His Eyes (9 page)

There was a clatter of silverware when everyone began eating. I watched as Tristan slid his hand along the table, until he found his fork. The first bite of salad that he scooped onto his fork held a large, bright red rose petal. I held my breath while the fork made its way to his mouth. Just when he was about to take the bite, Charlie spoke up. “Tristan, how long have you known my sister?” The fork lowered back toward his plate, still holding the petal. I glowered at my brother, while Tristan replied, “Uh, a little over a week.”

Charlie raised his eyebrows. “That’s all? You seemed pretty close, when I saw you.” Tristan frowned. “When you saw us?”

“Charlie saw you two downtown,” Dad clarified.

“Oh.” Tristan again lifted his fork toward his mouth. “Yeah, we’ve spent a lot of time together.”

“Amy said you graduated from Clarence. That must have been a nice place to go to school,” said Mom.

The fork paused.

“Actually, I haven’t gone there for a few months.”

Charlie’s eyebrows shot up. “And you still graduated? It’s interesting what money can do....” I began, “Charlie—”

Tristan stiffened. “I’m sorry. Did you
graduate
?”

Charlie slammed his fork into his plate. “Do you have a problem with a GED?”

“That’s enough!” Dad said loudly.

Tristan took the bite off of his fork. He began to chew and, all at once, stopped. His hand slid discreetly toward his mouth. I leaned close to his ear and whispered, “It’s a flower petal.” He nodded as he removed the petal with his napkin.

“Do you have plans, Tristan? college?” asked my dad.

Tristan’s face grew dark. “I don’t think so, now.”

“If you learned Brail e, I’m sure you could go,” I suggested eagerly.

He shrugged. “I’m just taking it one day at a time.”

Mom said, “Did you know that Amy graduates Tuesday night?”

“You’re just glad someone is going through that little ceremony,” snapped Charlie.

She gave him a hurt look. “I didn’t mean that.”

The table abruptly fell into a cold silence that remained throughout the rest of the dinner. I wished desperately that I could melt into the floor and take Tristan with me. As soon as we were finished eating, I rushed Tristan out onto the stoop, to get away from my family. We sat on the step and, after a moment of quiet, I said, “I’m sorry about that.”

“So, we both get to apologize for our families.” He gave a short laugh. “What kind of flower did I almost eat in there?”

I smiled and pushed playfully against his shoulder. “A rose.”

“Really?” He raised his eyebrows. “Chris will get a kick out of that.”

“At least something good came out of this.” I watched as headlights approached from down my street. I hesitated and then gave Tristan a quick kiss on the cheek. “Thanks, again.” His smile made my cheeks grow warm. “My pleasure.”

On Tuesday, I stood in the middle of the kitchen, impatiently tapping my graduation cap against my leg.

Because the gym at my high school was hot every year during the ceremony, I wore a cotton tunic and jean capris under my blue robe. My dad, dressed as nicely as if he were going to work, caught my eye and shrugged. We were both waiting for my mom and brother to surface. Charlie was still packing for his flight, which was scheduled to leave tonight, and Mom thought she had enough time to embroider a new rose into her favorite pair of jeans—in honor of me.

“I know ‘T’ isn’t the first letter in the alphabet, but I’d still like to leave soon!” I called.

“I’m coming,” Charlie laughed and climbed up the basement stairs, his duffle bag bulging. Lifting the bag, he said, “I can’t believe you guys saved my stuff. Even all my old cassette tapes were there.” He eyed me. “Well,
almost
all of them.”

I rolled my eyes. “Okay, so maybe I borrowed a few of them over the last
decade
.” Charlie made a face at me. “You like making me feel old, don’t you?”

“Well....”

Dad shook his head at us. “Charlie, if you don’t mind heading over now with Amy, your mother and I can meet you at school with the rental car.”

“No problem.” Charlie walked over to the front door and held it open for me. “You sure you’re old enough to drive? I remember you having a little problem controlling a bumper car.” I laughed. “Now I’m tall enough to see over the wheel, so that helps.” Charlie followed me outside and climbed into the passenger side of my Camry. Wedging his duffle bag by his feet, he quickly buckled his seatbelt while I backed out of the driveway. He took a deep breath and tried to pretend that he didn’t actually think it was scary having his little sister driving. I could see his eyes darting to check my car’s mirrors. Clearing his throat as I hit the gas, he said, “Dad told me—I mean, I think I may have gotten a little out of line at dinner last night. I am proud that you’re graduating, Amy.”

“Yeah?” I offered him a smile. “Thanks.”

“I guess I just expected them to be mad that I was gone for so long; I almost
wanted
them to be mad.

Seeing how well you guys get along...I guess it made me jealous.” He shrugged. “You remember all of the fights I used to get into with them?”

“Of course I remember! You’d shake the house, yelling so loud.” Slowing down for a stop sign, I turned and looked at him. “You know, just because Mom and Dad weren’t mad, doesn’t mean they forgot about you. I wrote to you about the dinners and, did Mom show you the mural?” Charlie nodded. “She pointed it out to me this morning and we had a good talk. But, I still want you to know that I think it’s great what you’re doing: going to Evanston, breaking out of the caste system.” I sighed and continued driving. “Well, I’m not sure I’m going to Evanston. Dad’s right when he said it’d cost a lot. What I earn this summer will barely pay for my room, let alone the rest of the tuition. And there aren’t many scholarships for average, middleclass girls.”

