The music pulses in my ears, and vibrant blue, purple, and pink lights dance around as Lily Evans steps onto the stage for the final time in her stunning emerald green dress—the very one she wore to our prom.
“My loves,” she says into the microphone, her grin radiant, “I have a very special new song for you tonight.”
The crowd erupts into cheers.
“I’m thrilled to be back in my hometown, and as a special thank you for being here with me—” she pauses, slinging an acoustic guitar over her shoulder, “I’m going to sing a song about the girl I grew up with.”
My heart skips a beat as I cheer wildly from the front row—whooping and whistling.
Just when I think this moment couldn’t get any better, Lily looks down at the audience and shouts, “Mary, wherever you are, this one’s for you.”
Her voice soars, as angelic as ever.
~
She said, I was seven and you were nine
I looked at you like the stars that shine
In the sky, the pretty lights
~
Lily and I met when I was nine and she was seven. I had just moved to town and felt so nervous about making friends. Her big sister, Petunia, was in my class but wasn’t very nice to me. Still, she had to invite me to her birthday party—the whole class or no one—so the week after I moved, I found myself hiding in their garden.
That’s when Lily discovered me.
“Hiya! My name is Lily, why are you in my garden?” Her confusion was clear as she found me nestled among the flowers.
“Uh—birthday party? I—I’m new here…” I stammered, feeling exposed. But then she giggled, and my fear started to melt away.
“No need to be scared! I’m just Tuney’s little sister. What’s your name?”
Her warm smile and friendly eyes made it easy to relax. “Mary. Mary Macdonald. I’m from Scotland.”
She reached out her hand and helped me out of the flowerbed.
“Do you eat cake in Scotland?” she asked, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.
“We love cake in Scotland,” I replied, smirking back.
“Good thing we’re at a birthday party then, huh?” She took my hands and pulled me toward the house—our mission began.
Hours later, we emerged into the dark, starry night.
I turned to Lily, then back to the sky. “You’re just as pretty as the stars, Lily.”
She looked at me, her eyes sparkling. “You’re prettier than the stars, Mary.”
We stayed there for a while, entranced by the sky, until Lily’s dad, George, called me in to say my sister had come to pick me up. I nearly cried at the thought of leaving my new best friend, but Lily wrapped her arms around me and said softly, “Don’t worry, we can see each other every day after school!”
That’s when Lily Evans and I became inseparable.
~
And our daddies used to joke about the two of us
Growing up and falling in love, and our mamas smiled
And rolled their eyes and said oh my my my
~
By the time I was eleven, Lily and I were joined at the hip. We rarely strayed more than six feet apart, and sleepovers became a nightly tradition. Her family felt like mine.
My mum often tells me how much the Evans family helped us during that time. Mr. and Mrs. Evans—Uncle George and Auntie Rose, as I called them—single-handedly paid off our mortgage.
My father’s infidelity had led to our move after the divorce; we were looking for a fresh start. But my mum was a nurse, and it wasn’t enough to cover our loans while raising two kids. The Evans took it upon themselves to help—delivering groceries and paying bills without expecting anything in return.
As the years rolled on, Lily and I became the kind of friends who could communicate with just a glance. We shared everything—dreams, secrets, and even our fears. The world around us faded when we were together, and the laughter we shared became a soundtrack to our childhood.
One warm summer afternoon, as the sun bathed the world in a soft, golden glow, Lily and I lay sprawled out on a blanket in her backyard. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers, and the faint hum of cicadas filled the lazy afternoon. We were both content, staring up at the clear sky, lost in our own thoughts. Then, without warning, Lily turned to me, her face suddenly serious, her brow slightly furrowed.
“Mary, what do you want to be when you grow up?”
I paused, letting the question linger in the air for a moment, my fingers absentmindedly tracing circles in the grass beneath us. It was a question I hadn’t yet fully answered, even to myself. Finally, I smiled softly.
“I want to be a writer,” I said, my voice quiet but certain. “I want to tell stories that make people feel something—stories that matter.”
Lily’s eyes sparkled with excitement, and a wide smile spread across her face. “That’s so perfect! You’ve always had a way with words. I can totally see it.” She paused, her gaze shifting upwards as if imagining something beyond the sky. “And I want to be a musician—a real one. Not just someone who plays in their room, but someone who performs, travels, and makes music for people.”
I couldn’t help but grin. “You will be. You’re going to be famous one day, Lily. I just know it.”
She burst into laughter, her joy as infectious as ever, filling the yard with light. “And you’ll write my biography! We’ll be a team—me, the world-famous musician, and you, the best-selling author.” She winked playfully, but I knew she meant it.
