Eternity (Circle of Light)

by April Margeson

  Every few minutes it was something bad. People had gotten shot. Someone robbed a convenience store and the police didn’t have any leads. This is ridiculous, I thought to myself. It’s every day that someone is doing something awful in one way or another. I just wish there were something that I could do to make it stop.

  “That is just awful.” I said aloud as I watched the newscaster continue her description of what had happened.

  “I know Bailey, but believe it or not, things like this have to happen in order for the world to remain balanced.” Eric said sadly.

  When I heard him use the word balanced, I paused. Suspicion crossed my mind, but I quickly let it go.

  Finally the weather report came on. The forecast was for rain all day tomorrow.

  “I really don’t want it to rain tomorrow.” I told Eric.

  “Rain can be fun.” he said.

  “How in the world can rain be fun?”

  “I'll show you when it starts raining.” he laughed.

  I hate when it rains. I was either forced to ride the bus or walk to school. If I rode the bus I usually ended up with a ferocious headache by the time we got to school and, of course, not counting the gum on my shoes and the nasty spitballs in my hair. If I walked, well, that was almost as bad. But I wouldn’t get a headache from all those screaming elementary school kids. I would just be soaking wet. My hair would end up getting frizzy, my feet would get wet and I would be in a really bad mood either way so I suppose it doesn’t matter.

  “Dinner is ready guys.” Mom called from the kitchen. Dad had already set the table. Mom had fixed our plates before she called for us to come eat. She had arranged the food beautifully. Our plates looked like we were in a fine restaurant. I’ve always loved that. She puts her heart into everything she does for us. I couldn’t ask for a better mother.

  Mom told us about her hiring the other attorneys. They are going to begin work next week. She was excited.

  Dad struck up a conversation with Eric. I could feel the butterflies in my stomach already. It made me nervous for Dad to be around him. I don’t understand why. I guess it’s normal.

  He asked Eric was from. “I’m from Nashville.” he replied.

  Dad continued questioning him. Eric seemed to be calm through it all. He answered my Dad’s questions about his parents and everything from sports to driving. They seemed to be enjoying each other’s opinion on things.

  I ate quietly as they talked. I looked up and Mom was giving me one of those its ok looks. I smiled back at her. The more they talked and laughed, the calmer and more relaxed I became.

  Dinner came to a happy end. Dad asked if Eric and I would mind to clean up. Of course, we said yes.

  Eric gathered the dishes and loaded the dishwasher as I wiped down the table and counter tops. My parents watched from the table. We finished with the cleanup and Eric said he had to get home and do some things around the house.

  “Do you need any help?” I asked.

  “No. I don’t think so.”

  He went over to the table and thanked my mom for dinner. It was very delicious.

  Dad stood up and shook Eric’s hand. “You’re welcome anytime.” Dad told him.

  “I was wondering, umm, if after I finished my chores at home, maybe I could, umm, come back and visit with you all some more?” Eric asked, clearly nervous about how my parents were going to react to his question.

  “Yeah, sure, that will be fine.” Mom said happily.

  I walked him to the door. He kissed me and told me he would be back in about an hour or so. I thanked him as he left. I couldn’t believe that I had found such a wonderful guy. He was everything I had ever thought I could want. The great thing about it is that I think he feels the same way about me.

  I walked back in the kitchen to talk to Mom and Dad. “So, what do you think of Eric?” I asked almost wishing that I hadn't.

  “I think he's great.” My mom beamed.

  “Mom, I already knew you liked him.”

  “I think he's great too, Bailey.” my Dad said and I could feel all my tension being washed away by his declaration.

  “He reminds me a lot of myself when I was that age. He's polite and is very mature for his age.” Dad cleared his throat and I knew more was coming. He asked about our relationship.

  “Well Dad, he's my boyfriend.”

  He sat there for a moment looking at the table.

  “You guys look pretty serious about each other. I just want you to keep your head on right when it comes to him.”

  “Don’t worry Dad.” I tried to reassure him.

  It’s just that you'll be graduating next week and now you have a boyfriend. I guess I just feel like you've grown up too fast, but you really haven’t he said solemnly.

  I felt sorry for him in a way. “I’m still your little girl Daddy,” I said as I hugged him. “I’m just getting bigger.”

  “I guess so. Old’ Dad’s going to have to let you live your own life now. Next thing I'll know Eric will be over here asking my blessing.” He laughed.

  “Don’t get in too big of a hurry there Dad!” I exclaimed. I gave him another big hug and kissed him on the cheek.

  “I know Eric is coming back in a bit, but I forgot that your mom and I had tickets to see a movie tonight.”

  “That’s ok Dad.” I had to force myself to hide my reaction about them leaving. They never get to spend that much time together.

  “We'll probably just hang out and watch television or something.” I told him.

  “Ok, I guess we better get going.” he told Mom.

  Dad got the car keys off the counter and tossed Mom her purse. “We might be late. Don’t wait up. You have school in the morning.” Mom said eyeing me as they walked out the door. I had hoped that I could spend some time with them tonight, but I understand that they needed some time together.

