Forever Mine: G.D.

18

GRAYSON
five years...
five years since i've seen her.
five years since i've held her.

i had to see her again. and that was exactly what i was going to do.

i booked a plane ticket to New Jersey. i knew she'd still be at her farm. she loved that place. no way she's leave it. it's probably not just her, though. probably a handsome husband. maybe a few little Miley's running around.

i sighed as i walked to her house. only a few more minutes. tonight was suppose to be a full moon.
i remembered the promise she'd make.

remembering that that was five year ago, i knew she wouldn't keep it. she would've forgotten by now. though, i wished she would remember.

in only a minute, i stood outside her gate. her house hasn't changed at all and because of "Jones" neatly painted on the mailbox, i knew she still resided here.

i stare at the ranch as evening settles in. it's the first night of the full moon, and for me, the memories will come. they always do. i hold my breath as the moon begins it's slow rise over the mountain, it's milky glow edging just over the horizon.

the trees turn liquid silver, and though i want to return to those bittersweet memories, i turn away and look at the ranch again.

for a long time, i wait in vain. the moon continues its slow arc across the sky, and one by one, the lights in the house wink out. i find myself focusing anxiously on the front door, hoping for the impossible. i know that she won't appear, but i still can't force myself to leave. i breathe in slowly, as if hoping to draw her out.

and when i see her finally emerge from the house, i feel a strange tingling in my spine, one i've never experienced before. she pauses on the steps, and i watch as she turns and seems to stare in my direction. i freeze for no reason—i know she can't possibly see me. from my perch, i watch as Miley closes the door quietly behind her. she slowly descends the steps and wanders to the center of the yard.

she pauses then crosses her arms. finally, she seems to relax. and then i feel as if i'm witnessing a miracle, as ever so slowly she raises her face toward the moon.

i watch her drink in the sight, sensing the flood of memories she's unleashed and wanting nothing more than to let her know i'm here. but instead i stay where i am and stare at the moon as well.

and for the briefest instant, it almost feels like we're together again.