When the Wheat Ripens

At seventeen, Blaine and I discovered we were living inside a sappy romance novel. He was the hero; I was just an extra. Blaine, furious, tore the book to shreds.

I dont care about being that hero, and I certainly wont fall for anyone else! he declared to me.

At twenty-two, just as the book had foretold, I was set to leave the country. Blaine ran his fingers through my hair, a promise in his voice.

When you come back, well get married.

At twenty-seven, I returned.

To attend Blaines wedding to the heroine.

1.

An hour before the banquet was set to begin, I stood in the hotel lobby, lost in thought before the welcome sign.

Groom: Blaine Miller; Bride: Summer Ashton.

It felt like seventeen again. Id pulled an unmarked book from a library shelf, only to see the cover proclaim: Hero: Blaine Miller; Heroine: Summer Ashton. It was like a Pandoras Box, terrifying to open, impossible to ignore.

Whatre you looking at?

Seventeen-year-old Blaine had appeared out of nowhere. He leaned over me, resting his head loosely on my shoulder.

What idiot used my name to write a novel? He snatched the book, grumbling as he read. What a dumb name, Summer Ashton. The person I like is clearly named Autumn Hayes!

Autumn, wheres my Autumn

His voice grew softer, more hesitant, as he flipped through the pages, until his face turned stark white. The book chronicled a romantic love story between Blaine, at twenty-two, and the heroine. Everything in it, except for the future, perfectly mirrored our reality. And his Autumn? Just a footnote in the background, a memory.

I dont care about being that hero, and I certainly wont fall for anyone else! Blaines eyes burned red with anger as his hands trembled, tearing the book apart. Autumn, dont you believe it. That person thats definitely not me

I said nothing.

Seventeen-old Blaine held me close, choking back sobs and muttering defiantly, I hate summer.

Autumn, from now on, Ill hate summer more than anything.

The boys choked cries faded under the growing din. I snapped back to reality, feeling the sunlight creeping onto my shoulder. Following the golden ray, I looked out the window, a sudden realization hitting me.

It was summer.

2.

A wedding in the middle of summer? Its sweltering. A woman wiped her brow as she entered the hotel, complaining to her companion. Did you check the calendar? Today isnt a particularly auspicious day. What were the Millers thinking?

Blaines just eager to get married, I guess. I heard he proposed to her five times before she finally said yes! her companion said, proudly sharing the gossip. The Millers have been planning this wedding for years, so once she agreed, they pulled it all together in seven days.

Wow, Blaine must really love that Summer Ashton girl The womans exclamations drifted away with their footsteps.

I couldnt help but wonder. How much did the Blaine in the book love Summer? So much that, after knowing her for only six months, he began quietly planning every detail of their wedding. So much that, despite their mutual affection, he spent five years cautiously making his way into her world, held back by his own fear.

This was a man known for his impatience, his bold and unrestrained nature. Yet, he loved her so much that he had completely forgotten

At seventeen, hed picked up a torn piece of the shredded book. On a blank space, he childishly scrawled:

I, Blaine Miller, hereby warn every author who spins tales: First, Blaine Miller is not to be a hero; second, the only name Blaine Miller loves is Autumn Hayes; third

Unwavering by any will, Blaine Miller will forever, always, only love Autumn Hayes!

Mom, what does this say? A little girl stood before the welcome wall, pointing at a line of text. I followed her gaze, finally noticing the words:

With this grand ceremony, we invite you to witness our decision to walk hand-in-hand through life. Blaine Miller & Summer Ashton

3.

Fifteen minutes had passed. I was still foolishly standing at the entrance, lacking the courage to take a single step.

Autumn.

A familiar voice suddenly called from behind me. I had just turned around when I was urgently pulled by the arm.

It really is you Autumn, youre finally back.

I was enveloped in a slender, fragrant embrace, a silent sob catching in my ear. A bitter taste filled my throat, and I managed to choke out, Aunt Carol.

Blaines mother let out a distressed sob, then quickly covered her mouth. Yes, yes, Im so sorry, Autumn

After high school graduation, it was Blaines eighteenth birthday. Hed invited me to the Miller estate under the guise of celebrating. The moment we stepped through the door, we ran into his mother.

Mom, let me introduce you. This is your future daughter-in-law, Autumn Hayes. Blaines arm was around my shoulder, his tone confident and proud. Autumn, this is Mom, your future mother-in-law Mmph!

I stood on my tiptoes to cover Blaines mouth just as Aunt Carol delivered a sharp flick to his forehead. Amidst Blaines yelp of pain, we both paused, then exchanged smiles.

That was my first meeting with Aunt Carol. It set the tone for all our interactions thereafter Blaine causing mischief, me trying to rein him in, and Aunt Carol cleaning up. In the end, we all laughed.

