As I gaze at the hour glass go
And all I do is think of you
And wonder where you are at night
I remember everything, every smile
And even all your reasons why you say
I've pushed you out of my way
Set Adrift on Memory Bliss
I hugged my knees as I looked over at the lake. It was so peaceful at night. I loved just sitting on the rocks and to stare into the horizon. The waves crashed gently and the cool breeze passed me like a whisper. It was a full moon out, and it cast an eerie shadow across the park.
I always came out here to clear my mind. Somehow everything is clearer when I'm out here, with nothing but my thoughts to keep me company.
I stood up and found a rock much closer to the water. With one hand down for support, I sat down and pried my sandals off. I extended my leg and dipped my right foot in the water. It was cold, really cold, and with a gasp, I pulled my foot back.
I felt tears start to trickle down my cheek. I had to leave this town soon. It's so hard to say goodbye to the everyone that I grew up with. I chose to go to college here, instead of entering one of those huge universities. But now I knew this little town doesn't cut it anymore. I had to face the real world. Just yesterday, I accepted a job in New York. Everyone was surprised by my decision. I guess they all thought that I was like them, born in this town and would spend the rest of their lives in it. Well, for years, I thought I would too.
I threw a rock into the sea. I watched as the concentric rings in the water expanded, then ultimately disappeared. I knew only one person who cared to venture outside of town. He found me at this same spot one night, staring out into the ocean as usual. We looked at each other quietly, and he asked if he could sit down and I nodded. Then we just sat there thougtfully, not disturbing each other, not making a sound. He came back several nights after that. We talked, but not a lot. I was content, just sitting there with him.
I smiled remembering my friend. I reached over to retrieve an old friendship bracelet from my pocket. He gave it to me one night, the last night I saw him. He said he was going to leave to follow his dreams, far away from here.
The wind blew. I shivered and put my arms around myself.
But he made a promise to me before he left. He said that he would come back to see me, no matter what became of his trip. I knew he meant it, but I also knew he couldn't keep it. Being a member of the world's most famous singing group wasn't an easy job. I see him on tv, hear their songs on the radio, and I keep thinking how different he is now. He knew so many celebrities, and had so many admirers.
I cupped my face in my hands and thought. Does he still remember me? Probably not. I wish he did though. I looked up at the stars, I wish he did.
I didn't know how long I sat there. I looked at my watch and decided it was time to head back. I had to pack and my flight leaves early in the morning. I sighed and looked back at the sea once more. Goodbye, my beloved lake, I'm leaving for the Big Apple, to find my place in the crowd. I'll come back though, I love this town too much.
But I couldn't make myself to stand up. I was mysteriously drawn to the ground. The sound of the water was like a lullaby, humming me to sleep. I must have closed my eyes for a few minutes when I heard a voice singing softly.
"It's not that I can't live without you. It's just that I don't even want to try..."
I smiled sleepily, remembering my favorite song, my favorite verse.
The voice, however, continued and said, "I knew you were going to be here."
I turned my head to see a familiar silhouette against the moon. The tall stature, the strong shoulders, it was unmistakable. I watched him with my mouth hanging open.
He walked over to me slowly, "I just had to say goodbye before you leave, Nicole."
I reached over and hugged him, inhaling his familiar scent, putting my head on his familiar shoulder.
"I missed you, Kevin."
