223,000 strikes of Paint

Love weeps

I look at the sky. It's beautiful and cloudy. I look at the temperature on my phone, 75 degrees, and perfect weather for my date with Tom today! I pull out my red matte lipstick and pocket mirror from my purse. I flip open the mirror and bare my teeth, noticing no red teeth stains. I start to apply lipstick. My phone starts to ring, I jump at the sudden loud noise and smear lipstick over my bottom lip and cheek. I roll my eyes and hurriedly fish my phone from my purse. I look at my phone, it's Tom. I smile and quickly answer.

"Hey, babe! I'm just about ready to head to Topps' cemetery!" I tuck my hair behind my ear.

"Listen, I'm going to be a few minutes late. My brother needs a ride to the gas station, and I'll be there to meet you at our spot."

I smile and lean my back against my car. "Sounds great, see you then!" I hang up and grab my makeup wipes from my purse and begin wiping away smeared lipstick. I open my car door, sit down, and swiftly shut the door. I place my foot on the break and start up the car. I begin reversing when suddenly a large crow flies right past me. I gaze in its direction of flight and admire the large birds' fast flying abilities. I head towards Topps' it's not too far, a jump and a skip, literally right down the road from my house.

As I pull up the gravel entryway, I see Tom's car. I furrow my brow and open my car door. I step out and look at Tom. He's standing under the cherry tree where we shared our first kiss.

I grab a teal top out of my car closet in my trunk, along with a pair of jeans and socks.

Sometimes, we swim in Topps Lake, which is connected to the same land as Topps cemetery.

Tom smiles as I approach him. He extends his hand. I grab his hand and smile.

"Raven, I've decided to join the army." I look at Tom, taken by surprise

"You know I support your decision." I give Tom's hand a reassuring squeeze.

"I knew you would" Tom points towards the creek. "We should go for a swim."

I nod in agreement. "Sounds good to me!"

Hand in hand, we walk closer to the lake. I take off my jeans, socks, shoes, and shirt and sit them in a pile. I adjust my bra strap and enter the lake. The water was cold, and I felt goosebumps begin to form on my body.

"Is it cold?" Tom asks.

I turn and nod. "Only at first, I'm sure!" I yell towards him.

Tom runs in the water up to his waist and turns to face me. "I love you, you know that, right?"

I smile at him and pull him closer to me, putting my arms on either side of his neck.

"Of course!"

Tom embraces me fully, I love how I feel when he holds me, I feel protected.

"I'll miss you when you leave for training."

Tom looks in my eyes. "I'll miss you too, I love you."

The sun began to set. I gaze in Tom's blue eyes and smile. "I love you, too!" After a bit of splashing each other, followed by lots of laughter, I decided to head back home.

A month later, Tom had left for training. My phone began to ring, odd Tom's mom. I press the green button.

"Hello?"

'Wendy, Tom passed away."

My heart began to beat quickly and feel like ice.

"Wh-what do you mean? What happened to him?"

"A car plowed into him as he was crossing the street" She began to wail.

"Whatever will I do without him?" I anxiously swallow my spit. My mouth felt dry.

"I love you. It will be okay." I choke back tears. "I have to go."

"I understand, I'll let you know when Services are." I end the call.

I hold my positive pregnancy test and begin to weep.