1992

One

imagine meeting someone who understood even the dustier corners of your mixed-up soul. that's what it was like with Emmett. even during our first conversation, I knew he comprehended all of the tiny and complicated parts within me. mainly because he was a jumbled up, emotional disaster as well. but somehow our jagged pieces fit together perfectly, like a puzzle. and even though we didn't get to spend our lives together or grow old, the love we shared never really died. I'd like to think it was passed on to other immature teenagers who had no idea what they started. still, we I lay here in my death bed, I cherish the summer of 1992. the few weeks it took to fall in love and the few seconds it took to break my heart.
however this may seem, this is not a sad story. it's rather a happy one, if you look hard. in the beginning of it all, there were many smiles and much laughter.
*1992*
my bestfriend katherine was throwing a huge New Year's Eve party and had invited half of the town, including our entire graduating class.
"blaire, I really don't know why you don't just go out with Mason. He really likes you! and let's be honest, you're a little desperate." she asked while applying eyeliner to her seemingly flawless face. katherine was the girl everyone was jealous of: perfect skin, hair, boyfriend, and rich parents.
"he only wants to go out with me to show off to Lawrence after she broke up with him for Chuck. And I'm not desperate."
Katherine expresses a look of annoyance as she set down her eyeliner and examined herself in the mirror.
"you think too much, B." she continued to gaze and judge the girl standing in the mirror, wearing a high necked black dress and black boots. I stood up and walked to the other mirror. I was the exact opposite of her, in looks and attire. I wore a crop top and high waisted jeans. I wasn't looking to impress anybody. my blonde hair hit right about where my shirt ended.
When 9 o'clock rolled around, we headed downstairs to an already full house. katherine rushed off to talk to other friends, friends that we didn't share. Kat was very popular, and everyone wondered why she was friends with me. I headed outside to avoid the crowd. although there were several drunk couples making out in their huge backyard, it was better than being in that house. I sat down on a wooden bench in front of a man made pond, and pulled out 'Annabel Lee' by Edgar Allen Poe and a flashlight from my large purse that was always with me. after about 5 minutes of reading, I heard a shuffling in the grass behind me. I tried to ignore it, but the smell of a burning cigarette began to intoxicate the air. I turned my head, not 90 degrees, and saw a boy leaning against the tree that provided shade for the bench during the day.
"can I help you?" I blurted out, which was completely out of my character.

"no but I do believe I can help you. Edgar Allen Poe? that's dark." he replied.
my first thought was to ask how he knew what I was reading, but I chose to defend my favorite author.
"there's beauty in darkness."i closed my book and stared onto the foggy water. he sat down next to me.
"I'll only accept that answer if we're talking about you." he dropped his cigarette, squished it with his shoe, and sat down on the opposite end.
"wow, smooth." I let out an unflattering chuckle and moved my hand to my mouth.
"his writing is dark, beautiful, and at times smooth. but I prefer 'The Raven' to Annabel."

" 'The Raven' is amazing, but overly popular." I tucked a hair behind my ear and crosse my legs. he looked at me, and put out his hand.

"I'm Emmett."

"Blaire." I took his hand and firmly shook it, then quickly let go. he laughed at my awkwardness and put his arm on the back of the bench. it did not touch me, though it was only but an inch away from doing so.

"blaire, the balls about to drop in New York!" I turned around to see Katherine and her boyfriend Nicholas behind us, asking me to go inside.

"well it was interesting meeting you, Emmett." I grabbed my book, flashlight, and purse, and headed back to the house.
*present*
it didn't seem magical. for anyone else it would be creepy, or possibly normal. but as I got to know him more, the more I grew fond of our meeting. the more it made sense with who he was as a person, and who we were together.