On my twentieth birthday, Aunt Carol gave me the Miller family heirloom jade bracelet. She solemnly promised, Autumn, if Blaine ever wrongs you, Ill kick him out of the house and disown him!

Today, Aunt Carol was apologizing to me. I hugged her back, gently patting her on the back. All I could offer in return was a quiet, Aunt Carol, its not your fault.

4.

Aunt Carol was the first to let go. Autumn, this isnt the place for catching up. She quickly wiped her eyes, regaining her composure as a polite host. Its hot outside; come in and sit down.

I lowered my head, letting her take my hand, and unexpectedly found myself stepping into the banquet hall. After just two steps, Aunt Carol suddenly stopped, her voice tense. Autumn, dont misunderstand

I looked up, puzzled, and instantly saw the wedding decorations. Golden wheat ears intertwined with sunflowers, set against various autumn-colored flowers, creating a romantic rustic scene. Scarecrows stood on either side, country-style bamboo baskets filled with fruits and vegetables, and a crescent moon hung above the stage

It was like a Van Gogh painting. Like stepping from summer directly into autumn.

My breath hitched.

Autumn, dont misunderstand, the wedding was arranged quickly, this setup was done by Blaine years ago, there wasnt time to

I gripped Aunt Carols hand tightly, interrupting her abruptly. Aunt Carol, where is Blaine now?

Autumn

My gaze fixed on the tip of that moon on the stage, where a single, striking wheat ear blossomed. Perhaps a single grain of wheat had slipped from Gods palm, carried by the wind to this very spot?

With a flicker of undeserved hope, I stubbornly asked again, Aunt Carol, where is Blaine now?

Aunt Carol fell silent. After a long moment, she sighed. Hes taking wedding photos with Summer Theyre in Room 1019.

I turned, and without a moments hesitation, ran out. In the blur of rapidly passing, noisy scenes, a strange illusion struck me.

Seventeen-year-old Blaine was waiting for me.

5.

But in truth, my entire story with Blaine began when I was sixteen.

The first day of junior year, after class assignments were posted, I walked into the classroom early, instinctively heading for the front row. A wisp of osmanthus scent suddenly drifted into my nose, like an invisible pull. I deviated from my usual spot, choosing a window seat in the back, closer to the osmanthus tree.

The classroom slowly filled with noise, but I buried my head in a book until a commotion beside me. Blaine dramatically slammed his backpack onto the desk. He wore a crisp white shirt, looking down at me, a casual eyebrow raised as he asked, Hey, classmate, whats your name?

His expression and tone were nonchalant, yet I sensed a hint of displeasure. Confused, I glanced at him.

Autumn Hayes.

Blaine scoffed. I asked for your name, not your age.

I lowered my head, ignoring him. My first impression of him was: this guy isnt very bright.

During introductions, I stood on stage and said, My name is Autumn Hayes.

He leaned back in his chair, lounging in the audience, and asked, almost looking for a fight, Which Hayes?

I looked at him again, expressionless. Like a field of hay.

He feigned understanding, drawing out a long, Ohhh~

I walked back to my seat, bewildered, only to see him suddenly extend his hand toward me.

Nice to meet you. He smiled, his eyes crinkling. Hey, Miss Hay.

I tripped over the chair leg.

And realized with a profound sense of despair: I was now desk-mates with a not-so-bright classmate.

6.

Later, I learned that Blaine was the notorious troublemaker of our high school. The back-row window seat was unofficially his territory, and I had stolen it. When he asked for my name, his unspoken question was, Hey, how dare you sit in my spot?

I thought it was incredibly childish. Perhaps because my parents worked abroad and Id lived alone since freshman year, I was more mature than my peers, and quite reserved, with no friends. I wasnt good at dealing with people like Blaine.

Hed casually say to me, Hey, Miss Hay, can I copy your homework?

Hed also, after playing basketball, walk through the crowded hallways directly to me. Hed smile and point to the untouched bottle of water in my hand, Miss Hay, can I borrow a bottle of water? You dont mind, right?

His demeanor and tone were laid-back, yet not presumptuous or rude. In fact, it was as if he considered himself exceptionally close to you. In my mind, I quietly categorized this trait as: bad boy charm.

Until one day, I saw him reject a bottle of water offered by another girl on the sports field. His reason: Sorry, but I never accept things from girls. Dont want to cause any misunderstandings.

The girl was indignant. But you took water from your desk-mate!

Thats because I borrowed it from her, Blaine said, tilting his head and smiling. Besides, theres no misunderstanding between us.

What did he mean? I froze a short distance away, experiencing a mental short circuit for the first time in my life.

But the moment Blaine glanced sideways and saw me, his smile spread to the corners of his eyes. He walked toward me, step by deliberate step.

Miss Hay, are you wondering right now: Blaine seems to treat me a little specially? He leaned slightly, hands on his knees, and peered up into my eyes. No need to wonder.

His face glowed in the backlight as he declared, Miss Hay, you are special.