Where: Harmony, Maine - The Bennett's
When : 7:41 PM Thursday, June 15, 2000
Charity looked at Kay and Miguel deeply frowning. For the past ten minutes, she had been watching Miguel from a distance while Tabitha with her strange doll, Timmy, were talking to her about something. About how hot the night was, or about school, Charity didn't know or care. She was just glad someone had taken interest in her. So she nodded and smiled at the old woman at the same time watching Miguel from the view. When Miguel walked over to Kay, she instinctively watched closer; not knowing why, but she just felt warning bells go off inside of her.
When they just stood there and gazed at each other as if the world around them wasn't there, she completely zoned from Tabitha and watched their lips moved. To Charity, they talked slow. Each syllable was a second. Each syllable made her wonder. Each syllable was one too much.
Then it happened.
Her heart literally broke when Miguel held out his hand and Kay accepted it with a smile, making him smile.
A smile he never shown her before.
'But it can't be possible. They are friends, right?' Charity thought worriedly. She never thought too much of Kay and Miguel and their friendship. All she knew about it was that they grew up together and pretty much were inseparable. It wasn't as if they were going out together or something. So what was there to worry about?
But back then, she never had to worry about Miguel.
Lost in her thoughts, she didn't catch Tabitha looking in the direction she was fixated at. Needless to say, Tabitha was suprised to see Kay and Miguel talking and holding hands. She glanced back at Charity who looked about to cry.
'Perfect,' Tabitha thought excitedly.
"Oh, excuse me Charity. I feel a bit thirsty. Do you want anything to drink while I'm at the refreshments?" Tabitha asked sweetly while smiling.
Charity was startled at the sound of Tabitha's voice saying her name. It took her a moment to gather her thoughts as she saw Miguel and Kay starting to walk out of the Bennett back yard. Giving a polite smile, she responded, "No thank you, Tabitha. I'm not thirsty. But, uh, can I ask you a question Tabitha?" She wringed her hands, getting apprehensive of what she just saw.
Tabitha knew what it was, but appeared to be suprised. "Of course dear. You can ask me anything."
Charity slightly hesitated, not feeling comfortable about asking Tabitha this. But she would be the one to know their history. Right? She has lived next to them for God knows how many years.
"Well, it's about Miguel and Kay-" she blurted out.
"Aren't they cute together?" Tabitha interrupted, smiling as their silhouettes disappeared into the crowd, "They would make a nice couple. But of course, you're dating Miguel." she accented the couple, trying to get it in Charity's mind.
Charity absent mindley nodded. "Yeah, they do look good together. You have known them for a long time, right?" she hurried on, changing the subject.
"Since they were about Timmy's size," pointing to her doll.
"So you know pretty much their whole history, right?"
Tabitha nodded. "As much as any neighbor would."
"Could you tell me about them?" she asked quickly, "I never knew what they were like, younger," she amended.
'Hm, Charity wants to know more about Kay and Miguel? This could work to our advantage," Tabitha thought quickly at the innocent blonde hair girl. She had been a bit weary when Tabitha approached her, which for her was unusual. Charity was always sickeningly sweet and perky. Now Tabitha knew why.
"Well, they were inseparable, those two. I couldn't imagine one without the other, back then. It was nearly impossible to get one of them to go to their doctors by themselves. So their families always scheduled them on the same day," Tabitha chuckled, "They gave their families a lot of trouble if they weren't together."
Charity soaked in all the information she was so far given. But she still needed more. "What else do you remember?"
"Let me see... They were always getting into mischief. Not a week went by without an adventure with those two. Usually it was Miguel who got Kay into trouble. People think it was always Kay, but I believe she just went along with what Miguel said. She looked up to him as if he was her hero. As she does now." She shifted Timmy to her other hip and her jewelry clacked together.
Charity was confused. "What do you mean by that?" She didn't like what she was hearing. The words spoken next did nothing to calm her fears. In fact, it became her worst nightmare a reality.
Tabitha spoke the next words as if it could be clearly seen by everyone, including Charity.
"Why, Kay and Miguel obviously love each other very much, Charity."
Where: Harmony, Maine - The Streets of Harmony
When : 7:51 PM Thursday, June 15, 2000
It was a peaceful silence The nothing kind where they never had anything to say and didn't mind at all. The never filled useless chatter in the void; it was rather nice to have some time alone to your own thoughts. However, the tranquility and comfortableness ended with the silence. Inside, their minds were in a maze of chaos. It was as if they were more comfortable with each other than their own selves.
Kay took a quick peak at Miguel, studying his frame. The element of the stars and the light of the crescent moon gave him a mysterious aura. It made her more curious as to what he was thinking. Especially since he was leading her to a 'suprise'. But the thought that haunted her the most was not what he was gong to show her, but what was he going to say? What would he do? What would she say? Would she admit that she loves him?
Could she admit that she loves him?
Kay frowned deeply. She did promise Reese that she would talk to Miguel. Although, she didn't promise that she would say that she loved Miguel, she couldn't help but think that maybe Reese was right. Get it all in the open and see where the wind will blow.
But could she handle the risk?
Could she handle Miguel's reaction?
Could she handle the rejection?
More now than ever, Miguel felt determined. He was suprised that Kay had so much trust in him when she had no reason to trust him. He never felt so relieved when she took his hand. If she didn't take his hand....
He sighed, thanking God that it didn't come to that. Hopefully it would never come to that.
Miguel took a glance at Kay and saw that she was frowning.
"Where are we going Miguel?" Kay softly asked. not that she minded going anywhere with him but she has always been curious about her whereabouts.
"Didn't I tell you that it's a suprise?" he answered amusedly.
"Yeah, but you know, I'm impatient and *hate* suprises," she reminded.
"Like I could ever forget."
"It's easy to be forgotten...." She half smiled sadly. Kay wistfully looked down, sighing. 'Reese is wrong. I can't believe I ever fooled myself into believing that he could actually care about me.' She could have kicked herself for letting her mind wander about "What Ifs?" In reality, dreams never come true; movies, maybe, but in the real world? Never.
Miguel looked at Kay with her head down. He never saw Kay so unhappy. Cranky and bitter yes, but it was just apart of her character. Unhappy, to the degree she was showing, wasn't. He stopped walking and gently grabbed her by the shoulders.
Kay looked at Miguel slightly shocked that he, for once, actually picked up on her tone. Usually, well ever since Charity came to town, he never seemed to know or even to care if she was upset or happy.
"It maybe easy to be forgotten, but you Kay, no one can ever forget. And if everyone does, just remember that I won't." Miguel stated. Kay just nodded. Even if it screamed hypocrital, she was moved by the words as few as they were.
Miguel nodded in approval. "Good, now come on. You're starting to lag behind."
"Me?! I don't lag behind Miguel. It's you who can't seem to catch up to me."
"Details, details," he passed off airily. "Just start walking."
She rolled her eyes. "Did you forget that you're the one leading?"
