Eternity (Circle of Light)

by April Margeson

  His black shirt made his eyes even bluer than when I first noticed them and it seemed to turn his good looks into a devilish gorgeousness. My face seemed to burst into flames when I realized he was staring back at me. I dropped my head and tried to finish my cheeseburger, but it was no use. I felt sick as the butterflies took over my stomach.

  I left the waitress a tip and slid out of the booth as quickly as I could. I wasn’t even sure how much of a tip I had left her. She looked pleased as she made her way to the booth to clear it, so I’m sure I had left her more than just a couple of dollars.

  Looking out of the corner of my eye, I saw he was looking at me. My whole body felt stiff as I paid for my half-eaten meal. As soon as the door shut behind me, I let out the huge breath I had been holding.

  I headed down the sidewalk to the shop. It wasn’t as crowded as it had been before I went into the diner. As I opened the door to go inside, I had a feeling like I was being watched. I turned and looked behind me, but there wasn’t anyone there. I knew someone was watching me. The feeling of eyes being on me was obvious. I was just unable to see them and the feeling I got from it wasn’t alarming. It was like comfort was being directed to me. I shook my curiosity off and went inside.

  The t-shirt I had been wanting was on sale now. I had also found a tank top I thought was cute. Mom would approve, but I’m not so sure about what Dad would think about it. It was a little lower cut than my other shirts. I guess I'll have to wear a button up over it when I’m around Dad.

  I paid for the shirts and headed to the door. To my surprise, the awesomely gorgeous guy from the diner was right outside. He seemed nervous and I stood there watching him from inside the store. He was so alluring and all I wanted to do was go outside and talk to him, but I am such a chicken and I would probably end up saying something so stupid that he wouldn’t ever want to speak to me again.

  Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and walked out. I tried to pretend I didn’t see him, but it was hard not to acknowledge him being there. As I turned in the direction to go home, I heard him speak.

  Miss? He called softly. His voice sounded like an angel and it left me absolutely breathless. I turned to answer him. Butterflies went crazy in my stomach. The heat returned to my cheeks and I opened my mouth to speak, but I couldn’t make a single sound come out. Feeling like a complete idiot, I managed a smile.

  “My name is Eric.” he said shyly.

  “I’m Bailey” I said surprised the words actually came out right. After an awkward pause he explained that he had just moved to town and he was lost.

  “Honestly, I’m just not sure which way to take to get to my house.” He laughed nervously.

  “What street do you live on?” I grinned.

  “Center Street, I’m the corner house next to the big house on Pine Street.”

  Thankfully, the big house on Pine Street just so happened to be mine. That was the best thing I had heard anyone say in a long time and I couldn’t believe this amazing guy was going to be living right next door to me. I wanted to let out a sharp, giggle, but I held my composure.

  We walked toward the park lost in deep conversation. We talked as if we had always talked to each other. I was comfortable with him. Usually, it would annoy me to be asked so many questions, but today I didn’t mind at all. It was fun. Unfortunately, the question of why I am so at ease with him lingered at the back of my thoughts. I pushed it aside and concentrated on the conversation.

  He told me about his hometown and his old school. It was somewhere in the city. I couldn’t recall the name of it. I hope he doesn’t think I’m not listening to him. It’s just that his eyes are so captivating I lose myself in them within seconds. I can’t help it. He is just so beautiful and the urge to touch his skin was almost too much to handle.

  Taking a big risk, I reached out and pretended to get a leaf out of his hair. Of course, I accidentally rubbed the back of my hand against his ear. That was what I wanted him to think anyway. He smiled and gently touched my hand. The touch turned into him holding my hand until it was back to its place at my side.

  “Thank you.” He said as he let go of my hand.

  My heart melted into a huge pile of goop. I felt weak, my head began to spin and if I didn’t know any better I would swear my heart stopped for a few seconds. He was wonderful and I was drawn to him like two enormous magnets.

  As we walked, I noticed he found little reasons to bump into me as I did him. It was strange in some ways because we had just met, but there was no denying that he takes my breath away and I wanted to spend every minute from here on out with him and only him. I felt connected to him in a way that I wasn’t familiar with. The feeling was a bit uncanny, but I tried to not think too much about it. I didn’t want to do anything that was going to ruin the moment.

  His told me his parents traveled often and like me he is home alone most of the time. That could be a good thing, I thought to myself. I was so glad he didn’t pick up on my facial expression as the thought crossed my mind. That would have been way too embarrassing.

  We reached the corner of Pine and Center. The walk was not near long enough for me. I had really begun to enjoy his company. I pointed to my house. “This is me.”

  “Now I feel better.” He said as he pointed to the house next to mine. “I didn’t think I was going to be able to find my way home. Thanks to you I did.”

  “It’s no problem. Anything I can to help.”

  “I see that.” He smiled at me as he began walking in the direction of his house.

  Before I could think about the words that were coming out I had already spoken, “Stop by any time.”

  “Same goes for you”, he said excitedly.

  Eric stopped and turned back. “Could I have your phone number?” he cleared his throat nervously. “Just in case I need directions or something?”