“You’re not average,” Charlie scoffed.

“Uh, thanks?”

“I mean, didn’t you say you want to write for the
Rolling Stone
? And you’re helping a blind kid! Who does that?” he asked, his tone daring me to prove him wrong.

“Okay. I’m not normal.” I held up one of my hands, surrendering. “So, when you find the scholarship for abnormal, aspiring journalists, make sure you nominate me.” Charlie grinned. “You got it, sis.”

* * *

While sweat pooled in the nape of my neck, I hunted for my family through a jungle of people pushing to escape the sweltering gym. I was so happy to find them that I thought my face was going to split from smiling. Dad beamed while Mom snapped pictures with an ancient instamatic camera.

“Now, Amy, you and Charlie need to stand together,” she instructed.

I sighed, eager to finish, and posed stiffly next to Charlie. He noticed my sour expression and, right before the flash went off, wrapped me in a bear hug. I screamed in surprise, having not been attacked by him for so long. Laughing, he said, “Congrats, Aim.”

“Thanks.” I peered up into his face. “I’m glad you came. You better do it again sometime.”

“I will.” He looked over at our parents. “Once Sandy has the baby, I promise. Ten years was too long...I shouldn’t have done that to you guys.”

“We never stopped hoping you’d come back,” Dad said and Mom nodded her head, her eyes bright.

Charlie held Dad’s gaze for a long moment. Then he coughed and checked his watch. “We should probably get going. My flight leaves in two hours.” He hit my shoulder gently. “I’ll be writing to you soon.

You keep up those letters.”

“You keep up that adulthood.”

He frowned. “No need for the A-word! I’m still young!”

“See you later, honey!” called Mom, as they headed outside.

“Bye!”

I sighed while I watched them go and then I slipped off my cap. I scanned the room for Ahna, which was hard considering that the room was packed with the family and friends of my three hundred classmates, many of whom were sweating and scowling their way through rounds of photographs. Luckily, Ahna’s red hair gave her away and I spotted her weaving through the crowd. I positioned myself near the exit doors and waited for her.

Ahna emerged, pulling an overwhelmed Lyle by the hand. Her face broke into a smile when she saw me and she gave me a big hug. She stepped back, yelling over the din, “Are you ready to go?” I nodded. “Yeah!”

Outside, the night air was cool, yet blissfully comfortable compared to the gym. Beyond the yellow glow of the streetlamps, I spotted a bright full moon hanging over the empty football field. As I stepped onto the sidewalk, I closed my eyes and breathed in the smell of fresh summer. I would have kept walking, knowing that the hand-holding Ahna and Lyle would be coming, but I heard her ask, “Aim? Is that...?” I turned to see Ahna standing a few steps behind me and pointing back toward the gym. I looked and, at first, I only saw the stream of people flowing out. Then, I noticed a figure standing to one side of the doors. He looked tense and out of place with his dark sunglasses and his hands shoved deep into his pockets. In an instant, I was at his side. I caught his arm and he jumped in surprise at the touch.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“Amy.” He flashed a smile and I felt my stomach flip. “I’m here to see you.” My face reddened; this was
not
happening! He laughed as if he could sense my embarrassment and continued, “I thought it was only fair, since you came to my graduation. Chris called a taxi.” I couldn’t help but smile. The little rascal. I squeezed Tristan’s arm. “Well, thanks for coming.”

“Amy, who’s this?”

I turned to see Ahna smiling coyly. I glared at her. “Ahna, this is Tristan. Tristan, this is my best friend, Ahna, and her boyfriend, Lyle.”

“Nice to meet you,” said Lyle. He pointlessly offered his hand for Tristan to shake and Ahna jabbed him in the ribs.

Oblivious, Tristan nodded in their direction. “Yeah, nice to meet you.”

“I forgot you said he was blind,” Lyle grumbled to Ahna while he rubbed his side.

Tristan raised his eyebrows. “You were all talking about me?”

“No!” Ahna and I both said guiltily.

Lyle muttered, “Guess they
can
hear well,” and Ahna sighed and shook her head in exasperation. “So, is he going bowling with us?”

Tristan turned to me. “You’re going bowling?”

“No,” I said quickly. “We can go do something else. Okay, Ahna?”

“Sure!” She winked at me and began to drag Lyle across the street to the bowling all ey. “Have fun, you guys!”

I slid my hand into his. “Why don’t we go sit? It’s a beautiful night to be outside.” I led Tristan over to the football field. The grass was long and thick, having been neglected since the season had ended. The large metal bleachers were empty. We were completely alone; even the last stragglers had left the gymnasium. The night felt peaceful while ill uminated by the white light of the moon. I flopped onto the cool grass and looked up at the stars.

Tristan lay next to me and, after a moment, said quietly, “You aren’t like any of the girls I dated.” I pushed a strand of hair behind my ear. “What do you mean?”

