"Do you guys do this every 4th of July?" – JC
"Well me and Claire usually go with some other people but not usually as many as this." – Lacey. Alana walked up along side Lacey and nudged her in the arm and winked. Lacey shoved Alana to the side. Alana laughed to herself.
"When do you think Lance and Claire will be coming?" – Lance
"When they are finished. Don’t worry they’ll be coming." – Lacey. It became silent for about a minute.
"You know I used to think that I was in love with Claire but now I’m not so sure," he said looking at Rachael who was talking with Terra.
"Don’t worry about it Claire’s busy with the same problems." – Lacey
"Lacey do you have a boyfriend?" – JC
"Nope." – Lacey
"Why not?" – JC
"Haven’t found someone that I liked I guess. What about you?" – Lacey
"Well, I guess I’m just not ready. There’s too many things going on. I don’t need to confuse things with emotions." – JC
"I know what you mean." – Lacey. Finally they arrived at the park; They found a suitable space and laid out the blankets. They group sat down and engaged in conversation till the fireworks started. Alana leaned over and whispered in Lacey’s ear.
"Lance and Claire aren’t here yet." – Alana
"I know. I don’t know what is taking them so long. Maybe they are on their way." – Lacey
- - -
Claire was staring out the window.
"We’ll never make it in time even if we do get out." – Claire
"Getting out is enough for me." – Lance
"I have an idea." Claire
"What is it?" – Lance. Claire unlocked the window.
"How strong are you?" – Claire
"I don’t know." – Lance
"See if you can lift the window," Claire suggested. "My mom, when I was younger cemented it shut. I’m hoping it has worn off over the years." – Claire. Lance walked up to the window and surveyed the sill. "Here I’ll help you. On three, 1, 2, 3 --." Together they pushed the jammed window open.
"You first." – Lance. Claire slipped through the opening.
"Hand me the dog." – Claire. Lance picked up the dog and pushed it through the window. Claire put the dog on the ground and helped Lance through. Lance smoothed out his shirt and dusted off his pants.
"So I guess we don’t get to see the fireworks." – Lance
"Well maybe I can fix that." – Claire. She took a lawn chair and brought it over to the patio. "Watch me so I don’t fall." – Claire
"Who’s gonna watch me so I won’t fall?" – Lance
"The dog." – Claire
"I feel safe now." – Lance. Claire wedged her shoe in the fencing and pulled herself up. Lance stood below and watched her every move.
"Ok come up." – Claire. Lance climbed the fenced wall and Claire pulled him up. "It’s over there," Claire said pointing in the direction of the fireworks. They stood on the roof, side by side gazing at the lighted sky. Then the grand faunally started.
"Beautiful." – Lance
"I know." – Claire. Lance turned to face her and spoke quietly.
"I wasn’t talking about the fireworks." – Lance. Surprise crowded her face.
"Huh?" – Claire. Claire glanced at Lance. He stepped closer and leaned forward. Lance kissed her gently and pulled away gazing at her eyes. He put his arms around her waist and she wrapped her arms around his neck. Then the fireworks ended. But for Claire and Lance they were really just beginning.