"Just shut up and walk."
"Geez, tone down the language, Miguel. You're rubbing off of me too much."
"I thought it was the other way around." Their laughter trailed them as they quickly fell back into their familiar banter.
Where: Harmony, Maine - The Bennett's
When : 7:52 PM Thursday, June 15, 2000
"Why, Kay and Miguel obviously love each other very much, Charity."
Charity was dumbfounded. Tears pricked in the back of her eyes as she heard those words in her head. 'Maybe they love each other as a friend! Yeah, that's it. It HAS to be it.'
"You mean as a friend, right Tabitha? I mean, Miguel and I are dating! He can't possibly date someone while being in love with each other!" Charity said harshly, ignoring the small whisper that he could be in love with Kay, "Miguel isn't that kind of guy. He wouldn't do that to me. He wouldn't hurt me that bad," her voice died down to a small whisper.
'This is better than I thought!' Tabitha thought, almost screaming in delight, 'We can finally get Charity over to our side.'
"Dear Charity, I'm sure they love each other as friends," Tabitha began, "But I wouldn't be suprised if it did turn out that Miguel loves Kay." Tabitha said easily, half saying the truth and half lying. In fact, she would be suprised if Miguel and Kay got together. Not because they didn't love each other, but Miguel and Charity were too wrapped up in their own little world to care who Kay was.
Charity opened her mouth to reply, but stopped as she saw Jessica frantically waving at her. She looked like she needed help with the guests. Glad for the interruption, she wanted to think about the information divulged later, she made an excuse. "I'm sorry Tabitha, but it looks like Jessica is having some trouble. Thanks for your time." She quickly left the woman with her doll as she walked towards a frantic Jessica.
Tabitha raised an eyebrow at the retreating girl, but didn't say anything. Timmy did it for her. He came into 'boy' mode and gave a questioning glance at Charity.
"Timmy wants to know why his Princess told Charity that Kay and Miguel were friends. Timmy is grateful for sparing sweet Charity any heart ache, but why?" Timmy asked. He heard everything that was said, and longed to hold Charity as her heart broke for that idiot of a boyfriend Miguel.
She looked down at Timmy. "Oh please, Tim Tims. I wasn't sparing her any heart ache! In fact, I just made it a whole lot worse!" She cackled lightly.
"Timmy is confused. How did Tabitha make it worse?"
"I planted the seed of jealousy and doubt, Timmy!" Tabitha proclaimed proudly. Still, Timmy had a blank look on his face. She sighed, clarifying, "You know how the tombs said that in order to bring Charity over to the dark side, Miguel needs to be killed because of their 'destined' love and all that bull?"
Timmy nodded. "The brat can't obviously be killed so what's the next best thing?"
"Timmy doesn't know, Tabitha," Timmy said after a while in thought.
"Have them break up you dolt! It will send Charity over to our side if she doesn't have Miguel! Or better yet, lose him to Kay, her own cousin. It's obvious that Miguel cares about Kay, Timmy. Just think, with that wooden head of yours. We just have to make sure that Kay and Miguel get together and *BAM*! Charity loses it, not that she had very much in the first place."
"But Timmy is still confused. Why didn't Princess tell that to Charity, then? Why did you let Charity think that they were friends?"
Tabitha rolled her eyes lovingly at her doll. He was perceptive, but an idiot. "Because it will work to our advantage even more if we don't push it. The seed of doubt has already been planted; all we have to do is watch while it grows and festers, and then we'll go in for the jugular and I can get my powers back!" She concluded happily.
Timmy shook his head. "Timmy doesn't think it will work. Besides, why would Miguel want Kay when he can have sweet and loving Charity?"
"Oh hush Timmy," Tabitha shushed, "Your Charity won't be sweet and loving anymore once she is on our side, you know."
"Timmy wants Charity to be happy. She doesn't deserve this. Miguel is an idiot for ignoring her for Kay, the mean witch." Timmy said vehemently.
Tabitha rolled her eyes. "Tim Tims, save it. Everyone already knows you like Charity over Kay, but have you ever thought the whole world likes Charity, as sickening as she is over Kay?" Tabitha shook her head. "I don't know how Kay does it, living with her."
Timmy ignored her. "I don't know how anyone can live with Kay. Poor Charity, she doesn't know what her cousin and boyfriend are doing behind her back. I can't watch what ever happens."
"Well, I can," Tabitha said amusedly, "Oh the fireworks, Timmy! But Kay and Miguel aren't doing anything just yet. Maybe never," she shrugged, "That doesn't mean we won't let Charity believe it."
Timmy sighed. Tabitha was right. Fireworks would be putting it lightly, but she was right nonetheless. Staring at Charity longingly who was talking to Jessica, he shook his head in pity at the three, even Kay. He had a feeling that everything would never be the same if Kay and Miguel got together. It was a weird one since he never really *felt* as in fore shadow, but as Tabitha looked on in glee of the prospect of getting her powers back, he just got the feeling that something big would happen.
And he was right.
Where: Harmony, Maine - The Suprise
When : 8:22 PM Thursday, June 15, 2000
He led her slowly down the steep hill as they made their way to the suprise. He had gently wrapped his left arm around her waist while she in turn, wrapped her arms around his neck for support.
"Miguel?! Can you please tell me where the hell you're going? Or can you at least take this stupid blind fold off? I don't like not seeing where I'm going." Kay irritably fumed as she almost lost her footing, again.
When they reached the entrance of whatever it was, Miguel underhandedly took out a blind fold from his pocket and asked her to wear it. Kay had never been to big on blindfolds since the birthday disaster with the pin the tail on the donkey. Needless to say, she didn't pin the tail on the right donkey. It took a lot of weaseling from Miguel, but he finally got her to agree to wearing it.
"Kay, we're almost there. Come on, we came all this way. Could you at least hold on for another five minutes?" Miguel pleaded with her.
"Oh no, Miguel. See, right now I'm blindfolded so you can't make me give in to the 'poor pitiful me' look. You know I can't resist that and I can't believe you would be so sneaky to even stoop that low," Kay mumbled half angrily.
"Well, if I stooped that low, it must be a good surprise, right? I wouldn't go all these lengths and listen to you complain for nothing you know," Miguel responded half jokingly. In all truth, Kay has always been independent. She just didn't like to be handicapped.
"Yeah, well Miguel, it better be good or otherwise you're gonna get it from me. I can't believe I even agreed to this." Kay said, but secretly she was glad she did. They were talking as if nothing had changed As if everything was the same as always. That made Kay content, but not overly happy. They were talking back and forth like they used to; him always cheering her on and she always brought him down. They were opposites, yet the same.
"Kay, you know no one can resist the old charms of the Lopez-Fitzgerald men," Miguel said matter of factly.
"Wanna bet?" Kay knew it was true; at least for Miguel, but she'd never hear the end of this if she didn't deflate his ego soon.
