Page 28 of Proof

“You are a miracle worker. I hope those kids appreciate what you and Ellie are doing for them.” Chris’s voice was calm and kind.

“I think they are going to be blown away. Lots of the artists are helping decorate. It’s going to be even better than they originally planned.” Luna’s voice was cheerful.

“Why am I not surprised?” Chris’s smile could be felt over the phone.

“We seemed to work some magic, although I don’t want to jinx it.” Luna crossed her fingers.

Chris continued. “Listen, there is something I need to talk to you about this weekend.”

“Everything alright?” Luna’s voice sounded genuinely concerned.

“Not exactly. I have a few things I need to figure out.”

“Care to share?” Luna was even more concerned at this point.

“Er, not over the phone. I’ll fill you in when I see you.”

“Oh. Okay.” Luna was not okay, but she didn’t know what else to say to him.

They said their goodnights, and Luna proceeded to recall her past.

* * *

Several weeks before the end of the semester, Luna, Brendan, and ten other students were chosen to spend two weeks at a writer’s workshop in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Both Brendan and Luna were selected as the “adults-on-duty” and were responsible for overseeing the other students. Nothing serious, but making sure the students attended every meal, workshop, and went to bed no later than eleven. Not that there was much to do. There were no televisions, and cell phones were kept under Luna’s supervision. Unless it was an emergency, students were required to be “unplugged.”

Every night, the group would gather around the fire pit on the patio and talk about their projects, their thoughts about the day’s workshop, and share feedback with one another. One evening, Brendan and Luna were the last two sitting there as the embers began to fade. They were sitting close together. Very close. They were shoulder to shoulder. At one point, Brendan turned Luna toward him and kissed her softly. Then more passionately. The two were intertwined when they heard the sound of a stick breaking several yards away. They disentangled themselves immediately, each apologizing to the other.

“I guess this isn’t a good idea.” Brendan scooched a few inches away from Luna.

“You’re probably right,” Luna replied, but her heart disagreed. “We don’t want to be accused of setting a bad example, or any other impropriety.”

Brendan let out a loud exhale. “Agreed.” He stood and held out his hand to give Luna a boost up from where she was sitting. She knew it was the right thing, but she still didn’t like it. At least he’d showed some interest. That was a big plus.

She brushed off her pants and turned to him. “Hey, do you think there are any stores open right now?”

“Why? You need something?” Brendan checked his watch. “It’s eight thirty.”

“You know how everyone was kinda groaning about how long this retreat has been? Yeah, it was fun in the beginning, but I think everyone is ready to go home.”

“What did you have in mind?” Brendan had no idea where the conversation was going.

“Yellow ribbons.” Luna giggled.

“Yellow ribbons?” Brendan asked; then Luna reminded him of their significance. He rubbed his hands together in a conspiratorial way. “Let’s get moving. There’s a big box store a few miles from here.”

They bought as many yards of yellow ribbon as they could find in the greeting-card section of the store. When they got back to the retreat, they agreed to meet around midnight to be sure everyone was asleep. They then made their way around the ten mini-cabins, adorning the doors with the symbol of solidarity and hostage release. They could barely contain themselves as they snuck from one cabin to the next. Brendan whispered, “We’re probably the only ones who know what this means.”

“Who cares? This is fun!” Luna squeaked.

The following morning, most of the students got the joke and took the ribbons home as souvenirs. Overall, the retreat was a successful exercise in discipline, fellowship, and collaboration. Romance? Not so much.

Luna and Brendan continued their usual friendly interaction, with Luna hoping it would develop further after the retreat. Once they got back to their regular classes on campus, things seemed normal between the two of them, particularly their close physical proximity when they were together. It was as if they were in a world of their own, allowing others to be spectators as they entertained each other with jokes, both private and public.

The first Saturday in May was a big day for horse racing: the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. It was the start of the battle for the Triple Crown. Luna had always dreamed of going, but getting tickets was impossible, until Brendan told her he had an in with one of the stable hands. It was impossible to find a vacancy at a hotel or motel within thirty miles, so they decided to pack a tent, sleeping bags, and the other items necessary for a night under the stars—and on the ground. Luna was wild with delight. She and Brendan were going camping and to the Derby. What could be better?

The trip from Durham to Louisville was at least an eight-hour drive, so they left Friday afternoon and arrived at dusk at the campground, where hundreds of other racetrack lovers had already settled in. It was like Woodstock, but with less LSD and music and better constructed bathroom facilities. One step up from Porta-Potties. The overall mood was lively and a little rambunctious, with people sharing stories, food, beer, and an assortment of other alcoholic libations. Luna was careful not to over-imbibe. Waking up in a bag on the ground with a hangover was not an option. Neither was privacy. So much for romance, she thought, but Luna was satisfied she and Brendan were together. She hoped there would be a second attempt at kissing, but it didn’t happen. Luna figured it was because you could practically touch the people in the adjacent tent. She let it slide. Some other time.

The morning of the race, they were up at the crack of dawn. They had to be at the stables by seven o’clock if they had any chance of gaining entry to the famous racetrack. Brendan phoned his friend, who told him where to park and that he’d give them passes for general admission to the clubhouse. Everything was still closed to the public, and security personnel were all over the grounds. The big race didn’t start until after six o’clock that evening, so the two had to busy themselves for the next eleven hours.

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