Eternity (Circle of Light)

by April Margeson

  It was really nice of his dad to allow us to take his car. Maybe he thought we would want some time alone. This was the truth. I wanted to be with Eric every minute of the day, every day.

  The silence on the ride there was weird. We were always talking to each other in one way or another, but right now Eric didn’t have a thought in his mind. None that I could tell, that is. I decided to break the silence.

  “You really think you love me Eric?”

  “No.”

  “NO! What do you mean no?” I said as I shifted my weight in the seat. I was shaken by his retort.

  “I don’t think I love you. I know I do.”

  “I know that I love you too. I’ve known it since the first time I saw you at the diner.” I said to him as my body relaxed out of strike mode.

  “Is that so?” He asked with a smile.

  “Sure is!” We both laughed.

  “I wonder if you will be more radiant on our wedding day as you are right now.”

  “Oh wow. You really are full of it aren’t you? Already planning our wedding I see.”

  “I can’t wait.” he said matter of fact, smiling as he looked ahead.

  Traffic began to slow to a crawl and at this rate we were going to be late getting there.

  As we inched closer, I saw a car with a few of our classmates on the side of the road. They had gotten a flat tire. One of the girls was trying to figure out how to use the jack. She was doing it wrong.

  “Should we stop and help? It’s pretty obvious that nobody else is going to” I claimed.

  “Sure, but you can fix it from here. I guess you can call it practice. Try it.” he laughed.

  I thought about how I was going to help her change the tire. There was no easy way to do it so I projected myself into the girls mind.

  I whispered the steps to her. The crazed look on her face made me giggle. She did what I told her to without questioning where it came from. When she got to the part where she had to loosen the lug nuts, she was in tears. They were too tight and she didn’t have the strength to turn them. I twirled my finger and broke them loose for her.

  “Try again.” I whispered to her.

  She picked up the lug wrench and gave it another try. I heard her say, “Thank God!” I watched as she put the tire on and replaced the lug nuts.

  I heard her worried thoughts. She was afraid that she wouldn’t get them tight enough and the wheel would fall off.

  “Don’t be afraid.” I said to her as I made sure all of the wheels were on securely.

  She put up all the tools and looked at her dress. She began to cry when she discovered the grease stain on the front of it. I knew she didn’t have another dress and there was no way she could wear that one to graduation.

  I waited until she got back into the car to erase all the imperfections her chore had caused. I imagined the stain was gone and her hair and makeup was once again perfect. I even took away the musty smell the grease had left behind.

  She gave herself another look and with an enormous smile she started her car and pulled back onto the road in front of us.

  “You're a natural.” Eric said as he drove.

  “It does seem that way doesn’t it?” I replied proud of the good deed I had done.

  The front of the school was swarming with parents. I was glad the principal had reserved a section of the parking lot for the graduates. We found a spot to park and went to meet our parents.

  Mom had my graduation gown held out and ready for me to slide in it. She helped me put my cap on where it wouldn’t mess up my hair. I could see she was fighting the tears as she did it.

  Eric looked exceptionally good in his graduation attire. Eric’s dad checked his watch and told us it was time to go. They all wished us luck and instructed us to take our time crossing the stage so they could get pictures. We both agreed and rushed to get in line.

  Eric’s last name was Gray so that put him farther up the line than me. I took my place and waited for the teacher s instructions. I didn’t like being away from him. I didn’t like the uneasy feeling that distance from him gave me.

  Several of the faculty members were going up and down the line helping students adjust their robes. It was mostly the caps that were causing the trouble. Most of us had our tassels on the wrong side so they placed them on the right side and went on to the next one.

  The music began to play signaling the junior class to enter the auditorium. They called it the junior class march. I could remember making that march down the aisle symbolizing the transition from a junior to a senior.

  The song ended and I could hear the junior class president give her speech. The speech was short, but interesting.

  “May I introduce to you, the graduating class of 2010!” she said with excitement.

  The graduation march began and we walked out to our seats. We were instructed to remain standing until everyone was in their places and the principal was on stage.

  The ceremony went as planned. When everyone had their diplomas we were dismissed to go outside. As I was walking out, I could see that some of the students were crying. I was happy and sad at the same time. I was happy because I had finished high school, but sad to be leaving the school and all my friends. I would probably miss the routine more than anything. Most of them would be leaving to go to college soon.

  I had decided not to attend a four year college. As a matter of fact, I really wasn’t sure what I was going to do with my life. There’s plenty of time to decide all of that I suppose.

  Eric slid his hands around my waist from behind. He moved a few curls and kissed me gently on the neck.

  “Congratulations sweetheart.” he said with his lips still lingering on my skin.

  “Same to you.” I replied knowing the tone of my voice would send certain signals. Thank goodness that our parents walked up.

  They were all delighted that we had made it through high school. They swarmed us. They congratulated us and hugged us until I thought I’d never want to be hugged again.

