"I visit her when I feel lonely. She understood what it felt like to be alone. She didn't fit in with the Sterling side of the family. Grandpa died in the war. She said I always reminded her of him." He took a deep breath and looked up at the stars. "It's beautiful here, don't you think?" he went on. "There aren't many lights to block out the stars. It's like the universe is a huge canvas, with sprinkles of light that twinkle and glisten, like a painting that is always there, just waiting to be looked at. But people don't notice it because they're too busy. And it's the most beautiful work of all. Well, almost--"
We were silent for a few minutes, gazing at the heavens. I heard only his soft breath and the sound of crickets. All first dates should be as wonderful as this. It totally beat a first-run movie.
"So your grandma's the lady that stared out the wind--uh, I mean she, well..."
"She was a wonderful artist. She taught me how to paint superheroes and monsters. Lots of monsters!"
"I know."
"You know?" "I mean, I know it must be hard for you. But I like vampires, too!" I hinted.
He seemed to be thinking of something else. "I traveled so much, and since I was homeschooled, I never had the chance to fit in anywhere."
He looked so lost, so soulful, so lonely. I wanted him to kiss me now. I wanted to let him know I was his for all eternity.
"Let's eat," he suddenly said, climbing to his feet.
He placed five black candles in ornate votive holders and lit them with an antique lighter. He unpacked a bottle of sparkling juice and crackers and cheese and spread a black lace tablecloth over the cold grass.
"Have you ever been in love?" I asked as he filled my crystal goblet.
Suddenly we heard a howl and the candles blew out.
"What was that?" I asked.
"I think it's a dog."
"It sounds more like a wolf!"
"Either way, we'd better go!" he said urgently.
I started to shove everything into his backpack.
"We don't have time for that!" he said, grabbing my hand.
The wind continued to howl. The noise was getting closer.
We hid behind the monument.
"If it's a ghost you've come to see," a familiar voice called to us, "I can assure you that the only ghost you'll be seeing tonight is your own." A man followed with a flashlight. It was Old Jim, the caretaker, with Luke, his Great Dane.
If he recognized me here at this hour I'd have to bribe him with a year's supply of dog biscuits to keep him from telling my parents.
We peeked out and could see the dog licking juice off the grass.
"Give me that, Luke," Old Jim said and picked up the bottle. He took a long swig.
"Now!" Alexander whispered. He tightened his grip on my hand and we ran, scampering over the fence.
I don't think a real ghost and a phantom wolf could have scared me more than Old Jim and his rusty Luke.
"I guess I should have taken you to a movie after all," Alexander said with a smile after we caught our breath. "I'll walk you home."
"Can we go to your house?" I pleaded. "I want to see your room!"
"You can't see my room."
"We have time."