Jude
"Ladies and gentlemen, this chapter in your life has closed and a new chapter is about to begin," Principle Macintosh announced. Silence fills the air on this bitter-sweet occasion. "Four years ago you all were small freshman roaming the halls without aim nor purpose, now I look at you and I see adults who have successfully navigated through high school and are ready to take on the obstacles that will inevitable arrive, with grace and maturity…"
As the principle continues to address the graduating class, I glance over to Connor from a couple rows over, who meets my eyes. The tassel from my graduation hat dances across my cheek in the breeze. Even without words, Connor and I can still interact with simple gestures…sometimes just a look. The sun hits Connor's eyes in such a way that it illuminates the myriad of hues ranging from green to brown, and every shade in-between. I chuckle lightly to myself and feel a slight ruffling in my stomach when I see the watch that Connor is wearing. Connor loves watches, though he never actually uses them to tell the time and I tease him about it more often than I'd care to admit…but this watch…this is the watch that I bought him, myself.
(-.-)
I tackle Connor's shoulders from behind, startling him in the funniest way. Giving him a massage by rubbing my thumbs into his shoulder blades, I whisper in his ear, "Guess what I got you?"
"I hope it's a kiss…I think I deserve one considering how you literally scared the book out of my hand," Connor playfully complains.
"Better," I gleefully respond. I pull a watch out of my bag and snake my hand around his waist to show him. Softly kissing the nape of his neck, I fumble out, "…what do you think?" I flip Connor around by the shoulders so I can see his reaction. His eyes light up as a warm smile creeps across his face…the same smile with which I fell in love.
With child-like exuberance Connor exclaims, "Jude, I love it…what is this for…I feel bad now…I didn't get you anything in return."
"Don't worry about it," I happily explain, "I saw this watch in the mall and I thought of you…and I know how you love watches…plus I don't need a special occasion to make you feel special…" I stammer, slightly trailing off and blushing. Connor pulls me in close for a long embrace. He's taller than I am, so I only go up to his neck, but I don't mind. His familiar scent of pine and teenage musk reminds me that I'm home.
(-.-)
After the close of the surprisingly long graduation ceremony, families are still mingling about. Maneuvering through the crowd, I find Lena and Stef who promptly embrace me in an inviting hug, "Congratulations, Jude! We're so proud of you, hunny…we all are," Lena warmly says.
"Yes, Jude, if the rest of the gang were here, they'd say the same thing…they send their regards by the way," Stef chimes in.
"Thanks, Moms," I respond, "…have either of you seen Connor around?"
Pointing in a vague direction, "Yes, I believe I saw him over there a little while ago," Stef says straining her eyes to find him.
I eventually re-unite with Connor and proceed to reminisce and laugh about the good times we had in high school.
One Month Later
"Judeeeeeeeee," Connor blurts out drawing emphasis the "e," "where are we going?"
"It's a surprise…you'll love it. Trust me," I retort determined to keep the element of surprise. "Okay…..now open," I proclaim proudly! Connor slowly opens his eyes to find a meticulously laid out picnic, complete with a few cold Bud Lights - Connor's favorite brand of beer; I myself don't drink that often…but I'll do it if I'm with him. Up here in the mountains is one of Connor's favorite places to go, and I can understand why: the breath-taking view of the ocean whose waves crash methodically into the shore and a vast forrest humming with wildlife still leaves me in awe…San Diego looks so peaceful from this far up. The scent of mint fills the atmosphere, since they grow all over the place up here.
After enjoying our meal, we both lay down on the grass, gazing up at the sky - it's now twilight. Still staring into the sky Connor ponders out loud, "D'ya think that there's anyone out there…ya know…like something bigger than all of us?"
"…you mean like a God," I clarify?
"…ya…maybe…I don't know…."
Still staring into the distance I articulate, "Honestly I have no idea…but I choose to believe in God because it makes me feel better…though I have no proof-"
"ya, ya, I totally get it…"
"I choose to believe that everything happens for a reason, you know…I choose to believe that I met you for a reason…and I thank God…or whoever for bringing you into my life…" I turn to Connor and smile.
"Well, I choose to believe that if something is meant to be, neither time, distance, nor space will be able to keep it apart," Connor replies clearly echoing Jude's syntax in a lightly sarcastic, yet completely genuine way.
We share a brief kiss. My eyes are closed, just experiencing the other sensations: Conor's warm breathe, the blades of grass tickling the sides of our cheeks, the faint songs of seagulls in the distance, and the aura of mint from the plethora of plants on this mountain side fills my nostrils. Connor breaks the kiss, returning his gaze to the sky. I study his profile, his expression, every nuance on his skin, and his golden hair in the sunset's glow. One of the many things that I adore about Connor is his wonder, his curiosity, and his excitement in life. I soon follow Connor's lead and shift my eyes back upon the heavens. I could stay here forever.