My Brobdingnagian Girlfriend Chapter 1: Get A Life! (Patreon)

The Lilliputian City of NeoSpectra was bustling with life, as high-tech buildings towered almost as high as skyscrapers, filling the entire cityscape. The air was abuzz with the whirring of flying cars, gracefully navigating the aerial lanes, following their own guided traffic system complete with hovering lights and stop signs.

Down below, amidst the bustling streets, two individuals made their way to work. Ethan and Dwayne walked side by side, their friendship evident in the way Dwayne had his arm around Ethan’s shoulder. Dwayne laughed heartily as his friend, Ethan, had his face buried in a stack of paperwork.

“I’m telling you, Dwayne, we have them,” Ethan said with a triumphant smile, flipping through the papers in his hands.

Curiosity piqued, Dwayne glanced at Ethan. “You talking about the infamous terrorist Gulliverian group? The one rumored to be operating in the country of Aetheria?”

“Yes!” Ethan exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement. “Look at this… the evidence doesn’t lie.” He handed a few papers over to Dwayne, his eyes shining with determination.

Dwayne carefully examined the documents, his expression turning serious as he absorbed the information. The papers detailed suspicious activities, encrypted communications, and testimonies that pointed directly at the existence of the elusive Gulliverian organization. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on them both.

“This is huge, Ethan,” Dwayne said, his voice filled with a mix of concern and determination. “If what these papers suggest is true, the Gulliverians could be planning something catastrophic.”

Ethan nodded, his gaze focused. “That’s why we need to act swiftly and decisively. We can’t let their nefarious plans come to fruition.”

Dwayne’s laughter echoed through the bustling streets, drawing attention from passersby. “Nefarious plan? When was the last time I heard that word,” he said, still chuckling. “I swear, Ethan, you need to get a life.”

Ethan looked up from his papers, his expression a mix of surprise and slight embarrassment. “Oh, come on, D-Man, I already have a life,” he replied, defending himself.

Dwayne stopped laughing and locked eyes with Ethan. “Ethan, being stuck behind a desk all day, searching for terrorist organizations, isn’t what I consider a life,” he said with a touch of concern in his voice.

Ethan fell silent, the truth in Dwayne’s words sinking in. As they continued walking towards their workplace, the weight of his job and its impact on his personal life became more apparent.

“Dwayne, that’s what a terrorist prevention analyst does,” Ethan finally said, his tone tinged with resignation.

Dwayne sighed, shaking his head. “Ethan, I understand the importance of your work, but you can’t let it consume you. There’s so much more to life than your job.”

Ethan rolled his eyes playfully. “Oh, come on, D-Man. You know I have other interests. I just take my work seriously.”

Dwayne’s expression softened, and he smiled at his friend. “I know you do, buddy. But you need to find a balance. You deserve to enjoy life beyond the confines of your office.”

Ethan’s eyes lit up, a mischievous smile forming on his lips. “Well, glad you think so because tonight, my friend, I have a date.”

Dwayne’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “A date? Ethan, you sly dog! Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

Ethan shrugged, a hint of excitement in his voice. “I wanted to surprise you. It’s time for me to break away from the routine and embrace something new.”

Dwayne clapped Ethan on the back, his laughter returning. “That’s the spirit! I’m thrilled for you, buddy. You deserve some happiness and adventure in your life.”

Both friends shared a hearty laugh, enjoying the camaraderie that had kept them close through the years.

“So, tell me, lover boy,” Dwayne teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Where are you taking the lucky lady tonight?”

Ethan’s face flushed slightly as he grinned, excitement and nervousness intertwined. “Well, you see, I’m actually meeting her online.”

Dwayne’s smile slowly disappeared, replaced by a mix of surprise and concern. “Wait, what?” he exclaimed, his tone reflecting a hint of worry.

Ethan hurried to explain, sensing his friend’s unease. “Don’t worry, D-Man, it’s not as sketchy as it sounds. We’ve been chatting for a while on this dating app, and we really connected. I think she could be something special.”

Dwayne’s eyebrows furrowed as he processed the information. “I mean, I guess meeting people online isn’t entirely uncommon nowadays, but you have to be careful, Ethan. You never know who’s really behind the screen.”

Ethan nodded, appreciating Dwayne’s concern. “I understand, buddy, and I’ve been cautious. We’ve had video calls, shared stories and interests, and everything seems genuine. Of course, I’ll continue to prioritize safety.”

***

BROBDINGNAGIAN LANDS

The Brobdingnagian Gym was packed on a Friday afternoon, teeming with people determined to push their bodies to the limits. The clanging of weights and the sound of grunts filled the air, creating a symphony of dedication and determination.

“Come on, Harper, push!” Dolores encouraged, her voice cutting through the cacophony of the bustling gym. She stood closely behind Harper, a supportive presence as her friend prepared for a challenging squat.

Harper, beads of sweat glistening on her forehead, took a deep breath and focused her gaze forward. With unwavering determination, she descended into a deep squat, feeling the weight of two heavy dumbbells resting securely on her shoulders. Muscles strained, but Harper summoned her inner strength.