In that moment, our dreams felt as real as the sun setting behind us, casting long shadows over the lawn. For the rest of the day, we wove our futures together, crafting a story where anything was possible. We imagined world tours, book signings, and grand adventures that seemed just within reach. Time slipped away unnoticed, the world around us fading into the background as our imaginations soared.
It wasn’t until nightfall, when the stars began to peek through the velvety sky, that our parents had to practically drag us inside. Uncle George joked that we’d never find men who could stand both of us together. We just laughed, exchanging a knowing look.
Who needs a boyfriend when you have a best friend like Lily Evans?
~
Take me back to the house in the backyard tree
Said you'd beat me up, you were bigger than me
You never did, you never did
~
The sun was filtering through the branches of the old oak tree, casting this warm glow across the backyard. I remember sitting on the lowest branch, legs dangling, hands gripping the rough bark, waiting for Lily to catch up. She was always slower, but that never mattered. It gave me time to watch her dart around, her red hair wild, her face lit up like she was always in the middle of some secret adventure.
I shouted down to her, grinning like I always did. “C’mon, Evans, you’re so slow!”
Lily crossed her arms and glared up at me, pretending to be annoyed, but I could see the smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “I’m not slow! You’re just a giant!”
I laughed, the sound ringing out through the yard. It always did feel like I was bigger than her, stronger, like it was my job to look out for her, even if we were just messing around. “Yeah, well, giants don’t need to be fast when they can just reach things, do they?” I teased, leaning down and stretching out my arm. “Come on, I’ll help you up.”
She hesitated, just for a second, and then darted forward, grabbing my hand. She was always so quick to trust, even when I gave her a hard time. I pulled her up beside me, the two of us huddled together on the branch, legs dangling over the side. From up there, the world looked so small. It was just me and Lily, like it had always been.
We sat side by side, our voices mingling in the gentle breeze, sharing secrets and dreams until the distant shout of “GIRLS, DINNER!” echoed through the garden. At the sound, Lily—small and quick as a rabbit—hopped down from the branch.
“Hey, Mar, race you back to the house!” she called out, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Before I could respond, she was off, sprinting away with the wind in her hair.
“Hey! No fair!” I shouted, scrambling after her, my heart racing. I hurled all the colorful profanities I could think of in her direction as I chased her down, desperate to beat her to the back door.
I knew I was never going to win.
We pushed into the utility room, pulling off our muddy boots and she stuck her tongue out at me.
“One day,” I threw a boot at her head, which she gracefully dodged, “I’m going to beat you up, Lils.”
“Haha, you couldn't if you tried.” she giggled.
She was right. No matter how hard things got, how much we argued - not once did I ever lay a hand on her.
~
Take me back when our world was one block wide
I dared you to kiss me and ran when you tried
Just two kids, you and I
Oh my my my my
~
The summer sun hung low in the sky, bathing the neighborhood in a golden glow. Our world was no bigger than that one block—our block—where everything felt infinite, even though it was just a stretch of pavement and the worn grass of front yards and a bunch of children we barely knew.
Lily and I were inseparable then, two kids fueled by curiosity and a bit of mischief. We’d spend hours playing games, but nothing felt quite as thrilling as our spontaneous rounds of truth or dare. On this particular afternoon, we sat cross-legged on the grass beneath the old oak tree, the warm breeze whispering through the leaves.
“Okay, your turn,” I said, grinning at her. “Truth or dare?”
“Dare!” she replied eagerly, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Alright!” I said, rubbing my hands together. “I dare you to sing the chorus of your favorite song in a silly voice!”
She threw her head back and laughed, then launched into an exaggerated rendition of her favorite pop song, her pitch wavering comically. I clutched my stomach as I laughed, the sound echoing off the tree.
“Okay, okay! That was brilliant,” I gasped when she finished. “Now it’s your turn to ask me.”
“Truth or dare, Mary?” she asked, a mischievous glint in her eye.
“Dare!” I replied, feeling the adrenaline rush through me.
“Hmm…” she pretended to think hard, tapping her chin. “I dare you to… kiss me!”
My heart raced at the unexpected challenge. I could hardly believe she’d said it. “You’re on!” I laughed, feeling bold and a little nervous.
I leaned in, but just as I was about to close the distance, she darted back, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Nope! Too slow!” And with that, she took off running, her laughter ringing through the air like music.
“Lily!” I shouted, chasing after her, my heart pounding with excitement. “You can’t just run away from your own dare!”
She zigzagged through the grass, her ponytail flying behind her as she sped toward the oak tree. I was determined to catch her, but no matter how fast I ran, she was always just a step ahead.
