Leaving school

``The crossroad end'' - by Triton Marmoon

There is a point unavoidably found

when although the view grows ever fonder

the dirt under your soles turns to stone

and the road promises splits no longer.

You're compelled to turn over heels to peek:

There is no way back yet extends on end;

You recognize each tree from root to peak

for the solace of shade they'd extend.

You can still count the rocks of tougher climb,

shiny ponds you filled with sweat, blood or salt,

or breezes that eased the steamiest time,

through those bulky barks that you groomed from sprout.

Either fills of treasure your breathing chest

or quicksands you into a hollowed step.

I took one last look at the school I was leaving behind, a symbol of all other I ever called mine. It was almost two years that I went to this school now, and that time turned out to be pleasantly blissed. I met Sonya and I got to have dancing classes. I also got good enough grades to be a little proud of myself. I never thought I would get the ``professor'' to pass me in Spanish, and math wasn't that bad either. I survived. Nevertheless, today these concrete walls built more than just a building, and I was waving goodbye to the whole institution.

A strange looking girl had just parked outside school in a small yellow car. She lowered the window, letting her black curls out to the wind. She looked into the school entrance and let her tongue out with a very disgusted face. Her wide brown eyes pressed shut by her round smiling cheeks as her hair waved free at the sides.

-``What're you waiting for? Get in!'' - Sonya had finished classes sooner and couldn't stand the school for one more second. Knowing this in advance she thought picking me up as a non-student would make her see the school in a totally different perspective. So it was planned that she would go as far as half an hour would get her in her old yellow beetle and get back in time to pick me up, so I would also enjoy the half hour drive away. Being the key word here ``AWAY''. This way, she let her hair and her tongue out in an extremely mature manifestation of displeasure. Although she always enjoyed school, she was convinced that finishing school was due too long.

-``Tell me again, why did we endure this?''

-``I don't know why you complain so much. You have a whole bunch of friends, you get great grades, and you even got to drive your new baby. You've always been happy to come and are always smiling. It kind of messes with my head.'' - I let out within a smile.

-``Hey, I don't complain much! I am just eager for the wide world waiting.'' - That was indeed true, she was the blissful one. I was the earthy one. Her constant smile and cheerful eyes gave her a true Latin beauty. When people say that beauty comes from within, I never thought that it could be so literal. Her full person lights up as she awes to the world, and her natural looking body glows in a welcome to life. Her curves become attractive to any male and her laugh catches the eye of every stranger. It was really amazing to be her friend, because you are continuously bathed in good mood. And I got to be her best friend for this long fraction of time. I won't lie, it came with some extra perks... For instance, I became inconspicuous and I still thank god for that. It is one thing to be the new girl in town, but it is a whole other if you keep putting your foot in your mouth and getting yourself into the most awkward situations. I think in a way that is why we get along so greatly. She gets a kick out off my clumsiness, the sporadic bitter sarcasm, dark humor and I think she appreciates my honest opinions. I, on the other hand, am delighted to be able to pull it all off, because no one would dare standing in her hurricane-like way, just as much as I care for her overshadowing power and her humor.

-``Wondering again?''

-``No, just over-analyzing life. I am getting a full report to saint Peter as I get there, so he can pass it on to the big guy.'' - I had no restrictions speaking with her, and yet I never stopped filling like the mad one.

-``I wonder if the big guy will approve off your thorough critiques.'' - Her eye brows elevated to simulate a conspicuous look, but a smile was hidden behind her threatening face. Not over five seconds went by and her lips curled up, framing her cheeks in delight.

-``Well, he'll deal. We all have to! Besides it's not my fault I have such a keen sense of sight.'' - She looked into my eyes behind the round thick glasses and we both laughed out loud. My sight had gone bad this last year, together with my perception of depth and balance. My doctor said something about growth adaptation. I was just glad to know I was growing.

Yet, curiosity won me over. -`` Where are we going?''

-``My car, my way... I have no idea.'' - She was the definition of a free spirit, with some strong-colored skirt and light top, her hair curls waiving at the travelers and her cheap smile. Who would say she studied so hard and was totally prepared for life in the long run?

-``How do you get yourself to study I will never know!''

-``Where do you think you get the freedoms of the world from? Without sweat? No, sirrrrry! You have to fight to enjoy the ride and I am driving.''

We ended up meeting the sea, the endless ocean hugging the clear sandy beach we loved. That is definitive heaven for Sonya. The soft sound of the waves, the salty iodine-full smell of the air, the warm thin sand grains gently caressing your feet as you set your weight gently. I don't think she believes in waiting to get to heaven, you could probably tell by her tanned looks. Me? I am always in the mood for a sun bath and salt water. There is nothing like your body lying on an ragged towel, rested on self-adapting cushions of sand with the sun light beaming gently all of your exposed body. The sound of the waves pressing the sand in a ballet lullaby mixed with the docile whisper of the kind wind. The smell of the sea invading your senses and calling you for the refreshment of wandering cool water. Besides, this meant hours of thorough critiques over our colleagues, and I was looking forward to it. After analyzing everyone else you don't look that bad yourself, and, besides, I believe you can learn from the other's mistakes. Either that or my imagination is lame when it comes to justifying reprimandable acts. I wouldn't care, the thing I would care is that this is possibly the last time we do it. Sure we'll revisit these thoughts when we meet down the road, but we will no longer share colleagues to analyze. Thinking this way probably reflected in my eyes.

-``What is it?'' - I didn't realize she was looking at me. We were both lying on our bellies, on our worn out towels, enjoying the warmth of the sun. She must have suspected my silent.

-``I have no idea what lies ahead. All I did so far... school... was compulsory, the only way was forth, and what about now?'' - I felt a little lost.

-``I don't know. I tried getting you to think about it but you always evaded the subject. I know what I'm doing. I'm getting to the best university that will have me and become the most fearsome lawyer ever!'' - She turned over her back and gazed at the infinity with an inspired cocky smile.

-``I think you would have to study like crazy for that.'' - I was drained just imagining it.

-``Oh. ok, I will just be a lawyer then.'' - Sonya lost her smile. Her arms crossed over her chest. Sitting with her legs bent, she sulked.- ``Where did you apply to?'' - she retaliated.

-``Many places, many things... I don't recall. I figured I would work until I would figure that one out, anyway. It's not like I already have my savings or anything.''

-``Wow!''

And we were in for self-analysis for the rest of the afternoon. I knew I deserved it so I wouldn't duck the punches. She also enjoyed the torture, since it would be for my own sake.