Time drifts on ... drifts on ...

 

As a family, they sat on the large blanket, reclining to look up at the fuchsias and coral colors the sun painted on the sky as it drifted to bed. Marie held her daughter in her lap and smiled. Alan looked over and grinned. Rebecca was swaying her head back and forth to the music pouring out of the orchestra shell in front of them. It was Bach's "Night Music" and the setting couldn't be more perfect.

 

They had arrived around 6 with their picnic basket, Rebecca, and a blanket in hand. It was one of the outings Marie had always hoped to go on. Rebecca was old enough to take for an evening like this, but Alan and Marie both knew she would fall asleep before the concert was over. During dinner, Rebecca had caught many smiles from older couples as they passed by the blanket. At the beginning of the concert, Marie had taken Rebecca up to the shell, on one of the sides, and shown her the orchestra, where the music was "coming from." Rebecca had imitated the conductor, and one of the ushers, catching this, had smiled at Marie.

 

Now Rebecca had her head in Marie's lap, and Alan had rested his hand on hers. Marie looked up at the stars, around at the huge old oak trees, and back to Alan's smiling face. He knew how much this meant to her, to bring Rebecca here, to bring the music together with the natural beauty of the park around them. Music was always important, and there was no doubt that little Rebecca had a knack for it too. Although only 6 years old, she piped in when Alan and Marie sang in the car, and Marie often caught Rebecca singing to herself while playing.

 

The breeze picked up and there was the slightest chill to it, just enough to take the last heat of the day away. Alan took the corner of the blanket and pulled it over Rebecca's legs. Then he snuggled closer to Marie, and Marie leaned her head on his shoulder. She closed her eyes and let the music float around her like the breeze. In another month, they were going to have a big band night, and she thought Alan would like that. He had played trumpet for a while, and he still pulled it out on occasion for fun, and Marie loved when he did. He had an ear for music too. It was no wonder little Rebecca was so inclined to sing along and not be afraid to join in on any sing-along.

 

Marie opened her eyes to hear the child in her lap humming along with the theme of the Beethoven. Alan caught her gaze and smiled as he pointed to Rebecca, who had now closed her eyes, but was conducting in the air - not in time to the music, but in time to her head. Rebecca was so innocent, and unafraid. Marie bent over and kissed Alan lightly on the cheek, and whispered, "I love you." Alan touched her cheek with his fingertips and nuzzled her nose before whispering, "I love you too Marie."

 

Intermission came, and Rebecca was fast asleep. Alan took the basket from dinner to the truck, and came back just as they were tuning for the second half. During the break, quite a few couples took the opportunity to stretch their legs and "settle in" for the rest of the concert. They passed by Marie and Rebecca on the blanket and paused at times, saying they had seen Rebecca enjoying the music, and how sweet they thought she was. An older couple passed by and nodded approvingly as they saw Rebecca nestled close.

 

When Alan got back from the truck, Marie shifted Rebecca to Alan so she could stand up for a minute or two. Alan curled his arms around Rebecca, and nested her in his lap. Marie walked toward the shelterhouse, and looking back saw Alan gazing down at their daughter with so much tenderness, Marie thought it was magical.

 

Marie walked back to the opening strains of Bach's "Wassermusic" and when she came upon Alan and Rebecca on the blanket, she sat down silently and watched Alan absentmindedly stroke Rebecca's soft wispy hairs off her face. Rebecca was still asleep, and Alan turned to Marie and kissed her in greeting.

 

They sat cuddled close through the second half, and watched Rebecca sleep. The music was almost as entrancing as Rebecca. Marie could not stop gazing at the child in Alan's lap. She was so fortunate to be here, and to have such a wonderful family. She leaned on Alan's shoulder and he kissed her forehead. She closed her eyes and laid a hand on Alan's, resting on his knee.

 

After the concert, Alan held Rebecca while Marie picked up the blanket. Rebecca had not woken after the concert, only drowsily opened her eyes when Alan picked her up. Marie took the truck keys from Alan and they walked to the parking lot. Alan buckled Rebecca into the back seat as Marie walked around to the passenger door. When Alan got into the cab, he leaned over and kissed Marie before starting the engine. The fire that had flamed them since the first day was still there, strong as ever.

 

They drove home in silence, his hand holding hers on the center rest of the front seat. Marie watched as Alan glanced in the rear view mirror and saw Rebecca asleep, her little head tilted to one side. Alan smiled, and noticing Marie had been watching, then smiled at her. She squeezed his hand without a word, and there was an unspoken communication that said it all.

 

April 29, 1996

Jennifer Kelbaugh