Underneath The Stars (The Less Dramatic Version)

I had an appointment that required me to go back to my hometown recently. Seeing that it's close(ish) to Daniel's work we decided to meet and have a little date. We have been anticipating the day where I could take him to all my local spots and show him where I got up to trouble when I lived with my parents. As we drove through the town I pointed out roads and landmarks, some of which he has heard stories regarding and others, not. He waited patiently with beer and hot dogs at a dive bar that he loves and that I used to go to with my grandmother. (Only for the hot dogs back then!)

Once I finished with my appointment there was one special spot I had wanted to show him and claim for ourselves. This may sound creepy, but my parents house is next to a cemetery. A large, lovely cemetery on top of a hill. I can't remember a time when I didn't find this particular cemetery peaceful and quiet. I was never scared to be there. In fact, I spent much of my time sitting at the topmost part of the landscape, looking out over the city. The view is incredible, indescribable. (Though I am going to try.) You can see the entire town from that hill and if you tilt your head upright, the stars seem as if you can reach out and grab them. Needless to say, this was one of my favorite places to hang out as a child.

Then I got older. Soon it was a place to hang out and do all those things that experimenting teenagers do. There is a little cove surrounding a religious icon in the hill that is perfect for concealment. Throughout high school, my group of friends would hang out there. I wasn't too wild, but there was some drinking, pot (possibly other drugs), and of course little sexual escapades. (Mostly none by me as I was the goody goody).  In the summer it was the place to watch the town fireworks and in the winter it had the best sled riding hill around. I had forgotten how much this place meant to me.

Daniel and I parked my car, leaving the lights on so I could try and find my grandfather's grave. We trekked around the crunchy grass cursing the lack of a flashlight. After we found it, I began walking uphill with him following. He tried to give me light with his cell phone, but I know this place. I know if you wait long enough, your eyes will adjust and things become clear. Even without sight, I could have found the cove.

"Ready for a little rock climbing?" I joked.

We scaled the final hill and the city was laid out before us. The air was crisp. Barely 40 degrees. The world in front of us alight with stars and house lights. The only thing missing was the moon. I can't wait to take him back there to see the full moon. We kissed. I sniffed my running nose. I whispered little things to him, frightened we would be caught, but all the while knowing this was the only place on earth I would feel "safe" getting up to no good in.

He embraced me from behind, and THAT's when the fun began...