2) The Ring 1) Malcolm's Window
Down below in the meadow, flowers spread their waiting petals.
Breathe in this sweet scent, it is love they are sharing.
Let's bloom together and cast our seeds into the breeze.
And pour our gold into each other, we know our wealth lies Inside.
We will free our Golden Minds, we will see the love that binds.
We will be an inspiration. We've got the key to this sensation.
Take my hand and I'll hold you.
You know we can melt gold into...
LOVE
Malcolm Mohil
"Molten Gold"
It seemed like yesterday Malcolm was alive. He was a junior in Physics, on the Dean's list for outstanding GPA, was well liked by his professors and enjoyed his job being as a lab assistant.
Though he was busy with school and work, he still found time to socialize with friends. He also took time for himself, reading, biking or playing guitar if the mood struck. He was happy and looked forward to his future.
Almost two years ago, Malcolm discovered something new about himself. He felt something stir in him that until then was only slightly hinted at. He met Becky and fell in love.
Of course, Malcolm always wanted to find someone to love. He occasionally dated and felt sparks but he never knew an inferno was ready to ignite. On a night he would never forget, a new spark was kindled. It slowly burned until the blaze raged and engulfed him.
Everything seemed normal that day. He got an 'A' on his Astrophysics test, his experiment in Dr. Johnson's lab was running smoothly and he and his buddies were planning on meeting for drinks later that evening.
"Hey, Malcolm! Catch!" Jason warned as he tossed a small, blue box across the table. Malcolm caught it, nearly knocking over the almost empty pitcher of beer. The box was soft and velvety. He knew what was inside.
"Your really serious, aren't you? Steph's a kind lady and you're a lucky dude. When are you gonna pop the question?" Malcolm asked, hiding his jealousy behind his genuine excitement for Jason.
"She should be here in a bit. I figure if I ask her in front of our friends, she'll be too embarrassed to say, 'No.'"
They both laughed, knowing Stephanie would never say, "No." She had been pressuring Jason to commit for half a year. He was hesitant. Her eyes started wandering, more than once towards Malcolm. Jason realized he better make the move and devote himself fully to her. He had never felt more in love and sure of himself as he did tonight.
"I tell you, Mal, she's got me hooked. Every time I think of her, my heart burns and my head swims. I don't know what I'd do with out her," Jason said as he felt himself getting teary eyed.
Malcolm saw this and felt emptiness grow in him. He became lonely even though he was surrounded by his best friends. He became teary eyed, as well.
"Jeezus, you guys!" their friend Brett spoke, "Wut's up with this sappiness? I'm here to get drunk on beer, not love!"
"Bullshit, Brett! You know if your dream girl walked through the door, caught your gaze, strolled up to you and smiled, you'd be on your knees in a moment like a lost little puppy begging her to take you home," Malcolm quipped back.
"Yeah, you don't have to remind me how pathetic we all are. Just a bunch of lonely and horny guys waiting for the opportunity to open our hearts to Ms. Right, and in the meantime afraid to give too much to someone for fear of having our hearts stomped on. So, I'm gonna get drunk and forget I even exist. To oblivion!" Brett toasted, but he drank alone.
Malcolm felt empty and disgusted because he knew what Brett said was true. He took a swig of beer, but silently toasted to his secret love, whoever she might be.
As Malcolm put his glass down, he saw Stephanie walk through the door. She was talking with a girl he’d seen before, someone who caught his eye but never had the opportunity to meet. His heart began to beat a little faster and without him realizing it, his emptiness began to fill.
The two girls approached the table, Stephanie sneaking up behind Jason to give him a kiss on his neck. His face turned red. He was nervous but sure of what he was about to do.
"Guys, I'd like you to meet a friend of mine," Stephanie spoke. "This is Becky. We're taking a psych class together. You already know my boy here. Across from him, the guy with the sexy eyes, is Malcolm," she said as she winked at him and nudged Becky, consciously planting another seed in her friend. She had already told Becky about Malcolm, believing they’d make a good couple.
"Welcome to our humble table," Malcolm casually said, flattered by the compliment.
"Thank you, Malcolm," Becky said, smiling.
"Next to him we have the guy with the glassy eyes. How much have you drunk, dear Brett?"
"Enuf ta know yur the motht prettietht girl I've ever seen," Brett slurred.
"Beer goggles again, eh?" Stephanie teased back.
"Nice to meet you, Becky," Brett said, more soberly.
"Good to meet you as well, Brett."
Stephanie sat on Jason's lap and Becky took a seat next to Malcolm.
"Would you like a glass of ale? It's our magic potion," Malcolm offered his new interest.
"That would be great. I could use a little magic," Becky answered, feeling she already knew Malcolm from the stories Stephanie told her about him.
"Couldn't we all," Brett spoke.
"Hey Malcolm, what's in the box? You're not getting engaged are you?" Stephanie asked.
Malcolm imagined looking into Becky's eyes, taking her hands in his, showing her the ring and asking her to marry him. All in a second before Jason stood up, walked over, grabbed the box, turned around and knelt in front of Stephanie. He reached for her hands as his heart was pounding. He had to struggle to get the words out, but once he started, they flowed like beer in the bar.
"Stephanie Wilson. My precious love. My one and only Amour. You've brought me more joy than even God knows exists. You fill me more than a thousand oceans. You've loved me at times when I've turned away. I look at you now with devotion. I look at you now with more clarity than I've ever had. I tell you this from my entire being. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, sweet Steph. Will you marry me and make me the happiest man ever?"
Tears rolled down her face. She was shaking. She was taken off guard. She had no idea Jason had planned this. Yet, she felt more love for him than she ever did before. She wanted to swim in his body and taste his mind. She peered deep into his eyes. She was tense but managed to choke out, "Yes. Yes! YES! Jason Wyom, I'll always love you. I want to spend my life with you. I want to raise a family with you. I'd be honored to be your wife!"
The small crowd in the bar was focusing on these two. Never had the bar been so quiet. Never had the bar erupted in cheer like it did then. It was a bonding moment for everyone who witnessed this public display of mutual lifelong dedication. More than one pair of eyes were wet.
"I'd like to propose a toast!" Malcolm said loudly to be heard above the cheer. "I congratulate my good friends Jason and Stephanie for devoting their lives to each other. May each of us here who witnessed this touching moment find true love in our life and realize what these two lovers feel for each other."
Glasses clanked around the bar. Even Brett joined in, and not just to drink beer.
"Bartender, a round for everyone here, on me!" Jason yelled.
This time the cheer was even louder. Nothing motivates the masses like the promise of free beer. For the lucky ones, it lets the guard down enough to find free love, even if for just one night.