Happy Birthday
June 6th 2006 02:46
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Catch!" he exclaimed as he playfully threw a plush toy at her head.
The subtle impact had knocked Tara out of her daze as she contemplated the man sitting beside her. She can't exactly put her finger on it, the exact moment her pulse started to race when she whiffed his cologne, nor the exact instance her stomach started to knot when her skin sensed his touch.
Matt was a friend, but what is he now? No, it couldn't be love, this feeling must only have stemmed from circumstance. She had just left a stable relationship to find herself, and Matt was there for her. She was sure that it's only the proximity that had conjured these mixed emotions. These feelings are not one-sided; Tara was too well aware of his hand brushing across her own unnecessarily when they walked together, and of his fixated gaze every time she looked away.
"Oh you're going to get it now!" she giggled as she threw the puffy plush back at him. He threw his head back as he laughed, a hearty booming laughter which turned heads in public. He observed Tara as she tried to tidy up the mess that they had made in her room. Best friends since high school, he and Tara had been grateful for a purely platonic friendship where they are so completely relaxed with one another, though Matt didn't exactly choose for it to be this way.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
He still remembers the first time he had set eyes on her, the first girl to ever have made his mouth dry simply by glancing at him. She was undisputedly a striking beauty, but there is something more than just that. Having always been shy, Matt has never really been close to a girl. He always felt like he was holding out for something better. Tara was different to the others; her smile was warm and open and she immediately made him feel at ease. His awkwardness was waved away by her incredibly natural countenance. He had been absolutely gutted when he discovered that she had a boyfriend, but if only the friendship was enough to ensure her presence in his life, he was content.
As time passed, the duo had gradually settled into a comfort zone with each other. Matt's passion for Tara had slowly transformed into affection as their lives slowly revolved, evolved, and spending time with each other had become a routine assumption. For a while, Matt had forgotten Tara's enticing curves, the way they danced his in dreams before he woke to embarrassing consequences, and the way her soft silky hair felt as he removed a small leaf from her strands. It took every ounce of self control not to allow his touch to linger on her skin for more than a fleeting moment every time, as he savored the scent of her perfume which tickled his nostrils seductively.
During the gaps in Tara's love life, Matt must admit that he had more than once considered coming clean with his feelings. No, she'd laugh at the absurdity of the concept. She has the world in her stride with her confidence, intellect, success, beauty, and feisty persona. What in the world does he have to offer her? She is but a beacon in the distance; out of reach, but still lighting up his life.
In a few months, this beacon will fade. Tara has been accepted to Bromwell, an Ivy League college in another state. Matt, for the sake of his family, had remained in his local town to attend State University. Even if she miraculously returned his feelings, they are destined to be apart. This friendship, while it lasts, is all that Matt could ever hope for. When the nights become cold, these thoughts would swim around in his mind, tormenting him with the idea that he may never gaze upon that porcelain complexion, nor hear the melodic cooing of her voice again.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“Why?” thought Tara, frustrated. The timing couldn’t be worse. Her feelings for Matt had ascended unnoticed in the past months. It has now reached a point when she could no longer deny herself of the truth. He was undoubtedly handsome, not in a ken-doll convention (she despised dolls), but rather rugged with boyish charm. His physique was large, with muscular limbs draping over a lanky frame. She sighed as she recalls the way he towered over her petite figure with assurance and strength, embracing him would be like coming home.
She threw some books grouchily into the storage unit as she prepared for her departure for college. Mother had been pleased with her achievements. Always the bright all-rounder, Tara was the embodiment of an American dream teen. The boys have naturally been attentive to her; something she had become accustomed to over the years. Matt was different, she felt an instant affinity with him when they had first met. Fond memories come flooding back, as she recalls her first day at school. Having been allocated a seat next to Matt, she had kindly been offered to share his textbook, and help with catching up with their math homework. The afternoons studying together at school had spilled over to meeting up after school, during weekends, and holidays.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a shrill at the door. Must be Matt, he’s always dropping by unannounced. Her breath quickened at the anticipation, much to her dismay.
“Yoohoo?”, Janet peeped from behind the doorframe. Tara’s heart dropped a few inches. It’s her nosy friend Janet, no doubt coming around for more gossip and free food.
