Glimmers

by Barbara Brooke

  “I don’t ever want it to end.”

  ~ * * * ~

  June turns into July and July into August, and well, the lazy days of summer continue rolling along. William and I spend most of our free time together. The truth is I can’t stand being away from him for even a minute.

  Although I dread the end of this glorious summer, I can’t help but look forward to the upcoming State Fair’s bakeoff competition. Like every other summer before, most of the town’s talkin’ about it: the livestock competition, rides, food, crafts, concerts . . . and well, I could go on all day long. The excitement is contagious, at least to me.

  “I don’t understand what the big deal is. It’s just a fair,” William confides to me, one sun-drenched afternoon.

  “It’s only the biggest thing to come to our area! People from all over the state come here! It makes me feel like a kid just thinking about it!” I realize I probably sound like a child, too. Poor William, ever since I drove past the fair grounds and saw the rides already in place, I have been babbling on and on about it.

  “Does this mean you’ll finally allow me to take you out in public? I mean, all summer you’ve been so concerned about losing your job.”

  “I guess it’s time to relax, a little. Tell you what, I’m gonna take you to the fair and show you the time of your life. And I’ll bet you’ll learn to love it, as much as I do.”

  Six

  It’s time! The State Fair is finally open! I’m so excited, I can’t sit still! William has been laughing at me, but I’ll show him how great the fair is! In fact, I plan on leaving there with a blue ribbon from the bakeoff competition! My dessert, newly called ‘Bite of Delight,’ will be a hit sensation. The grand prize is $75.00; plus, my recipe could be published in an actual cookbook! Maybe, they’ll even put a photo of me holding my prize-winning dessert! I can see it now. I’ll wear an apron and smile with an expression of sophistication! They’ll probably want a clever quote from the award winner! I better come up with one, just in case.

  Anxiously, I stare out the window of William’s car: through the town, past all of the store front windows, and our drive is taking way too long. I can’t wait to get to the fair, especially now that I’m about to let everyone see me with William.

  Earlier today, I spilled the beans to Lydia about William being my boyfriend. What a relief. I couldn’t believe it when she told me she figured as much all along. I guess I’m not such a good liar after all.

  William and I are still driving through town. I’m so anxious I could burst. William, on the other hand, is cool as a cucumber.

  I recline my seat and sigh lightly. I’m studying the contours of William’s face. And since he’s paying little attention to me, I allow my gaze to trail down to his chest. I’m fantasizing about running my hand over his well-defined muscles. I want to lightly brush kisses along the side of his neck and bury my nose into his hair. He always smells sooo amazing.

  William turns his head towards me and looks at me questioningly. He must’ve heard my breathing become heavier. Rapidly, I pretend to focus on something outside my window.

  The fair has arrived, along with droves of people. I look forward to riding the rides, treating myself to hoards of carnival food, and petting the livestock. Later, William and I will cuddle up while listening to the music from a live concert.

  We enter through the gates, and I become childlike in my frenzy of excitement! Neon lights flash and the scent of fried delicacies drift towards me, calling to me, reminding me of Sea Sirens. As we wander past food vendors and carnival games, my nostrils flare, leading me toward the unmistakable aroma of corndogs frying in oil, popcorn popping, and burnt sugar swirling into clouds of cotton candy.

  The trouble is where to start? Rides come into view on our right, but down just a little further are tons of crafts. I make an impulsive decision and quicken my pace.

  “What are we going to do first?” William asks, but he isn’t looking at me. He’s staring longingly at the funnel cake stand.

  “We are on our way to see the livestock. It’s better to go in the morning, before the manure heats up.”

  “What about the rides? I suspect you’re the sort of girl to look for some thrills.”

  “I prefer to go on the rides at night, when they light up! It’s much more exciting that way!” I reach for his hand and tug, attempting to quicken his pace.

  I drag William past most of the food. After we round the corner, I stop in front of a sign, advertising fresh-made doughnuts.

