Growing Up

The Big Day

“Hey Johnny, you ready for tonight?” He held my hand while we walked to the field. His hands were my safety, when there was no where else to turn. I looked up into his eyes, he wasn’t himself. There were so many sides to this guy, he wasn't just all-star, he wasn't just a doctor, he wasn't just the love of my life, he was complicated.

“Mills, I am gonna really miss this place. The people, the memories, the fun.” He was in one of his serious moods, I learned over our time together that it’s better just to listen. Its times like this where I wanted to kiss him, but the butterflies had gone flat, like the wind. Today was stagnant, there was no movement it was just us on the field. The bleachers were hot, the grass was cut clean, and new lines were painted from field goal to field goal. “Milly, this is for you. Will you wear it tonight?” He handed me a black box, ‘Jared’s’.

               It was a beautiful diamond pendant. Tears flooded my eyes, I wrapped my arms around his neck. He held me in his arms, I felt the sun boil on my back, but nothing would make me let go of him. “You didn’t have to.” He was still his neck tensed and I knew it was going to be one hell of a night.

               “I wanted to. You mean more to me than the world. I—I. . .forget it. I gotta go get ready for tonight.” He was hiding something, not telling me something, all I knew for sure is there was something else on his mind.

               “Thank you.” I let go of his neck. He got up, dusting off his pants, taking a quick look at the field. It was going to be a blood bath. ‘Johnny just tell me you love me.’ He jogged down the metal bleachers and went to the locker room.

I swung the necklace in the air, the sun catching every diamond, shining brighter each time. I put it on my neck and walked down to the grass. ‘No more games’, the wind whispered past me hitting his letterman jacket. I walked away, through the open hallway, where they’d be running through tonight. Their last game, his last chance.

 ‘FRIDAY NITE LIGHTS’

               I went to his house, a few hours before the game and Lila opened the door. She seemed to like me enough when I first me her. She was tall and beautiful, his whole family was. She had green eyes like her mother and that same dark hair like their father, her physic was toned and all around amazing. She was lead in her church choir and helped the needy in her spare time. I guess this time I was the needy.

               “Lila, I have a serious question.” She turned off the TV and her big green eyes were on me. “but its about Johnny.”

               “I’m guessing you wanna know why he hasn’t told you that he loves you yet. I see he gave you the necklace.” She was one of the most observant people I’ve ever met.

               “Well yes. Actually.” I sat on the floor looking up at her. She was fixing my hair for tonight’s dance. I didn’t even like dances, but anything to put that award winning smile on his face.

               “Well he’ll tell you by graduation. He has this plan. The necklace. All the men in the family buy it for the girl they. . .well you’ll get it. While the girls buy a ring for the guys.” She leaned over her hair falling so effortlessly with her.

Her eyes were full of so much wisdom and honesty. Honestly I envied his whole family; they were so beautiful, graceful, witty, intelligent, resourceful, kind…etc. “Milly, trust me if I know my brother, he loves you more than anything. You truly mean everything to him. So don’t ever worry or doubt yourself.” She ran her fingers through my hair, turning and twisting it, finally she was done.