"Better watch it; I'm the one who is leading you. You can't see remember? For all you know I'm leading you over a cliff."
"Are you?"
"Not exactly."
"Stop joking. Then what's the point?"
"Just keep quiet."
"I never could do that."
"Well then, you'll learn."
"I don't learn too well."
"You will this time."
"Miguel, no one can say what I will or won't do. Not even you."
"Miracles do happen."
"To some, maybe, but never to me."
"Never say never."
"And never say it will happen when it won't."
"Wanna bet, Bennett? It's proven that miracles can happen."
"You better watch it, Miguel. You're already skating on thin ice because of this stupid thing."
"Just keep quiet. Didn't we say something like that already?"
Kay shrugged. "We think alike?" She started to itch off the blind fold around her eyes.
Miguel grabbed her hand away from the blind fold and answered, "Sometimes.... Don't cheat Bennett."
"Hey! I didn't cheat! The blind fold was starting to itch." Kay adamantly replied. Yes, she had a history of peaking at suprises, but she really did try not to rip it off from her head. It really was starting to itch, anyway.
"Yeah, sure it was Kay. I don't know why you would want to take it off since we're here." Miguel smugly answered as he gazed at his suprise. There was a small doubt that Kay would run away and scream, but most likely, she would remember the night, long ago. He worked hard on it in the few hours he had.
"About damn time. Now can I take this stupid thing off? Or do you want to me to suffer?"
"I would choose suffer, but I'll let you slide this time Bennett."
"Oh how gracious of you." Kay sarcastically said already ripping the blind fold off, "With friends like thes-" She gasped and stepped away from Miguel as her brown eyes gazed around the familiar place. The itchy blind fold was worth to see it again. Noting was said for a while as Kay was overwhelmed with emotion. It was a perfect night to see the old childhood place.
They were standing at the edge of a cliff, which ironically Kay said they were heading a while back. The summer rain in Maine, gave the grass it's lushness and soft green color. On one side of them, lay a forest where trees covered the view of Harmony. The other side was a small slope with a dirt path for anyone to go down to. There was a small cliff's edge a few feet away from where they were standing and it's view was magical.
Harmony's small, fresh water river flowed calmly along and it's bank was littered here and there with small daisies and violets. A proud standing tree was tall and wide as it was leaning over the river. A few feet away, hidden from Kay's view, was a pair of swings of the shade red connecting to the tree; worn, but still usable. Everything looked new and untouched to the world. It was a shame that something so beautiful would get torn down, but it was. Kay thought they had scheduled it for today, but it looked like she was wrong.
Kay was stunned into silence. Good or bad, Miguel couldn't see from where he was standing. As the seconds passed by, for the second time that night, he awaited for Kay's answer. He couldn't stand this silence. Kay's stance never wavered. If he didn't know any better, Miguel would think she was a statue.
"I told you miracles do happen. You kept quiet for more than five seconds," he softly, but nervously kidded as he watched her from behind. When no response was heard, he continued. "I guess I won the bet, huh? Told ya I could teach you to be quiet." Still, no answer.
"I guess you hate it. I'm sorry I didn't mean to drag you here, Kay. We can leave if you want. If that's what you want." Miguel cautiously said with a sinking heart. He didn't want to make her upset at him. But he had been so sure she would lov-
"Of all places, Miguel," she interrupted, whispering, "Of all places." It was so quiet that he could hear the response; he would have missed it easily. However, he wanted to miss it. Miguel immediately regretted ever bringing her here. 'Looks like she hates it. Way to go, Miguel.' He gulped back and stated over again, "I said we could leave if you wanted to. We can leave now. Just say the word Kay."
"Leave Miguel? You think I want to leave this?" She pointed to the landscape with her back still towards him. He ignored her, his thoughts were louder than she was.
"This was a bad idea. I know that now. I'm sorry I brought you here, Kay. You hate it; it's obvious. Damn, I'm an idiot right?" Miguel said, stepping closer to her. He reached out to touch her, but at the last moment, retreated his hand back. Resigning, he sighed, tired and defeated. "Let's just go."
"No!" Kay yelled, whipping around to come nose to nose to him. Miguel looked at her, eyes questioning. Softer, but firm Kay responded, "I don't want to leave Miguel. I want to stay here," Kay hesitated on what she was about to say next, "With you." The hard, sarcastic frown was removed and in it's place was soft smile that made Miguel's heart leap. He let out his breath slowly at her words of admission and smiled at her.
"I, uh, thought you hated it by the way you were being quiet," he said seriously. To his suprise, Kay laughed. She laughed even harder by the confused look that settled upon Miguel's face. It was so funny that just yesterday she was bawling her eyes out over him since he didn't care and today, he showed so much concern, *he* was concerned for her liking what he did or hated it.
"Kay, are you okay? What's so funny?" Kay tried to calm down, but little snickering filtered in and out.
"You are, Miguel. You're being ridiculous. Hate it? I love it Miguel," she said seriously, "I love anything you give me, Miguel. It's a guarantee that will never expire. But this," She walked away from him and spun around, giddily, "This I love! How did you do this? I thought they were clearing the area for some new building."
"They are, but since you are the police commissioner's daughter, and I am the brother of a cop, I used a few strings and delayed this until next week."
She shook her head and giggled. Kay didn't giggle, which made Miguel more confused than ever. Giddy and giggling, are not the words to describe Kay, which was what she was now. Not that he was complaining; a giddy and giggling Kay was better than a sarcastic and bitter one. "You're amazing, you know that? I can't believe that you would go through the trouble, Miguel, and think I'll hate it."
"I'm really amazing, aren't I?" He broadly smiled, agreeing.
"I'll let that comment go this time and I won't ever repeat this," she kidded, "But yes, you're something else Miguel."
She smiled at him gratefully. "I needed this, you know. And you gave it to me. Thank you."
"You don't need to say thank you, Kay. Just seeing you smile is enough. You never smile a lot," 'But you will now,' Miguel silently added.
Kay looked at him shocked. It was her turn to be confused. "You noticed?" She didn't try to hide it. It was true; she never smiled a lot. She never had anything to smile about. Well, not a lot anyway. His smile disappeared, and the joking that was in his eyes a second ago, was gone. The wind started to play with her, ruffling it slightly making it billow beneath her. Her eyes held a playful look while on her face was suprise. She looked beautiful. 'She has always been beautiful,' Miguel noted. No, she was always that. She looked.....
Different.
"I notice everything about you." Miguel said softly, coming towards her. He said it so smoothly; his eyes flickered with emotion so fast, Kay didn't know what he was thinking. She could always read him; he was easy to read. Everything he did, Kay knew it before he did. But now she didn't have a clue-
"You do?" She asked nervously.
What he was going to do.
