Regrets For Ages

A Distant Raven

I hummed the distant melody of a song forever forgotten by my peers. Forgotten by everyone, really. 

Back when I was younger, I heard of this thing called broadway. I always wanted to be on one of those stages, which was why I entered the choir in grade school.

I found out about broadway in 2009, when I was 8. Mom took me to Beetlejuice that year, she said I would like it. 

I don't know why, but the idea of a weird girl meeting dead people and a demon really got a kick out of seven-year-old me. So much so, in fact, I see it every year on opening night and listen to the soundtrack on repeat. I love it as I love myself.

I now relate to Lydia more now than ever. I miss my parents. Dad's dead and so is Mom. I hate it sometimes, but what can you do.

Opening night was approaching. April was my favorite month this year. I entered my PayPal on the website for a ticket when Olli walked in. 

"Hey, are you gonna come out of your room anytime soon? My mother and little brother are coming on a Skype call in a few minutes." He plopped himself on the edge of my bed, his gentle touch moving across my quilt. 

"Yeah, in a minute. I just gotta finish buying this ticket. Opening Night is coming up soon and it's my tradition to go every year since I was eight." I told him. His face contorted into something more confused than optimistic. His total demeanor had changed that first day. His gentleman self was gone around me and it seemed to only come out in front of NaNa. 

"What are you talking about?" He asked me, cautiously, as if expecting a rant.

I pointed across the room to my signed poster of Beetlejuice, my most prized possession. "I got this when I was seven and met my idol for the first time. My mom grew up on Broadway and brought me to Beetlejuice's opening night in 2008. I met Sophia Anne Caruso that day and it convinced me to only get to Broadway, but see that musical every year. Ever since I've been with NaNa, she's never gone with me because of her boutique..."

Oliver's face flushed red and said: "You want me to go with you? Then we could get some ice cream or something and explore NYC for a weekend. What do ya say?"

"Like a romantic getaway? And a date, or two, or three?" I felt my face heat up and my ears burn. "You can't be serious, Olli!" I said, exasperatingly.

"But I am serious. Completely serious. I'm spending the next three years, and maybe the rest of my life with you. This is a great opportunity to get to know the woman I might fall in love with." If our faces could get redder, they did. 

"I, uh..." I thought about what he said before finishing. "Sure. I'll buy you a ticket. We'll sort out everything else after I meet your family." 

"Sounds great!" His goofy grin made a return, this time, complimenting his very red cheeks. "I can't wait to get to know you, Ro." He skipped down the hallway and headed toward the family room, where his laptop rang loud and clear with the fact that he had missed several Skype calls from his mom.

I bought a second ticket and slammed my laptop shut. I stood up in front of my vanity and carefully combed my hair in a half-pony. 

I heard Oliver shout from the couch. "Ro, you coming?"

"I gotta make a good first impression! I'll be there in a minute."

To be completely honest, I only said this so I could tell him I needed to finish freaking out and calm my mind first. 

I'm glad he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. I'm glad he wants to get to know. I'm glad he wants to help me and better my future. 

I'm glad I met him.