“You
think
and you wear an old, red pair of Chucks.” He smirked. “Chris told me that.” I laughed. “Yeah, I figured.”

“And you care about other people, not just yourself.”

I rolled onto my side and watched the stars reflect in his dark glasses. Those two lenses hid so much of him from me, so much of him that I couldn’t stand to have hidden anymore. I pushed myself into a sitting position with one leg curled under my body. I hugged my knee and let the words slip from my lips: “I want to see your eyes.”

Tristan leaned up on his elbows. “What?”

“Your eyes,” I breathed.

He brushed a hand through his hair. “Isn’t it dark?”

“There’s a full moon. Please.”

He exhaled slowly and nodded.

I bit my lip and bent forward. Reaching out my trembling fingers, I gently slid the glasses off of his face. I looked down as I rested them on his chest, then I hesitated. Taking in a steadying breath, I lifted my eyes to see...his closed eyelids. I smiled in surprise and, suddenly, his eyes snapped open. My heart leapt and I felt the air escape from my lungs. His eyes were striking—the brightest cerulean of an intense flame. But, even while I reveled at the sight, I could see the vacancy of his pupils as they stared past my shoulder.

I found my hand caressing his temple.

There was no thought, no word, as I simply found my eyes closed and my lips upon his and his upon mine. My heart pounded in my chest while his hand found its way into my hair. I was kissing him with every drop of emotion that had pooled within me since, since I couldn’t even
remember
when! I wrapped my arms around his neck and he pulled me closer to him. I, no,
we
were in lo—

“
Amy
! Where are you?” The ill-timed call pierced the night. “We decided that it would be more fun if we all went for pizza!”

“Yeah, he can eat pizza!” yelled Lyle.

I pulled back and found myself breathing heavily. After sucking in air, I called back, “We’re coming, Ahna!”

As Tristan helped me to my feet, I could see that he was smiling. He said slowly, “That was really...” He pushed his sunglasses back on. “Yeah.”

pushed his sunglasses back on. “Yeah.”

“It was ‘yeah’?” I laughed and bumped playfully into his side. “Yeah, for me too.”

* * *

“What happened to you?” she asked, her eyes glistening with curiosity.

My eyes flicked up to hers and I grinned even wider. “We kissed.”

“Wait—
what
?!” she gasped. “Who kissed who?”

I laughed at her expression. “I don’t know—we kissed each other!”

“Seriously? Aim, that’s
so
awesome!” Her eyes grew dreamy. “I don’t know if I’ve ever had a simultaneous kiss...that’s so romantic.”

“Hey!” Lyle said grumpily. He was standing next to the table with Tristan. I blushed, hoping they hadn’t heard too much.

“I mean, of
course
I have.” Ahna caught her boyfriend’s arm, while she winked at me.

“Well, I guess we’ll head out,” I said, rising to my feet. “My car’s back at the school.”

“Yeah, mine too,” said Ahna.

I grabbed Tristan’s hand as we all headed outside. Ahna and Lyle were walking a little ahead of us, so I asked in a low voice, “Did you have a good time?”

He smirked. “Well, you know, Lyle did shoot that straw wrapper right into my face... Oh, and he asked me if I
liked
being blind. That’s a great question.” I squeezed his hand. “I get the picture.”

He laughed, turning his head toward mine. “It was okay.”

“Good.”

After saying our goodnights to Ahna and Lyle, we climbed into my Camry. As I pulled out of the empty parking lot, the silence of my car invited my head to fill with questions. When we kissed, did Tristan feel something, too? Did it mean that we were dating? All of my other short-lived boyfriends been obvious: we went to dinner, a movie, and
tah dah
, we were dating. Kissing a blind—guy, friend, employer?—wasn’t so simple to figure out.

But what did that matter? We had
kissed
!

I grinned.

A short ride later, I pulled onto the Edmunds’ drive. Shutting off my car, I turned uncertainly to Tristan.

He brushed my cheek with his hand before reaching down to undo his seatbelt. “You are really something, Amy Turner.”

“Amy
Rose
Turner,” I said. “My mom would want you to remember that.”

“Your crazy hippie mom? The one who tried to get me to eat
flowers
?” he asked mockingly, while opening the car door.

“Shut up!” I laughed, pushing him out of my car. “I’ll see you Thursday; your mom gave me tomorrow off.”

Tristan’s face darkened. “Right. The job.”

Feeling awkward, I joked, “I suppose there are worse jobs than hanging out with you.”

“Yeah.” He caught the rim of the door and his face grew more serious. “Amy, maybe we shouldn’t tell anyone about us.”

“What do you mean?”

“I just....” Tristan grimaced. “You need the money and I don’t think my mother would be willing to pay you, if you were dating me.”

“Oh.” My happiness deflating, I swallowed and nodded. “Right.”

“I think you misunderstood me.” Tristan slid back into my car and reached his hand out, toward my head. I hesitated, unsure of what he meant, and then leaned forward. His hand curved to cup the back of my neck. He guided my face to meet his and gave me a gentle, perfect kiss that made my toes curl. “We’ll make this work, Amy Rose.”