Too-Cute Eclipse

Too-Cute Eclipse

Russell paced. Held the phone close to his face. Pinched the bridge of his nose between his eyes as he felt the tension rise.

“He's a grown man. He'll be alright. I'll do what I can but it could take all night.”

“.............”

“I know, I know, I KNOW. I can't be there, you know.”

“..............”

“I have a job. I have a life. I can't drop everything.”

“.............”

“I'll talk to him. It's all I can do. I'm too far away.”

“.............”

“What's that you say?”

“.............. ..................... ..................... .................... ....................”

“Well, maybe... I'll see.”

“.........”

“Yeah, you, too. Will do.”

Ugh! That family of his! Won't they ever survive without his intervention. He lives a thousand miles away from them yet they still expect him to solve all their problems. Yet, maybe this time he could turn this catastrophe to his own advantage. If what they said is true just maybe...? Oh, but he would never get Chrissy to agree to something so outlandish. She is much too sensible. A stable sort of gal. She doesn't have her head in the clouds. She is firmly grounded. He searched for someone like her his whole adult life. Would he go and spoil it all by saying something stupid like...? Oh, but what a kick it would be if...! Should he risk it? Could turn out to be a lot of fun. Besides being beautiful and smart, Chrissy is fun loving.

Russell Koolridge, 'Mister Cool' to his seventh and eighth-grade science and math students, felt lucky getting to know his fellow teacher, Chrissy Merriman, better since Christmas time when they collaborated to help find the parents of five-year-old Carlson Conover after his grandfather suffered a fatal heart attack while at the same restaurant as Chrissy and her nana, Anna.

He cherished the quality time they spent together since. He knew in his heart that if he could ever be sure of her overcoming the one time resentment she felt toward him for the immature teasing he once aimed her way she would be the one. The only one he would ever want to settle down permanently with to start that perfect family he envisioned for his future. He adored helping with Carlson when they were pressed into service as temporary caretakers. He and the little tyke flew down a steep hill on a flying saucer sled, created snow angels and redecorated a pink room into a masterpiece space odyssey. Since then, Chrissy and he enjoyed the privilege of playing with the energetic little boy several times whenever Chrissy met with Carlson's publishing icon mother, Nora Conover, as they put the finishing touches on Chrissy's debut romance manuscript.

That life-time goal book was due to launch soon. Ooh, could that be the hook to get her to accept this wild notion he was hatching? He enjoyed success as a YA author that she was intent on matching. A travel opportunity could be exactly the spin and she would be all in. Careful, careful planning finesse would be needed to keep everything a surprise. He did wonder if that would be wise. Maybe he should conspire with Anna. She could be their chaperon. Chrissy would never go away with him alone.

~~~

“Oh, Russ, what a charming idea! Getting to meet your family, who you never talk about, and combining it with a promotion for my book. But the timing is all wrong.”

“Oh, not really, Chrissy. It would only add a day to our spring break that is a little off kilter because Easter is so early this year. And each of us can get the other same-grade teachers to cover for us since not a lot of productive work will get accomplished anyway on that particular day considering the special activity. So what do you say we get away. It'll be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Almost cosmic. You'll make me so happy if you say yes. Please! Anna can come along to be sure we behave appropriately. Besides, we'll be surrounded by family.”

“I would love that. But will they love me?”

“They couldn't help but love you. Please remember they can be...difficult.”

~~~

So as scheduled the three of them jetted away on the two hour flight to a warmer climate on a bright sunshiny spring day. They were met at the airport by two members of Russell's family, Rocky, his father and Conway, his older brother. They drove into the rolling hills, through the piney woods, passed by beautiful calm, crystal lakes and arrived at the Koolridge family campground where they were ushered into cozy cabins that would be their accommodations for the duration of the visit.

“Russ, you never mentioned your family owns such a relaxing retreat.” Chrissy exclaimed.

“It's been in the family for generations. There are lots of traditions and rituals that must be observed. I have been reluctant to follow the expected path and that's why I moved so far away. I hope you won't think less of me once you experience some of these customs.”

“Russell, it is time.” His mother, Lollie beckoned. “Your sister, Crystal, has been urging him to come out but he's insisting it will be too dangerous. It's going to take all of your scientific know-how voodoo to convince him otherwise. He is hiding in the basement of the lodge with a blanket over his head. Listening to the song...again.”

“Sorry, Chrissy and Anna. This shouldn't take long. We'll need to get to the stadium soon. It's my younger brother, Little Rock. He is suffering a bad case of loss love. He continually listens to a song that captures the essence of love’s complexities. It reflects the universal human experience of longing, vulnerability, and the desire for emotional connection. There's a ceremony today at Arkansas Tech University involving virgins and nuptials that embodies the sentiment. We have to get him there to let him know there is hope.”

For whatever reason Anna had convinced Chrissy she should wear her white flouncy dress with the white sweater embroidered with spring flowers today. Chrissy was amazed at how many other women were wearing white flowing dresses at the event. But then as the light of the sun dimmed the light in her mind came on.

Russell, in his dark suit, got down on one knee, extended an antique ring and popped a very important question. “Chrissy Merriman, you light up my world like the moon and the sun. As they become one this hour, would you do me the honor of becoming one with me in a total eclipse of our hearts? I desire a deep emotional connection with only you. I pray you have the same longing for me.”

“Oh, Mista Cool, you really know how to make heaven and earth move for me!”

A kind of hush embraced the crowd, the temperature cooled as passions heated, birdsong ceased and stars came out while the earth stood still for four minutes. Along with 299 other brides and grooms, including his younger brother reunited with his newly re-found love partner, Russell and Chrissy universally pledged their hearts to one another as the moon totally eclipsed the sun in Russellville, AR, USA on April 8, 2024. A day not easily forgotten because of a too-cute eclipse.