Standing at the edge of the roof, she doesn't look ready to take the plunge. I've
seen plenty of jumpers, and I know this chick doesn't have it in her. She seems to be searching for something. Her eyes wide,
she scans the entire grounds, and doesn't seem to see me- a good friend and comrade in battle. But then again, no one else
is usually outside this late. But it's a perfect night. I couldn't resist.
From her three story perch, her eyes finally find me. She gives me a
small, sad wave. She must have been out thinking again. For some reason, she always picks the most dangerous spot to do so.
I lift my arms and call the wind to me. Soon I am lifted onto the roof beside her.
"Do you mind if I join you, Flame?" I ask carefully.
"I can't say I would mind company. Pull up a shingle, Hermit," she replies.
"What are you doing out here?"
"I could ask you the same."
"I was just thinking."
Big surprize. "What happened?"
"Kurt."
"You two broke up again?"
"Kinda. We're not gonna date each other, but I know we're not gonna date
anyone else. I guess the only way to describe our relationship is on hiatus."
"That's what you were up on a top of a three story building thinking
about? Usually that's only climb a tree worthy."
She laughs softly. "He said he needed some time to think about something,
and said he'd rather not say what."
"You don't think he cheated on you---" I began.
"Oh, no. Nothing like that. But I've seen the way he looks at the altar
during Mass. He's trying to make a decision, I think."
"You or the priesthood?"
"Yup."
"Man, were it me, it'd be no contest."
"Oh?"
"You, every time."
She smiles. "You have Dreamweaver."
"Yeah, I know. I know more than ever."
Her mouth drops. "Did you..."
"No, not yet. But I have the ring. Would you like to see?"
"Uh, yea! Of course!"
I reach into my brown trench coat and pull out the box that cost me roughly
five months salary. It was a simple setting, but Dreamy liked simple jewelery, as did Flame. I figured if she liked it,
Dreamy would too.
"Hermit," Flame gasped. "It's beautiful! So perfect! She'll love it,
no doubt."
"I hope so," I reply, and replace the box in my coat. "I've been carrying
it around with me, waiting for the perfect moment."
"If you want the perfect moment, youre gonna have to create it. Even
then, things can go off schedule."
"Yeah, I know. But something at least close to perfect would be nice."
She softly laughs again. "I know what you mean. When Kurt started acting
weird, I was hoping I was just something like that. Waiting for a special moment. Wrong kind of moment."
"Oh, he'll figure himself out. And when he does, either you two idiots
can finally get married, or you can find someone even better for you."
"Thanks, Hermit. I appreciate that."
"No problem. Don't you think it's getting a bit chilly up here?"
"I thought you loved this kind of weather."
"I do. But its getting kinda cold by most other people's standards."
"I got my sweatshirt. I'm all set. If you wanna go in-"
"No, no. Not at all. I wanna go flying, actually. Care to come with?"
"You sure you don't want to be alone for that?"
"I feel like sharing the skies tonight."
"Alright then. Lets go!"
I take Flame into my arms, and once again call the wind. Soon we
are flying high over Bayville. "To the clouds! The clouds!" I hear her yell. I graciously oblige.