  “Sure.” I quickly agreed and pulled my cell phone from my pocket and handed it to him. He gave me his cell phone and we put each other’s number in the others phone.

  “Thanks. It’s nice to know I have at least one friend now.” I felt sorry for him when he said that. There was something about his tone that made me feel that he was sad.

  With our phones back in hand we said goodbye and each started walking to our houses. I wondered if the move was causing him any unwarranted stress. Moves alone are hard enough, but to not have any friends tends to make everything much worse.

  I was putting the key in the lock when I heard him call my name.

  “Bailey!” he shouted as he jogged to my front door. “Bailey, hold on a second!”

  I turned and sat down on the steps as he reached the porch.

  “What is it?” I asked. “Is something wrong?”

  “No.” he said as he waved his hands gesturing his response.

  He paced nervously. I could tell he wanted to ask me something, but was afraid too. He ran his hand through his hair and I quickly noticed he was more nervous than I had initially. Not wanting to make it worse for him, I smiled and waited for him to say whatever it was he had on his mind.

  “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I was just wondering if it would be alright if you could let me take your picture? I wanted it for your contact information on my phone and to prove to my parents that I am trying to make friends.” he said as his face turned bright red. “And I have a problem remembering people’s names when I first meet them.”

  “Sure, no problem, but you have to let me take one of you for mine.”

  He agreed with a gentle laugh. I pushed my hair out of my eyes and tried to pose for the picture in the best way I could. I went for a more sweet and innocent look, instead of trying for a sultry, more provocative look. It was a good decision because I don’t want his parents to think I’m a slut or anything like that.

  He took longer than I thought he was going to and, actually, I think he took more than one picture I didn’t mind if he did. I took it as a compliment.

  He smiled a huge smile as I took
his picture. His cheeks were turning a distinct shade of pink. I had, apparently, embarrassed him. That seemed like it was going to be very easy to do. He hung around for a minute longer, trying to make small talk instead of just leaving immediately after our picture exchange. He was trying to not be rude, I think.

  “I guess I had better get inside. I have some things to do before my mom gets home.”

  “Thanks, see you later sweetie.” he said as he made his way back to his house.

  “See you.” I said even though he was clearly out of distance to hear it. I picked up my shopping bag and went inside.

  It was like I was floating as I went in the front door. I was even having a hard time breathing for some reason. Surely it wasn’t completely because of him, but I knew it was. He was having an intense effect on me. I was almost head over heels for him already. What a big dork I’m being. I don’t know this guy and here I am stumbling all over myself and acting all strange. Jeez, I really have to get it together, I thought to myself.

  I've been attracted to other guys before, but not once had it ever felt like this. My body was absolutely taken over by the feeling that I was being pulled to him. It was strange, but exciting and mysterious at the same time and I wondered if this was really what it felt like to fall in love, or was it all just puppy love? I hope it’s the real thing. I don’t think I can bear it if it wasn’t.

  From my bedroom window I could see his house. A million thoughts bounced around inside my head. I thought of his blue eyes and his perfect hair framed his face in such an intense way. His arms were strong and muscular and I wondered what it would feel like to have them wrapped around me.

  He was smart and could hold a conversation about almost anything, even girlie stuff. He was amazingly thoughtful and very polite. I don’t think I have ever met anyone quite like him in my life. I felt as though I had known him all my life. It was a peculiar feeling. We shared an instant connection to each other.

  Did he really want my picture just for his phone? Was he as curious about me as I am of him? I sure hope so, I thought, almost overwhelmed by the idea. I wanted him to like me. I wanted to spend more time with him, to get to know him better.

  My body still felt as if I was floating. I was getting dizzier by the second. The only thoughts I had were of him. I sighed heavily as I lied back across my bed. I stared at the ceiling thinking of nothing but his face, his amazing face.

  I was abruptly jerked from my daydreaming by the sound of my phone ringing. It was him, the wonderful guy I had met today, and he was actually calling me. I flipped open my phone trying to calm the excitement in my voice before I spoke.

  “Hello?” I said.

  “Hey Bailey” he said, sounding relieved. “I was calling to make sure the number you gave me was real.”

  “Of course it is. Why would I give you a fake number?”

  “I don’t know, I just thought you might have.”

  I couldn’t hide the laugh that came out as I said, “I gave you the right number.”

  “Ok then, since that’s out of the way, I guess I'll talk to you another time.”

  “Okay.” I said trying to hide my amusement, but before I could flip my phone closed a girlish squeal shot out of my mouth. Why in this world would he even think that I would give him a fake number? Maybe he has been done that way before or something. Some girl had probably give him a wrong number and he called it. The embarrassment had to be massive. I wasn’t sure, but the idea of it hurt my feelings in a way I couldn’t describe. How could a girl not want Eric to call them? He is so perfect. So far anyway.

  Bright rays of sun belted into my bay window. This had turned out to be the best day of my life. Life was good. That is, until now.

  Suddenly, a terrible feeling stormed my body. Any bit of my previous happiness had disappeared. I grew more uneasy with each passing second. My eyes became heavy and I struggled to breathe as I clutched at my chest. Darkness fell over me once again. I felt the coolness of my bed against my back. Then there was nothing.

