Chapter Five
Stretching her willowy arms in the early morning, Jeanette yawned, awakening for another school day. She brushed her brown waves from her dainty face and tucked them behind her ears.
"Jeanette! Where did you put my new sweater? I need it!"
"Okay Brit, calm down. I'm coming." Jeanette swung her legs out of bed and walked towards Brittany's tall dresser. Her satin nightie's spaghetti strap slipped off her shoulder as she fumbled around the drawer in search of the sweater. Jeanette paused to look down to replace the fallen strap but caught movement through the window in her periphery.
Apart from the glorious morning light, a darting person was making their way from the Seville home to Mrs Croner's house. Jeanette's fingers slowed as she gently grazed the strap back across her arm and up to rest over her collarbone. Attentively, her body turned to face the window with mauve eyes glued to the figure outside. The view of Simon jogging with his backpack on made a shiver run up her spine. He looked broader in the shoulders and had the wide chest of someone who was no longer a boy.
Stop staring Jeanette!
Spared the enormous effort to tear away her gaze, Jeanette saw Simon go into the house and out of her sight. A large huff escaped her chest.
Mrs Croner's heavy door opened a fraction, then was opened fully.
"Yes? What is it Siegfried?"
"Uhh, hello Mrs Croner. I've come to give you back the glove."
A rare smile spread across Mrs Croner's face until remembering herself, she snapped at Simon. "Good! You took so long about returning it! Now let me see it."
Simon began to fumble to remove the glove.
"Not here, are you mad?! Come into the house at once." Mrs Croner turned into her corridor with Simon now following her into the lounge room.
"Well? What do you think of it? What can you tell me?" Mrs Croner gleamed proudly.
Simon slowly placed the large jar from where the glove had been kept onto the low coffee table. Mrs Croner had sat on her lounge suite, her hands clasped with anticipation.
"It was… an experience. I feel like I've been on a rollercoaster, but I'm ready for it to end. I do think it works Mrs Croner – you are a remarkable inventor."
The older woman's eyes glinted with delight, "Indeed. So, what is next for you Siegfried? I expect you have some things you need to do."
"Yes. I think so." Simon wondered how much detail Mrs Croner knew about his time wearing the glove. He started to remove the glove very carefully.
"You think so, or you know so?" Mrs Croner quirked an eyebrow.
"I know so."
"Well of course you do. You best be off to school then, no sense in keeping Jeanette waiting."
Simon looked up at Mrs Croner from opening the jar, his eyes widened.
"Now, now Siegfried – don't you worry, you still have your privacy. I only feel things, not see them!" Mrs Croner shooed him before beginning to pet one of her ginger cats on the sofa.
Slightly flustered, Simon left her to herself and tried to focus on the day ahead of him.
The end of day bell went, and Eleanor's green eyes flashed up from her locker in search of Theodore's return. As usual, the sweet chipmunk was faithfully making his way in earnest to her side and planted a kiss on her soft cheek.
"So Theo, can you believe we're graduating next week?! It's just so unbelievable! I hope we made the right decision with the culinary college."
"Of course we did Ellie! We looked at the best options, and we got in! I think I actually owe it to you though, I never would have even tried to apply for the best one in the state!"
Eleanor narrowed her eyes slightly. "Theo, you have what it takes to do whatever you love and be successful at it. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise! Now. Should we head home?" She nuzzled into his neck lightly.
"Yeah, I'm ready – but I don't know where the others are though…" Theodore squeezed Eleanor's hand in his while glancing around. Just as he brought her hand to his lips, the chipette smiled lovingly at him.
From a distance, Simon was walking with his backpack slung over one shoulder. He'd already packed all of his work with him and only had his English assignment left to finish before the finals fast approaching. Simon had glanced up in time to catch sight of his little brother kissing Eleanor's hand. Their open affection was nothing new to see, but something within him stirred a little bit differently this time.
Envy.
If it wasn't a new feeling, it was at the very least a long held sentiment finally being acknowledged.
This envy washed through him like a flood, and caught a hold deep in Simon's chest. Through the spiralling emotion, he pictured Jeanette's small delicate hand in his own and preciously lifting it to bestow a tender kiss– her eyes twinkling at the bold gesture as they undoubtedly would.