  After all the fuss was over they announced they were going to throw a little party for us and our friends’ tomorrow night. I was surprised, to say the least. Mom told us to invite whoever we wanted to, but I wasn’t really interested in inviting much of anyone. I could tell from Eric’s thoughts that he could only ask two people, Damien and Jared. I could ask Jasmine and Beth, but I was sure that they had already made other plans and I wouldn’t want them to break them on my behalf.

  I was leaning more in the direction of having a small family only type of gathering anyway. That is the way I liked to celebrate things.

  With that in mind I asked, “How would you guys feel about it just being the six of us?” Everyone agreed that was probably the best idea.

  I said goodbye to my friends and asked my parents if they were ready to go. They had decided that the four of them were going to go for some coffee and said it would probably take a while. I was glad they were getting to know each other. Eric nudged my arm and smiled.

  “What time would you like me to have Bailey home?” He asked my Dad.

  “It’s nine now and I’m thinking we may be out for a while from the way these women are acting. How about no later than one?” Dad replied.

  “Thanks Dad!” I shrieked as I threw my arms around him. He smiled and told me that it was only because he trusted me and that he had grown rather fond of Eric. I blushed as I turned and took Eric’s hand.

  I was sure that Dad was telling me the truth. He would never have allowed me to stay out that late with anyone else. Not even Jasmine or Beth.

  He opened the door of his dad’s car and waited for me to get in. The shock of not believing that they were letting me stay out that late was pleasing feeling. Especially with a guy. I guess Eric had grown on my father. That was a good thing. My father was not a very trusting man when it came to me having a boyfriend. He was more of an overprotective type, but I knew that he means well and I was never bothered by that.

  Eric drove
down by the park. “Where do you want to go?” he asked.

  “I would like to be somewhere quiet I think.” I muttered. “I’m having a sensory overload right now.”

  “Your wish is my command, Princess. You‘ll have to show me the way because I’m unfamiliar with the local hideouts.” he said grinning from ear to ear.

  I thought of the lake right outside of town. No one ever goes down there. It was the perfect place, quiet and secluded.

  “Would you mind if we went by our houses and changed clothes?” I asked already knowing the answer.

  “Absolutely.” he said in relief.

  He pulled the car into my driveway and parked. I opened the door and he helped me out of the car. As he closed the door, I pulled my heels off. I could walk better without them. Not to mention they were killing my feet.

  He held my hand as we walked up the walkway to the door. I pulled my key from my handbag and unlocked the door.

  “Will you need any help with getting out of that dress?” he asked slyly.

  Yeah, if you don’t mind, I‘ll need help with the zipper.” I said frankly.

  I could tell that he was pleased with my request. It was the truth. I did need help. He followed me up the stairs to my room. I put my heels in the closet. Eric was waiting by the door.

  “You've been in here before Eric.” I said sarcastically.

  “I know. It is just a little different this time.” he said as he blushed.

  I pointed over my shoulder to the zipper. He slowly walked up behind me. I felt his hand touch my back. He unzipped the zipper all the way to my waist. Eric ran his finger from the bottom of my neck to the small of my back. His touch sent chills all over my body. He slid the dress off my shoulders. He kissed my back and I struggled to breathe.

  Stopping our kiss at the right moment he said, “I’m going on over to my house to get this hideous suit off. I‘ll be right back.”

  I hurried to put on my old jeans and a t-shirt. The thought of him kissing my back like he did was still fresh on my mind. I’m glad that he left when he did, because the situation could have gotten out of control and wouldn’t be able to live with myself if one of my parents walked in and caught us fooling around.

  With that in mind, I rushed to put on my shoes and get them tied.

  I waited for Eric on my front porch. I had considered going over to his house, but I decided against it. I sat there on the steps contemplating exactly where I thought our relationship was headed. I could clearly see us together, but the rest was a complete blur. I couldn’t see anything else but us.

  It wasn’t long until he was standing beside me. “Do you still want to go to the lake?”

  “Sure.” I said as I got up off the steps.

  I gave him turn by turn directions and it was no time until we were there. He parked the car and got out. I noticed he was looking around. Probably making sure we were alone. I had already known that no one else would be here. I suppose he wanted to check for himself.

  I got out of the car and instantly wished I had brought a jacket. The breeze coming off of the water had a certain chill to it. Goosebumps covered my arms and I shivered from the cold.

  I looked around and Eric had a blanket in his hands. He put it around my shoulders as he leads me to the edge of the water. I shivered as we got closer. I concentrated on the temperature, knowing that I could make it warmer.

  In an instant, I was taking the blanket off and spreading it on the ground. We laid down on it beside each other. He moved closer to me and put his arm around my waist. I was completely comfortable with him. I was lost in the moment, oblivious to anything but us.

  He started kissing me. His kiss became more urgent as the seconds passed. I could hear him asking himself if he should go further. I broke free from him and rolled over on my back. He looked at me with a confused look.

  I stared at the sky. I was nervous and my stomach was twisting and turning, knotting up to the point of being slightly painful. Not being sure what to do I said, “Sorry.”

