The Brightest Stars

Annabelle

Out of all the memories that come back to me is one date night with Max.

I remember the feeling of his hand in mine when we were in his car. He had put a blindfold over me and I couldn't stop giggling. I knew that he was smiling at my joy to be with him. He had said it was a surprise. I didn't even see him when he arrived. My sister, Hannah, put the blindfold on me even when I was waiting for him at the door. I remember feeling the touch of his lips on mine and his careful steps when we arrived to this place.

I recognized the sound of the pavement underneath my high heels. It was the street. I knew we were crossing the street. The faint noises of people talking and the sudden rush of breeze as we entered...I knew we were at the Padre Hotel. Hearing him talk in Spanish in his beautiful accent confirmed I was right.

"Please," I said in Spanish. "Can I take this off now?"

I remember the amazing sound of his laughter and the warm touch of his fingers on my cheeks as he took off the blindfold.

The first thing I saw was his handsome image in front of me. That beautiful smile making my heart melt as his lips kissed my cheek tenderly. He wore a very expensive attire. Everyone in there did. I almost felt embarrassed at my simplicity, but he still looked at me as if I were the only girl in that large room.

He could have flirted with any young lady with perfect bodies and expensive clothes. But his smile was only for me.

His blue eyes shined only for me.

His touch, when we danced, was only for me.

Now, as I finish making myself some tea, the only thing I have of that night is a memory. It was a perfect night. I wish it was his hands warming up my hands instead of this hot cup, but he's just like the music that lightly surrounded us on the dance floor in the Padre Hotel. That memory is just from the past of what was once a golden life. All we get are small aspects of those golden years. In songs. In aesthetic structures and clothing.

All I got for his memory is the Velvet business card I stare at as I sit down on the couch. I don't know why I still have it. I've decided that I wasn't going to Spain to study. I wonder if my heart sees this small card as a way to hold on to him.

I want to rip this card into pieces, but I'm too weak. So I just put it back in my pocket and look down at the tea reflecting my numb face in the steaming water.

I don't look up when I hear the front door open and close. It must be my sister coming home from a job conference. She doesn't work in her office but as the best psychologist in the building, her superiors prefer to have her in meetings at least. Zack and Christina joined her tonight since it's like a semi-party for the employers to get together and brainstorm in whatever they do.

Yet, a wide-smiled Kristen comes in and sits diagonal from me on a small seat. She knows the extra key my sister leaves underneath the pot, so she says her excited hello and I give her a small smile.

"So! I came here to give you great news!"

"Mm," I say without looking up from my cup. "What is it?"

When I look up at her, I know Kristen immediately sees through me. She ignores my silent attitude and continues on with her jumpy news. "Do you remember all those UC's you suggested I should apply to?"

"Mhm."

"Well.....I just came here to rub it in your face that...." She takes a fake rose from the small table and pretends to smell it. A reckless shine crosses her blue eyes as she yells, "I got accepted to UC Irvine and UCLA! Woohoo!" Kristen jumps up when she finishes her sentence and does a quick clap following with a small dance move.