Molly smiled her billion dollar smile and took a sip from her Champaign glass. As sales manager she was required to attend the parties Sony threw to prospective clients, even though she hated it. Across the room Serena's husband raised his glass in a semi-salute to her. He was here representing the hospital. Serena was chatting comfortably at his shoulder. The two of them made as good a bargaining team as a couple, for Darien got the deal while Serena made them comfortable.
Molly raised her own glass slightly and looked around the room. Her boss, Mr. Yanagita, was heading toward her with a younger man in tow.
"Ah, there you are Miss Neruda! Have you met my son Yue?"
Yue smiled charismatically, his lively green eyes fixed appreciatively on her.
"A pleasure." Molly said politely.
"The pleasure is mine to meet such a stunning young lady."
"Are you in the family business?" she asked.
"Yes. I'm currently coordinating with the over-seas branches. I'm with the Nagasaki office." He smiled charmingly.
And Molly felt nothing. Finally she muttered a few pleasantries and escaped to the ladies room, which was, thankfully, empty. With a half-sigh, half-whimper Molly sank onto one of the plush couches provided. It wasn't fair. It wasn't fair that she'd ever met him. Only to lose him. Who meets their soul mate at fourteen? Whose soul mate happens to be an evil alien general? Only she would have such spectacularly bad luck. She rose; they were waiting for her out there. The mirror proved her brief bout of heartache hadn't altered her appearance. Briefly she wondered if she would have been better off ugly, for she was reminded every time someone showed interest. Resolutely she shoved that thought aside, fixed her fake smile, and went back to the party.
"Molly, come with us! It'll be lots of fun." After the party Serena and Darien had met up with Rei, Ami, Mina, Lita, and their respective spouses and were trying to lure Molly out for sundaes.
Molly gazed at the happy couples. "No, that's alright. I have somewhere to be. You guys go ahead." The girls grumbled and argued but eventually left Molly standing by herself in the darkening streets. She began to wander aimlessly but even as she did she knew where she'd end up. There. The park.
The trees whispered a welcome to her as she came to the spot. The stars were especially bright. For awhile Molly ignored them, focusing instead upon the tree he'd leaned against, the grass he'd died upon. She felt almost numb inside. But slowly, inevitably the stars drew her gaze. And it's impossible not to feel when one stares into the heavens. The individual stars began to blur in her vision as the tears started. Trying to contain her sorrow she wrapped her arms around herself and brushed the necklace she wore. She fumbled blindly for it with one hand and the catch released, showing the little jewel inside.
"If I had just one wish…" she murmured but she couldn't say it. She would only end up feeling stupid, and hurt, and somehow betrayed.
She didn't have to say it.
And the heavens fell down, the glittering stars floating down like snowflakes, a thousand golden bits of light falling in her hair and on the grass and on the trees
and in her heart
and on to him
and the chocolate parfait he held in one hand.
Author's Note: Feedback is always appreciated!