  “You just have to try these. They’re to die for! They’re fresh from the fryer and will melt in your mouth!”

  We approach the stand and make our first purchase. Eagerly, William stuffs a doughnut into his mouth. He then makes a funny sounding muffled grunt and tries to speak, “Mmmm, this is definitely to die for.”

  We round another corner and are surrounded by large tractor trailers. As William continues devouring his doughnuts, I focus on our path ahead. Not too far now, I can already see a sign for bunnies.

  Suddenly, my body stiffens. I can’t go any further.

  “Are you all right?” William asks.

  “Just over there is one of my old friends. Don’t look right at him, but he’s the big guy over there. Well, I suppose it’s time to introduce you two.”

  A large guy with blonde hair races towards me. His name’s Charlie. Before knocking into me, he lifts me into the air and swings me around!

  “Well, lookie who I have here! It’s my long lost friend, Delilah Jones!” Charlie announces and sets me back on the ground. “Shoot, I thought you ran away from home or somethin’! Girl, where’ve you been all summer long?”

  “Why, do you mean to say you missed little ol’ me? You know I’ve been working at the resort,” I respond with the most charm I can muster.

  “It’s funny you mention that, 'cuz you know I spend a lot of time with your pal Lydia, who also happens to work there. Only she finds the time to hang out with us.” Suddenly, he turns toward William. “I suppose you’re the reason our little girl here disappeared?”

  I respond before William has a chance to, “Charlie, this is William.”

  Charlie extends his hand, while still giving William the once over. “Looks like you kept her out of trouble. It’s good to meet ya,” Charlie offers.

  “It wasn’t easy, but here she is,” William says, while shaking Charlie’s hand.

  Charlie laughs and looks back at me. “Why Delilah, I like this boy. You should’ve brought him around to some of our parties. You know all the ones you missed? It ain’t like her to miss a party or miss joining the gang in floating down the river, with coolers in tow. You two missed out on some great summer fun.”

  “I missed you guys, too. But William and I had some summer fun of our own,” I say while gazing up at William.

  “Well, I don’t get it. Why not bring him around?” Charlie asks, looking confused.

  “She probably just wanted to keep me a secret from you guys. All along I’ve suspected, she wants to leave her options open, you know, for when I return home,” William says.

  Charlie laughs and pats him on the shoulder. “I can’t say I blame her for that. Delilah, don’t be such a stranger. It was weird seeing Lydia runnin’ around without you. You two are like peas in a pod. I figured you’d gotten yourselves in a fight or somethin’.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind next time around,” I say.

  “Good to hear. It’s nice to see Delilah’s finally found herself a boyfriend. Take good care of her.” Charlie leans a little closer to William, adding in a lowered voice, “I don’t want to have to come after you, now.” And with that, Charlie nods and walks away. After taking a few steps, he turns around. “By the way, I’m one of the judges in this year’s bakeoff. I can’t wait to try your new dessert. What’s it called again, ‘Delight in a Bite’ or somethin’?”

  “It’s called ‘Bite of Delight’,” I correct. “I didn’t realize you were a judge. Isn’t it a confl
ict of interest for us to be talking?”

  “Nah, if that was the case, I’d have no one to talk to all day,” Charlie says and turns to leave.

  William slides his arm around my waist and looks down with a grin. “See, that wasn’t so bad. We just have to do it a few hundred more times and all will be well.”

  “Charlie’s a dear friend of mine. I feel sort of bad knowin’ I abandoned all of my friends this summer.”

  “I think they’ll understand. Friends usually do, and they’ll stick around,” William says and squeezes me tighter. “Besides, you’ve shown me the time of my life. Doesn’t that count for anything?”

  “I can’t believe I let this stupid job push me into hiding you. We could have done so much more if I hadn’t been afraid of what would happen at work.”

  “Well, we can hang around your friends next summer,” he says and leans his forehead to mine.

  “Well, if you promise to behave then I guess I can take you to a party,” I say and loop my arm through his. “Right this way, Mr. Berringer, we have some animals to see.”

