“Fire”
The city’s annual fireworks festival was something Theo looked forward to every year. There was great food, even better music, and everyone was so engrossed in the spirt of the event that any stress and hostility seemed to vanish entirely.
Of course, such an event had been the prevailing topic during the school day. Everyone wanted to know when everyone else was going, which games they would play, and which bands they were hoping would play. But, the most important question regarding the festival, was who was going with who.
It was traditional for people to attend the festival with dates. Many couples actually began there, as it was probably the most romantic night of the entire year. Theo couldn’t imagine a better first date than cutting a rug during the final dance and then staring up at the stars as beautiful bursts of light blazed across the sky. However, that first date always stayed in his imagination. He had never taken (or been taken by) anyone to the fireworks festival.
He didn’t mind too much though. Even going alone was still quite a lot of fun and whenever the waltz would play, it would find a quiet spot by the lake from which he would watch the stunning fireworks, contently staring in awe alone.
It was nearly that time now. Theo was clambering through some bushes as the final song change began. The lake was the best spot to watch the show of course, but Theo always made sure to sit on the opposite side, where no one else was.
He found a clean enough patch of grass and sat down. He could make out the patrons, still dancing their hearts out across the water. The music began to rise now, a song he didn’t recognize, but pleased his ears.
We’re blowing up, we’re blowing up. We’re taking it all, if no one else is showing up.
Theo’s foot began to tap to the music and soon he started rocking back and forth. In his serenity, he didn’t hear someone else approaching until the bush leaves crinkled behind him.
“Oh! I’m sorry, I didn’t know anyone was here,” a girl said, pushing her red-streaked hair out of her eyes. She was wearing a pink dress that swayed in the breeze. Theo recognized her from class.
“Uh, hi Katie,” he said nervously. He suddenly realized he was still sitting and jumped to his feet. Katie gave him an equally nervous smile and then looked over his shoulder.
“The show’s about to start. Do you mind if I sit here to watch it?” Katie asked. Theo quickly shook his head no and Katie nodded a thank you.
The next few moments were full of awkward tension, as the two stood there, silently facing the water. Eventually the music began to permeate Theo’s mind again and his found himself swaying to the beat.
But when you lift me up, I can’t get much higher. Light our way to heaven,
And set the sky on fire!
Katie noticed this and began to sway too, a more comfortable smile forming on her red lips. Theo’s heart quickened and his thoughts began to race. But the music continued to guide him, drowning out his worries.
His hand found hers and soon they were spinning each other on the bank, singing and cheering into the night. The music concluded, but still they danced. They twirled, stepped, and jumped as loud claps echoed and the sky was set on fire.