Reality interrupted the daydream when Simon looked down at his own hand, instantly remembering that the glove was now gone. Its memory ghosted over his fingers until he could almost feel it there. The naked hand instinctively clasped Simon's right hand, and then something seemed to click inside.
He slowly shook his head. This won't do. Not anymore.
Without any more dawdling, Simon marched up to his brother and Eleanor, ready to get home as soon as he could. His assignment was waiting. Trust was now outweighing the fear.
"Hey Theo, Eleanor. You guys go on ahead without me today, I'm just going to the library for a bit this afternoon."
Theodore looked at Simon curiously, noticing an energy that was odd for simply going to the library- a usual pursuit for his brother. However, Eleanor was already nodding her head in response. "Sure thing, Jeanette's gone there too – we'll see you later on then."
Air instantly caught in Simon's throat at her words. "Oh, that's great, I wanted to ask for her help in English anyhow… well, bye guys." He turned around to face the tall ornate library building, missing seeing Theodore and Eleanor share a smirk.
The library building was exceptionally large with an air to it, usually providing a calmness whenever Simon saw it let alone worked in it. However, today was different. It almost loomed over him, casting a shadow as he walked towards the dark entrance. Simon nervously cast his eyes to the front windows, knowing that Jeanette would likely be sitting in her usual study table spot.
The studious chipette was reading over a workbook, blissfully unaware of the sudden spike in heart rate she'd caused her friend who was gravitating towards her.
Quietly as rosebuds, talk to thin air
Jeanette's fingers were poised on the hovering page she was reading, awaiting her wonderfully focused mind's cue to turn it. Simon breathed in for strength.
Love came so lightly, I knew not it was there
The gleam shone in Jeanette's eyes as she saw Simon walk through the heavy library doors. His entering her sphere stoked her embers, and she couldn't help but light up at his appearance. An occurrence that happened anytime or anywhere.
Quietly as lovers, creep at the middle noon
Sitting in close proximity together, the sharing of thoughts, ideas, and care was mirrored between the pair as they look at the other's work in progress.
Softly as players tremble, in the tears of a tune
After packing up, Simon's mouth had gone completely dry when he began to ask Jeanette a question. "W-would you like to go for a walk? We could go past the river… together?"
The sheer rawness in his voice was enough to cause her heart to skip a beat.
Quietly as lilies, their faint vows declare
The wind blew through Jeanette's brown tresses, making her a vision to Simon who helplessly stood beside her. As she looked from the bridge at the dull water beneath them, a gentle hand brushed her skin while smoothing a flying lock of hair behind the shell of her ear. Jeanette's mauve eyes widened from what surely must be a dream, and slowly turned towards the soft touch to find out for herself.
Came the shy pilgrim, I knew not he was there
As Simon's left hand began to withdraw, Jeanette quickly reached up before she could think. Their eyes locked. But with a mind of their own, their hands met and began to lower together. Could it be? The instinctive twining of fingers echoed the tension of the feelings in their chest.
Quietly as tears fall, on a wild sin
Simon turned to face Jeanette fully, still connected at their hands. She stepped closer and slowly leaned forwards.
Jeanette's breath grew shaky, but she wouldn't let go.
Softly as griefs call, in a violin
"Jeanette? I… want to.. tell you something..." Simon found himself saying. With his thumb pad, he instinctively caressed her knuckles -almost begging Jeanette to read his feelings and to please, please be okay with them.
"Yes, Simon?"
Without hail or tempest, blue sword or flame
This was it. Gradually, Jeanette's hand was carefully lifted to Simon's lips, but once again – she was too lost in gentle blue eyes on hers that she hardly noticed. A light kiss was placed on her delicate hand, framed by the intensity of his gaze above.
Love came so lightly, I knew not that he came.
There was a pause.
Then with a sweeping motion, the two chipmunks alone on the middle of the bridge embraced frantically with a kiss. All at once, Simon's hand was resting on Jeanette's chin to tilt her up towards him, while her arms glided around his torso.
Both of their minds were awash with the sensations that filled what was left of conscious thought ability. Jeanette and Simon held their position, both refusing to end the aftermath of erupting feelings. To just be.
