Chapter 3

Ten years had passed since the events that had shattered Eric’s life. He had become very successful in his chosen field,

becoming wealthy enough to buy

the Miller place after the old couple had passed away. He aptly renamed the still beautiful pond “Nicole’s Pond”. Even though she’d been buried in a proper cemetery, he’d lovingly had a marble marker placed near the pond. On that marker were the words “Forever on Main Street”, paying homage to the song that she had claimed as “their song.”

As for Nicole’s father, he’d received the maximum sentence possible for aggravated vehicular manslaughter. As far

as Eric, as well as Sharon Johnston, were concerned, he should have gotten a life sentence.

On the tenth anniversary of that fateful night, Eric had spread Nicole’s well preserved blanket on the ground at the same spot near the pond. He had meant to be there on that date every year, but never could bring himself to follow through. It took great effort, but he’d finally forced himself to.

The night was just as beautiful as it had been ten years prior. He

ended up lying down to stare up at the countless stars. In no time, his eyes grew heavy.

He began to hear soft, distant music. It sounded faintly familiar, but he couldn’t place the song.

Soon, it seemed to grow louder. As it did, he could begin to make out the lyrics. The longer he heard it, the more clear it became.

Suddenly he said out loud, “Oh my gosh. It’s ... it’s Main Street!” He could plainly hear Bob Seger’s distinctive voice; “I

remember standing on the corner at midnight, tryin’ to get my courage up...” Eric was transported back to that night. He closed his eyes to concentrate on the familiar, yet haunting music. Where was it coming from?” It was then that he noticed a barely-there scent, that was also familiar. He wondered, “Is that ... what did she call it? Ar ... Ariane? YES! It’s Ariane that I smell! What’s happening?

Then, he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye. He

quickly stood up. IT WAS NICOLE!

She was dressed in the same beautiful prom dress that she had on that fateful night. She seemed to have some kind of glowing light surrounding her. As she got closer, he could see that she was smiling. Smiling through tears.

She walked up to him, then said, “Hello, Eric. I’ve missed you terribly.” He responded, “I’m afraid. I’m afraid of you. This ... this can’t be real...” She touched his hand, then grasped

it. “Do I feel real, Eric? Does my hand feel warm?” He answered, “Yes, you feel real. But what’s happening? It’s been ... ten years.” She then knelt down on the blanket and looked up at him. “Come, Eric. Come lie down with me. Hold me, baby. Hold me like you did that night. I want to feel you holding me again.”

He laid down beside her, and she rested her head on his shoulder. They lied there quietly for a while, then she whispered, “Eric, I want you to unzip this dress again. No one will interrupt

us this time. I came to give you what I promised you ten years ago.”