An Eternal Second, 2006, by Meesha Meserole

From MemoryArchive

Who: Meesha Meserole
What: An Eternal Second
When: October, 2006
Where: Washington, Iowa

It had been an exciting night; the Demons had won the football game and I was feeding off of the excitement in the air. I was in a very good mood, and as people were leaving I was happily saying my goodbyes. I realized after a time that I needed to get going, too, so I said goodbye to all my friends that were still there and took off along the fence around the track.

As I walked, I noticed the bite of frost in the air, and I smiled to myself. I love the feeling of a cold nose, bitten by Jack Frost. I breathed in, and I could smell the mingled scents the crowd had left behind, a hint of popcorn predominant. I felt so alive.

Before I reached the place where I was supposed to meet my sister, I ran into my boyfriend. Brad was in band, and we’d gotten separated after halftime. I was happy to see him, for I had been looking for him throughout the entire second half.

We talked for a little while, the conversation starting with him inquiring after my well-being. My hands were cold, and I told him so. He did the sweetest thing, then. He took my hands between his own, brought them up to his face, blew hot air on them, and then he began to rub my hands until they were full of warmth. I was so happy; my happiness had no true cause, but I was giddy with love anyway.

We conversed about different things for a few minutes, and then came the dreaded words: “Well, I have to go.” This was one farewell I did not want to say. Still, as Brad pulled me into his warm embrace, I realized I could just simply appreciate and enjoy the time I spent with him. I looked at the lighted, empty football field, my head pressed against his chest. It all seemed so magical at that moment. I heard the fading chatter of the crowd, a mist of sound floating gently to my ears. I saw with perfect clarity the bright green grass of the field, speaking of events from every time. I breathed in his cologne, the wonderful masculinity intensifying my contentment. I felt Brad’s strong, steady heartbeat near my head, reassuring me of his dependable presence.

All too soon, the moment had passed and it was time for the goodbye. As I looked into those wonderful eyes, all I could say was, “Bye.” I knew he could see my eyes shining and my face glowing. Nothing more than a glance had to pass between us for each of us to understand what the other was saying.

We parted, and I was sad to see him go, but the joyful glow of our brief meeting lasted through the night. That was a moment I knew I could cherish, a moment when our souls touched. That, to me, was a perfect moment, lasting only a few heartbeats but encompassing eternity in its lovely arms.