Sweet Summer Skies

Mark ran out of his house slamming the screen door behind him. He made his way across the gravel drive way and opened the door of his rusty old ford. He tossed the mangled quilt and the small cooler in the bed and grabbed his hat off the dash. He quickly checked his teeth in the side view mirror and smoothed back his shaggy blonde hair before putting the faded ball cap on his head. He slid into the driver seat and turned the key. The engine roared to life and he threw the truck in drive. The truck left a cloud of dust to be swept away by the gentle breeze as it backed down the drive. Mark glanced at the floor of the old truck as he drove down the deserted dirt road. He noticed his pack of cigarettes lying out in the open and he quickly hid them in the glove box. She hated that he smoked so he tried desperately to avoid another impossible argument. A few minutes passed as the truck raced down the road. Mark lost in the words of Kenny Chesney almost missed her house. He mashed on the brake and barely made the turn into her drive way. She herd the deep sound of the engine pull in and before he could put it in park she was running out meet him leaving the front door wide open and ignoring the hollering of her mother. She climbed into the cab and leaned over to give him a kiss before buckling her seatbelt and telling him to do the same. With obedience Mark pulled the restraint across his chest and clicked it into place. They were soon driving down the road with the wind blowing her hair across her face and both of them singing along to the radio. After a short drive Mark pulled into a deserted gravel quarry and parked his truck at the top of a hill overlooking the massive pit. They climbed out and Mark spread the blanket across the bed of his truck. They both took their respective spots next to each other as Mark opened the cooler and passed her a cold beer. In unison the sound of the beers being opened broke the silence of the warm summer night. She cuddled up close to him resting her head on his chest. They both peered off into the distance watching the sun paint it’s bright colors across the evening sky. After a few minutes the sun was completely out of sight but it left it’s hints of purple and orange to dance together until darkness took over. Mark looked at her and found himself perplexed by her, not able to look away. As she watched the beauty in the sky all he could do was stare into her innocent eyes. She was perfect and he knew it. She quickly noticed his glance and asked why he was staring at her with a playful giggle. How could he tell her the truth? How can you tell someone that they mean everything to you and that life would lose all meaning without them? That when you gaze into their eyes you know everything will be all right. That when she grasps your hand your ego melts away and your heart flutters. How can you say to another person that they have that kind of control over your emotions? That with one look they could bring a smile to your face or make you cry. How can you tell someone that every ounce of your being belongs to them and that you would do anything and everything for them? That they complete you and when you’re with them nothing else matters. With these thoughts flooding his mind Mark smiled and said it’s because you’re so beautiful. He means it but it is a small fraction of what he feels and longs to say to her. A moment passes and she catches him looking into her eyes again. “Stop looking at me”, she giggles turning bright red in the cheeks. “I can’t”, he says smiling as she grabs his arm and puts it around her. He pulls her close and the two of them lay back against the cab of the truck. The feeling of comfort and happiness washes over him like a wave hitting the beach. His heart beats faster and he feels content. For the first time in his life he feels like he’s not alone. Someone is here that truly care about him. As his mind sorts through his feelings and thoughts she leans over and gives him a kiss on the cheek. Then he feels her warm breath tickle his ear as she whispers, “I love you”. Watching the stars dance across the dark summer sky and the moon reflect off the still pond water he can’t help but wonder, “Is this love?”