For that endless moment, they were one. Their rippling reflection in the river below them was now shimmering brightly, no longer left in the shadow.
Graduation day had arrived with the sun shining onto the eager students sitting in rows, wearing their bulky mortar board hats for the occasion. The culmination of years of effort had evolved to this signifying ceremony. The end, but also a new beginning.
The softness of Jeanette's hand resting in his still felt surreal to Simon. He would bring it to his lips to immediately feel the thrilling joy peppering it with kisses brought him. Simon peered at Jeanette by his side, then leant in towards her doe eyes.
He loved seeing her look at him like that.
"Are you feeling ready?" Simon whispered.
Jeanette relaxed into a smile. "I guess so. I'm glad you're with me though."
"I am but your humble servant, my Lady Valedictorian." He tipped his head towards her.
Giggling quietly at Simon's bow, she shook her head and looked back up to the glossy podium in front of them. Never had Jeanette felt so at ease before giving a speech to so many students. Granted she'd come a long way over the years in practicing public speaking, as well as feeling gradually more secure within her own skin. But having Jeanette's best friend newly turned boyfriend to help boost her confidence was a secret weapon that was hard to beat it seemed.
Or maybe she was still flying high from the rush of ecstasy in being so ardently adored by Simon.
Jeanette recalled the morning that had just passed with a thrill.
Simon had pulled her hand to the side walk away from the others, meeting her eyes which had begun fluttering at his sudden intensity. He paused before slowly placing her graduation hat on for her, their eyes fixed to each other. Jeanette's heartbeat rose with Simon's confidence in stealing time alone. She didn't know what had brought this side out of him, but it was something she had waited for in so long.
A darker thought of the inevitable loss of being able to see Simon everyday as they always had, suddenly loomed across Jeanette's mind like a dark threatening cloud. College would take her far away from him. She instinctively reached for his hand, a desire which had only very recently learnt to become uninhibited. The warmth in Simon's deep blue eyes was reassuring, and Jeanette held onto that as they begun to walk towards the high school oval together.
Before Jeanette could linger on the sweet memory, she heard her name loudly announced by the principal.
"For the first time at our high school, we have two students who achieved and scored equally well across their own respective subject matter. Jeanette Miller and Simon Seville will now give the valedictorian speech to you all. Please welcome them both to the stage, Jeanette and Simon!"
Applause filled the auditorium while Jeanette made her way with Simon following closely behind, his hand gently connected to the small of her back for a moment. Together they looked out at the crowd of fellow students once they reached the microphone.
Jeanette's floaty voice began to fill his ears, and Simon felt immense pride at how far she had come in her studies as well as the way she was holding herself in this moment. Soon, she would be packing for college interstate, and he would do the same – only separately. The bittersweetness of their both being offered a place at their first choice of college was strong. Simon knew their paths playing out like this was very likely, and to part with newfound love was something he'd dreaded ever since the bridge.
Suddenly he was offered the microphone and with a deep breath, began to recite his carefully prepared speech. Simon saw Dave, his brothers, and friends peering up at him from their seats below. The sense that high school really was finishing filled him. There'd be no more close guidance from his teachers, no more easy familiarity with classmates and school grounds. A whole new world of study awaited, and Simon knew he was now ready for it.
The cheers and throwing of mortar boards high in the air marked the ending of the seniors' high school era. Confetti canons blasted. Music played. People hugged.
Every ending beckons a new beginning. Simon turned to look at Jeanette who was still beside him on the stage. She was furiously smiling and clapping her hands along with the crowd, until she noticed his gaze on her once again. With a serious expression, Simon stepped towards Jeanette. Feelings had swollen and begun to spill over into reality. A tear had begun to fall from the corner of his eye, and she saw.
It didn't matter though.
Air heaved quickly into his lungs as Simon grasped Jeanette's heavily robed waist and sought her lips with his own. Jeanette felt herself bending backwards with supportive hands firmly holding her. The blur of emotions with sensation blocked out the rest of the students thundering cheering they would have noticed at their valedictorian's public display of affection.
