Spring was definitely here, that was for sure. The sun hung in the sky longer, the wind became warmer yet still cool, and flowers started popping out all over. As I wandered down the vacant street, not really having anywhere in mind, I let my mind begin to wonder, and not really to anything in particular. It had been a few weeks after my visit with Gordie, and I hadn't talked to him for a while. I'd catch a glimpse of him around school, and I'd see him with Jenny, and he looked so...happy. It was too cute, and I couldn't help but begin to like Jenny—just a bit. She sat with us at lunch now, and once you got over her excessive smiling and optimism, you couldn't help but think she was such a sweetheart. She really didn't mean any harm, and I truly was so happy for Gordie. He had finally found a light in his dark life; I just hoped this light wasn't going to burn out anytime soon.

Chris and my relationship hadn't changed much—the argument in the tree was soon forgot and buried just as winter had been. I figured I had to trust Chris completely and wholly, or else our love would bee in vain. So I let it be—I was not going to be affected when girls flirted with Chris—I knew he loved me, and I loved him. And that was enough for me. Though I couldn't help but want to strangle each girl who talked to Chris. Ahhh, the wonders of love.

I was actually surprised the streets were so vacant. It was a Saturday afternoon, the sun was blazing hotter than usual, and everyone seemed to be inside. Dust coated the road, and every time I took a stop a cloud of dust would follow in my footprints. My hair was tied in a carefree ponytail to keep the thickness of my shoulders, and my hand-me-down jeans frayed at the ends. It was a hot day, that was clear, and I felt tingles of perspiration linger on my forehead...I was thankful for my light T-shirt—I had contemplated wearing a sweater that morning.

I wasn't quite sure where I was going—I figured my feet cold take me wherever they wished. After a few moments of just wondering around, I found my destination: it was the old park Gordie, Chris, Teddy, Vern and I used to play at when we were just little kids. It was abandoned now; graffiti on the slide, and remains of tires and garbage littered the once fresh area. It made me sad to see the broken swings and snapped slide. I made my way over to one of the swings that was indeed not broken, and I sat on it, snaking my arm around the rusted chain. I wondered what Chris was doing—he had called me earlier saying something about his father and his little sister, but he wouldn't give me details. I figured the usual, and decided to fend for myself for the day. Who knew where Gordie was—hadn't seen him since English yesterday.

A large cloud moved and covered the sun, and I grinned in relief. I was quite sure my usual pale skin was beet red, and I didn't fancy it much. I was quite content just sitting there, kind of zoning out, when I heard footsteps and looked up from the dirt where I was writing my name with my foot. I squinted and saw the skinny and tall figure of Gordie come toward me. He had his hands in his pockets, and his hair was blowing in the wind. He walked over to the swing set and leaned against the pole, grinning at me.

"This is the last place I expected to find you," he said. "So naturally, I came here first."

I smiled and leaned back, beginning to swing. I hadn't swung in a swing for years, probably since I was ten or twelve. I missed being young and carefree, running around, getting dirty, being a kid. Those days were long gone. I smiled reminiscently.

"Can I help you Gordo?" I asked, leaning back in my swing, my hair just above the dirt. Gordie took the swing next to me, and snaked his arm around the chain also, looking at me.

"Just came to see what you were doing," he said. "Seems like we haven't really talked for awhile. Anything new?"

I sighed, shrugged and sat up straight again. "Mmm nope. Nothing what-so-ever. How about with you? Have you asked out Jenny yet, hm?"

Gordie laughed carelessly and I smiled. "Not yet...don't know if I want to. I have a good friend in her now."

Something along the lines of jealousy sparked in me, but I buried the dangerous feeling. No, I was not going to be selfish. Gordie was one of my best friends, I would be happy for him. I loved him. I would not be overcome with jealousy. I smiled tenderly at him as the sun began to prickle my face. It felt hot and heavy, but at the same time somewhat refreshing. Gordie looked over at me and sighed.

"You haven't changed."

I frowned, and looked over at him, confused. "What do you mean?"

Gordie shrugged and kicked some dirt. "I mean you haven't changed—this you've started going out with Chris. I'm glad—I thought you'd start wearing makeup and doing your hair and putting on high heels and being all giggly and girly. Most girls who like Chris do that."

I didn't really know what to say. Sure, I hadn't changed much since Chris and I had been together. I had matured, that was one thing, but basically I was still the same—probably because I just didn't know how to change. I looked over at him and shrugged.

"Is that a good thing?" I asked. It was the only thing that I really thought to ask. Honestly—what was I supposed to say to Gordie's declaration? It was abrupt and quite amusing at the same time, but still very random.

Gordie nodded. "Yes, it is. I couldn't stand it if you changed—please do not change."

I shrugged again and began to swing. "I'm not going to change—I don't know how." Gordie gave me a warm smile, though I don't know exactly what it was for. That was Gordie though...he always had this mysterious way of letting you know you were alright...letting you know you'd be okay in the end. I didn't know if I was going to be okay in the end, but I was okay now, and with Gordie beside me, I knew it could only get better.

"Gordie," I said. "I don't know if me and Chris are going to be together forever. I know that all great things come to an end—is it so wrong to be afraid of what the end might bring?"

Gordie squinted into the bright sky and ran a hand through his hair. The spots under his eyes were burnt red and he looked tanner than usual. Gordie always did get dark during the summer—one of the things I always envied of him. I'd burn—he'd grow dark.

Gordie cleared his throat and glanced over at me. "Lark, I dunno if you and Chris will be together forever. Honestly, chances are slim. But you are together right now. And you've got to live in the moment, or else you won't live at all. Chris loves you. You love Chris. Try not to think of the ending—think of the moment, all the times you and Chris are together. Life's more enjoyable that way."

I sighed. "You're right...it's just scary and hard."

Gordie nodded deeply. "You think if I thought about the end everyday with Denny, I'd have all those great memories with him? I miss him a lot—you know that, I'd do anything to go back and change that night—but I can't. And I'm just glad I had the times I had with Denny and that I have memories. Memories that will never fade. I loved Denny and I miss him—the way he smells, his laugh, that magic he had. But I'll never forget him, and that's just the way it is. I never thought about the end."

I felt tears in my eyes. Gordie was that good. He was a writer. He could bring tears to your eyes without even trying. And it was at that moment, right then, that I felt something I'd always remember years later. I felt that connection, that thing, that told me I'd found a friend that would never leave.

That was the moment I found Gordie...honestly, truly found him.

[Author Note: That was short!! Sorry!! It took me FOREVER to write. I apologize for the delay. One more chapter left!!! I really want to wrap this story up soon. Better to quit while ahead, you know. Well review and tell me what you think! Also—epilogue/no epilogue? Tell me in the reviews. Oh yeah and WE BROKE 100 REVIEWS!!! WE DID IT!!! Heheh I'm so excited. :) Love and Strawberries, The Good Girl.]