“So my friend, have you kissed Matt?” chirped Janet mischievously.
“Damnit Janet!” snapped Tara “Why do you ask that every time you see me?”
“Because my dear, you’re in love, in denial, and indecisive”, stated her cheeky buddy, “everyone on the planet can see how smitten you are for each other, and Matt is too much of a dork to make a move, so it’s up to you!”
“Matt’s not a dork!” cried Tara, “he’s caring, and sensitive, and....” she paused as Janet gave her a knowing look. Defeated, she relented: “Alright you rascal, maybe I like him a little”.
“Understatement of the century!” proclaimed Janet, “Come on gorgeous, I’ll buy you lunch”.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“I don’t know Janet, I’m leaving anyway, what good would it do?” Tara sighed over her mocha.
“I understand darling, but you’ll go crazy never knowing what could have been” said her confidant, “You’ll be gone for so long, and you can both concentrate on college without distractions, while having someone to make phone love with at night, and maybe more...”
Tara crinkled her nose at such vulgar suggestions; she was just about to give her friend a playful shove when Janet’s grin turned into a scowl; Becky was standing over their table. “Hi girls, having a little secret chit chat? Are you pregnant Janet, again?”
“Haha Becky you crack me up” Janet replied, deadpan. She wasn’t a fan of “Pecky Becky”, a secret nickname she had for the tall redhead.
“Tara, Mattie and I are going to the movies on Saturday. I asked him if it’s alright for you to come and he said yes. Are you free?”
“That certainly sounds like a plan. I’m up for anything, it’s up to you” smiled Tara
“Okay it’s a ‘plan’ indeed. Give Mattie or I a call, and we’ll meet you at the cinemas!” Becky waved as she departed, her long hair flowing behind her.
Becky was Matt’s childhood friend. Probably his other best buddy, Becky was a stunning girl. Tara’s attractions come from her grace and assured confidence oozing from her finely sculpted features and generous, well-placed curves. Whereas Becky’s allure lies in her lean, towering figure compared to Tara’s petite frame. Her features were open and generous; her cat-like eyes and sensual, full lips give her a flamboyant air that would turn the head of any hot-blooded male. Tara was more of a proud orchid with a hint of exoticism, while Becky was akin to a brilliant wild poppy. Her gait had the air of a runway model, and with the habit of flashing radiating smiles at those she meet, her personal charms are not inferior to her aesthetics.
It had always puzzled Tara the reason Becky and Matt didn’t become lovers. Having lived as next door neighbours since infancy, they practically played in the same cradle. Walking together on the street, the pair had always been the envy of passersby with their good looks and tall builds projecting the image of a model couple. With the intimate pet name of “Mattie” especially reserved for Becky, Tara had lately felt slightly threatened by this glamorous belle. As the so-called relative “latecomer” to Matt’s life, Tara had felt an unspoken gratitude to Becky for always including her in their outings. However, what had always made her uneasy was the way Becky always made Matt’s decisions for him. She maintained a dominating presence in his life, dictating his schedule, even implementing curfews. It almost seems like a vicious cycle that they had fallen into, and had even grown out of.
“Oh why do you smile at that vixen so sweetly my dear!” exclaimed Janet irritably, “Look at the way she patronizes you, I asked him if it’s alright for you to come! For god’s sake, as if Matt’s permission is needed!”
“You’re always reading into everybody’s dialogue with such fervor!” laughed Tara, “It’s just the way she speaks. Becky’s very nice, if only you knew her better.”
“Oh poo Tara, that’s only the way she speaks with you. I don’t see her batting her clumpy lashes at you like she does to Mattie” Janet replied, placing a nasal emphasis on the last word.
“You’re a clown,” giggled Tara “drink your coffee, silly”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Matt woke up groggy and exhausted; the result of another sleepless night. They’ve started to become increasingly common after he learnt of Tara’s impending departure. The anxiety had resurrected the feelings he had for her when they first met. Almost like a distress signal, his pacing pulse every time he dreaded waving goodbye had on several occasions nearly prompted him to take her in his arms and whisper everything that he had felt for her in the past five years. It pained him, his inability to pour his heart out to the person he most cared for.
