Hades

Epilogue

ON the manicured lawns of Bryce Hamilton the seniors loitered under the bright June sunlight in their royal blue caps and gowns, faces glowing with excitement. Somehow, they didn’t look like teenagers in need of direction anymore; they were young people ready to make their own way in the world. College was still several months away and everyone was looking forward to the summer break. I knew Xavier had received offers from several colleges eager to recruit him into their ranks, especially those with all-star football teams.

Even though graduation wouldn’t impact on my future in the same way, I couldn’t help but get caught up in the flurry of nervous excitement. We were waiting for the signal for the procession to begin. Outside the auditorium I spotted Gabriel and his middle school choristers warming up for their closing performance of “Friends Forever,” a popular if clichéd choice as valedictory song.

Among the seniors the buoyant mood was contagious. The girls adjusted their caps and pinned back one another’s hair so it didn’t fall over their eyes and ruin the photographs. The boys were less concerned about appearance, focusing instead on vigorously shaking hands and thumping one another on the back. We were all wearing the class rings that had been delivered only days before. They were simple silver bands engraved with the school motto: LIVE. LOVE. LEARN.

Bryce Hamilton loved pomp and pageantry. Inside the auditorium invited guests and parents were taking their seats and fanning themselves with folded copies of the program. Ivy was sitting beside Dolly Henderson from next door, feigning interest in the neighborhood gossip. Waiting in the wings was Dr. Chester and the teaching staff in full academic regalia, the color of their hoods denoting their individual branch of expertise. The principal would give the opening address, and then as class president, Xavier would deliver the valedictory speech. He hadn’t had much time to prepare, but Xavier was a natural orator and I knew he’d be able to deliver an inspirational speech with just a few scribbled notes to guide him. From outside I spotted Bernie in the audience, trying to keep her youngest from clambering over each other and telling Nicola off for playing Peggle on her iPhone.

After the ceremony high tea would be served in the cafeteria, which had been transformed with white tablecloths and flower arrangements to befit the occasion. A professional photographer was already clicking away behind his camera lens, and I watched Abby and the girls apply fresh coats of lip gloss and make sure their caps were straight. I was looking forward to the part where we’d all throw our caps into the air — I’d seen the scene in several movies and wanted to experience it firsthand. Ivy had taped my name to the inside of mine so I’d be able to find it easily afterward.

The whole school was buzzing with a strange energy. But amid the excitement was an underlying wistfulness. Molly and her friends would never sit out in the quad again; this position would be passed on to the next group of seniors who could never be quite the same. The days of skipping class, cramming for exams, and flirting with boys at the lockers in between periods were over. School had united us; we were expected to pursue our own lives now, and chances were, we’d never all be in the same place again.

I wanted the ceremony to hurry up and start. I was so caught up in the excitement I almost forgot I was a mere onlooker in all of this. I felt entirely human, like I should be worrying about college applications and my future career prospects. I had to remind myself that this life was not meant for me. The best I could do was share in the experience through Xavier and my friends.

Molly appeared by my side and threw her arms around me.

“My God, it’s so sad!” she cried. “I’ve spent the last four years complaining about this place and now I don’t want to leave.”

“Oh, Molly, you’ll be okay,” I said, tucking a wayward corkscrew curl behind her ear. “It’s ages till college.”

“But I’ve spent thirteen years of my life at this school,” Molly said. “It’s weird to think I’m never coming back. I know everybody in this town; it’s my home.”

“And it always will be,” I said. “College is going be an amazing adventure, but Venus Cove will still be here when you come back.”

“But I’ll be so far away!” she wailed.

“Molly.” I laughed and hugged her. “You’re going to ’Bama — it’s one state away!”

She giggled and sniffed. “I guess so, thanks, Bethie.”

I felt a hand wrap around my waist and then Xavier’s lips were at my ear.

“Can I talk to you?” he murmured. I turned and looked up at him. The blue of the graduation gown emphasized the color of his eyes and his silky walnut hair wasn’t even mussed by the cap.

“Sure, what’s up?” I asked. “Are you nervous?”

“No,” Xavier said.

“Is your speech ready? I haven’t heard any of it!”

“We’re not staying.” Xavier delivered this earth-shattering statement with surprising equilibrium.

“Excuse me?” I said. “Why not?”

“Because it doesn’t mean anything to me anymore.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“I’ve never been more serious in my life.”

I still didn’t believe him. “I think today is turning everybody weird,” I said. “Don’t you want to graduate?”

“I’ll graduate whether I attend the ceremony or not.”

I saw then that his eyes were bright and his smile made his whole face radiant. He was actually serious about leaving.

“You’re giving the valedictory speech!”

“It’s taken care of. Wes is stepping in for me. Wasn’t cheap though.”