“Come back here!” I yelled, laughter bubbling up from deep in my chest. I dodged flower beds and sprinted across the yard, but she was quick, darting just out of reach.
Finally, we both skidded to a halt, panting and flushed, just out of breath beneath the shade of the oak tree. I leaned against the trunk, trying to catch my breath, while Lily bent over, her hands on her knees as she laughed.
“Okay, okay, you win!” I gasped, grinning. “But you still owe me that kiss!”
She grinned back, eyes sparkling. “Alright! You caught me this time. Let’s do it!”
I leaned in again, heart racing, and this time she stayed still, her smile wide and inviting. But just as I closed the gap, she sprinted away again, giggling. “You’ll have to catch me first, Mary!”
“Lily!” I laughed, chasing after her once more, our laughter echoing around us as we lost ourselves in the joy of our childhood.
Lily was always like that, brave with her words - but never her actions.
I wish she knew - I think she did, subconsciously - that I would never judge her. Or complain. Or say no to kissing her.
I could never deny Lily anything.
~
Well, I was sixteen when suddenly
I wasn't that little girl you used to see
But your eyes still shined like pretty lights
~
By sixteen, my hair had grown long, my clothes were a little more fitted, I was popular, I was a cheerleader, I had dated just about every cute boy at our school - but deep down, I was still the same Mary who loved to explore the world with Lily by my side.
It was spring, and the air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers. The sky was painted with the kind of blue that made everything feel vibrant and alive. I sat on the steps of my front porch, absentmindedly fiddling with the hem of my shirt as I watched the clouds drift lazily by. My heart raced at the thought of the upcoming prom. The idea of going felt both thrilling and terrifying—so many people, so many expectations.
“Mary!” I heard Lily’s voice calling from down the street, cutting through my thoughts. I looked up to see her jogging toward me, her brown hair bouncing with each step and a huge grin plastered across her face.
“Hey, Lils!” I waved, a smile breaking out across my face. There was something about her energy that always made me feel lighter, like the sun had just burst through a cloudy day.
She reached the bottom of the steps, catching her breath. “You won’t believe what I just found out!” she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“What?” I asked, intrigued.
“The prom theme!” she exclaimed, practically bouncing on her toes. “It’s going to be a masquerade! Can you imagine? Everyone in masks and fancy dresses—it’s going to be magical!”
I laughed, the idea filling me with a mix of giddiness and nerves. “That sounds amazing! But… what if no one asks us?”
“Oh, please!” Lily waved her hand dismissively, her confidence radiating. “You know we’ll find someone! We always do.”
As we chatted, the conversation shifted to dresses and hairstyles, the excitement bubbling between us like a fizzy soda. But beneath the surface of our laughter, I could feel a heaviness in the air, a question lingering in my mind.
“Hey, Lils,” I said, my voice softening. “Are you going to ask someone to prom?”
She paused, glancing at me, her expression serious for a moment. “Actually, I was thinking about it. But there’s someone I want to ask… someone I really want to go with.”
My heart raced with curiosity. “Who?”
There was a brief moment of silence as she looked me in the eye, the corners of her mouth turning up in a shy smile. “You, Mary.”
I blinked, the surprise catching me off guard. “Me? You want to go with me?”
“Of course!” she said, her enthusiasm bubbling over. “I mean, who else would I want to go with? We’ve been through everything together. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”
A rush of warmth filled my chest. The thought of going to prom with Lily, my best friend, sent butterflies swirling in my stomach. “I’d love to go with you!” I exclaimed, a smile spreading across my face.
“Really?” she asked, her eyes shining with excitement. “I’m so glad! I was a little worried you might think it was silly.”
“Not at all! It’s perfect!” I replied, feeling a surge of happiness. “I can’t imagine going with anyone else.”
“Great! Then it’s settled! We’re going together,” she said, her laughter ringing out like music in the warm air.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over everything, we turned the conversation back to dresses and hair, the excitement swirling around us like a warm breeze.
“You know,” Lily said, her voice thoughtful, “we should coordinate our outfits. Maybe we could match?”
“Definitely! I can already picture it,” I replied, my mind racing with ideas. “Something bold and fun!”
But as we planned and dreamed about our perfect night, something lingered in the back of my mind. I could feel that familiar spark between us, the kind that felt different now, charged with unspoken possibilities.
“Hey, Lils,” I said softly, glancing at her as the sunlight danced in her hair. “I’m really glad you asked me. I was hoping you would.”
“Me too,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, but her eyes held a warmth; a childish, hopeful sparkle that made my heart flutter.
