His Eyes by Renee Carter Page A

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