Kay held her breath as the gap between them became smaller and smaller. She felt as if her life was in slow motion. Her heart thudded against its ribcage and she could feel the blood rushing from her head. He was so close. So very close. Something had changed. The energy had shifted. Kay didn't notice anything but Miguel. She didn't think a coherent thought. She couldn't think even if she tried. Suddenly he was very close. His body heat radiated off from his skin and she could smell his skin. It smelled like him. Clean, easy going, and a bit.....
"Yes," he whispered.
Dangerous.
Kay slowly exhaled the breath as everything started to come into focus. "Yes, what?" Kay asked. She was suprised she could even speak, let alone breath.
He was fixated on her eyes; so trusting, so warm. It was a moth to a flame. He didn't know he was getting to a dangerous point. Warning bells were going off left and right but he ignored them. Miguel felt as if he was in a trance.
Kay's trance.
He leaned a little closer, as her eye lids lowered in anticipation and she leaned upwards toward him.
Where: Harmony, Maine - The Bennett's
When : 7:45 PM Thursday, June 15, 2000
Reese couldn't help hiding the grin as he saw Kay and Miguel holding hands. He never thought it'd be so soon, however. He just hoped that Miguel wouldn't raise her hopes and break her heart, again. He frowned slightly at the possibility of it. He was sure that Kay and Miguel would work out, but he couldn't help but think he could be wrong.
'Nah,' Reese shrugged off. He was right; he was sure of it.
Besides, he worked real hard to get Kay even have to admit that she had feelings for him, which was a feat in itself. There was no way in hell they wouldn't be together after that.
As they walked off, Reese felt his belief affirmed. He turned around, happy to see that Kay would finally get Miguel. Then he caught glimpse of a familiar blonde staring longingly at Kay and Miguel. She looked so sad as the older woman beside her with her doll was talking to her, as if she knew what was happening.
Charity.
He had forgotten about her.
Although Charity was never his favorite person, he didn't hate her and she didn't deserve this. She had been through a rough year, and the support that she always had was holding hands with another girl. The same girl Reese was helping at the same time.
Either way the triangle went, someone was bound to get hurt. Charity or Kay; neither one of them deserving. But the simple fact was that there was only one Miguel. There could only be one girl that he loved. Reese was so wrapped up in his thoughts, he didn't notice the person standing beside him.
"This is a mess," she said while folding her arms, "I hope Miguel knows what he's doing."
Reese turned to Simone suprised. "What is Miguel doing? You sound as if you know."
Simone looked at Reese and almost had a heart attack. "Oh my God, is that you Reese? What the hell happened? Who did this to you? HOW did they do this to you?" Simone, in character, asked ignoring his questions. She admirably looked up and down at him, taking him in.
There was faint amusement on Reese's face as answered. "In that order, I got a 'make over', Kay, and I have no clue." He shrugged uncomfortably not liking to be gawked at, but understood.
"I'm sorry Reese. It's just that you... You look.... Put it this way; you look different. Kay certainly did a number on you."
"Yeah well, she had a good subject, but that's my opinion," he said smiling, "But why did you say you hoped Miguel knew what he was doing?"
Simone bit her lip and quickly thought up a lie that would make Kay proud. She didn't want to lie, but Miguel made it clear that it should stay between the three of them, until further notice. "Well, you see, I don't want, uh, Charity to think that something is going with Kay and Miguel."
Simone turned away and pointed at Charity. "She has been acting funny lately and I think that Miguel is the problem," she half lied. She did think that Charity was acting funny, not cheery as she should be, but she didn't know nor did she care if Miguel was the problem.
Reese nodded. "I guess Miguel is finally realizing what an ass he has been to Kay."
Simone frowned, a bit wary. "I just hope we don't have some messed up love triangle that should be on Jerry Springer," she looked at Reese, suddenly remembering, "Oh I am so sorry Reese! I'm such an idiot! I forgot you're still in love with Kay and here I am going about Charity's feelings when I forgot about yours."
"Ah, don't worry about it Simone. I got over Kay a long time ago. Thanks for being concerned, though," Reese said dismissively.
Simone studied Reese, feeling a bit bad for him. "You know, you're my friend too Reese. I care about what happens with you. Just know that okay?"
Reese put his arm around her, touched by her concern. "Same here, Simone. Same here."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Where: Harmony, Maine - The Suprise [Nevaeh's Peak]
When : 8:22 PM Thursday, June 15, 2000
"This is not your suprise," was what he said lightly, whispering in her ear.
He immediately stepped back away from her, and rakishly combed through his hair with his hand. She opened her eyes up as she heard his voice and felt coolness in the spot he was standing just a minute ago. Kay never felt so hurt; she was so sure that he was going to kiss her. All the signs were there. She wrapped her arms around herself, studying the moving water. She stood stock still, waiting for something to happen. Kay knew it was Charity he was thinking about. 'It's *always* her,' she thought bitterly, 'Why should you think it will ever be you for once?'
Miguel blinked slowly, trying to figure out what had just happened. One moment, they were laughing and joking around. The next, he was one inch away from her. He didn't know what he was about to do, but the way she just looked; vulnerable, trusting, so trusting, drew her to him in a trance like state.
He could have kicked himself the way Kay stood, alone and hurt. It would be so much simpler if he could show her, instead of telling her. 'God, I did it again,' he thought to himself. He inhaled a breath of air as the few uncomfortable silences they have ever shared, settled.
"Kay, would you like to see your real suprise?" Miguel asked her with the courage he still had left.
It took a moment for Kay to bring herself out of it. She tried to replay the moments events in her mind, but everything was muddled. She remembered his steps. A soft rhythm, growing louder. She remembered the heat. The body heat that had radiated from his body as he stood inches away from her. She remembered the way he looked at her; Kay couldn't decipher what emotion it was. All she knew was that her heart was beating faster, an amazing feat since it was already at its fastest pace when she was always near him. She blinked once and looked up at Miguel.
"Yes, I would like to see my real suprise Miguel," she said detachedly. It was easier to be detached; she needed to think things on her own. To sort them out.
Miguel was bothered by the emotionless tone of her voice, but didn't say a word. "Come on then. Let's go." Miguel said as he took Kay's hand. They quietly strolled down the slope, nothingness being their conversation. That is, until Kay broke the empty silence.
"Your hand is warm." Kay quietly questioned, "Why?" It was a simple question she asked. But in it was a loaded one. Kay wanted to know why. She needed to figure out everything.
He didn't give in the urge to pull it away, as he faltered for the answer. Kay just looked so angelic and peaceful, it made him to be edgy. Usually, the tables were turned and he was calm while she was always on edge. He licked his lips, contemplating. "I guess I was nervous," Miguel finally admitted.
She looked at him, confused. "Why would you be so nervous Miguel?"
"You." The word just popped out of his mouth. Miguel didn't need to think about it twice. It was her who made him to be on edge tonight. It was her who made him the most relaxed. It was just her.
"Me. Miguel, you don't have any reason to be nervous around me," Kay said. She was suprised by his answer somewhat. She had been sure it would have been he had been worried about Charity and felt the need to leave her, again.
