I could feel the summer sun on my face. His voice in the distance. The calm water flow from the waterfall. That summer was a summer I’d always remember like it happened seconds ago. The days where we stayed out all day and night doing nothing but having fun. The soft whispers at midnight telling me good-bye. The soft lips against my temple. That was the perfect summer. I had graduated high school as a valedictorian and it was time I had fun. I never knew I’d meet the love of my life that summer.
His name is James and he was the most liked Track runner at my school. I know cliche that I fall in love with a jock. My name is Amelia, everyone became jealous of Amelia Claire. James never paid attention to me when I would stand and speak in front of our class, Class of 2010. Graduation changed that. As I spoke, I looked out to notice James was paying attention. My words had captivated him in some way to where he couldn’t look away.When I was finished we threw our caps in the air, and while I Was talking to Danielle, James came up behind me.
“Hey, Amelia. Your speech was great.”
“Thank you!” At that moment I figured he’d walk away but he didn’t.
“Look I was wondering if maybe you’d like to come to a party” I had never been offered to go to a party “With me?” I must have looked shocked at that point.
“It’s only if you want.” James said while he rubbed the back of his neck.
I guess it is time I let loose and party. “I would love to come”
“Really?” I smile. “Of course.”
He handed me a piece of paper, it was really small. I continued to hug and congratulate others as I made my way to my car. When I got in my car I opened the small paper. Inside the paper says James Lane and his number. Under his number is an address, I’m guessing it was the house number for the party.
The party was for the night after graduation, so I had time to pick an outfit and my makeup out. I text James to see if the party is casual or if I needed something more clubish. He text me back saying it was a party where you wear what you’d feel comfortable in. I walked over to my medium size closet and looked to see what I had to wear for the party. I pulled out a few shirts and tried them on. I finally decided on a black V-neck. I went back and pulled out some skinny jeans, skirts, and tights. I tried on the skinny jeans and I didn’t like the way they looked with the black shirt. I grabbed the black tights and black leather mini skirt, I liked how they looked. I went back once more to look at the shoes. I decided heels wouldn’t be comfortable. I grabbed my leather converse I got for christmas that I never wore. Putting the outfit together it looked great. I put the clothes on my desk chair and put my shoes under the desk. I went into my adjoined bathroom and pulled out my rarely used makeup. I shuffled through the makeup and find my unused liquid eyeliner. I practiced till it was perfect. Then I went and got my nude liquid matte lipstick. I put the eyeliner and lipstick with my clothes. I looked at the clock and realized it was midnight. I turned on music and spread my blanket out, then I got my pajamas and put them on. I don’t remember falling asleep.
I woke up to my alarm saying it was eight o'clock and I got up and went into the bathroom. I looked in the mirror and noticed the same haircut I’ve had since freshman year. I brushed my teeth and went down stairs, I grabbed my keys off the counter. I yelled to my mom that I’d be back soon and close the door. I arrived at the salon and looked at the books on the table. My hair was long and dark, I wanted something so different that they wouldn't be able to tell it’s me. I grabbed a short hair book and start flipping. I pick one out and took it to the lady. I tell her I want to also get it dyed. She took me to the chair and showed me some colors. I decided on grey with purple low lights. She starts shaving the side of my head and I can’t help but smile. I picked a hairstyle that was on a model named Ruby Rose. I pay her for the haircut and dye, then I leave. On the drive home I see an amusement park and I stop. I see how much money I had left and see I had enough for a few rides. I went in and payed for five rides. By the time I came out I had to go home and get ready. As soon as I was in my driveway I saw my mom , she looked worried.
“ Mom, what’s wrong?”
“ What happened to your hair and where have you been! You said you’d ‘Be back soon’”
“ I changed my hair because I’ve looked the same for to long. I also saw an amusement park on my way home and I wanted to ride some rides.”
Mom laughed and I gave her a confused look.
“ Honey I was playing, I love your hair. Now go on upstairs and get ready for the party.”
I ran upstairs and washed my body and sprayed light perfume. I then got my clothes on and makeup. I took one last look in the mirror and smiled. I rushed downstairs and grabbed my keys, kissed my mom on the check. I left the house and headed my way to the party. I found the house easily because it was really lit up. Flashing strobe lights and bumping music that I could feel in my heart. I took a deep breath, a smile never leaving my face. This was going to be a great summer.
I walked into the house and saw James on the table about to speak.
“ Ladies and dudes! Thank you all for coming to my graduation slash summer kick off party!” everyone in the room cheered.
James climbed off the table and headed over to a table of red solo cups. He found one with his name on it and took a sip. I moved out of the way, because people were still arriving.
“ Hey, welcome to the party” I turned to see James.
“ Wouldn’t miss it!” He looked shocked to see it was me.
“ Wow! You’re hair is wow” He looked at my outfit, “ You look ready for a party”
“ I am”
The party was great. Everyone was gushing over my new look and how fun I am at parties. I couldn’t wait to see where this went. The morning after the party I woke up to a text from James, he asked if I’d like to go to a waterfall located in a nook just within the park. I told him I’d love to then text him my address. I threw on my swimsuit, and a long t-shirt to cover. When he arrives I tell my mom I'll be back. It took us fifteen minutes to get to the park. He leads me down a path to the waterfall. When we get there, there was a basket of fruit and chocolate. James looked over and smiled at me, he held out his hand and I took it. He led me over to the basket and we sat on the rocks. That day he asked me to be his girlfriend. It was so sweet for him to set that little date up. There were always little surprises, and when it was time to go to college we worked it out. James’ campus was only a few miles away from mine so we were able to see each other often. At the end of our visits he would kiss my temple and whisper a sweet good bye. The other girls in my dorm asked me for every detail. The said our love was the fairy tale they never had. That summer was amazing. Some people say we rushed it with our marriage but I disagree. In March James asked me to marry him. It was the best surprise, just like when he asked me to be his girlfriend. We were walking on a sand trail. I noticed the branches of two trees had been woven into a heart. When I looked at James he was on one knee. It was a perfect day. I say we didn’t rush, because here we are nineteen years later still together. We still dance at Midnight and instead of whispering good-bye, he whispers a good night. “I love you”.