  I scanned the kitchen for something to do to pass the time until Eric came back. There was nothing left to do since we had already cleaned up before he left.

  The living room was in order as well. I thought I might have some laundry in my room that needed done. When I checked the hamper it was empty. I guess Mom had already done the laundry. I couldn’t imagine Dad doing my laundry. He had been embarrassed by my laundry ever since I started wearing a training bra. I laughed out loud at the thought of his face when Mom told him it was time to buy me one. I thought he was for sure going to pass out.

  I could see Eric in his room. He looked like he was cleaning. I could see him going from his closet to his bed. I think he was hanging up clothes or something like that. I grabbed my phone to send him a text message. I couldn’t make up my mind what to say.

  I see you.

  Are you watching me?

  Yeah. I’m having so much fun watching you put away your laundry.

  Don’t act like it’s not cute, He replied as I watched him leave his room. Ha! You can’t see me now! I got the text as he closed the door behind him.

  I told him that my parents had forgotten that they had movie tickets.

  So they aren’t home?

  Nope. They left about ten minutes ago. I'll be in my room when you come back. Just come on in and lock the door behind you, I sent as I closed my phone.

  I wasn’t in the mood to watch movies. I wanted to do something fun with Eric, but I wasn’t sure what it would be. I was surely not going to just sit here the rest if the night with nothing to do. I was restless.

  The light in Eric’s bedroom went off. My phone vibrated. I’m on my way over, the message read. It had sure taken him long enough. A short moment later I heard the front door open and the deadbolt lock. He bounded up the stairs and into my room.

  “Miss me much, did you?”

  “Terribly.” I replied.

  “So, you don’t want to watch movies?”

  “Not really. I’m bored and I want to do something fun.”

  “And just exactly what do you have in mind?” he asked with a sly look on his face.
/>   “I don’t have a clue.” I said as he walked around looking at my room.

  He looked at the books in the bookcase. He ran his fingers across the bindings as if he were searching for a certain book, but he never picked out one.

  “What time is it?” he asked.

  “Its seven thirty.” I replied.

  He sat down beside me on my bed. My heart began to race the same way it does every time he gets close to me.

  “I probably shouldn’t stay very late. I would hate to be late for school in the morning.”

  “Yeah and if you’re late, I’m late.” I said.

  He let out a big yawn. I could tell he was more tired than he let on.

  “You look tired Eric. Why don’t you just go on back home and get some rest.”

  “I probably should.” he replied sleepily as he stretched his arms out beside him. He plopped back on my bed, staring at the comforter. He looked like he was deep in thought. I touched the side of his head, running my fingers down his jaw line. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. I could feel his body relaxing.

  “I could get used to this.” he said almost in a whisper.

  “Yeah. Me too.” I replied.

  Eric rolled off his stomach and onto his back. He looked up at me as he laid his head in my lap.

  “Bailey?”

  “Yes?”

  “Do you really like me?”

  “Of course I do silly. What kind of question is that?” I asked.

  “I was just curious, really. This all just seems so right. Like it’s meant to be.”

  “Yeah. I know what you mean.”

  “I wish I would have moved here sooner.”

  “I wish you would have too”.

  Eric became quiet and I noticed his gentle breathing as he laid there. I was almost certain that he had gone to sleep. All I wanted to do was let him lay there and rest, but after a while my legs started to go to sleep. I was determined not to wake him. He looked so peaceful, but I had to move. There was no getting out of it. My legs hurt and they felt like they were on fire.

  “Eric?” I said softly as I nudged his arm. He didn’t move. I called his name again, a little louder this time. He smiled and opened his eyes.

  “What is it sweetie?” He replied.

  “Eric, you have to get up. My legs are asleep and it hurts.”

  As soon as I said that my legs hurt, he was sitting up in the bed. Without warning, he was massaging my legs. I could feel the blood flow coming back. His touch had a healing power to it. It wasn’t long until I could move my legs again.

  “Thanks Eric.”

  “You are very welcome, Princess.”

  Eric, why do you call me princess?”

  “Because you’re my princess.” he smiled.

  I didn’t give the idea another thought. I figured it was some sort of pet name that he decided to use. Honestly, I liked it. Every girl wants to be a princess.

  Time had passed by quickly. It was after ten now. I could tell that Eric didn’t want to leave, but he was falling asleep every time we got quiet. I was sleepy too and I knew if I didn’t get in the bed soon I wouldn’t wake up on time for school.

  “I guess we better get to bed.” I said with the returning sad feeling in my stomach.

  “Yeah. You’re right.” Eric yawned.

  I told him I would meet him outside in the morning and we would walk to school if he wanted as I walked him down to the door. He unlocked the deadbolt and turned to me. He kissed me gently and said goodnight.

  “Goodnight my angel.” I said as I shut the door.

  CHAPTER 5

  I met Eric at the door. I was still a little drowsy. The hot shower I took had only made it worse. Eric looked better than he did last night. He looked well rested and seemed to be ready to go do anything. I wish I could be like that of the mornings. The walk to school would hopefully give me enough time to get woke up a little more.