"Do I?" He asked softly. Kay looked down on the ground, unable to answer. They were nearing the river on the other side of the willow tree. The leaves crackled and shook as the continuos wind swept by. Unlike the soothing breezes that they felt already, this one was stronger than the others. It felt like fall instead of the beginnings of summer. It was then Kay heard the familiar creaking of swings. Not just any swings, but the swings from long ago. She could already hear the laughter and the sides of mouth twitched in a sad smile in remembrance. She shook her head, drifting into territories she didn't want to go to just yet. But Miguel seemed to have different ideas because he lead her closer to the tree.
'It can't be. It just can't be,' was all Kay thought as she saw a peak of flaming red. Familiar red. She stepped away from Miguel, peaking a bit closer to her left. Kay needed to see this for herself, and Miguel obliged. Taking unsure steps, she saw them. Two swings, both the shade of fire engine red. The ropes were made of ringed metal and the seat was a sturdy wood.
The closer they got, the more stronger and familiar the place was.
"....Believe...."
Memories started to seep into Kay's mind. Standing at the foot of the river, she stared at the pair of red swings.
"Do you believe, Kay?...."
She closed her eyes, unaware of Miguel looking straight at her. The world she knew disappeared. She could see the little children happily playing on the swings, laughing. A little girl and a boy.
"I believe...."
'I believe.' She opened her eyes; the memory passed at quickly as it came. Reality hit her hard as it never did before. Tears formed in her eyes and the world became foggy again.
"Do you want to cross the river, Kay?" Miguel softly said unknowing of the emotions going through her. She pondered for a bit. To cross the river meant to cross back into a world where she never touched in her mind. It was too painful in her mind, so how would it be if she did it in the now?
"Yes," she said unknowingly. It came automatic; her mind screamed no, it would be too painful, but something inside her said yes. He stepped up to her and tugged on her arm.
"Come on. We'll take the bridge this time," he said while Kay merely nodded. She followed him to the bridge as she everything started to become clear....
The little girl looked unhappily at the swings as her friend jiggled one of the swings back and forth, checking for its sturdiness. It was night and they weren't supposed to be here. Their Mom and dad both said specifically that this place was off limits. But of course, he defied them and dragged her along, again. He always was after the 'unforbiddens.' Anything that was off limits, they had to try at least once. She was wary of him, but she happily agreed to anything he said. That was just the way they were.
"Miguel, why are we here? We're gonna get in trouble if we get caught," Kay cautiously said. She didn't want to sound like a wimp, but in her nine year old mind, trouble was a bad thing to get into; even if you don't feel good.
"Why do you always have to say that, Kay? You need to loosen up a little," a nine year old Miguel replied.
She crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "Because, you idiot, we always do. When didn't we ever get caught?"
Miguel shrugged. "I dunno... Maybe we won't this time?"
Kay just shook her head. It was funny; she should have been used to it by now, but she just couldn't help but go along with what he said. "Why do I have to be in trouble with you? I'm always in trouble already."
Miguel gave a toothy grin; he had lost his tooth two weeks ago. "Because you're my best friend. 'Sides what else would you do? Play with your dolls?" Miguel taunted, sweetly. Immediately, Kay's eyes narrowed. She hated being called a girl. Not that she wasn't one, but it has always made her be the odd 'man' out in the boy's games.
"I'll show you who is a girl." Kay said, defiantly. It was just what Miguel wanted.
"Good," he said, nodding his approval, "Now come on, and help me with the swings." Kay quickly obliged and helped her friend, laughing and talking about school and baseball.
They had found this place back in the spring that was strangely called Nevaeh's Peak. It was a small uncharted land that was apart for Harmony for ages, but unknown to most of the citizens. Kay and Miguel couldn't find why since it was beautiful. Lush grass was soft if you took off your shoes as they did just now. It wasn't stiff as some over watered grass. The water was pure and clear and flowed softly along creating a music of it's own. Crickets chimed in their bit of music being nature's viola's and night birds sung the sweetest songs; glorious and unaware of anyone around them. If you listen closely, the place was an opera of music. Everything and anything adding it's own piece to the song.
The willow tree was filled with pinkish-white flowers that had bloomed earlier in May. It leaned forward to the water as if watching it's own reflection in the river's bend. Suspiciously hung on the tree were a pair of red swings; the only burst of color that appeared anywhere in Nevaeh's Peak. It's nature that was untouched by the merging city life that Harmony was slowly coming into. Although, one may wonder who would actually cultivate such a place and not flaunt it; it was near perfection.
"There! It's fixed!" Miguel yelled happily as he pushed one of the rickety swings. Kay looked on apprehensively as her best friend started to climb onto the swing.
"I still don't know, Miguel. Maybe we shouldn't do thi-"
"Girl," Miguel interrupted simply as he began to push off. Kay came pouncing on the swings at the comment, and began to swing in rhythm with Miguel.
"I'll show you who's the girl, Miguel," Kay promised as she stared at the water beneath her. Okay, so she was slightly scared; she never had been a big fan of water, let alone swim in it. But if Miguel said the word girl one more time....
"Didn't change much, did it?" Miguel asked Kay as they made their way to the tree. They had just crossed the bridge and slowly walked in silence as the vision of the tree became clearer.
"Hm?" Kay asked as she mentally shook her head out of the memory. "What did you say?"
"I asked if the tree didn't change much," Miguel quickly answered, "Where were you? You seemed as if you were in another world."
Kay shook her head and quirked her mouth. "Nope. Just in another lifetime."
Miguel stopped at one of the swings. "Which?" Kay had been in deep thought and while he didn't want to disturb her, he wanted to know what was going on in her head. She had been really quiet when they were walking.
She waved her hand, dismissing as she got on the other swing. "Don't worry about it. It isn't important; it's in the past." She paused and added, "Where it should be."
Miguel just accepted it as he carefully looked at Kay as she began to swing back and forth. She had taken the bun out of her hair earlier and let her hair loose. It floated softly around her as she gained speed. Kay herself closed her eyes, and she began to go higher.
And higher.
And higher.
Her body lurched inside and tightened at the extent of the heights it was being pushed to. But she didn't care. It felt good to be care free as if the world was perfect. Kay slowly opened her eyes and everything just hit her all at once. She could see the wind if she squinted hard enough. The trees were getting closer and her feet looked high above the ground. She loved the rush. Kay dared to look up at the stars which look like a twisted mix of sun rays and pure black. It was dizzying, but she still stared at it; hypnotic to it's brightness. She put one hand out. Kay would have smiled if not for the force of gravity that was in on her. The sensations were all too familiar...
...stars...
...touch...
...believe...
Believe.
Kay smiled happily at the night stars. It was one of the reasons why she was a night person. She could stare at the stars all day. Wishing, hoping, dreaming. Her Mom once said that the night sky was a gate way into Heaven and God made little holes in it for them to give them a view of it. She was memorized; whether what her Mom said was true or not. It still didn't take away the magnificence to her. She pushed higher and higher, putting one hand out, trying to grab one of God's little window's of Heaven.