I stared at him. How could he make jokes when he was about to walk out on one of the most momentous events of his life? Everybody expected him to lead the ceremony — it wouldn’t be the same without him.

“Your parents will never forgive you,” I said. “Why don’t you want to stay? Aren’t you feeling well?”

“I feel fine, Beth.”

“Then why?”

“Because there’s something much more important I want to do.”

“What could be more important than you graduating?”

“Come with me and you’ll find out.”

“Not until you tell me where we’re going.”

“Don’t you trust me?”

“Of course I do.” I nodded ardently. “But I’ve never seen you do anything this … you know … reckless.”

“Funny, I don’t feel reckless,” he said. “I’ve never felt more in control.”

Bryce’s marching band started up the procession and the students began filing into the auditorium to take their places on the stage. A teacher on duty was counting them in by tens. I could see Molly searching for me in the crowd as we’d planned to sit together. The school captains always filed in last because their seats were in the front row. I looked over at Gabriel. He was escorting his choir backstage, but he must have sensed something was up because he threw me a questioning look over his shoulder. I smiled and gave him a feeble wave in return, hoping I gave off the signal that everything was under control. Xavier was looking at me expectantly.

“Come and sit with me under the old oak for five minutes and I’ll explain everything. If you don’t like the plan we’ll come back and go in together. Agreed?”

“Five minutes?” I reiterated.

“That’s all I’m asking.”

I stood under the dappled light of the old oak tree in the middle of the school’s sweeping circular driveway knowing this would be our last tryst here together. A wave of nostalgia hit me. The oak had been a reliable friend to us during our time at Bryce Hamilton, its gnarled branches providing refuge and serving as our secret meeting place whenever our desire to be together overcame any sense of responsibility. I wrapped my arms playfully around its wide trunk while Xavier continued to look as though he’d just made the discovery of the century.

“Okay,” I said. “Your time starts now. What’s this great idea that warrants skipping out on graduation?”

Xavier took off his cap and gown and flung them onto the grass beside us. Underneath he was wearing a white shirt and tie over dress pants. Seeing his athletic chest under the flimsy cotton stirred in me the usual deep, visceral yearning.

Xavier was gazing at me dreamily. He bent his head and kissed my hand. “I’ve been thinking about us.”

“Good thinking or bad?” I asked immediately, the yearning giving way to fear.

“Good, of course.”

I was able to breathe easily again. “So let’s hear it.”

“I think I’ve found the answer.”

“That’s great,” I said lightly. “What’s the question?”

But Xavier was deadly serious. “The question is how do we make sure no one comes between us again.”

“Xavier, what are you talking about? You need to relax. We’re together now. I’m back. Jake won’t bother us again anytime soon.”

“If it’s not Jake it’ll be someone or something else. It’s no way to live, Beth. Always looking over our shoulders, wondering how much time we’ve got left.”

“So let’s not do that. Let’s just focus on what we’ve got right here and now.”

“I can’t. I want this to be forever.”

“We can’t have that expectation. You know that.”

“I think we can.” I looked into his brilliant, fathomless eyes and saw something I hadn’t seen before. I couldn’t put my finger on exactly what it was, but I knew something had changed.

Then in the next minute Xavier had firmly taken hold of my hands and dropped to one knee by the base of the oak, the crinkled leaves on the ground crunching under his weight. My heart started racing like an express train. An internal tug-of-war began between joy and devastation at what he was about to do.

“Beth,” he said simply, his flawless face lit up with anticipation. “There is no doubt in my mind that we belong together, but to spend the rest of my life with you would be an honor and commitment I would cherish.” He paused, his clear, blue eyes luminous. My breath caught in my throat, but Xavier only smiled. “Beth,” he repeated. “Will you marry me?”

The look on his face was one of pure happiness.

I was dumbfounded. I could honestly claim that Xavier was an open book to me by now, but I certainly hadn’t seen this one coming. Involuntarily I glanced up at the sky for guidance, but none was forthcoming. This was something I would have to deal with on my own. A number of possible responses tumbled through my mind, one more rational than the next.

Xavier, are you delirious? Have you completely lost your mind? You’re not even nineteen and in no position to get married. Don’t you think we need to think this through? I can’t let you throw all your dreams away … after college maybe we can talk about it. We don’t have the authority to make this kind of decision alone. Your parents are going to disown you. How will Ivy and Gabriel take it?

But only the least rational found its way to my lips.

“Yes.”

We moved quickly away from the old oak, fearing someone would come looking for us. As soon as I’d given Xavier my answer he scooped me up in his arms and charged off toward the school gates, not stopping until he got to the street where his Chevy was parked. Xavier deposited me carefully on the curb to open the passenger door, then jumped behind the wheel and headed straight for town.

“Where are we going now?” I said breathless with exhilaration.

“We have to do something to celebrate.”

