"What do you mean you are not going to tell me?" Anthea asked with her familiar pout.
"Easy" I say, "I'm not going to divulge any secrets until we get there.
"And if I say pwetty, pwetty pwease?
Making the cutest puppy dog face, which only she could. My Kryptonite. As she twists slightly in her seat, her head on my shoulder. Breathing in her perfume and the smell of her shampoo. As I lay a soft kiss on her forehead.
"No, no my dear. That is not going to help you none. I really want to stop and give this to you now, but it took some time getting everything planned. And I'm sure you'll like it, I hope." Smiling at her. Feeling the weight in my jacket pocket.
"But you gave me something the day before yesterday", she said. "It was beautiful and thoughtful as always, but having you is a gift enough. Just need a lot more gift-wrap and a little bow."
Smiling at her, as we laughed. Thinking that we have been together for more than five years and it still felt that we were dating for the first time, but known one another forever. We can talk about anything, and sometimes say nothing, but still know what the other is thinking. Just like she was thinking of what was going on, what this gift in my pocket is. Just as I thought of how lucky I am to have met this absolute angel of a woman. Of how I can spend the rest of my life with her.
"What is it? Pwetty, pwetty pwease"
"Let's just say that it has something to do with a circle." Giving her a smirk.
"Circle of life?" She asked
"Quite close I suppose Sarabi, but it's just a circle." Dropping her a small hint.
Watching as she sat back, trying to figure it out. Twisting-and turning on a lock of her deep brown hair. Her green eyes staring through the windshield. Past the rain and traffic. Seeing a small smile forming. The brightness in her eyes as she finally got it. Laughing as she kissed my cheekā¦
That's when the car trying to pass them made contact. It wasn't a big hit. Just enough to cause the car to break traction and start to slide. Stopping as it hit the barrier, then the relief of it coming to a stop. As the car crept slowly towards the road again, nothing able to stop it. Seeing him trying to pull her away, to save her. And then the impact of the van. Screaming of futile brakes on the wet road as the van dragged the car for a few meters. And then the quiet chaos that ensued.