We walked back toward the house, pinkies intertwined, the sun setting behind us, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that this night would be special, more than just another chapter in our lives. We might be growing up, but no matter how much we changed, I knew that our bond would remain unbreakable.
In that moment, I felt a rush of excitement at the thought of what the future held for us, as friends and maybe something more.
~
And our daddies used to joke about the two of us
They never believed we'd really fall in love
And our mamas smiled and rolled their eyes
And said oh my my my
~
### Chapter: The Prom Night
The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the neighborhood as Lily and I stood outside my house, our hearts racing with anticipation. Our families had gathered around, armed with cameras and beaming smiles, ready to capture every moment before we headed to prom.
“Okay, girls, get together!” my mom called out, her camera poised and ready. Lily and I shuffled close, trying to ignore the nervous flutter in our stomachs.
“Say cheese!” my mom shouted, and we both flashed our biggest grins, trying not to laugh as uncle George made silly faces behind the camera.
He used to joke about the two of us, he swore we’d never love anyone more than we loved each other. But he never believed we’d really fall in love,I don’t think. But as I glanced at Lily beside me, her dress shimmering under the fading sunlight, I felt a warmth blossom in my chest. Maybe it wasn’t just friendship that I wanted. That either of us wanted.
“Alright, one more with the corsages!” my mum chimed in, gesturing for us to show off the wrist corsages he had insisted on buying for us.
“Just try not to ruin your dresses,” Lily teased, glancing down at the soft fabric of her emerald green gown.
The gown she’s wearing tonight, on stage.
“Please, as if I could!” I laughed, raising my arm dramatically to show off my pink corsage, and Lily followed suit.
“Beautiful!” my mom exclaimed, snapping more photos. “You both look so grown up!”
We rolled our eyes at each other, feeling both the weight of our parents’ expectations and the thrill of the night ahead. After a few more pictures, the moment felt electric, filled with laughter and love.
“Okay, enough pictures! Let’s go!” Lily said, grabbing my hand as we made our way to the car, the warmth of her touch sending butterflies through my stomach.
As we arrived at the school, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. The building glowed with colorful lights, music thumping through the open doors. We stepped inside, and the world outside faded away, replaced by laughter and the sound of people dancing.
“I can’t believe we’re actually here!” I said, my voice barely audible over the music as we made our way into the gym. The decorations were breathtaking—streamers and twinkling lights hung from the ceiling, and everyone was dressed to impress.
Lily twirled around, her dress swirling with her, and I couldn’t help but laugh. “You look amazing!” I said, the words spilling out before I could catch myself.
“Thanks! You do too!” she replied, her eyes shining as she took in the scene.
We spent the first part of the evening dancing with friends, our laughter echoing through the room. As the night wore on, we found ourselves on the edge of the dance floor, taking a break from the frenetic energy.
“Can you believe we’re finally at prom?” Lily asked, leaning against the wall, her breath hitching slightly.
“I know! It feels like just yesterday we were pretending to be princesses,” I replied, a nostalgic smile spreading across my face.
Lily looked at me, her gaze serious for a moment. “And now we’re here, looking like real princesses.”
I felt a warmth creep into my cheeks, the moment feeling charged with unspoken words. “Lily… I wanted to-”
Before I could finish, the music shifted to a slower song, the kind that enveloped the room in a warm embrace. Lily’s eyes sparkled as she stepped closer, her expression inviting me to step into the moment.
“Dance with me?” she asked, her voice soft and almost shy.
I nodded, heart racing, and we moved to the center of the floor. As we swayed together, the world around us faded, and it was just the two of us, lost in our own little bubble. The rhythm of the music wrapped around us, pulling us closer.
I held her in my arms, and the world faded away, feeling the warmth of her body against mine. I could see the joy in her eyes, the way her lips curled into a smile that sent my heart racing.
As we danced, I felt an overwhelming urge to lean in closer, to close the distance that felt like it had been building between us all night. I could feel my breath hitching in my throat, uncertainty battling with desire.
Lily giggled, nervously, but then her expression turned serious again, and I felt the air shift between us.
“Mary, I—” she started, her voice faltering as she looked deep into my eyes.
At that moment, I knew we were standing on the edge of something beautiful. I leaned in, closing the distance between us, feeling the world around us dissolve into nothing. Our lips met softly, a sweet kiss that tasted of promise and the magic of the night.
The dance floor faded away, and in that moment, it was just us—two best friends turned something more, wrapped up in the beauty of newfound love. The laughter, the music, the bright lights—they all felt secondary to the spark igniting between us.