Each time she came back to earth, she would push harder. Yet the stars were out of reach. A frown creased her small face as with each push, hope to grab a star dwindled. Then she just stopped. Putting her feet on the ground, she stopped the swing to a halt. Quietly, she continued to stare at the night sky, wondering.
Miguel had noticed Kay's fixation on the sky. He never knew why she was so in love with stars. But he accepted it. Kay was different from the other girls he had known. Especially his sister Theresa who always found tea parties more fun than playing mud puddles with him. He wasn't swinging as hard and as fast as Kay, keeping his own pace. It was more fun watching Kay swing than it was for him to do it.
So that was what he was doing. Watching Kay on the swings. She was like a moving blurb for lack of a better term. Miguel could see Kay, but she was so fast and so high, he almost gave up trying to keep up with her. That is, until she stopped. For a while, he just thought Kay wanted to take a break.
But she never started up again.
~*~ Time is never time at all
Kay just continued to look at the sky with a questionable frown on her face. Miguel didn't like it. It seemed a bit more off; more wrong than it should have been. The silence was deafening; Kay made no move to tell him and he guessed that he would have to do it.
"Kay, why do you stare at the stars?" Miguel asked. It was a stupid question, but he needed to know. Kay turned at him, suprised to see him there. She was startled by his voice, but it was a welcome distraction.
"I don't know why. I guess I always wanted to catch one," she simply answered. It seemed good enough, but it didn't answer the rest of questions Miguel had.
"Why do you wanna to catch one?"
She shrugged. "Mom said to me once that it's a gateway into heaven and that when you catch one, you can see God and all his angels. I guess I always wanted to see for myself."
~*~ You can never ever leave
Miguel still was confused. "So why did you stop? You can't give up."
Kay paused for a long while, contemplating. Why did she stop? Finally, she just shook her head. "Cuz, I'm never gonna catch one. It's too outta of reach."
It was Miguel's turn to stop and think. Kay, at the moment was just twisting around in the swing, seeming to have no care in the world but he knew better. It hurt him to think that she would just give up on something. It was obvious to him that she wanted to get a star. No, she would get that star. He believed in her. She could get anything she wanted if she put her mind to it.
"Don't say that Kay. You'll get your star and it'd be the biggest and most brightest one of all," he adamantly said, straightening his back. It was true.
~*~ Without leaving a piece of youth
"Ya think I can reach the star, Miguel?" Kay said with slight hope in her voice. She looked back at the stars; it still looked out of reach to her. The doubt came back to her and she frowned once again.
"I believe you can, Kay." Kay whipped around to face him. No one ever said they believed in her before. Until now, at least.
"You believe in me, Miguel?" she parroted. Kay needed to be sure.
~*~ And our lives are forever changed
"Of course I do. You could catch as many stars as you want Kay," Miguel said smiling, "It's never out of reach."
The words settled in her. 'You could catch as many stars you want. Miguel believes in you,' she repeated to herself. Soon enough, the words began to take shape. Hesitating, she slowly started to swing again. This time, she was more careful and cautious. Miguel looked at her approvingly and she was filled with more hope. Then he started to swing also; in rhythm to her until they were both at the same height.
"You think so Miguel? You really think I can catch a star?" Kay asked quietly. No one ever said that she could do something. Well, something that she wanted to do.
"I believe you can Kay. You just have to believe in it too. All you have to do is close your eyes," he closed his eyes in effect, "Pray, and then believe." He said it so simply; so innocently it would have been laughable at any other moment. But his eyes. His eyes held a certain determination and caring for her. He seemed to believe it. And she believed it too.
"Come on Kay! You can do it! All you have to do is believe!" He shouted above the wind. The words were jumbled to Kay; she couldn't hear well with the wind rushing past her ears, but somehow she got the meaning. She closed her eyes and she believed.
Believe....
The ground started to take shape as Kay suddenly stopped it. It was too much. Nothing, everything. It was just too much. She was high one minute and the next, she felt like crying. Right then, she felt the latter. She looked at the sky and the stars as a lone tear fell down. Kay quickly swiped it away and turned her head away from Miguel.
~*~ We will never be the same
He had seen her cry before; the very few times in her life that she did cry, he was always there. But it still didn't make her feel any less stupid for crying. Crying was weakness; a weakness she couldn't handle or stand. But Kay didn't have to worry about Miguel not noticing. She took a quick glance over her shoulder and saw that he was lost in deep thought. Miguel seemed to be as lost as she was. All he was doing was staring at the water.....
~*~ The more you change
~*~ The less you feel
Believe....
Can she believe?
She didn't get the star.
It was too far up, she said.
Tears were forming in her eyes when she said it.
She really did believe that she would get the star.
But she didn't....
~*~ Believe
"Kay, just because you couldn't get that star now doesn't mean you'll never reach it." Miguel wisely said, "All you have to do is try harder next time and you'll get it. You'll see."
"I don't think I'll ever get a star, Miguel. It's hopeless. I never get what I want and this time is no different," Kay sniffed sadly, "You shouldn't believe in me Miguel. It'd get you nowhere." She truly meant that. Kay didn't want Miguel to go cheer for her while he could do more important things. More important than her.
~*~ Believe in me,
"Nope. I won't do it, Kay. So what if you didn't get the star this time? So what if you couldn't reach it? You can always try again, Kay. You'll get the star. I will always believe you will."
~*~ Believe
And he meant it then.
The tides were changing. Nothing was the same. It would never go back to the time where everything was new and right. No, Miguel shook his head, it could never be the same. Their friendship had changed. Maybe he was to blame; maybe he wasn't. But one thing always remained the same.
He never stopped believing in her.
Miguel meant it then and he meant it now.
He turned to look at her, her head turned away from him. The only sounds that he could hear where the squeaking noises from the rusted swings.
The question was now, did she believe in him?
~*~ That life can change
~*~ That you're not stuck in vain
Kay snorted at Miguel. "Oh please Miguel. You may always believe that I will, but I know I won't. Who cares about catching a star anyway?" Kay huffily replied.
"You did, Kay," he said softly, "You cared."
"I shouldn't have. It only happens in fairy tales, Miguel. I could never catch a star. I shouldn't even be thinking about that. Geez, I would turn into your sister Theresa. She always believed in that kind of stuff."
"Yeah, well at least Theresa believes. She may never get what she wants, but she believes she can."
"But I'm not Theresa and I don't believe in fairy tales and all that crap."
Miguel paused. This was not the way to get through with Kay. She hated to be compared, especially to Theresa. He couldn't figure out why since they were more alike than they'd like to think.
"You wanted that star didn't you?"
Kay gave a slight hesitation, but shook her head madly at the last moment. "Nope."
