by Dane Bagley
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A beautiful warm day was getting a little cold. Sarah rubbed her upper arms with her hands. She could hardly see the mountain peaks. They were but a darker silhouette against a dark sky. She felt so good inside. She was at peace; whatever tomorrow would bring. Sarah stood in preparation to head inside.
“Sarah,” she heard from the distance behind her. That voice, she knew that voice. Her heart skipped a beat and then caught up quickly beating hard and fast. It was John.
Sarah turned around seeing a figure moving towards her. She stood and watched as slowly the figure’s features came into view.
“John, oh John, you came!” she said, not attempting to conceal her excitement and relief.
“Oh, Sarah,” and his heart felt everything he had hoped that it would. Janice was wonderful but Sarah was special. He closed the short distance between them and opened up his arms to which Sarah entered lovingly in. The magic in its entire splendor had returned to both of them.
“These are for you,” he said, indicating the flowers and presenting them to her. “Happy Birthday!”
“Oh, they’re lovely,” and she drank in their scent holding them close to her nose. “But, it’s not my birthday yet; I’m still fifteen…not until tomorrow…”
“I know. I thought that I could at least set up a date with you. Meet your parents and such. They won’t be upset?”
“No, I don’t think they will. Come in…no, wait here. No, come in. Just a minute.”
John smiled as Sarah moved towards her home awkwardly. Everything about her, even her awkwardness and quirkiness brought joy to his soul. But when she embraced him he felt joy unlike anything had ever prepared him for.
Sarah reappeared at the door motioning John to come closer with her arm. She was still holding the bouquet in her other hand. She didn’t quite seem to know what to do with it.
John arrived at the door simultaneously with Mr. Peningham. Sarah’s father extended his hand saying, “I understand you are John Bennett. I’m Mr. Peningham, Sarah’s father. Now, Sarah won’t be sixteen until tomor…
“Hi, John, do come in. I’m Mrs. Peningham, Sarah’s mother. I’m so pleased to meet you, do come in.”
John changed his gaze from the father to the mother. She was all aglow and beckoning him in. He looked back at the father who had dropped his head in resignation. John smiled and made a move towards entering, not sure who of the three individuals that were blocking the doorway would make way for him. It certainly wasn’t going to be Sarah. She was staring at John’s handsome features lit by her homes indoor lighting. John smiled. The family’s awkwardness amused him in a pleasant way. He felt no condescension towards them. Mrs. Peningham began to back up and she grabbed her husband’s elbow and helped him move back some. John entered with Sarah’s gaze unbroken from his face.
John followed Mr. and Mrs. Peningham into their living room. Sarah followed John with her pretty flowers held in both hands, walking almost trance like behind them. Sarah was not capable of wiping the heartfelt smile from her face. The three sat down together and awkward silence ensued. John sat apart in a comfy chair—actually, Mr. Peningham’s. Mr. and Mrs. Peningham sat on a loveseat and Sarah sat on the arm of the loveseat higher up near her mother.
The family faced him until Mr. Peningham bent over slightly and dropped his head. He fumbled with his thumbs for a few moments. Mrs. Peningham and Sarah both stared at John with bright smiling faces. John smiled back and decided that he had better begin.
“Mr. Peningham, I know that Sarah’s birthday is not until tomorrow. I know that she must have plans already. I thought I might at least invite her to go horseback riding with me tomorrow. Of course, we could make it another time if tomorrow is not a good time.”
Sarah’s eyes widened and she looked down at her mother’s exuberant countenance.
“Sarah, you didn’t seem to want any plans for your birthday. You seemed to be hoping for a quiet day at home. Would you want to be away…horseback riding with…”
“Oh, yes, daddy,” she said looking back at John.
John looked back at her, feeling Sarah’s excitement radiate from her.
“Your father owns horses, son?”
“No, sir, my…”
“Would you be going alone, or are others going with you?”
“No, sir, my friend Kevin, his father has…”
“Sarah will be going with you and your friend?”
“Yes, sir, K…”
“Honey, do you want Sarah going horseback riding with two boys we don’t even know?”
“John, is Kevin bringing anyone along with him?” asked Mrs. Peningham sweetly.
“Yes, Ma’am. I’m afraid I don’t know her. I know that she’d agreed earlier today.”
“Well, why didn’t you say so?”
“Well, sir…”
“Sarah, dear, is that how you would like to spend your sixteenth birthday? With three people you don’t know so well.”
“Oh, yes, daddy!”
Then turning to her mother, “Is it okay if I go?”
Mrs. Peningham turned to Mr. Peningham gleaming. “It’s okay, isn’t it dear?”
“Um…”
“She’ll be sixteen tomorrow, and it’s such a nice offer.”
Mr. Peningham felt the glare bearing down on him from all three. After a short paused he nodded tentatively.
“Thank you, daddy!” Mr. Peningham looked up and smiled at his adoring daughter. At least for the moment she was still his girl.
“John, thank you so much! That sounds just wonderful. What time shall we go?”
“Well, I’ll be by at nine in the morning. Dress in layers—I don’t know if it’ll be warm or cold tomorrow. Wear some sturdy pants and shoes for riding. I’ll take care of everything else. Eat a good breakfast. We’ll lunch at noon.”
Sarah nodded excitedly.
“John it’s so nice to meet you. Thank you for being so kind to Sarah,” said Mrs. Peningham.
John nodded and got up. “I’m sorry to have intruded upon your evening,” he said pleasantly.
Everyone arose and brushed his comment aside by shaking their heads. He extended his hand to Mr. Peningham who shook it warmly. He then took Mrs. Peningham’s fingers and kissed her knuckles softly. Mrs. Peningham blushed a little. He then stood across from Sarah. She beamed at him, but holding her flowers in both hands did not think to offer him her hand.
“Sarah, happy birthday. I look forward to tomorrow.”
“Thank you, John.”