As we pulled away, both breathless and smiling, I knew that this was a night we would always remember, forever marking the moment our friendship blossomed into something deeper. And with our hands entwined, we returned to the dance floor, ready to celebrate the night and each other.
~
Take me back to the creek beds we turned up
Two A.M. riding in your truck and all I need is you next to me
~
The summer nights felt endless back then, each one blending into the next like the rippling waters of the creek that wound its way through our small town. I could still picture it—the way the moonlight danced on the surface, casting shimmering reflections against the dark waters. It was two a.m., and Lily and I were crammed into the front seat of my old truck - her driving, I was never any good - the engine humming softly as we pulled away from the bright lights of the diner, our laughter spilling into the cool night air.
“Take me to the creek?” I asked, the words tumbling out as I leaned against the window, the familiar thrill of adventure bubbling up inside me.
“Are you sure we won’t get caught?” Lily shot back, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
“Who cares?” I grinned, my heart racing at the thought of another late-night escapade. “It’s just us out here. Let’s go!”
She laughed, her voice light and full of joy. “Alright, hold on tight!” With a grin, she slammed her foot down on the accelerator, my truck lurching forward and the tires screeching against the pavement.
As we drove through the winding roads, the wind whipped through our hair, and I felt a sense of freedom that only the night could bring. The stars above twinkled like diamonds scattered across a black velvet sky, and everything felt right in that moment.
“I can’t believe we’re actually doing this!” I shouted over the wind, my excitement bubbling over.
“Just like old times!” Lily replied, her laughter mixing with the roar of the truck.
We reached the gravel path that led to the creek, the familiar crunching of stones beneath the tires sending a thrill through me. Lily parked the truck, and we jumped out, the cool night air wrapping around us like a comforting blanket.
“Come on!” I called, racing toward the water, the soft glow of the moon illuminating our path. The creek was low, exposing smooth rocks and the soft banks where we had spent countless afternoons splashing and playing as kids.
“Wait up!” Lily shouted, her voice filled with delight as she hurried to catch up.
We arrived at the water’s edge, the gentle sound of the creek bubbling over rocks echoing in the stillness. I knelt down, trailing my fingers through the cool water, memories flooding back of summers spent exploring and pretending we were adventurers in a secret world.
“This place is magic,” I said, looking up at Lily, who was standing beside me, a smile stretching across her face.
“I’ve missed it,” she replied, her voice softening as she gazed out at the water, lost in thought.
“Do you remember that time we built that massive dam?” I asked, laughing at the memory. “We were convinced we could change the flow of the creek!”
Lily burst out laughing, the sound bright and carefree. “And then it flooded because we didn’t know what we were doing! Our parents were so mad!”
We shared a laugh, the sound echoing in the stillness of the night, and I felt that familiar warmth between us, the kind that made my heart swell. It was moments like these, in the stillness under the stars, when everything felt perfect, and it was just me and Lily against the world.
“Let’s go for a swim,” I suggested suddenly, an impulsive spark igniting within me.
“Now? It’s freezing!” she protested, but I could see the glimmer of excitement in her eyes.
“Come on! Just for old time’s sake!” I urged, pulling off my shirt and tossing it aside. Without waiting for an answer, I ran to the edge and dove into the creek, the cold water enveloping me in a shock of exhilaration.
“Mary! You’re crazy!” Lily laughed, but she followed, hesitantly stepping in and squealing as the water rushed around her.
“See? It’s not that bad!” I called, splashing her playfully.
Lily shrieked and splashed back, her laughter ringing through the air as we fought with the water, the world around us forgotten.
As we played, I felt the worries of the world slip away, and it was just us—two girls lost in the magic of a summer night. But beneath the surface of our playful banter, I felt something deeper—a connection that had been building over the years, hidden in the laughter and the playful teasing.
Eventually, we stopped, breathless and leaning against the bank, our skin shimmering under the moonlight. I looked over at her, and the air between us shifted, charged with something unspoken.
“Lily,” I began, my heart racing as I tried to find the right words. “You know you mean the world to me, right?”
She turned to me, her expression softening, and I could see the flicker of something in her eyes that made my heart skip a beat. “I know, Mary. I love you. I’d do anything for you.”
In that moment, the air felt thick with unspoken possibilities, and all I could think about was how much I wanted to be close to her—really close.
I reached out, taking her hand, our fingers intertwining. “I just… I don’t want this night to end. I want you next to me, always.”
Lily’s breath caught in her throat, and for a heartbeat, it felt like time stood still. The sounds of the creek faded into the background, and all I could focus on was her.
“Me too,” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath, but it felt like the most honest thing I’d ever heard.
