Prophesy Unfolds

by David Noelle

1:49 pm, Mon April 29, 1996

A grey tabby saunters across the rug, glances over at the three of you, and proceeds directly to his favorite spot. The thick, soft carpet has a cat-sized imprint in his accustomed place, a foot away from the fireplace. There's a calm, warm fire burning there now, just right for curling up and purring.

Moments later, I come back into the room with the promised champaigne glasses and a bottle of non-alcoholic champaigne in an ice bucket. Placing them on the glass coffee table, I step back, look down at our little furry friend, and meow. He opens one eye to look up at me, makes a small non-committal sound in acknowledgement, and resumes his nap. This elicits a few giggles from the other bipeds in the room, which he gracefully ignores.

I turn around now and look at each of you in turn. We've done a lot of catching up tonight, and we've come to a lull in the conversation. The comfortable silence that followed is just as pleasant.

Kate, my close friend since grade school and my first true love, is sitting on the couch with her husband. Scott and I have been friends since Kate introduced us. This is the first time they have had a chance to visit us in our new home.

And you, my love, my wife. Your smile enchants me, as always. Our eyes meet as I return to my place, next to you on the love seat. As I sit, I take your hand and bring it to my lips, never breaking our eye contact. After a few moments, I look around the room again. The love in this room is overwhelming.

The fire pops, waking the grey cat. We watch the fire burn and listen to the cat purring himself back to sleep.

I look across at Kate again, and our eyes meet. You notice that this look is different. This is the realization of a shared secret. You vaguely recall a shared dream I once told you of, but you don't remember all the details.

I release your hand, stand up, and walk to Kate. She stands to meet me. We hug for a long time. Finally, we part enough to kiss briefly. You and Scott can now see that we've both been quietly crying.

Kate whispers, "Congratulations," as we gradually part.

You see me mouth the words, "Thank you," but my voice doesn't work.

Kate sits back down next to her husband and puts her head on his shoulder, beaming at you. He puts his arm around her and watches me as I return to your side.

I sit, half turned toward you, and gather you in my arms. My eyes are locked with yours. I kiss you gently, and you feel the deep love and passion within me that is only for you. The deep, gentle, passionate kiss lasts forever in only a few heartbeats.

When I finally break the kiss, and we open our eyes, Kate is still beaming at you. Then she looks back at me as I get up again to pour the pseudo-champagne.

The cork pops loudly and an annoyed feline complains at being startled out of his warm fireside nap. More giggling ensues, and smiles brighten a little more. We all stand as I hand out the glasses.

I've regained my voice now. "A toast." I look at my old friend standing a few feet away with her husband, one arm around each other, a champaign glass in the other hand, both smiling broadly. Another tear runs down her cheek. "To both of you."

I turn and look deeply into your loving eyes. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever known, and my love for you is profound, unconditional, and eternal. "To both of us."

Everyone (except of course, the sleeping feline) follows my hand with their eyes as I place my palm against your belly. You look up, and our eyes lock again. "And to both of you."

Your initial shock subsides quickly as the details of that waking dream come back to you. Our smiles brighten another notch. We all sip from our glasses and put them down. I hold you in my arms, lifting you off the floor, and we kiss passionately.

The air is thick with love. We are all seated again, smiling so hard it hurts, crying with joy. No words are needed. Kate foresaw this joyous moment many years ago, and shared it with me at a time when I most needed this hope to hold on to.