  I had been here before. It’s the same room and the same unending darkness. This time the feel of it was different. I was calm instead of terrified. I sat down waiting on the woman in white to appear, but to my surprise, she didn’t.

  The lady that appeared was no lady in white. She was completely dressed in brown. Her hair was the same deep rich color as her gown. Every movement she made was just as fluid as the white lady and she was just as beautiful.

  Speaking softly, she said, “I am certain you were expecting the Air Queen. I am Earth Queen. I, too, will give you a gift as she did. You can already use the gifts Air Queen gave you. You can freeze objects as you did the water in your home.”

  “Hold on just a minute” I said becoming frustrated. I took a moment to gather my thoughts. “I’m dreaming right?”

  “No,”

  “I was afraid you would say that.”

  “I understand you are frightened by our presence, Princess. The more power you receive will make it much easier for you to understand. Each Queen must instill a part of her power in a worthy human. The line of royalty must be preserved.” she explained. “Each Light power that you receive comes with a dark power. That doesn’t mean the power is good or evil. It is that way in order to keep balance. Today you will receive powers from three Queens.” She said. On either side of her, two more Queens appeared.

  I was introduced to them one by one. The first one was the Fire Queen. She possessed the same beauty as all the others, but something made her different at the same time. Her hair and gown was as red as blood. I was breathless looking at her, but I could feel the power coming from her. It was more than intense. It was consuming.

  The other one was Water Queen. She was absolutely exuberant. Her hair and gown was as blue as the ocean water. I felt meek and unworthy in their presence. Never had I had the opportunity to be in the presence of such beauty.

  I closed my eyes and imagined them all four together. I imagined the most beautiful of places. I realized I could see their power in everything. I could see it in the sky and the ground. It was everywhere. In everything.

  I felt a sudden surge of power within my body. I knew right then I had been given more powers. The feeling was electrifying and it demanded compliance from every single cell in my body. The power twisted and turned inside me, leaving every one of my senses with more power than normal. Even my skin felt different. This power was immeasurable and greater than I could have ever imagined and I hadn't even explored what I was truly capable of yet.

  I opened my eyes and said, “Thank You.” That was the only intelligent words I could muster up at the time.

  “Use your gifts wisely, Princess.” They said as they slowly disappeared.

  I awakened, still lying on my bed. I could still feel the power surging through my body. My phone rang and the sound of it at that moment was almost annoying. I looked at the caller id and it was Eric calling, again. I answered the phone nicely leaving out the-not-now-attitude.

  “Eric?” I said into the phone.

  “Bailey, are you alright?” He asked almost in a panic.

  “Yeah, I’m fine Eric. Why?”

  “I saw you fall and you didn’t get up. I tried to call you, but you wouldn’t answer the phone either. I was so sure you were hurt. Are you sure you are ok?”

  “I’m ok Eric, just calm down. I must have just fainted or something.” I replied trying to calm him. I didn’t understand the amount of panic in his voice. He was genuinely concerned about my well-being. “Were you watching me?”

  “Yes. Well… no. I…” He stammered. “Well, I’m coming over.” He said and before I could say anything, he had hung up the phone. I jumped up and looked out the window only to see him dart across his lawn and into mine. I was amazed at the speed that he was running. He was extremely fast.

  I made it to my bedroom door as he rushed through the front door of my house. He met me at the top of the stairs and pulled me into a tight hug. It felt awk
ward but amazing at the same time. His body felt so good against mine and I didn’t want him to let me go. I was comforted by the strength of his embrace. All my imagining about his arms around me was being put to rest.

  He pulled back away from me unexpectedly. He had a look on his face like he had seen a ghost. The look was enough to alert me that something was terribly wrong and it left me almost too frightened to ask him why, but I did. I couldn’t help myself. I had to know.

  “What is it Eric?”

  He just stood there staring at me. The shocked look he had was starting to make more than a little uneasy. He looked at me like he was searching for something. Something that was wrong.

  “Eric. What's wrong?” I demanded.

  After a moment he finally answered me. “Nothing is wrong, I’m just so glad you’re ok. You gave me quite a scare.” Eric replied dryly and I knew right then that he was hiding the real answer from me.

  We both sat down on the stairs not speaking for what seemed like hours. The uncomfortableness seemed to linger with both of us. Out of the corner of my eye I saw him steal a look here and there. Breaking the silence, I thanked him for making sure I was alright. We made small talk for a few minutes and then he decided to go back home.

  After he left I made my way into the kitchen for a glass of iced tea and went back to my room. I had a million things that I wanted to say to him and even more things that I wanted to ask him. Like, why he looked so peculiar when he saw me, and why was he watching me from his window? I mean he looked at me like I had slapped his cat or something. It was weird. And worse than that, why had he been watching me? An eerie feeling washed over me and I was stuck between being frightened and wondering if he was a stalker.

  I stared out the window for a while, not looking at anything in particular. I saw my mom's car turn around the corner. I was scooting to the end of the platform to get back on the floor when I shot another glance out the window.