And before I knew it, I leaned in, closing the space between us. Our lips met softly, a tentative brush that sent sparks of electricity coursing through my body. It felt as if the world around us faded away, leaving just the two of us, suspended in a moment that felt like magic.
When we pulled away, both breathless and wide-eyed, I realized we had crossed a threshold, stepping into a new chapter of our lives, where friendship and something deeper intertwined under the moonlit sky.
“Wow,” I breathed, a smile breaking out on my face.
“Wow,” she echoed, her eyes sparkling with the same exhilaration I felt.
We stood together by the creek, our hands still clasped, hearts racing in sync, the night air thick with the promise of more adventures to come. No matter what lay ahead, I knew that as long as Lily was next to me, everything would be just fine.
~
The slamming of doors instead of kissing goodnight
You stayed outside till the morning light
~
The summer sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the yard, where laughter and shouts filled the air. It had been a perfect day until everything changed.
Lily and I had been lounging on the front porch, the remnants of a picnic spread out before us. We’d been laughing, eating, and soaking in the warmth of the day, but as the sun dipped behind the trees, our carefree afternoon took a sharp turn.
“I just think it’d be fun to go to the lake with everyone this weekend,” Lily said, tossing her hair over her shoulder with a bright smile.
I frowned, my heart sinking a little. “I thought we were going to hang out just the two of us.”
“We can still do that,” she said, her brow furrowing in confusion. “But it’s been a while since we hung out with the whole group. I thought you’d want to come.”
“Yeah, but you didn’t even ask me,” I snapped, irritation flaring up inside me. “You just assumed I’d go along with it.”
“Mary, it’s not a big deal!” she shot back, her voice sharp.
“Not a big deal?” I exclaimed, rising from my seat. “It feels like you don’t even care what I want!”
The air grew thick with tension as the evening shadows stretched across the yard, swallowing the laughter from earlier. Lily’s eyes flashed with frustration. “How can you say that? I thought you’d enjoy it!”
“Clearly, you thought wrong,” I spat, turning away from her, hurt and anger swirling together like a storm inside me.
In that moment, I couldn’t take it anymore. I stormed down the steps and out into the night, leaving her standing there, stunned. I felt a rush of adrenaline as I walked away, the cool air hitting my face, but the further I went, the more the anger began to fester into something deeper—an aching sense of loss.
I wandered aimlessly down the street, my mind racing. We had always been a team, but now it felt like we were on opposite sides of an invisible line. I could hear the crickets chirping, their sounds punctuating the quiet night, but all I could focus on was the image of Lily standing there, hurt and confused.
As the hours stretched on, I ended up at the creek, the water flowing softly under the moonlight. I sat on the bank, my feet dangling above the surface, watching the ripples shimmer in the silver light. It was a place we had shared countless times, but now it felt lonely, like a piece of me was missing.
I thought back to all the memories we had created here—the laughter, the secrets, the shared dreams. But in the haze of anger and frustration, I had forgotten how easily we could hurt each other. I could have talked to her, explained how it felt to be left out of her plans. Instead, I had chosen to storm away like a child.
Time slipped by, and I felt the cool breeze on my skin as the night deepened. I knew I should go home, but the idea of facing Lily felt overwhelming. I was scared of the disappointment in her eyes, the silent judgment of our first real fight hanging over us.
I stayed by the creek, allowing the cool water to wash over my feet, hoping it would wash away the anger and confusion swirling in my heart. The moon hung high, a silent witness to my turmoil, and I found myself lost in thought.
Hours passed, and the sun began to rise, painting the sky with soft hues of pink and gold. I could see the outline of my house in the distance, but instead of feeling relief, I felt dread. I didn’t want to go back inside, didn’t want to face the reality of what had happened.
Just as I was about to stand, I heard footsteps approaching. My heart raced as I turned to see Lily, her expression a mix of relief and concern.
“Mary!” she called, her voice breaking the stillness of the dawn. “I was worried about you! I didn’t know where you went!”
I opened my mouth to say something but closed it again, unsure of what to say.
I was never very good at forgiving.
“Let me drive you home?” Her voice cracked and her eyes shone with tears, so I silently climbed into the passenger seat of my truck and let her drive me home.
She pleaded with me the whole way back - but no. I was too petty, too stupid. I wasn’t even in the right in the argument. I was just looking for a reason to be angry.
I went back into my house alone, leaving Lily looking sad and confused on the doorstep.
~
Oh my my my
~
Lily's eyes lock onto mine as she sings, and suddenly she stops mid-verse, doing a double take.
“Shit!” she cries out, her voice bursting with excitement.