Becky’s right, he thought to himself, what good would it do? Matt has always looked to his childhood buddy for guidance. As a friend to Tara, and almost a sister to him, Becky was the only person he had confided in with his feelings. It was Becky who had reminded him of his commitment to his family, and how disappointed his mother would be if she’d known that he had followed a girl to another state. It was Becky who had shown him the daunting statistics of failed long-distance relationships, and pointed out the possible demise of perfectly platonic friendships.
He had always imagined at the end of his outings with Tara, that he was saying goodbye for the last time, just like he would at the airport. He had hoped that perhaps practicing would make it hurt a little less; he was wrong. Instead, he tries harder each time to blink back the tears gathering at the rims of his eyes, as he choked his goodbyes to her. The pounding in his head each time had an urgency that he fears can no longer be controlled.
“Mattie! Hurry up we’re going to be late!” Becky’s voice rang from the hallway. Always bossing him around like a big sister, Becky liked to be in control. As if trained from childhood, Matt had found himself falling unconsciously at the mercy of her whims. Becky is always right. Becky always knows what’s best for him.
“Coming Becky, let me get dressed first” he mumbled beneath his sheets.
“Oh you’re such a baby, don’t make me go in there and dress you” Her maternal instincts have settled in rather early for a young girl. Becky had always liked things to be done her way. Being two years older, Becky had always treated Matt as her little brother. Coming from a family of successful but neglectful parents, she had always been looked over as a child in favour of meetings and deadlines. Her parents didn’t even notice when she had blossomed into a ravishing beauty and had taken up her own career after quitting school early.
Watching out for Matt was one of her great pleasures. It’s her own way of feeling like she is of some importance in the life of someone she cared for. Tara was a lovely girl; pretty, successful, and charming, Becky liked her very much, just not as Matt’s love interest. She was shocked when Matt had first come to her with his feelings for Tara after he had first learnt of her Bromwell expedition.
Having been at the sidelines through the ups and downs of Tara’s love life, Becky had long retained the impression that she was promiscuous, and a heart-breaker. Matt’s parents had expressed dissatisfaction at his late-night outings as he neglected his family life, and Becky knew it was because of Tara. Tara’s acceptance to Bromwell had struck her as good news, until she saw Matt’s despair. She had long suspected that he had fallen for the girl, just not at this level. She had tried to reason with him, to dash his hopes, but they linger.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“Oh by the way, Tara’s coming too” said Becky casually on their way to the cinema.
Matt’s eyes lit up at the prospect of seeing Tara. Immediately, he reached for his tousled hair a vain attempt to flatten his mess of a mane. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” he was clearly irritated.
“Oh I’m sorry you didn’t have time to put on your best dress” teased Becky
“That’s not what I meant” Matt huffed, unimpressed.
“I’m only joking. Oh and I have an old friend who is also coming, remember Zac? We used to play together in junior school.”
“Oh yes, that boy who deflated my tires”
“Oh good, you remembered. It’d be like a nice warm reunion.” Becky grinned as they proceeded to the meeting place.
Nearing the cinemas, they can see that Becky and Zac had already arrived and were talking like they’ve been there for a while. Zac was unbelievably handsome, with broad shoulders, his muscular arms and torso rippling through the thin fabric of his white T-shirt. The shirt did not need to be tight for the bulk of him to show through, with veins running down his forearms, it is obvious that he is a patron of the gym. He had a towering presence, and chiseled deep-set features that could have come straight out of a magazine. His mannerisms and posture exuded suaveness and confidence, as his piercing blue eyes sparkled, laughing heartily with Tara.
“Becky girl!” his attention turned towards the approaching pair, “you never told me you had such a gorgeous friend. I can’t believe you didn’t introduced us earlier.”
Tara blushed, as Matt watched with a sour taste in his mouth.
“Yes Becky, you never told me you had a friend who is also going to Bromwell” smiled Tara, “Zac has even offered his apartment over there as a board. It’ll save me a whole lot of rent.”