"Yes," Miguel countered. 'Bingo!' he thought to himself.
"No."
"Yes."
"No!"
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
"NO!"
"Yes."
"Yes."
"Glad you agree, Kay," Miguel said with a smart smile. Kay groaned, hoping the trick would work. Of course, he was the one who taught it to her, but it was worth a try.
"Enough jokes Kay. You wanted the star. You'll get it."
Kay rolled her eyes in true fashion. "All right. Fine. Can we please go?"
Miguel ignored her last comment. "You always give up easily Kay. You try and when you fail, you just give up. But the thing is, you can win. I believe in you Kay. All you have to do is believe...."
Believe....
~*~ We're not the same
~*~ We're different tonight
"Do you still love the stars as you used to?" Miguel asked Kay.
"Stars?" Kay repeated.
"Yeah. I remembered that you always seemed to stare at the sky for something." Miguel said as he started to swing.
Kay chuckled sadly. "That was a long time ago Miguel. But yeah, I remember my 'love' for the sky." She twisted around in the swing, spinning.
"But do you still love it?"
~*~ Tonight,
~*~ So bright,
~*~ Tonight
She never really thought about it much. "Yes, I still do some way, but I'm not gonna go to try and 'catch' a star," Kay laughed, "Do you know how ridiculous it sounds now? I mean, when everything is wrong with the world, all I wanted to do was catch a tar." Kay looked up at the sky, shaking her head. "I was foolish to think I could get a star. It's impossible."
"I wouldn't know about that Kay. Nothing is impossible; but it may seem to be. And you weren't foolish to think you could get a star. Anything is possible when you're that age," Miguel said easily.
"And everything is impossible when you're at our age. You can't drive, you have no freedom, you can't vote. Well, I wouldn't want to vote, but still.... You can say you CAN vote, you know? Like you're old enough to do stuff, but you don't want to," Kay laughed.
"I guess I'm not making much sense, am I?"
"You did to me."
Kay started to swing again. "I just wish I didn't grow up, you know? Life was much easier when we were little. Why do we need to grow up, anyway?"
"Because it's a thing called life. We grow and change; we can't stop it even though-"
~*~ And you know you're never sure
~*~ But you're sure you could be right
"We want to." Kay finished. Miguel nodded in agreement. Then it was quiet for a while; no one made a sound unless you count the creaking of the swings and the swishing of the water. Kay was in silent bittersweet rapture; it felt right to be with Miguel. But it felt so awful knowing that she couldn't be the one for him. Why couldn't she be the one for him?
~*~ If you held yourself up to the light
Miguel absentmindley twiddled the strings of his shirt. If she remembered, she didn't let on. It was important that she'd remember. That was the reason he brought her here rather than anywhere else. It was a perfect place to remember the good times. Especially on this night. Kay didn't feel anything; from what he had seen so far anyway.
Although, he did get a little rusty in the department for reading Kay Bennett. She was an enigma that he seemed to be the only one to crack so far. Then she closed herself up even tighter than before. Her face wasn't as expressive and as readable to him as it used to be. He was at fault for that; he knew he was. Which was why he brought her here. He was pretty sure that she'd open up a little, if not a lot. In any case, he needed to know.
"Kay, did you remember the last time we were here? Before our parents found out when we were nine....."
Kay felt her whole body freeze in mid air as it descended back to earth. She thought that he forgotten about that, so she didn't mention it. Of course she remembered it. She remembered every single word.
~*~ And the embers never fade
~*~ In your city by the lake
~*~ The place where you were born
"Do you believe in me?" Miguel quietly asked as Kay's clouded eyes cleared over. There was no answer, but he knew she heard the question. Once again, he repeated, "Do you believe in me Kay? Like I believed in you?"
"It was a long time ago Miguel. You can't tell me that it hasn't changed," she answered back purposely ignoring the question.
"It hasn't."
~*~ Believe
~*~ Believe in me
~*~ Believe
She stared at Miguel, angry tears forming in her eyes. "D..Do..Don't do that to me, Miguel. Please do not do that to me," she stuttered.
Something cracked. Miguel felt it. Determination out weighed the instinct that he felt. He wished he could hold Kay, to comfort her on coming tears, but he couldn't. Not yet. "Do what Kay? Tell you the truth?" He too stepped off the swing and walked to where she was standing.
Her hands were shaking. Kay's hands never shook unless she was afraid. "Didn't you just told me that we grow and chang-"
"But my feelings for you haven't, Kay."
~*~ In the resolute urgency of now
"How do you know, Miguel?! How do you know that your feelings never changed? Hell, how do you know that MY feelings for you haven't changed?!" By then she was shouting. Everything just came tumbling out. 'Why did he have to do this to me? Why?' There she had said it. She risked it all on the line; Miguel was sure to find out that she was in love with him. Kay unconsciously held her breath as she stared at Miguel. Face to face and eye to eye. One week ago, she would have been ecstatic. One week ago she would have dared to kiss him and hoped to be kissed back. One week ago, she wouldn't be wishing he was gone and that she was alone. If only she didn't have to go through with this. If only....
~*~ And if you believe there's not a chance tonight
He implored her eyes, trying to uncover as many mysteries about her as he could. He felt like shit doing this; he couldn't stand to see Kay cry. But they needed this. They needed it to rebuild the remnants of their friendship but needed to destroy the ghosts that haunted it.
~*~ Tonight,
~*~ So bright,
~*~ Tonight
"Because Kay, we're Miguel and Kay, Kay and Miguel. Never one without the other remember? I didn't forget it and it now seems I have to remind you," he stepped closer to her emotion growing in his voice.
"You Kay Bennett, will forever be apart of my life. For better or for worse, whether you like it or not," his mouth twitched into a smile. "I never stopped believing in you, Kay. That's because you were the strong one. The one who has been there. The one who has seen me at my worst and at my shining moments. You're the one who beat me up if I gave up. The one who pushed me till I was at my limit. Kay, you helped me, when even I thought there wasn't help. You've been the one stable thing in my life. The one person who would always believe in me and the one person I *never* stopped believing in."
"You remember the stars right? When you looked at the sky with your beautiful brown eyes full of tears, I knew that I couldn't stand to see you cry. Like you are now," he gently used his thumb to wipe away a stray tear on her right cheek, "When you said that you couldn't reach the star ... when you thought you'd never get one, I knew that you needed to be helped. I knew that you were giving up. The one thing you never allowed me to do. You give up so easily Kay...."
"Because I have DAMN well good reasons to give up, Miguel!" she shouted angrily. Miguel didn't understand; he didn't get it yet. She wouldn't get sucked back into this trap again. She couldn't. Not the second time around. She cursed Reese's words. It had gotten Kay here in the first place; the place she didn't want to be in. Kay felt trapped; in a circle with no way out.