  We had almost made it to where we could see the school when it began to rain. I looked over at Eric and he had one of the silliest looks on his face that I had ever seen. I couldn’t help but laugh. The mist of rain had woken me from my grumpy state.

  “See I told you that the rain can be fun.” he laughed.

  We hurried to the school entrance to keep from getting any wetter.

  “Maybe next time we know it’s going to rain we should bring an umbrella.” he laughed.

  He walked me to my locker so I could get my notebook out. Jared and Damien were soon at Eric’s side. They asked us if we wanted to skip third period and go down to the diner to eat lunch. Eric and I agreed to meet them at the front doors after second period ends. We headed to class.

  Everyone was talking. It wasn’t like I had actually walked into class. It was more like we had gone to the cafeteria, or the circus. The teacher asked everyone to go through their textbooks and make sure to take out any stray papers that might be left in them.

  “I don’t have an interest in reading anyone’s unfinished love letters, so please dispose of them properly.” she said laughing.

  I looked through my book to make sure it was clean, taking out any class notes that I might have left behind. She asked that we stack them up in the corner of the room. Eric reached over and took my book.

  “Finished?” He asked. I nodded. He took my book and placed it in the pile that was starting to form.

  The teacher called on several students during the remainder of the class. We helped her with odd and end things that needed to be done. Eric was given the lovely chore of cleaning the dry erase board. I always hated doing it because I was too short to reach the top of it and had to use her rickety old step ladder. I had asked her about replacing it once. She said the school’s budget was tight enough the way it was.

  It took no time for second period to end. It had been the same as earlier. We all cleaned and helped grade any papers that needed to be graded in order for our final grades to be calculated.

  Eric led me out of class when the bell rang. We waited for Jared and Damien at the end of the hall. The hall was empty when the better have your butt in class bell rang. The four of us quickly walked past the office and out the front door. It’s not like they would really do much about it. It’s the last week of high school and seniors get certain privileges. They are more like get out of jail free cards. We walked to the diner laughing and talking the whole way.

  The diner was half full. We found a booth and crowded in it. Damien hit Jared with a menu as he was handing it to Eric. They rough-housed a little until the waitress came up to the table and said, “Skipping class are we?” Something about her calling attention to what we were doing settled them down.

  “We most certainly are and we are starving. We refused to eat the food at school so they made us find our own lunch.” Damien joked.

  “That’s one I hadn't heard.” the waitress said. The amused look on her face gave us all a slight sense of relief. “Are you guys ready to order?”

  Damien and Jared placed their orders and she turned to us.

  “The usual for you Bailey?” I nodded as I laid my menu on the table.

  Eric ordered a chicken strip basket with fries and onion rings.

  “I think he's going to fit in just fine with us don’t you Jared?” Damien asked.

  “Yep, sure do.” he said as he smiled from ear to ear.

  “So, Eric. Are you and Bailey going out?” Damien asked.

  Eric looked over at me and smiled. “Yeah, we are.” he said proudly. I turned bright red that very instant. I knew they were all staring at me so I didn’t bother to look up at them. But I knew that I had been discovered.

  “Look how red her ears are!” Jared said as he began to laugh.

  “Stick a sock in it Jared!” I said before I thought. That only made it worse. I swore they were going to die laughing if they didn’t stop. The more they laughed the more red my face became. Finally, the waitress brought out food out. That would force them to shut up for a little while.


  We ate quietly, except for the occasional giggle from Jared. When we were all finished we each laid a dollar on the table for the waitress. I think a five dollar bill would have been better considering the fact that Jared had been so loud and unruly during our meal, but she smiled at me as we got up to leave.

  Eric announced that he was going to pay for everyone s lunch. Jared and Damien immediately started to refuse. Eric looked at them and said, “I've got it this time. Next time one of you can buy.”

  Still they refused. For a moment I thought the degree of their refusal was starting to make Eric uncomfortable, but he quickly proved me wrong.

  “Seriously guys. I got it. We’re all friends’ right?”

  Damien and Jared paused instantly. Neither of them had anything to say in response to Eric’s question.

  Almost in unison they both agreed with nods.

  “Bailey has to buy next time.” Jared laughed.

  I punched Jared’s shoulder lightly and smiled. Eric paid the bill and we made our way back to school. As we walk into school the halls were crowded with students coming out of their third period classes. Everyone was buzzing about something, more than likely, the end of the week and graduation.

  Eric grabbed my hand and held it as we were walking down the hall to our next class. The heat of his simple touch overwhelmed me every time and I could feel the faint burn in my cheeks as a result. I could also feel the girls that had their eyes on me. They weren’t staring. They were glaring at me. I got a lot of “go to hell” looks on the way to class. I tried to ignore them. Eric seemed to enjoy how all the girls were jealous of me, but he didn’t like all the nasty looks they were giving me and in some sick way, I loved it. I knew that I had something they didn’t have… Eric. And they were never going to get him either. I am almost certain of that. As sure as I could be about anything, but then the sinking feeling hit me. Could I really expect to keep him when he found out about my secret? It was only a matter of time until I would slip up and he would know everything.

  We were almost to class when I told Eric that I was going to go to the restroom before class starts. He smiled and walked on in to class.