Simon's lips passionately moved over her own, dipping her backwards by the force of it. Jeanette's hands desperately grabbed a hold onto his neck, letting the feeling of becoming boneless overwhelm her. Swept up by the aching devotion towards her, she reached into Simon's mouth which only served to wind up the restlessness within herself. She had to taste him.
Simon looked at Jeanette adoringly and gently deepened his kiss in return, slowing their pace down in an attempt to take it all in. He'd lost all focus on anything else happening in their almost wild background environment. There was just this moment with Jeanette, and if Simon was even half in his wits, he'd have been sure there was nothing else that mattered.
At this scene happening on stage, the principal began to stalk over towards the couple from the seating area. Brittany gasped when she noticed her sister with Simon's mouth glued to Jeanette's, and immediately tapped on Eleanor's shoulder next to her.
Like a domino effect, Simon and Jeanette's siblings began to also cheer them on with wide eyes of both disbelief and joy at the frenzied moment – which none of them in their right mind would have seen coming. But the wait for an official display was finally over, despite the principal eventually prying the couple apart amidst the chaos.
The next month was a buzzing blur for Simon, the new strong connection to his emotions pushed him into all sorts of new experiences with Jeanette. However, the cold aspect of their separation for college awaited. After a tender kiss goodnight at the bottom of the treehouse staircase, Simon's eyes followed Jeanette carefully climb up to the front door.
Whatever happens now, is for the best. It's just… not fair that we'll be apart, I knew this would happen! A hard punch to his palm burst out of Simon, then he turned back towards his home shaking his head slowly.
"Siegfried! Siegfried!" Mrs Croner's voice pierced through the cool evening air.
Once again, Simon turned his direction back around. He saw the elderly woman coursing across the road towards him.
"Hi Mrs Croner. Is anything the matter?"
"Well, I just saw you outside with Jeanette and wanted to ask you something."
Simon's cheeks immediately enflamed themselves. He'd been at Jeanette's staircase with her for a full five minutes, and Mrs Croner must have seen what they were doing throughout the whole time. "Ohh – Oh! I- "
"Never mind your propriety now Siegfried, I saw it all… But I'm not here about you. I want you to tell me if there is anyone you know who might benefit from my glove – now that I know it works so well. A little too well if you ask me!"
"Errr- well I will let you know." He cleared his throat with a choke. However, through the mortification, an idea popped into Simon's head. "Actually, there is someone I know…"
Mrs Croner grinned. "Send him over to me."
Epilogue
The water droplets sparkled in the tropical sunlight, catching the sun's rays just so as they fell from the waterfall.
Simon breathed in the fresh air and filled his lungs as he prepared to dive into the swimming hole, a beckoning retreat from the humidity. The scenery around him was picturesque- with ferns, hibiscus, and walls of palm trees enclosing the private piece of paradise.
He hadn't felt this relaxed in a long time. Simon's siblings had made important announcements (which surprised, but pleased him) over the past year- both involving babies. Theodore and Eleanor's announcement of becoming pregnant came as no great surprise, having been married for the last two years… but Alvin and Brittany were now expecting their third little bundle of joy.
As he sat, Simon snorted to himself with a smile at the way things turned out for Alvin. Thoughts of Mrs Croner's glove soon surfaced to his conscious as it did from time to time over the years. Life could have been so different for Alvin… without that glove.
A voice whispered in his head. And for me too.
Standing up, Simon peered at the ripples from the turbulence of a small waterfall relentlessly pouring fresh water. They hid what was underneath. It hardly mattered though. Cold water instantly felt like needles until Simon's skin adjusted, allowing the sensation to become pleasurable instead. He opened his eyes to take in the underwater sight now surrounding him. Before long, a beautiful hand appeared beside the submerged Simon. He smiled and grasped it gently within his.
Jeanette felt a jolt go through her chest as she felt her husband's touch. She opened her own eyes and saw Simon approaching with a glide to embrace. The honeymoon had been invigorating, and it was a welcome feeling to have time to simply be together in such a beautiful place.
Their body's intertwined momentarily with their lips drawing together for a deep sense of completion. Jeanette's hair flowed around their faces as they held each other. With a smile and escaping bubbles, Jeanette and Simon surfaced together with hands held and kicking their feet to reach for air. Laughter fell from Jeanette's lips as Simon followed and laughed along with her.