Again (Brandy Jeffus)

interest in the fine arts. Her artistic talents blossomed as Eli’s athletic skills came out.
    During the middle of seventh grade they both attended a school dance. Bonnie was dancing with Steven Borman, who would’ve ended up as her boyfriend, when Eli cut in. He confessed his attraction and they had been a couple ever since. Unlike normal teenage romances, they had never split up or taken a break.
    "Five years already. We've been through a lot, haven't we?" Bonnie asked. The last five years saw among other events: the divorce of Bonnie's parents, Eli breaking three different bones playing football, and Bonnie's rise to fame as an artist.
    "If I died this very instant, I would die a happy guy. Five years isn't anything, compared to us being together a lifetime. I love you so much, Bonnie," Eli whispered breathlessly. He stopped dancing, picked Bonnie up and carried her to the bedroom. He was so nervous and felt his heart beating wildly. This is it , he thought.
    Bonnie laughed as Eli carried her. He was always picking her up, always making her feel so protected. So loved and wanted. She found herself always wanting to be near him. She feared that it was something that had become an obsession.
    They made it to the bedroom and stopped at the doorway. Bonnie looked inside the room and her breath caught in her throat. She was amazed. On the bed, there were rose petals spelling out the question: Marry me?
    She finally caught her breath and let out a little gasp. Eli put her down on her feet and got down on one knee. He brought out a small black box from his pocket. When he looked up, he saw that Bonnie had a single tear running down her cheek. His heart was going off like jack hammer.
    "Bonnie, I love you so much. I know we're young, but I also know that I don't want anyone else but you. Will you -"
    "Yes!" Bonnie exclaimed, cutting his question short. She immediately clapped her hand over her mouth. "Oh, I'm sorry, I cut you off. But yes, yes I will marry you. I love you! I love you so much!"
    Eli rose from his knee and laughed as Bonnie threw her arms around him. They kissed and Eli fell gracefully onto the bed, pulling Bonnie with him.
    A year ago, on their fourth anniversary they had taken each other's virginity. It had been one of the most amazing and scariest moments of each of their young lives. Eli had wanted to do it ever since the beginning of high school, when his hormones started making appearances. Bonnie wasn't ready and so he waited. His love for her was stronger than any desire he had and any joking he endured.
    They made love now, on the antique wooden bed. This time was slow and magical just like the other times. Time had taught them things about each other. They moved in rhythm as if their bodies were made specifically for one another. Afterwards, Bonnie nestled her head against his chest. Neither of them said anything, they were both lost in their own thoughts about the future.
    Six Months Later
    "I don't understand what your problem is, Eli. Why are you so moody? You know I can't help if I don't know what's wrong," Bonnie said, clearly exasperated. The tension in the air was thick and she was at her wit's end. She had arrived at his house ready for the movies. He had met her in a horrible mood, something that was becoming more frequent.
    "Maybe I don't want your help, Bonnie. I don't understand why you have to always try to fix things, like you're my mom. Some things just can't be fixed," Eli said. He took out a cigarette and lit it. He had picked up the habit a month before. While she didn't agree with it, she had never chastised him about it.
    "Well, I'll leave if you want. I don’t have a problem doing that if it means I won't be unjustly attacked just because you're suffering from PMS." Bonnie retorted.
    She tried to put on a brave front, but in reality she was scared. She was scared to death. They hardly ever fought, and when they did, a panic set in and wouldn't let go until it was over. She knew the statistics of high school sweethearts. Young couples hardly ever made it after high school. Somehow she and Eli always made it through the rough times, but the rough times were happening more often.
    She stood in front of him and stared. Finally, she reached into her purse and grabbed her keys. He avoided eye contact and took a drag of his smoke. Minutes passed by and Eli didn't say a word. He finished his cigarette and threw it on the ground. Bonnie sighed and turned around.
    "I cheated on