The Eyes of the Heart

It was in that last final moment that everything felt right. We were covered in blue and our hats dangeled gold-bright gold. Our faces were pink with shyness. Our ears red from our growing blood-pressure and yet-we found it was caused by a good reason. Happiness, joy, freedom-everything you wish it would be in that moment. It was like the air was filled with fire. It was as if the moon was shattering the night and filling it with eerie light. 1

So many people surrounded me with love of the purest forms and everyone I wanted was here. Their clothes weren't formal like me and my friends, but they were dressed for the occasion. Around them was a banner that stretched from wall to wall in bright blue letters "Congratulations!"2

But, there was something I couldn't quite place my finger on when I was standing it the back room with my comrads. In this tiny space we were all cramped-some of us probably sweating-and filled the room to the ridges. At the same time it felt like something utterly empty. I didn't know what it was. It just bothered me. 3

"Emily, girl, what are you doing," Elizabeth, my best friend, screamed as she lept for me and threw her arms around my neck. I eyed her and laughed.4

I asked, "What?"5

"You're just standing there, silly."6

"Oh, I didn't realize."7

"Well, C'mon, were going to be late they're already lining us up and giving the papers out."8

We ran from the room and out into the hallway connecting to the gym. As soon as we took our rightful places in line cameras flashed brilliantly, one after the other. 9

Elizabeth grasped my hand and made her way to the podium. "Elizabeth Shurly Carson, congratualtions. With honors." THe prinicpal had a stern and happy look in his eye when she held the diploma in her hand. 10

I would be up there, only four more people before me. 11

That's when I felt it-the lightest poke in my side. I almost didn't feel it through my gown but I would never miss the face that belonged to the finger. He was tall, maybe four inches taller than me, and his hair was dark and shaggy. It still seemed well kept though. His eyes were a light blue and his skin held a slight tan glow to it. This was the boy that I had seen evolve and develope since second grade. This wasn't just a person. More like a friend. 12

"You're blushing," He said. 13

"Thanks, Grant, that helps a lot," I laughed softly, trying not to pull attention away from those who were on the podium.14

"Hey," He said lighting his hands in surrender, "just trying to ease the tension." He stared ahead like he was entranced. "I know this is where we, like, say good-bye and everything but I'm not good at those sorta things-" He laughed lightly, "But I can say for sure you kept me sane throughout junior high and high school."15

"Yeah," I commented, "Someone had to pull you out of those trash cans-"16

"-and toilets-"17

"-Don't forget the time when you fell in the school swimming pool and I saved you, " I stated. 18

He shook his head of hair with his hands. "What would I do without being saved...go!"19

"What?"20

He pointed behind me. "They called your name, Emily."21

I stepped up to the podium, laughing along the way. I took the diploma from the principal-feeling the rush of embarresed warmth come to my cheeks. I took my place along the other students who had already crossed the podium, then Grant joined my side. 22

That's when I realized. The reason of happiness was right next to me. 23

I loved him. And I was going to lose him.24

Then hats were being thrown up around me and without knowing it Grant took mine playfully and threw it into the air. He grasped me in a bear hug and when he pulled away and strolled to his family. I watched. 25

He was happy. Everyone was happy.26

My family approached me. They exclaimed their enthusiam and laughed and joked, but my eyes always went back to the boy I knew since we were little. 27

"Well honey," My mom said,"have you finally filled the void of the one thing your looking for?"28

At that moment I gained eye to eye contact with Grant. He smiled and I smiled. He started walking my way. "Yes."