~*~ We'll crucify the insincere,
'I can't stay here. I have to get out of here,' she screamed in her head. Kay jumped off the swing in mid air and landed feet first, sort of disoriented. That gave enough time for Miguel to mimic her moves and grab her by the shoulders. She immediately tensed after his touch and was ready to bolt.
"Get OFF of me Miguel! Let me go, I don't wanna stay here! Please, let go of me." She wrestled in his hold wildly as he tightened his grip on her. Miguel was so much stronger than her now and it wasn't as easy as it used to be to get out of his holds. The more she twisted, the more he held her. 'He's holding me... I have to get out of here.' Miguel was getting too close to her again. She let him get close to her and look where it got her. Broken hearted and alone; she hated to feel like that.
~*~ Tonight
"Why can't you let me go! Dammit, Miguel! Leave me the fuck alone! I don't need this okay?!" Kay yelled on the top of her lungs. "Why can't you let me go? Why can't you leave me alone?!? I don't need to remember about the past."
~*~ We'll make things right,
"Yes, you do Kay. You have to listen to me Kay. Just for once, please listen?" He pleaded with her as her hits started to soften and her shouts started to became louder. Doubts came surfacing in his mind as Kay, while the punches were futile, came powering on. He was sure to have bruises but for the moment, he was just worried about her.
"WHY Miguel?! Why did you drag me here? Why are you doing this? Can you hear me? I can't stay here, please, if you were my friend you wou-"
~*~ We'll feel it all
"Are," Miguel corrected.
"What? What do you mean are?"
"You said 'if you were my friend.' It should be are," he answered simply.
~*~ Tonight
Suddenly Kay felt tired. Extremely tired. She slowly sunk to the grass, her body worn from its exertion. Miguel came down with her also, still having her in his embrace. He silently stroke her hair as her breathing became regular again. Kay was still tense, but she ran out of steam. 'I give up,' she thought to herself, oblivious to Miguel. 'It's obvious no one is gonna leave me alone.' But there was still a questioned yet to be answered.
~*~ We'll find a way to offer up the night
~*~ Tonight
"Why are you still here, Miguel? Why are you always here when I don't want you here?" Kay asked tiredly. She ringed her hands and huddled unknowingly closer to Miguel.
"Because that's when you need me the most, Kay. I don't leave when someone needs me," Miguel quietly responded. He sighed a bit confused by what had transpired. Kay's sudden mood swing made him dizzy. Everything he had done was by instincts and not the careful thoughts. Everything he has ever done with Kay was always about instincts. He couldn't think or he would miss it; the it being Kay.
"If there is no one on your side, just know that I'll always be here. I'll never leave you and I will never purposely hurt you. I couldn't even if I tried. You mean a lot to me Kay. I don't know what I would do if something happened to you," he sighed as he thought back about her depression, "and if something ever did, I'll be there. I wouldn't forgive myself I wasn't there to protect you; to help you; to hold your hand and hug you when you need one."
~*~ The indescribable moments of your life
~*~ Tonight
The soft lullaby of his voice made Kay very sleepy. She yawned and as Miguel continued on. Everything felt fuzzy now. It was as if she had ran on pure adrenaline and suddenly came to its end. Kay could hardly keep her eyes open, let alone listen. He said something about forgiving and never leaving... The remembrance began to dim somewhat as Miguel whispered to her. Kay would never remember the words being said to her as her eyes slowly became heavy. Miguel didn't notice that Kay was on the verge of falling asleep, so he continued on.
"I missed you this year. A lot has happened to us and I know we drifted apart. And I'm mostly to blame. Please, don't think that Charity replaced you. She will never replace you Kay. No one could. You may never know this, but you taught me so many things about myself. Patience. You could never have enough patience with you around," he silently chuckled, "Loyalty. You never left me Kay. Not even when I treated you like dirt. Forgiveness, because time and time again, you forgave me when I needed it. You taught me how to look at the world as it is and see everything at face value. Kay, you always made it clear to me that earth was our home and I needed to stay on the ground."
~*~ The impossible is possible
~*~ Tonight
He paused and finally settled on the thought, "I think you also taught me how to love. You seemed to love everything with a ferocious quality. I've seen you when you defend something that you believe in and you didn't give a damn whether or not it was the right thing or wrong. If you believed in something, you defended it with everything you had. I guess it rubbed off of me, sort of. I looked through your world Kay, and as ugly as you make it seem, there are a lot of things in the world that are right and that needed to be protected. And you, are one of them. As long as I'm here, breathing and walking, I will always be here. You can shove me away, you can chew and yell at me, but you wouldn't get rid of me. You couldn't; it would be impossible." Miguel stopped and looked down at Kay to see her reaction. There was none.
"Kay? Are you awake?" Miguel asked. She just mumbled something incoherently and snuggled in deeper in his arms. He would have laughed, but he didn't want to disturb her.
"I guess not, huh? Doesn't matter anyway; all that matters is that you're here. So I answered your question, but you didn't answer mine. Maybe you never will. But I won't push it. I just wonder if..."
~*~ Believe in me
"Yes," Kay mumbled in a dream like state. Miguel looked at her, slightly disturbed. "Huh? What do you mean 'yes'?"
~*~ As I believe in you....
She smiled thinking it was a dream. It had to be since never in real life would she be in Miguel's arms half listening to his sweet words. "Yes, I believe in you, Miguel. I've always believed in you." With that, Kay dropped back into dream world. Miguel gave a half smile at Kay and placed a tender kiss on her forehead and saying a small thank you to her. He looked around Nevaeh's Peak and could hear the laughter and children's voices of past. It had been a long day and it's test on their friendship and faith was nerve wracking.
Tonight was a night that would forever be shared and remembered.
Yes, she believed. She at least, believed in him as he did her.
Maybe it didn't go as planned.
Maybe it could have been better.
But tonight, was a glorious night to Miguel. It gave the possibilities of tomorrow and what may be.
It didn't matter to him that his best friend didn't hear a word of what he said. Words meant nothing; actions did.
Miguel began to bring Kay to the willow tree and gently placed her by the foot. He silently laughed as she mumbled something about not getting much sleep and waking up on a Saturday morning. He would wake her up soon. It was time to go home and leave Nevaeh's Peak. He just wanted to stay here for a few more minutes and recollect. Miguel felt as if the world was finally coming together. It wasn't the best of outcomes, but it was a good one. He learned a lot about himself today. He never knew he could feel desperation as he had when he held out his hand. He never knew he could feel a neediness as Kay said what she thought about the suprise. He never knew that Kay believed so much in him rather than her.
Miguel didn't know he could feel so many different things at once. He didn't know how much he invested himself into Kay Bennett. A dangerous wild card that could change at any given moment. All he knew was that tonight made tomorrow look a whole lot brighter. It just made him wonder what the world had in store for them.
As he woke up a groggy Kay, who was wondering why the earth was moving, and carried her on to the bridge and out of Nevaeh's Peak, he believed that whatever was in store for them, they would fight it together.
And they did.
~*~ Tonight, Tonight