A few minutes later the Chevy pulled up outside Sweethearts on Main Street. Inside the café was almost empty. I figured most of its regulars must be at Bryce’s graduation ceremony. I stole a quick glance at my wristwatch when Xavier wasn’t looking. We’d been gone at least half an hour by now. Our absence would have been well and truly noticed. The principal was probably halfway through his opening address. There would be whispers and questions among the teachers backstage as to who had seen us last and where we might have gone. Someone would volunteer to look around the grounds. Ivy and Gabriel would notice our empty seats and know something was amiss, while Xavier’s parents would be totally confused by their model son’s disappearing act. Thinking about all this was sobering and certainly tempered my elation. I had to at least confirm that Xavier had made his decision with a clear head.

“Xavier,” I began tentatively.

“C’mon, Beth, you can’t have changed your mind already?”

“No, of course not. I just have to say one thing.”

“Okay. Shoot.”

“You have to think about your future.”

“I have. It’s sitting right in front of me.”

“But what will your parents think?”

“I thought you only wanted to say one thing.”

“Please, Xavier, be serious.”

“I don’t know what they’ll think. I’m not planning to ask them. This is the right thing to do. I’ve thought about it long and hard. It’s what I want and I know it’s what you want too. If circumstances were normal we might approach things differently, but we don’t have that luxury. This is the only way to protect what’s ours.”

“But what if it makes things worse.”

“Doesn’t matter because we get to face it together.”

“Have you thought about how we’re going to do this?”

“It’s all taken care of. Father Mel has agreed to help us out. In fact, he’s waiting for us right now down at the chapel.”

“Right now?” My jaw dropped. “Shouldn’t we tell someone first?”

“They’ll only try and talk us out of it. We can tell the whole town afterward. Once our families get over the initial shock we’ll all go out and celebrate. You’ll see.”

“You make it sound so easy.”

“That’s because it is. Marriage is a holy sacrament. Even God will have to be satisfied.”

“I was thinking more about your mom.”

“What’s she got to complain about? At least we’re getting married in a church!”

“That’s true.”

Xavier raised his milkshake to propose a toast.

“To us,” he said as our glasses clinked. “What God hath joined together let no man put asunder.”

What could I do but return his optimistic smile? I wanted nothing more than to be his forever. How could I tell him it wasn’t the interference of man I was worried about?

I remembered the anguish Xavier had endured during the time I’d languished in Hades. Now the crisis was over, the boy I loved was back, ready to declare our commitment to the world. He was prepared to risk everything for happiness. The old Xavier had returned to me, perhaps even stronger than ever. I couldn’t risk losing him again, even if it did unleash the wrath of heaven.

Xavier must have read uncertainty in my face.

“You can still back out,” he said quietly. “I’ll understand.”

I hesitated a moment, all the possible consequences flooding into my head. But when Xavier took my hand, everything cleared and I knew exactly what I wanted.

“Not a chance,” I replied. “I can’t wait to be Mrs. Xavier Woods.”

Xavier slammed his hand down on the tabletop, frustration momentarily clouding his face.

I jumped. “What did I say?”

“Damn it, I forgot about the ring!”

“We can worry about that stuff later,” I placated.

“No, we don’t need to,” he said with a smile.

He reached into his trouser pocket and teasingly withdrew a closed fist. When he opened it a round antique ring box sat neatly in the palm of his hand.

“Open it,” he suggested.

I gasped when I lifted the tiny metal clasp and the lid sprang open. The box contained a rose-cut diamond ring so perfect it took my breath away. As soon as I set eyes on it, I knew it was my ring and I was never going to part with it. I’d never felt such a strong connection to a material possession before. The ring seemed made for me. I didn’t even stop to consider it might need resizing. I just knew it would fit. There wasn’t anything showy or ostentatious about it. I’d been with Molly and the girls when they’d admired the displays in the local jewelry store. I’d always feign interest to be polite, but the gaudy modern diamonds they gushed over left me cold. They looked so colorless and harsh. My ring was as delicate as a flower. Its design could not be improved. The multifaceted central stone was set in a platinum band and peaked like a tiny dome. Encircling it were smaller diamonds that recessed down the shoulder of the ring.

“It’s perfect for you,” Xavier observed.

“It’s so elegant,” I breathed. “Where on earth did you find it? I’ve never seen anything like it before.”

“My grandmother left it to me in her will. My sisters were pretty pissed off that she wanted me to have it. It’s a ring made for an angel. Aren’t you going to try it on?”

I nodded and reached hesitantly for the ring, still struggling to believe that something so intricate and so precious was to be mine. But I never got the chance to try it on. Just as Xavier’s words were spoken, the very earth beneath us began to shake as if Heaven itself were in revolt.

The ring slid off the table and tumbled onto the trembling floor.