Unlikely hero, p.19
Unlikely Hero, page 19
I looked at my watch, it was almost time for me to go and request our song, ‘Hold you in My Arms’ by Ray Lamontagne. Directly thereafter, I was to walk out the doors to the hall and out into the courtyard where Troy would meet me under the Pear trees. I was so excited I was trembling. I looked at my watch again. Then stood and tapped Jen’s shoulder.
“Watch my purse. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
She smiled broadly at me. I had told her about our plan and she grinned knowingly. She grabbed my hand and held me back.
“Wait a minute.”
“I can’t, I have to request the song now.”
I turned to see a guy in a black suit walking up to the band. Darn, now I’ll have to wait until his song is done.
“Jen.” I moaned as I pouted.
She just smiled.
After several seconds I could hear the first notes of a song I’ve come to love start playing; clearly, melodically, through the huge speakers. Hold you in My Arms started playing.
“You have got to be kidding me.” I looked back down to where she was sitting. “What do I do now? He requested the same song I was going to. They won’t play it twice.” I started to walk away when Jen grabbed my arm pulling me to her.
“Just wait a few seconds.”
“He’s going to think that was me who requested it. I’ve got to go.”
“Amber...” she called out, getting my attention.
“Excuse me.” I heard a voice behind me. It was somewhat familiar, but with the music starting and all the chattering, I was having a hard time placing it.
When you came to me with your bad dreams and your fears
It was easy to see that you'd been crying..
“May I have this dance?” He asked.
“I’m sorry, but…” I turned to answer him and nearly fell backwards.
IT WAS TROY.
He stood before me. His emerald eyes blazing into my soul.
There was something about him. Something different. And looking into his eyes I noticed he was even more beautiful than I remembered. I haven’t seen him for hours, which, if I over analyze it, may be contributing to my temporary insanity.
My body visibly trembled in waves, from my head to my toes. It felt like all eyes were on me. I didn’t know what to do. Jump up and down from sheer joy at finally seeing him, or run out of the room because no one else could.
“Please…dance with me.” He whispered into my ear, his breath fanning my cheek sent me into a whirlwind of emotion.
I shook.
He pulled me, slowly leading me to the dance floor.
“Troy, I don’t know what to do.” My voice was barely audible.
“Follow your heart.” He whispered.
“You are my heart.” I cried.
“Then follow me.”
He pulled me to the center of the dance floor. All eyes were trained on us… or should I say me. But I didn’t care. I was so happy to be in his arms, I didn’t care if they all thought I was crazy. I am crazy. I’m crazy for him.
I rested my head on his chest and listened to his strong heartbeat; his hands moving slowly over my back.
Reaching up, he held my face in his hands and leaned into kiss me. I tilted my head back, knowing full well that this was it. I was sure to be known as the crazy girl of Summit High for the rest of my days, but I didn’t care. I was happy. He was here holding me, and right there and then that’s all that mattered.
His full warm lips touched mine and a thousand different explosions went off simultaneously in my body leaving me feeling weak and limp. I had to wrap my arms around his neck to keep from falling down. My legs shook and my body quivered.
If this is what it feels like to be crazy, then CRAZY I am.
When the song was ending, I lowered my head; bracing myself, waiting for the laughs to begin.
Jen, why would you let this happen?
Before I knew it, the room broke out in applause. I opened my eyes, dreading what I would see. Standing before me was Troy, the most beautiful boy I’d ever imagined and he was still there.
The face I drew, sculpted and dreamt about. The boy that haunted my days and filled my nights; touched my heart and awoken my soul. The boy who gave my life back to me was smiling that perfect smile. His eyes dancing filled with emotion.
“Let’s have another round of applause for Amber and Troy.” It was Al’s voice. He’d been MC’ing the entire night.
Could he see Troy?
I was so confused the room began to spin. I felt dizzy.
I felt an arm wrap around my waist and turned to see Jen.
“Dreams come true sometimes.” She whispered in my ear.
I looked at Troy.
He grabbed my hand. Interlocking his fingers with mine holding it tightly. Like he was afraid to let go.
A warmth spread throughout my body and it felt like I was glowing from the inside out. I was positive everyone could see.
Jen leaned in and kissed his cheek.
“You both deserve this.”
She turned and kissed me, then made her way over to where Jason stood.
Dreams come true and this was my dream. This was the only place I wanted to be, with him. I didn’t care about anything else. I leaned my body against his. His arm encircled me, drawing me in closer to him. I lowered my head to his shoulder and cried tears of joy. A joy I never thought I’d ever feel for the rest of my life. A joy I was sure no one on earth felt but me, enveloped me, and I leaned in to him.
He released my hand and wrapped his arms around me. I held onto him, afraid to let go.
The room was silent.
Everything stopped.
The music. The talking. The constant buzz.
The only thing audible was the beating of Troy’s heart.
It was comforting and for a moment in time, the earth stood still and let me breath.
***
The other kids walked over to us. They were chattering so rapidly I could hardly make out a word. But they were actually talking to Troy. Jason walked over and put one hand on Troy’s shoulder, extending his other hand. Troy took it. It was all so surreal. It was like someone flicked on a light switch illuminating my entire world, guiding me out of the darkness.
Out of nowhere everyone could see and hear Troy.
He was alive. He was mine.
***
You see, Troy was there, and through some power stronger than any power, any of us knows. He removed me from the burning wreck…saving me. He saved me from the fire that would have consumed me. He gave me back my life, taking nothing for himself.
So, if I have to chose or justify what I have been or what I will become, I have to say one thing…I was saved. He saved me.
He once told me I was his hero. Well, it’s clear to see who’s mine.
The End.
C.E. O'Brien, Unlikely Hero