  ~ * * * ~

  Evening is here, and most of the day has revolved around William’s stomach. Honestly, I’ve never seen anyone eat so much in my life.

  “I suggest you ease up there, or you’re gonna feel sick when we start on the rides,” I say, adding hopefully, “If you want to try more food, we could always return another day.”

  “We’ll just have to do that.”

  Vibrant reds, yellows, greens, and blues illuminate the rides. Rock music is blaring and strobe lights are flashing. I can’t wait to ride the coaster; I know it’ll be both thrilling and fun.

  After finishing off a lamb gyro, William asks, “Are you having a good time?”

  “Are you kidding?” I wave my first place ribbon in his face and say, “This makes my whole summer of working in the kitchen worthwhile. Can you believe it? My desert won first place!”

  “You know, you’re kind of like a little ‘Bite of Delight,’ yourself,” he says while nibbling on my neck and pulling me closer.

  All of a sudden, a man's voice catches William’s attention. It's getting closer, "William, William! Over here!"

  A shadow slowly falls across William's face. Quietly, he says, “Brace yourself; you’re about to meet my parents.”

  A bolt shoots through my stomach and my insides wrench. I may have wanted to meet his parents before, but I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want to anymore!

  “Good evening, Father, Mother,” William addresses them, and for the first time, I am face-to-face with Mr. and Mrs. Berringer.

  “It’s good to see you out, son,” his father says. “I suppose now I know why I haven’t seen much of you this summer.”

  William introduces me to his parents. They shake my hand graciously and we exchange polite greetings.

  “You look familiar, Delilah. Have we met, before?” William’s father asks. “Perhaps you are staying at The Greenbrier?”

  William places his arm carefully around my waist and answers for me, “Actually, she works at the resort.”

  “Of course, I have seen you,” his mother says. “How could anyone miss you? What, with your gorgeous strawberry-blonde hair.”

  Although the woman is saying one thing, her frigid expression says something entirely different. I don’t take her for the sort of woman to be cruel to your face. Instead, I believe she would prefer to stab you in the back. I wonder what she’ll say about me.

  William quickly redirects the conversation, “Mother, I’m surprised to see you and Father here. I wouldn’t think the fair would interest you two.”

  “Normally we wouldn’t entertain the idea of a fair,” says Mr. Berringer. “However, some of the other guests spoke highly of the event. We had to see it for ourselves. Besides, there is little else to do in this small town.”

  “Actually Father, Delilah has shown me how much there is to do here. Perhaps we should take you out with us, sometime,” William says.

  Mrs. Berringer adds smoothly, “William, you should bring your young lady friend by to see us before we return home. You realize, Delilah, we are leaving in just two short weeks. Sad really, but I suppose summer has to end at some point.” The corners of her mouth pull back slightly, showing the faintest impression of a smile.

  William rests his hand on his mother’s shoulder and says, “Enjoy the rest of your evening. I’ll be back later tonight. Don’t wait up for me.”

  “It is nice to meet you,” Mrs. Berringer says, shaking my hand and an uncomfortable chill flows through my veins. “You are truly lovely.”

  “Thanks, it’s nice to meet you, too,” I mirror her sentiment and fake smile.

  William walks in an opposite direction as his parents. I simply follow. Right now, I’m just too stunned to do anything else.

  William’s the first to break through the tension. “That went well.”

  I say nothing. I’ve lost my voice for the moment . . . maybe forever.

  We stay at the fair for a little while longer, but I can’t find any joy in it. My happiness has literally been sucked out of me. The world around me feels different, wrong somehow. Perhaps William and I are wrong, somehow.

  The air is thick, and it takes a while before I can speak. When I finally do, my voice quivers, “William, could you take me home? I’m not feeling so well.”

  “The concert starts in fifteen minutes. Are you sure you want to miss it?”

  “I’m sure,” I mumble.

  I can’t look at him, so I stare at my boots instead . . . all the way to the parking lot.

