Blowing It, the finale

Sebastian is offered a life-changing chance of...well...a lifetime... but he needs Prithi's help. Does she help or hinder him? Find out how it all ends for Sebastian and Prithi...

“So, you’ll be at Mayberry’s? You won’t regret it. Thank you!” Sebastian hung up in shock. “Peter and the Wolf” had gotten enough attention that a celebrity considered booking him for his kid’s party. That exposure could have him trading in his lousy day job for a permanent role managing his own company. “Whoo hoo!!” Today’s show needed to live up to the hype.

He set off for Mayberry’s as high as one of his helium-filled balloons. He had been so busy contemplating his future that he failed to make an arch ahead of time.

He rigged up his air compressor, made sure his pockets were full, checked the sound system, and got ready to inflate the arch. He’d asked the farmer’s market folks to store his helium, but the tanks hadn’t been delivered.

Sebastian rushed to the manager’s office.

“The crew delivered all the stored items. Maybe another stall accidentally got it? Sorry,” said the manager.

Sweat started to pour down every crevice of his body. He raked his hands through his hair. He had an hour, and it took that long to make a proper arch. He ran back to his stall and started inflating the balloons with his air compressor. He tried to tie them together, but the mess bounced limply and dragged along the ground. He needed an impressive stage. Stage!

He ran to Prithi’s in desperation, sagging arch in tow. He watched as she unwrapped a bare-chested monkey god and lovingly placed him in position. Its golden-crowned head swung side to side, then stopped to look him dead in the eyes. Sebatian looked away and locked eyes with Prithi instead.

“Prithi!” He was breathing hard. Not sure if it was from running or the look she gave him. “I can’t get it up!”

“They have pills for that,” she said, eyes twinkling. Sebastian had an offensive retort but held his tongue. He needed her help.

“I need to commandeer your stage.” Sebastian scrutinized the puppet stage, brilliant blue with gold trim. As he moved nearer, he saw within all its levels and how carefully Prithi must balance above and below. He had to admit, he was impressed.

“Why? It’s not enough to steal my audience, but you want my stage too?”

“Sorry, I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.” Sebastian took a deep breath. “I hate my desk job. I’m an artist who wants to be free to make art. If I do well today, I could get a gig that launches my business. A business that allows me to make art.”

Prithi sighed and unwrapped a small girl marionette. “This is me. My grandfather made it and wrote the stories I tell. I perform to keep him and this little girl in me alive. I get it. Perhaps we could work together?”

“That would be perfect.” Relief filled him and made him buoyant as he set up with her.

Prithi put on a fantastic show. Sebastian saw how much passion she put into each story and applauded wildly when she bowed. Her calm energy settled him when it was his turn. He felt her watching him closely at his finale. When she smiled up at him, he realized she was quite beautiful. Sebastian was on his way to thank her when he was stopped by a woman.

“Mr. Balao, my client will schedule you for the weekend of the seventeenth in Cabo. All expenses paid. I will need you and your associate to sign an NDA. Please confirm and remit documents by the end of the week.” She walked away briskly after handing him the folder.

“Yes, thank you!” Sebastian spun around with happiness as the woman left, smacking into Prithi, whom he grabbed in a tight hug. “We did it!”

That’s when he saw helium tanks behind Prithi, hidden between her puppet cases.

“What did we do?” asked Prithi, smiling.

“You.” Sebastian’s eyes narrowed, and he pushed her away. “You’ve done enough.”

***

Prithi, flushed from Sebastian’s hug, watched him walk away. She had really enjoyed today. She was used to working alone after her grandfather passed away. She had lost the last person who shared her passion. Her family, friends, and past relationships all thought her hobby juvenile. She noticed Sebastian’s appreciation of her work as she performed. Despite her rude demeanor towards him, his openness about his aspirations was refreshing. Here was a kindred spirit that she was driving away. His performance and hug left her breathless. She wanted more.

“Wait, Sebastian! Wait!” He stopped without turning around. “You were amazing! Did you get the gig?”

“Yes, no thanks to you,” he said.

“What? Ingrate! I let you have my stage! Just when I thought you were nice.” She crossed her arms over her chest as Sebastian turned to face her. His eyes were glaring, and his lips pinched.

“Stop pulling my strings! I saw my tanks at your stall. Saboteuress!”

“Your tanks? Your… oh, those tanks.” Prithi lowered her head in shame.

“Yes, those tanks,” said Sebastian.

“Well, I didn’t use them, did I?”

Before she could speak further, the manager came towards them, wheeling two tanks. “Sebastian, it seems these were sent to the medical tent. Thankfully, no one was hooked up to them. Hahahaha! No, seriously, that would have been bad.” She walked away, shaking her head.

“But whose tanks do you have, Prithi?” asked Sebastian.

“They’re mine. They’re empty. Let’s just say I suck at balloon art, but I made funny puppet voices. I thought of swapping yours for them so you’d be unable to inflate your balloons. But I’m not that kind of person.”

“No, you’re not. You’re my kind of person.” Sebastian drew her into another hug that lifted her off her feet. They locked eyes, and for once, Prithi let someone else lead as he moved in for a kiss.

“So, how ’bout we take this show on the road?” asked Sebastian. “You, me, Masti, and Balu, in Cabo for a weekend.”

“I’d say you’re full of hot air. But I’m game if you are, Balloon Boy.”

Ninamillerwrites