I cant believe it. I am once again, just as twenty years ago, swirling in a waltz with you. Do you remember our last meeting? It was at the school prom, and we waltzed together. Happiness hangs in the air. I drown in the depth of your blue, blue eyes. That evening I want to tell you the most important thing: that very soon we will become parents. When I say it, you become furious.
You cut me off, saying:
Its too early to think about that. We need to wait.
It feels like a hot iron slap. I know it isnt the right time, but what can I do? Nothing can change. We part, yet my love for you lives on for years. You crushed my heart then My soul shatters. I know you will never change, never realise, never feel remorse. Your character is as hard as stonewhat I strangely loved about you.
Our schoolgirls kept me updated on your personal life. I learn you are married, with two grown sons, divorced. You attend every class reunion, always ask about my life, but your former classmates know nothing about me. I never attend those reunions. I fear you I fear looking into your eyes and disappearing, sinking and never resurfacing. I feared that for ten years.
Then he appears in my life. I rush into marriage, feeling nothing for him except gratitude. He understands and doesnt hurry. He accepts my daughter as his own. By the way, I name the girl Love; no other names crossed my mind. Little Loves hair looks like yours.
My husband loves me. I feel it in every cell. His actions, his words, even his glance speak of tenderness. After about five years of marriage I realise I have fallen in love with my own husband! He somehow wraps me with words and becomes my anchor of rescue. Unseen, he finds the key to my soul and I step gladly through his door of kindness and understanding. No one can breach our love!
Love saves everything, Victor. You never truly loved me. To you I was just teenage amusement.
Well, thats the ringing bell of it.
Oh, why am I talking about myself? Victor, how are you?
Ah, Eleanor Im barely getting by. Things are a bit chaotic. My sons are on their own, each with their own worries. Im alone. I think of you often
Hmm My husband and I have three children: Love and twin girls, each six years old. Do you remember your best friend James Upton?
Upton? Of course! He was not only my best but my only friend. After school James cut off our friendship. He stopped answering calls, avoided meetings I have no idea what happened to him.
Victor, come to the window. Look at the schoolyard.
Victor looks out the open window, unable to tear his eyes away.
I get it, Eleanor. I understand everything The twists of fate!
Below, on the schoolyard, stands James Upton holding two little girls by the hands. Beside him is a twentyyearold woman with eyes as blue as the sea
Goodbye, Victor! Im going to my family.
Eleanor, why did you decide to come to the reunion this year?
I stopped being afraid, Victor! I stare at you and my soul is silent.