She motions to her security team, still staring right at me. “Somebody get Mary up here!”
My heart races as I try to process the moment. The noise of the crowd fades into the background; it’s just me and Lily.
I can’t believe it. After all these years, here we are. Her smile is bright and genuine, lighting up the stage, and I feel the warmth of our friendship washing over me.
The security guards seem a bit confused, looking at each other like they don’t know what to do. But all I can think about is getting to her. As I make my way over the barrier and onto the stage, excitement bubbles up inside me, making me feel like a kid again.
Finally, I reach the edge of the stage. The crowd cheers, and I can see Lily beaming at me, her face full of joy. It’s like no time has passed at all.
Tears fill her eyes as she sees me, and my dress. We’re matching, once more - just like we did when we were 16.
Through choked laugh-crying and a massive bearhug, Lily shouts into the microphone; “Everyone meet Mary, my first and only love.”
The crowd erupts, and cheers and screams, I can see flags and signs being waved around and people crying and screaming and it's a cacophony of noise.
Lily grips my hand, raises it into the air, and faces the audience.
“THANKYOU, KENT, YOU’VE BEEN WONDERFUL - I LOVE YOU. LILY EVANS OUT.”
The floor lowers us into a basement of sorts, and once more, it's just me and Lily, hand in hand.
EPILOGUE
~
A few years had gone and come around
We were sitting at our favorite spot in town
And you looked at me, got down on one knee
~
The sun was setting, casting a warm golden hue over the garden. Fairy lights twinkled above us, creating a magical atmosphere that felt straight out of a fairy tale. Lily and I had been planning this evening for weeks, and now that it was finally here, I could hardly contain my excitement.
We sat together on a soft blanket spread out over the lush grass, a picnic laid out before us—cheese, crackers, strawberries, and a bottle of sparkling cider. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and the gentle rustling of leaves, a soft breeze brushing against our skin. With each passing moment, the beauty of the evening wrapped around us like a comforting embrace.
Lily looked radiant, her red hair catching the light, her green eyes sparkling with joy. Every time she laughed, it felt like the world brightened just a little more. I couldn’t help but smile at her, overwhelmed by how lucky I was to have her in my life. As we shared a toast, my heart raced with both anticipation and a hint of nerves. We had always shared our dreams for the future, and now I wanted to make one of those dreams a reality.
“Hey, Lily,” I began, my voice a little shaky. I could feel my pulse quicken as I looked into her eyes. She turned to me, her expression curious and open, making it even harder to find my words. “Do you remember all those times we talked about our future together?”
“Of course!” she replied, her laughter warm and genuine. “I thought we were just dreaming. You know how it goes.”
“Yeah, but… what if we weren’t just dreaming?” I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle on my shoulders. “What if we actually made it happen?”
Her brow furrowed slightly, a hint of confusion flickering in her eyes. “What do you mean?”
I pulled out a small, velvet box from my pocket, my hands trembling slightly. The box felt heavy with meaning as I opened it, revealing a delicate ring that sparkled in the fading light. “I mean… I want us to share our future. Lily Evans, will you marry me?”
Her eyes widened, and for a moment, the world felt like it had stopped spinning. Time stood still as I watched a wave of emotions wash over her face—surprise, disbelief, and then pure joy.
“Oh my God, Mary!” she exclaimed, her voice rising with excitement and disbelief. “Are you serious?”
“Yes!” I said, grinning from ear to ear, my heart swelling with love. “I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life.”
Lily leaped up, her laughter ringing out like music in the air. She rushed toward me, and I stood up to meet her halfway. When she wrapped her arms around me, I could feel her heart racing against mine, a beautiful rhythm that mirrored the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me.
“Yes, yes, yes!” she shouted, her voice filled with joy. “Of course, I’ll marry you!”
I slipped the ring onto her finger, and it sparkled brilliantly against her skin, a promise of the future we were about to build together. She looked down, her eyes shimmering with tears of happiness, and when she looked back up at me, I felt a rush of emotions—relief, excitement, and an overwhelming sense of love.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion as she gazed at the ring, then back at me, her eyes shining with adoration.
“I’m so glad you like it,” I said, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. It felt surreal, this moment we had long imagined together finally unfolding in reality.
We stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, the warmth of the moment enveloping us as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. I felt a surge of gratitude for every moment that had led us here, for every laugh, every challenge we had faced together, and every dream we had shared.
As we swayed gently in each other’s embrace, I could feel our hearts beating in sync, a rhythm of love that echoed in the quiet of the garden. The world around us faded away, and all that mattered was this moment—our love, our commitment to each other, and the endless possibilities that lay ahead.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” Lily said softly, pulling back just enough to look into my eyes. “You make me so happy.”
