Dandelions

“What’s taking so long?” Amber pursed her lips as she frowned while gripping the dandelion. A cool breeze broke through the humidity in the Southern air. It rustled the yellow floaties as Amber and Mariah stood in the same spot in the woods they’ve always played- Amber dressed in blue jean overalls and Mariah in a cute sundress. They were playing Aladdin, and Amber was the genie. The dandelion was the magic. 

“N-nothing,” said Mariah, her dark brown eyes falling to the ground. She heard the rhythmic pat of her heart over the water of the brook right behind them. “I’m just scared. What if I make a bad wish?” 

Amber propped the other hand on her hip and arched a brow. I'm going to stop you right there. You don't have to be super specific about your wish. I don't do monkey's paw or any of that garbage.” 

“R-right.” 

“Spit it out already.” Then, Amber smiled, and she looked so pretty with hair pulled into plaits, the angular shape of her jaw, even the gap between her two front teeth. “Just say what's in your heart.” 

           Mariah closed her eyes, clenched her fist, and said, “I- I wish I could tell you that I love you without being scared.”  She blew on the dandelion and the floaties graced her cheekbones. When she opened one eye, Amber was staring at her. For a moment, Mariah thought she was going to call her a freak or not worse not want to be her friend anymore. 

            Before Mariah succumbed to the desire to flee, Amber strode forward and kissed her on the lips. Mariah's eyes widened. Amber stood tall with the same big smile and proud glint in her eyes, her backwards blue cap like a gem in the sun pouring through the canopy. “Wish granted,” she said as she propped both hands on her hips. “See now was that so bad?”

            Mariah blushed and released a small grin. Just for a moment, she really did believe that magic was real.