice, with shopping where all the grandstands would have been and then green space, possibly a water feature, down where the arena floor would have been. I was no landscape artist, so I would sketch in some ideas and note that it would work either way. Having a flexible plan would only make my submission stronger.
I had been working non-stop for nearly a week when Bettina called me, and asked me to dinner. I gladly went, but wondered at the odd note in her voice. She sounded almost sad. I soon found out why. "News, you have," I said. I could tell from the look on her face.
"Yes..."
"Good news it is not?"
"Well, it is...I...I have been offered a job with a university. It's an artist in residence position, and I'd also be teaching. It's a really good position."
"So it sounds, but..." I said.
"It's in Simerica," she answered.
"Ah," I said, and she nodded.
"I've accepted....I can't pass this by," she said, and I sighed and nodded.
"Goodbye, this is, then?"
"Yes, Lhu, I'm so sorry..."
"Do not be...think of yourself, you must....but miss you, I will," I said. Neither of us had much appetite after that, so I paid our server and we went downstairs. "Can...can we still be friends?" she asked, and I smiled at her.
"That is my hope," I said, then took her hand. "A proper goodbye you will let me say?" I asked, and she smiled at me and nodded. "I don't leave for another week," she said. When I heard that I was glad that my submission for the competition was nearly finished. I did not expect to get much done in the way of work for the next week - and I was right. After she left, I missed her more than I had thought I would. We had never been more than casual lovers - I had never even told her the truth of what I was....and I would not, now. The emails I received from Bettina made it clear that while she missed me, she was settling well into her new life. I wished her well, but it did not make me less lonely. I had hope, though - I found someone once, I could do it again. In the meantime, I developed all manner of new hobbies. I got quite good at some of them - I often had enough fish to share with my co-workers. I had almost forgotten about the design competition when my phone rang one day, but I was quickly reminded when the person on the other end spoke. My firm had made the finals, specifically my design. I was thrilled! The day of the final judging I put on my best suit and headed down to the city hall. When I arrived I greeted my competitors and checked over my model - all seemed well. I shook my head as I reviewed some of the other models - the designers had left them unattended. So easy, it would be, to sabotage one or more of them...but of course I would not. Such would not be honorable. I would win on my own merit, or not at all....and as it happened, I did win on my own merit. The $15,000 prize was most welcome.
$60,314 Winning the competition meant that getting the center built was going to be one of my major tasks for some time - I was expected to work with the city planner and the construction company to make sure they stayed on time, on budget, and, most important to me, true to my design. I did have some free time before the project got ramped up, however - permits take time to acquire - so I got back to one of my other hobbies - restoring cars. I sold this one as well - I had long since given up on driving. I supposed I could learn if I really cared to - I had piloted a ship, after all, how hard could it possibly be? Of course, that would mean admitting my ignorance, which would be wondered at. It seemed every one of these humans could drive from the time they were tall enough to reach the pedals. Back on my home planet this was not the case - only a few drove vehicles - most walked or took public transportation. I pondered the differences every time I gazed at the stars. Not that it really mattered - I was here for the duration of my life, of course, but I found that I did not mind. I was free here - free to do what I wanted. I had a successful career, a nice house, and rewarding - and often lucrative - hobbies. I had learned so much since I came to this place. While not the most impressive physical specimen of my kind, I like to think I would now be stiff competition for the females on my world...if I were there, of course. Surely I could impress one of the females here? I continued to hope...
$75,573 So ends part 4. As you can see, Lhuwhon is building an impressive nest egg! Sadly, he once again has no one to share it with...well, except Orela, of course, but that isn't quite the same, now is it? He keeps busy, though, so perhaps one of his many hobbies will put him in contact with someone who shares his interests? Hope springs eternal....
Thank you all for reading, and stay tuned for the fifth and final chapter!
Moderator actions:
Unpublish
Report this Story:
If you find a problem with this story or wish to report inappropriate content, click here
Add a Comment
Note: Please report any offensive comments so we can remove them. Use of bad language, unsuitable links or flaming will result in deletion of your account - regardless of your membership status.
15 Comment(s) posted so far
On Sep 28, 2008 DiddakoiGirl wrote:
This is one of my favourite stories here!
Please keep going!
On Sep 28, 2008 shelllharn wrote:
loved it keep it up
why cant i rate it ????? plz read mine and comment thanx xxxxx
On Sep 28, 2008 lilyjul96 wrote:
Love it
On Sep 28, 2008 rockysgirl wrote:
Awww poor Lhuwhon, losing Bettina that way. But here's hoping he meets who I have in mind!!
It may be a while yet... 
On Sep 28, 2008 mini me3393 wrote:
Ahh, only one more chapter!? But I'm liking this story too much!
Haha, well, I can't wait to see how it ends!
On Sep 28, 2008 Little Cloud wrote:
On Sep 28, 2008 joker52455 wrote:
aw man!! i wouldve had the first comment if i commented last night
i was just too tired though 
anyway, awesome as usual the good work, please keep up 
On Sep 28, 2008 joker52455 wrote:
almost forgot: *musical note* Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket/ Never let it fade away/Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket/ Save it for a rainy day *musical note*
On Sep 29, 2008 SnowiJingleBells wrote:
On Sep 29, 2008 candy820 wrote:
Great chapter, I'll miss this story when it comes to a end.
But I've really enjoyed your story.
On Sep 29, 2008 plyangel456 wrote:
That's so sad that she had to go. I wonder what will happen in the next chapter...Keep me posted! Thanks! -plyangel456-
On Sep 29, 2008 maxi king wrote:
On Oct 4, 2008 cutedazy wrote:
nice!
On Dec 6, 2008 wrote:
!!! Ooh he's sooooo close!!!
WOnder what happens next!! ?? 
Off to find out
On Jun 19, 2009 kooboo wrote:
Its a kind of Kyle XY story, (wonder if anyones ever see`n that).