Kairos

Chapter six - celestial bodies

Halley looked at Reuben in wonder. She was positively shocked, at the fact that she had been at the camp for so long, but hadn't come across the amazing person before her.

She marvelled at how someone could be so intelligent, and passionate, as well as kind, and compassionate. He was simply beautiful in every way, and she felt honoured to have spent time with him.

All of this was only in one evening. One starry night in which they had become so close. Halley wondered what could happened if they spent more time together.

She suddenly realised she would never find out.

Overwhelmed with a sudden sadness, she crashed into Reuben, winding her arms tightly around him. Although hesitant at first, Reuben wrapped his arms around Halley, and buried his face in her neck.

"Thank you." Halley tried to say, but her voice was cracked with melancholy.

"Halley, I only drew on your arm." Reuben stated, slightly confused.

Despite the tears that lined her eyes, she laughed. She drew back slightly, to look at Reuben. "No, silly.  For walking up to me to ask if I was ok, for knowing my name. For everything."

Reuben really wasn't sure what to say, but eventually managed to sputter an: "uh, you're welcome."

A tear escaped the corner of Halley's eye; Reuben brushed his thumb over her cheek, catching the stray tear. "Why are you crying?"

Halley sighed, " it's just that, I get along with you so well; I've never... Clicked with someone so easily."

"But?" Reuben said, a little uneasily.

"But, we all go home tomorrow. I won't see you again."

Reuben's hand found hers; fingers laced tightly, holding the two youths together in the inevitability of separation.

Reuben smiled sadly. "You know, Halley's Comet is only visible to earth for a short time every seventy five years."

"And?"

"And." Reuben continued. "Isn't our situation rather fitting?"

Halley didn't say anything, so Reuben explained further. "What I'm trying to say is, I know we'll meet again. Otherwise you wouldn't be living up to your name, now would you?"

Halley managed a little laugh.

"Ah, there's the Halley laugh I love."

*

The pair lay down again, Halley curled up against Reuben's side.

"Now, let's make the most of what we have left of today, shall we?"

Halley shifted her weight slightly, so that she was above Reuben. He stared up at her face; her eyes were happy, and a shy demeanour tainted her glowing face.
She leant down, and kissed Reuben on the corner of his smile; which faltered slightly, but after recovering, Reuben's smile stretched impossibly wider.

"I'd like that."

She whispered, and resumed her position in Reuben's arms.

***

Celestial bodies: any natural body outside earth's atmosphere.