Read Online Sanctity by S. M. Bowles - Free Book Online

entire scene was just
mesmerizing to me; everyone in the audience was dressed so nicely,
the orchestra, the ushers guiding people to their seats, the
underlying hum of hundreds of conversations, I couldn’t help
smiling as I took it all in.
    I felt my face glowing with happiness as my
father rested his hand on my shoulder, “Elayna, Mr. Donovan is
here.”
    I spun about and there indeed was Mr.
Donovan.  I nearly gasped as a series of memories flooded my
mind.  I felt his voice in my head and a familiar sense of
connectedness, “Hello, Elayna,” it was almost teasing.  My
father was looking at me curiously after he saw the spark of
recognition that crossed my face.
    “Elayna, are you alright?” My father looked
concerned.
    Michael bent down and said loud enough for
my mother and father both to hear, “You are the little girl from
the mall aren’t you, the one by the fountain?”
    My mother suddenly recollected the moment
and stepped up, “Oh, yes, Mr. Donovan, was that you?  It was,
wasn’t it!  It must have been what 2 years ago?  I had
nearly forgotten that day and certainly never expected to see you
again,” she hastily told my father the story and thanked Mr.
Donovan again for his intervention.
    “Not quite 2 years but close,” Michael held
his hand out to me, “It’s very nice to see you again Elayna. 
I love your dress.  You look very pretty tonight,” he was
obviously enjoying the success of his surprise. 
    I felt a thrilling little shock as I took
his hand, “It is very nice to meet you Mr. Donovan.”
    “Please, call me Michael,” he slowly rose
and turned to my father.  “It’s good to see you again Mr.
Davis and a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Davis,” he took my mother’s
hand. 
    “Mr. Donovan, I can’t thank you enough for
the tickets, the car, it’s very kind of you to put yourself out
like this.”
    “It was no trouble at all.  I got your
address from your office,” he looked to my father, “I hope you
don’t mind.  I thought the car would be a fun surprise for
your little girl,” Michael glanced over my dad’s shoulder and
smiled at me.  “It’s a shame, actually, I have this box for
the season and I have only used it once or twice.  So really
it is more of a kindness that you are joining me; I might not have
come at all if you hadn’t accepted.”
    I was dazed as I stood there and watched
Michael, my father and mother all speaking quietly together while
waiting for the show to begin.  I wished it were just the two
of us, so I wouldn’t have to be so careful and could show how happy
and excited I was to be there with him.  When it was nearly
time for the show to start the lights flashed and I felt thankful
for the distraction as everyone hurried to their seats.
    Just as I was about to sit down, though, I
noticed someone else stepping into Michael’s box.  She was a
pretty woman about Michael’s age with blonde hair and blue
eyes.  She was tall and sophisticated looking and quite
breathless it seemed from trying to get to the show on time.
    “I’m sorry I’m late,” she threw her arms
around Michael and kissed him squarely on the lips.  He smiled
somewhat awkwardly, took the woman’s elbow and excused himself from
my parents as I looked on.  I wasn’t sure what was wrong with
me but suddenly my heart was pounding and I couldn’t seem to catch
my breath.  My insides felt like they were sloshing about as I
watched the two of them talk and I was having trouble focusing my
thoughts. 
    It only took a moment for Michael to say
whatever he needed to say then he rejoined my parents and offered
them a quick introduction.  I didn’t catch the lady’s name
because the throbbing in my ears was the only thing I could hear as
I examined the group of adults before me. 
     It never occurred to me that Michael
would have a date and I was absolutely devastated.  I had the
horrible realization that Michael was a grown-up and I was just a
little girl.  I was sure