sweetest sixteen

there's this boy, said libby a few weeks ago. there's this boy and i really like him.

how does he feel about you, i asked.

we're just good friends, said libby.

that's good, i said.

meg says i should come right out and ask him if he likes me or get a friend to do it, but i don't think i should, she said. we're such good friends. i don't want to ruin it. i'm just going to let things be, and i'll just keep being his friend.

that's smart, i said.

i've heard a lot about this boy. he sounds like a nice kid. i mentioned his name to a teacher-friend, and she confirmed... he's a nice kid.

on valentine's day, he bought a flower for every girl at the lunch table. on president's day, he asked libby to a movie and since she had already made plans to see a movie with a friend, he went with both girls and paid for both, too. (libby bought the candy, but she said he was going to pay for that, as well, until she insisted.)

last night libby came home from the winter semi-formal dance and said this boy is now officially her boyfriend... facebook official.

teasing her, watching her, listening to her giggle, it was almost like being 16 again myself.

this morning, as i prepare to haul my old body to the gym, i watch the icicles melt in the coppery light glowing through the thinning clouds. this year, before my eyes, the Maiden incarnates right on cue. if that's not Magic, i don't know what is.

and furthermore, the war will end. blessed be.