“Just wait until you see the rest of your life with me,” I replied, my heart soaring.
~
Take me back to the time when we walked down the aisle
Our whole town came and our mamas cried
You said I do and I did too
~
The day had finally arrived, and as I stood at the altar, a mix of excitement and nerves surged through me. The garden was transformed into a fairy tale, adorned with soft white flowers and twinkling lanterns hanging from the trees. I could feel the crisp autumn air on my skin, the scent of flowers mingling with the hint of impending winter. It was intimate, just family and close friends, and that felt perfect.
I looked around, taking in the sight of our loved ones gathered to witness this moment. My mom stood nearby, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, and I could tell she was both proud and emotional. Across from her, Lily’s mom was dabbing at her eyes with a tissue, her face glowing with joy. It was a simple ceremony, but the love in the air was palpable, wrapping around us like a warm embrace.
When the music began to play, I felt my heart race. I turned to see Lily at the end of the aisle, and everything else faded away. She looked breathtaking in her simple white dress, her red hair cascading around her shoulders. My breath caught in my throat as I took in her beauty, the way her eyes sparkled with happiness. In that moment, it felt like the world had shrunk to just the two of us.
With each step she took, my heart swelled with love and gratitude. We had come so far, from our childhood days filled with laughter and dreams to this very moment, committing our lives to one another. I could see my mom wiping her eyes, and it made me feel emotional too. I could only imagine the memories she was reflecting on—how far we had both come.
When she finally reached me, I was overwhelmed with emotion. “Are you ready for this?” I whispered, needing to hear her voice to ground me.
“More than ever,” she replied, and I could hear the sincerity in her words, filling me with warmth.
As the officiant began the ceremony, I focused on Mary. Her eyes were so full of love and conviction, and every word felt like it was meant for us. I listened intently, aware of the love surrounding us. I could hear my mom sniffling, and I knew it was because she was feeling everything so deeply, just as I was. The bond we shared was immense, and in that moment, I felt grateful for my mother, for her support, and for everything that led us here.
When it was time to exchange vows,she looked deeply into my eyes, and it felt as if the world had faded away. “I promise to always be there for you, to support you, and to love you unconditionally,” she said, her voice steady and full of emotion.
I could barely contain the emotions bubbling up inside me as I responded, “And I promise to always be your partner, your best friend, and your biggest supporter.”
We exchanged rings, and as I slipped the band onto her finger, I felt a rush of happiness wash over me. This was it—the moment I had dreamed of, a promise made in front of those we loved most. Then came the kiss, gentle yet filled with all the love and joy that had built up between us over the years. As we pulled away, I was met with applause from our family, their cheers wrapping us in warmth and affirmation.
After the ceremony, we mingled with our family, basking in the glow of our shared joy. My mom enveloped me in a tight hug, her voice thick with emotion. “I’m so proud of you, sweetheart. You’ve found someone special.”
“Thanks, Mom,” I said, feeling a lump in my throat. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”
I saw Auntie Rose approaching, her eyes shining with tears of happiness. She pulled Lily into an embrace, her voice choked. “You two are perfect together. I’m so happy for you both.”
~
I'll be eighty-seven; you'll be eighty-nine
I'll still look at you like the stars that shine
In the sky, oh my my my
~
As the years went by, Lily and I built a life together filled with laughter, love, and countless memories. Now, sitting on the porch of our cozy home, I looked over at her, a soft smile playing on my lips. The sun was setting, casting a warm golden light that danced across her face.
“I can’t believe we’ve been married for so long,” I said, my voice full of warmth. “Feels like just yesterday we were saying our vows in the garden.”
She chuckled, her laughter as bright as ever. “And yet here we are, still together, still as in love as we were then.”
I took her hand in mine, feeling the familiar warmth that had always been there. “When we’re old and wrinkled, I'll still be this in love with you. Maybe even more in love with you..”
Her eyes twinkled with a mix of amusement and tenderness. “You really think I’ll still be beautiful when I’m old?”
“More beautiful than ever,” I assured her, squeezing her hand. “You’ll always be my star.”
We both gazed out at the horizon, watching as the sun dipped below the trees. The world felt quiet and peaceful, and in that moment, all the worries and troubles faded away.
As the first stars began to appear in the twilight sky, I turned to her, my heart swelling with love. “No matter what happens, I want you to know that you are my everything. You’ve been my partner, my best friend, and my greatest adventure.”
Lily leaned in closer, resting her head on my shoulder. “And you are mine, Mary. I wouldn’t trade this life for anything.”