Chapter 10

Tara had always been an observer than a participant in most of the things that happened around her that she immediately filled that role when no one demanded anything from her. After being the center of attention for being Dan's new girlfriend when they arrived, the others had soon forgotten about her as she had nothing to contribute to their conversations.

Not that Tara minded, she perfectly loved her own company and decided to watch the people from under the huge tree at the end of the yard. All the nervousness she had felt since she reached seemed to evaporate as she stood leaning against the tree. To Tara the tree seemed to suck all the negative energy inside her and in turn filled her with calmness.

As Tara watched the people gathered, she felt herself taking the position of an external observer, watching something different and away from her. This happened to her frequently, and Tara always considered this as a queer ability she had inherited from her father. As an astrophysicist, he had observed everything and anything from an objective point of view-but only when he took on the role of his profession. All the memories Tara had of her father was warm, caring and loving.

What helped Tara make a name for herself in her field was her innate empathy combined with her logical and rational mind. It was this perfect mix of heart and brains that made people baffled as to where to place her. Not that Tara minded people considering her an anomaly as long as they left her alone.

Thomas and Ryan were piling firewood in the middle of the yard to make a campfire and Dan was on their left talking animatedly to some friends about some upcoming project. The smile on his face showed how happy he was, and seeing him happy made Tara smile.

Most of the people gathered where in their twenties or thirties and some of them where parents. All of them where passionate about their jobs and exuded confidence and positive energy that, Tara almost felt guilty for stepping away from the party. But she knew that the distance will only help in savouring the moment better.

The breeze was light and made the fireflies in the sky dance around. The campfire had been lit and people were starting to sit around it. Some of them were hippies, some parents and some were young adults. But there was camaraderie and it made Tara yearn to go there and sit with them. She took a step towards the light, away from the comforting darkness of the tree, but froze.

As if guessing what was on her mind, Dan waved at her and gestured her to come to him. She smiled at him and nodded, and Dan took a step towards her but was stopped by someone and was asked to help with the drinks and food. As he walked away he gestured at her wildly to come near the campfire.

Just then Mrs. Edwards came from behind her with a tray of food and placed her hand on Tara's shoulder.

"What are you doing away from the crowd?"

Tara smiled at her hostess and said, "I just wanted a breather."

"You are not allowed to have a breather at a party, darling." replied Mrs. Edwards and pulled Tara forward. She had no choice but to follow Lara.

Tara's momentary peace was gone and she knew she would never truly belong with these people, but she decided to shut her mind out and just enjoy. Even while sitting next to Dan, with his arm around her, she could not help but remember the picaresque scene she had witnessed; friends chilling around and belonging. She wished she was afar and looking at what was happening rather than being a participant and being overwhelmed. But all these thoughts evaporated when Dan turned to her and asked,

"Are you happy?"

Looking at his intense green eyes she somehow felt content. All her nervousness seemed to disappear at that moment and she could not help but give her most authentic and beautiful smile.

"Yes, I am happy."