  “Sorry,” I whisper.

  He opens my door, but before I can enter the car, he blocks my way.

  “You know Delilah, my parents act like that with everyone. Please don’t take anything they say personally.”

  “It’s difficult not to. Especially, when on some level, I know they’re right.”

  “They’re right about what?” William says somewhat agitatedly.

  “It’s pretty obvious about what they thought about me. Don’t tell me you didn’t notice.”

  “So you have the ability to read minds?”

  “You know as well as I do, what they’ll say to you later.”

  “What exactly will that be?” he questions.

  I bite my lip and hold back from saying something I’ll regret. And although I attempt to look away, I know he has seen my eyes and the tears they hold. Finally, I am able to say, “That I’m not good enough for you.”

  “Delilah, you are more than good enough for me. You’re everything I could ever hope for in someone.” William places his hands on either side of my face and gently raises it. He positions his mouth next to my ear. “I’m in love with you. Haven’t you noticed? Who cares what my parents may or may not think?”

  My mouth hangs open, as if waiting to catch flies. Night after night, I have dreamt of hearing him say these words. Why is it so impossible to feel anything at this moment?

  He’s waiting for me to respond, but a lump has formed in my throat, and I remain quiet.

  “Delilah, you don’t have to say anything now. Just know, I care deeply for you, and my intentions have never been to hurt you. Can you please believe in me? I don’t have to live by my parents’ wishes. They have no influence over my decisions.” He places his forehead to mine and looks deeply into my eyes. “I’ll be with the person of my choosing, not theirs.”

  For some reason, I become angry, and suddenly, I see him as a hypocrite. My temper gets the best of me, and I speak without thinking. “I’m curious, William, have they already chosen someone for you? Perhaps that girl, what was her name? Camilla? I’m sure they would be proud if you were seeing her!”

  His lips tighten, and the lines across his forehead deepen. He doesn’t say anything . . . not one single thing. With his shoulders slouched, he walks to the driver’s side of the car. Silently, he sits behind the steering wheel.

  This ride is lasting forever. I can’t believe
I said those things about Camilla. Truthfully, I know William hasn’t been hanging around with her. There’s no point saying anything about it now. Maybe I can fix this mess in the morning.

  Suddenly, reality hits and knocks the wind right out of me. My throat squeezes shut, as if I’m being choked by invisible hands. Dramatically, I reach for the door handle. William’s not paying any attention to me; he’s staring at the road and seems to be a million miles away. I’m right next to him, suffocating to death, and he doesn’t even notice!

  I lean my seat back and close my eyes. One, two, three . . . I can’t relax! I’ll imagine all the colors of the rainbow: red, orange . . . green, no yellow, then green . . . this isn’t working either. What am I going to do? I should probably keep quiet for the rest of the night. If I say anything now, I’ll only make matters worse.

  Up ahead, light from my porch illuminate the darkness. In just a few short seconds, I’ll leave William’s fancy car and enter my safe harbor.

  As soon as the car comes to a halt, I leap from my seat. I run for my front door, determined to leave my feelings behind. I can’t believe it! William’s letting me go. Why is he just sitting there? Did I really expect for him to stop me? His tires are rolling backwards! He’s actually leaving! Wait a minute, I can’t allow the night to end like this! I run for him, shouting for him to stop . . . and finally, he does.

  I reach the car. He rolls down his window, but doesn’t say a word.

  “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Don’t go,” I plead.

  “I need some time. Can I just see you later?” Darkness has fallen across his face, and he looks different.

  “Please don’t leave like this!” I shake my head, as tears stream down my face.

  “We’ll talk tomorrow, I promise.”

  “Okay,” I say meekly, and he begins to drive away.

  In desperation, I try to stop him! Only, he isn’t slowing! I freeze in the center of my driveway. I shout into the night air, “I love you!” and I wait.

  After what seems like an eternity, he stops and gets out of the car. His stare penetrates deep into my soul.