  “Did I do something wrong?” Eric asked me.

  “No, of course not.”

  “I love you so much and I guess I just can’t control it the way I need to.”

  “I love you too, but we have plenty of time. I don’t see a reason to rush things.”

  “Well, how about we make a deal with each other?” he asked.

  I was almost afraid to say yes, but what could a simple deal between us hurt? It’s not like I didn’t trust him and I knew that he would never pressure me into doing anything that I didn’t want to do.

  “Ok. What's the deal?” I asked still a bit reluctant.

  He sat there quietly, acting as if he was arranging his thoughts. Finally, he responded “Let’s just relax and let whatever happens happen.”

  I thought hard about what he had said before I answered him.

  “Ok.”

  Every conversation opened the door to new things. I learned more about him each time and it was hard for me not to ask questions. Some things he told me weren’t happy things, but it wasn’t like he had killed anyone or anything. I guess he thought I should know about everything that had gone on in his life up until he met me.

  We stayed at the lake and talked and watched the stars until it was time to go.

  The ride home was quiet, but not in a bad way. Eric turned on the radio and changed the station until he found a good song. I smiled at him, trying to hide my amusement.

  It wasn’t long before we pulled into my driveway. Our time together always seemed to end too soon.

  I got out of the car and caught a glimpse of a shooting star. I couldn’t help making a wish. The wish seemed childish after I made it, but I didn’t care. I wished for Eric and me to always be together, not matter what.

  We took our time walking to the door. Eric stopped me before opening the door and kissed me. I wondered if I would ever get used to the way he made me feel. I always felt like I was hovering above the ground when I was with him. Honestly, I didn’t want to feel any other way. The love I have for him was unlike anything I had ever felt before. It had such power and I never wanted it to end.

  I was not expecting to walk in and see Eric’s parents. It was late and I was for sure that my parents would be in bed by now. Boy was I wrong.

  Looking at them made me wonder exactly what they had put in the coffee. Vodka would not be a surprise from the way they were acting.

  Eric could not help but to laugh at them. “They remind me of a bunch of college kids at a frat party.” he cackled.

  The radio was playing a bit louder than it should have been at this time of night. I walked over to turn it down before the cops showed up at the door.

  “Hi kids.” I said laughing so hard that my ribs hurt.

  “Sorry sweetie. I guess we were having such a good time that we got a little carried away.” Mom said trying to catch her breath.

  “Did you guys have a good time?” Eric’s dad asked with a smile.

  “We always do.”

  The next morning Mom was sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee. The cup was bigger than her normal every morning one. I could see the word hangover written all over her face. She looked like crap, but I didn’t dare say anything to her about it. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings.

  I tried not to make any unnecessary noise. From the way she was holding her head I could tell that she had a headache. Being the good daughter that I am, I went to the cabinet and got out the Tylenol. I took her a couple of capsules and a cold glass of water.

  “Thanks Bailey.”

  “Did you have a little much to drink last night?” I asked quietly.

  “Not really, but I guess it was enough to give me a splitting headache.”

  “I guess you‘ll know better next time.” I said.

  “I suppose you’re right. Did you have a nice time with Eric last night?”

  “Yeah. We went to the lake.” I told her.

  She raised her head and look
ed at me in a strange way. I froze right where I stood.

  “Just exactly how serious are you and Eric?” she asked. I swallowed hard, knowing what was on her mind.

  “I love him, momma.” I said hardly controlling my excitement.

  “I was afraid of that.” she replied exhaling harder than I would’ve liked her to.

  I wasn’t sure where this conversation was going. Mom looked like she was going to cry.

  “My baby is all grown up.” she said as the first tear fell.

  “Yeah, I guess so.” I replied.

  I was counting the minutes until I was going to be able to see Eric. He probably was not even awake yet. With all the excitement that happened yesterday, it was a miracle I was even awake.

  My train of thought quickly moved on to another topic, even though, it was hard not to think about him.

  I wasn’t sure what I was going to do this summer. Not a whole lot if I could get out of it. Dad said I didn’t have to look for a job or anything right now unless I wanted to. Truthfully, I just wanted to relax for a while.

  CHAPTER 8

  My parents spoil me I guess you could say. However, I tried not to let it go to my head. I needed to get a job. Having to ask them for money was not my favorite thing to do. In addition, I wanted to be able to buy myself a car. It was going to be a long time before I could save enough for a down payment and without my own source of income; it was going to take forever. I figured that I needed to save at least three thousand dollars. However, with my newly acquired powers, I could just dream up some money. Trying to explain that would be hard.

  The phone rang and Mom got up and answered it despite me telling her I would get it. I guess her headache had eased off some. She was not crinkling her eyebrows anymore. That was a good sign.

  She told whomever she was talking to, she would meet them in town and I assumed she was talking to Dad since he had already left. I heard her hang up the phone.

  “Bailey, I have to go in to town for a bit. Do you need anything?” she said as I heard her car keys jingle.

  “No. I think I’m good.” I told her.