Сумерки

           "Hecalledyoupretty,"hefinallycontinued,hisfrowndeepening."That’spracticallyaninsult,thewayyoulookrightnow.You’remuchmorethanbeautiful."

           Ilaughed."Youmightbealittlebiased."

           "Idon’tthinkthat’sit.Besides,Ihaveexcellenteyesight."

           Weweretwirlingagain,myfeetonhisasheheldmeclose.

           "Soareyougoingtoexplainthereasonforallofthis?"Iwondered.

           Helookeddownatme,confused,andIglaredmeaningfullyatthecrepepaper.

           Heconsideredforamoment,andthenchangeddirection,spinningmethroughthecrowdtothebackdoorofthegym.IcaughtaglimpseofJessicaandMikedancing,staringatmecuriously.Jessicawaved,andIsmiledbackquickly.Angelawasthere,too,lookingblissfullyhappyinthearmsoflittleBenCheney;shedidn’tlookupfromhiseyes,aheadlowerthanhers.LeeandSamantha,Lauren,glaringtowardus,withConner;Icouldnameeveryfacethatspiraledpastme.Andthenwewereoutdoors,inthecool,dimlightofafadingsunset.

           Assoonaswewerealone,heswungmeupintohisarms,andcarriedmeacrossthedarkgroundstillhereachedthebenchbeneaththeshadowofthemadronetrees.Hesatthere,keepingmecradledagainsthischest.Themoonwasalreadyup,visiblethroughthegauzyclouds,andhisfaceglowedpaleinthewhitelight.Hismouthwashard,hiseyestroubled.

           "Thepoint?"Ipromptedsoftly.

           Heignoredme,staringupatthemoon.

           "Twilight,again,"hemurmured."Anotherending.Nomatterhowperfectthedayis,italwayshastoend."