021903Of all the things I've believed in
I've been searching deep down in my soul
Goodbye to you
I used to get lost in your eyes
Goodbye to you
And it hurts to want everything
Goodbye to you
And when the stars fall I will lie awake
- Michelle Branch 020703The CJ Chronicles
Since it was only a few blocks away, he knew he could make it if he ran. He grabbed his coat and briskly walked towards the exit, trying his best to avoid the numerous cords stretched across the cement floor. Once he was out of the studio, with only the whiny clothing model to bust him, he bolted for the stairs. Five flights later, breaking into the bright sunlight of the street below, his eyes caught the time on a nearby bank. Almost immediately, his run turned into a sprint. There were an unusually large number of people crowding the sidewalks. He was betting they all knew how important this was and were purposely there to slow him down. But that didn't stop him. He pushed his legs to the limit, dodging obstacles left and right. Up ahead, he saw the neon green sign signaling his destination. He slowed his pace and glanced at his reflection in a store window, smoothing down his windblown hair and adjusting his tie. Here we go he thought as he swung open the door. CJ stood at the hostess stand, drumming his fingers impatiently, his eyes scanning every inch of the restaurant. Just as he was about to give up, his eyes locked hers. Seated in a dark corner booth, she slyly smiled at him, brushing a curly strand out of her face. He was instantly hypnotized - the mere sight of her bringing him to his knees. Muttering something unintelligible at the hostess, he slowly walked towards her in what felt like slow motion. He'd never seen her more beautiful. The mint green Versace dress fluttered over her body. Cascading waves of curls spilled past her shoulders, enticing his fingers to wind themselves around the long strands. A glowing shimmer radiated off her skin, starting at her face and moving all the way down to her stiletto-healed feet. In his mind, she was nothing short of angelic. Approaching her table, a confidence surged through him. She's not here for any other guy, he thought to himself, she's here for me. She slid over, creating only enough space to ensure their bodies would be touching. Sliding in next to her, he could feel the heat between them. She took the menu with one hand and placed the other on his thigh, patting it reassuringly. He couldn't tell if she wanted him or was simply grateful he showed up. Then again, he could never tell with her. She smiled at him again. It was sincere and sexy at the same time. CJ had always loved her smile. Seeing it brought him back to a time that now existed only as a memory. Regardless, he still could pinpoint the exact moment when he�d first seen that smile. God knows he had missed it. But its purpose now was much different. It existed simply to fill up space their words could not. 020103The orange glow dimmed above my head. Standing in a bus shelter on Washington Avenue, I looked up and noticed the heat lamp had shut off. Turning around, I found the large black button and pushed it in. Instant warmth flooded my head and shoulders. If I closed my eyes and turned my face upwards, I could pretend I was laying by a pool in Florida. The sounds of moving vehicles and the splashing of melting snow resounded in my ears. For a Saturday morning, it was surprisingly busy around campus. Then again, it was a little after noon, with everyone scurrying to lunch dates and visits with their family. I thought to myself about the importance of family. With the space shuttle Columbia tragedy earlier that morning, it becomes apparent how quickly your life can change in the blink of an eye. I tried to imagine getting word that my father, mother, or brother had died 16 minutes before they were supposed to touch down on American soil again. I tried to imagine the disbelief in learning I would never see any part of them ever again. I tried to imagine the anger I would feel in reading people had collected and were already selling parts of debris on e-Bay. A movement in front of me caught my eye. I happened to be directly facing the police station, so I watched as two female police officers walked out of the building and towards the flagpole. One gently untied the rope and began to lower the flag. The other, arms crossed on top of her light blue uniform, blonde ponytail bobbing, silently bowed her head. The first officer slowly lowered the rope until the flag swayed in the breeze at half-mast. The other officer joined her and together, they secured the flag�s position. They took a few steps back and both gazed up at red, white and, blue piece of fabric. My entire body tingled with goose bumps as I admired them. Before turning around, the two offices put their arms around each other and walked back into the warmth of their station.
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