Harper reached the lowest point of her squat, she could feel her muscles quiver under the strain. Every fiber in her body screamed for her to give in, but she refused to surrender. With a burst of determination, she steadily rose back up, her legs shaking but not yielding.

“That’s a girl,” Dolores cheered, her voice filled with pride and excitement. Harper carefully and slowly placed the heavy bar of weights back onto the stand, the muscles in her arms trembling with exertion. She grabbed the nearby rag, wiping the beads of sweat from her forehead.

As Harper caught her breath, Dolores handed her a small water bottle, a knowing smile on her face. “So, girl, tell me about your date tonight,” she said, anticipation evident in her tone.

Harper took a grateful sip of water, relishing its coolness. She looked at Dolores, her friend’s short black hair glistening with sweat. “There’s nothing much to say,” Harper replied, her voice tinged with a hint of hesitation. “We just have another online date tonight.”

Dolores raised an eyebrow, her skepticism apparent. “Uh huh,” she responded, her tone laced with curiosity. “Look, Harper, I understand that your job as a security guard limits your opportunities to meet new people, but don’t you crave something more substantial than online dating?”

Harper put her water bottle down and locked eyes with her friend, her gaze intense and unwavering. Dolores sensed a fierce determination in Harper’s expression, a silent response to her probing questions.

Steadying her own breathing, Dolores continued, her voice filled with concern. “Harper, that online dating app called Anonymous… don’t you find it a little suspicious, even dangerous? You have no idea who you’re actually dating. It’s a complete unknown.”

Harper looked away quickly, a slight flush creeping up her cheeks. The truth of Dolores’s words resonated within her, creating a mix of uncertainty and yearning.

Dolores couldn’t resist a smirk as realization dawned upon her. “Unless… unless you do know who you’re meeting.”

Harper hesitated for a moment, her mind weighing the risks and rewards. She had used the Anonymous app for a month, fully aware of its unique features. It allowed individuals to connect in a private, uninterrupted online setting, with no personal information exchanged, not even names unless one chose to disclose them. Video meetings were possible, enabling face-to-face conversations, albeit gradually. It was of the few platforms that encouraged connections between people of all three races, fostering understanding and unity.

“I do have a few connections after all,” Harper said with a hint of amusement. Dolores couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued.

“So, who is he?” Dolores asked, unable to contain her inquisitiveness.

Harper rolled his eyes playfully. “From what he’s told me, his name is Ethan. Ethan Sullivan,” she revealed, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. “He works a desk job in sales.”

Dolores let out a theatrical sigh, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “I’m not talking about his name or occupation, Harper. I mean, what’s his race? Please tell me he’s at least a Brobdingnagian.”

Harper chuckled softly, shaking her head. “That doesn’t matter, Dolores. What matters is that he makes me laugh, he makes me happy. That’s enough for me.”

As they walked towards the exit of the gym, Dolores fell into step behind Harper, her curiosity still lingering. “Alright, alright. I won’t pry any further,” she conceded. “But at least tell me, is he cute?”

Harper’s face lit up with a genuine smile, her eyes sparkling with warmth. “Oh yeah, Dolores. He’s a real looker,” she confirmed, her voice filled with an undeniable fondness.

Dolores grinned, content with the response. “Well, that’s a good start then. I hope your online date goes well tonight. Just remember to be yourself and have fun, okay?”

Harper nodded appreciatively, grateful for Dolores’s support and well-wishes. “Thank you, Dolores. I’ll take your advice to heart. And hey, I’ll make sure to fill you in on all the details afterward.”

Harper and Dolores left the gym together, their spirits lifted by the endorphins and camaraderie of their workout. As they walked side by side, Harper couldn’t help but wear a smile on her face. However, beneath that smile, a secret weighed heavy on her heart.

Harper knew she could never reveal the truth to Dolores. She knew Ethan’s race, and it wasn’t what Dolores had imagined. Ethan was a Lilliputian, belonging to a small and often misunderstood community. Harper had come to know him beyond the physical attributes that typically defined one’s identity.

But what Harper didn’t know was how Dolores would react if she ever discovered the truth. Would she accept Ethan for who he was, despite the differences? Would she understand the connection that Harper had found with him, beyond superficial appearances?

These questions swirled in Harper’s mind, creating a sense of uncertainty and unease. She valued Dolores’s friendship and respected her opinions, but she feared that revealing the truth might strain their bond. Harper understood that societal prejudices and preconceptions could cloud even the strongest of friendships.

Deep down, Harper hoped that Dolores would see beyond the superficial and recognize the love and happiness Ethan brought into her life. But she couldn’t be certain.

As they walked further from the gym, Dolores turned to Harper, her eyes filled with genuine care and curiosity. “Hey, Harper,” she began, her voice gentle. “I hope your date tonight goes well. You deserve happiness, you know?”

Harper nodded, her heart warmed by Dolores’s words. “Thank you, Dolores. I really appreciate your support. I hope it goes well too.”