“I do apologize my dears” Becky looked ecstatic. She was truly sorry that she hadn’t thought of this earlier, “Shall we go into the theatre?”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Zac is very handsome, thought Tara dreamily as she drifted off to sleep later that night. He’s going to Bromwell as well, which would make things all the more easier for her, if only she was not in love with Matt. He looked so cute today, with his tousled hair and grumpy expression, even though he had hardly spoken a word. Her attractions to her friend had grown exponentially in the past few months. His flaws which she could point out before no longer registered on her radar, and she begun to be more self aware around him, her skin acutely sensitive to the slightest brush of contact.
It’ll be too dangerous to act on these feelings. It’d be utterly selfish of her to tell Matt how she feels, just to leave in a few months and impose a long-distance relationship on him. Who is she to keep him occupied while she’s away in college? He has every right to find a girl who could stay with him every night, laugh at his jokes in his lounge, and who could offer him physical affection whenever he needed it. She cared too much for him to add this much confusion to their current relationship, with which he seemed very content.
It’ll be easier to work on her attractions to Zac, she thought, as she fumbled her handbag in the dark for his phone number. It’s not difficult to fall in love with such a raging hunk of a man. Not to mention the fact that he’s so very kind to her, and takes a genuine interest in her life. They had arranged to meet for lunch the next week, perhaps something could happen with this boy, maybe that’s just the way things are meant to be.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Becky’s plan had worked better for Tara than for Matt.
A loud knock resonated through her hallway as Becky padded over to the lock. Who could it be? It was one o’clock in the morning.
She gasped as she saw Matt standing outside, wearing a peculiar look of distress on his face. “I’m so disappointed, Becky” he muttered, not making eye-contact.
“Come in Mattie, it’ll be alright” cooed Becky in her usual motherly manner, “Just let them be.”
“Not them Becky, I’m disappointed in you” Matt’s hard eyes suddenly met with hers. “I love and respect you like family. You really underestimated me, assuming that I wouldn’t realize what you tried to pull today”
“What are you talking about?”
“I saw Zac this evening. He complained to me that you had asked him to meet you an hour earlier than you had arrived, the same thing you told Tara. He asked me to thank you for him, for the introduction to Tara. He didn’t think that doing a favour for an old friend would include meeting such a ravishing beauty.”
“Mattie...”
“Don’t Mattie me anymore Becky. I’m not a child, though you’ve always treated me like one. I’ve always taken your advice because I looked up to you so much, and admired you like you’re my real sister. Why are you trying to hurt me Becky? It hurts...”
“I’m sorry Mattie” Becky tried to force back her own tears, realizing what she had just done; “I only wanted what’s best for you.” All this time she had worried about Tara breaking Matt’s heart, when she had just done so herself. She looked on as Matt turned his back and ran back to his own door, not looking back. She knows that things will never be the same between them ever again. Perhaps it never should have been the way they were. Matt is not a child anymore, Becky smiled sadly at the realization. It’s time to let go of the little boy who used to run to her when he had fallen over, who had let her wipe away his tears when he was bullied. It’s time to treat him like an adult, and let him run his own life.
“Take care, Matt”, she whispered as she gently closed her door.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“People can call me Zac, or Zachary, Ziggy, or Zig. What’s in a name?” joked Zac as he beamed at Tara’s glistening smile across the café lounge.
“You’re hilarious!” exclaimed Tara as she tried to withhold her spasms of laughter.
Seeing Zac regularly had been a fabulous idea. She had never expected someone as gorgeous as Zac to be such good company. He was highly intelligent, aiming to do an honors degree in law at Bromwell, and had a witty charm which made him immediately likeable. He was everything that a girl could want in a guy; she’d be the envy of the whole campus. He was clearly very intent on her, having already organized their board together at Bromwell. The way things are going; Tara and Zac are definitely on the path to something steady.
At the back of her mind however, the thought of Matt clung on. Tenacious in its grip, she cannot shake his image from her conscience. She surprised herself by noting that she still preferred Matt to this seemingly perfect man sitting across from her. It must be something more than a silly crush, Tara reluctantly admitted. That’s life, she supposes, one can never expect to always have what they want most.
She did try to talk to him, she recalled sadly. The urges in her heart finally overcame the rationality of her mind as she tried to find out if there was a glimmer of hope that perhaps they could work out. Sitting at their usual café, she remembered how nervous she was, sitting here a few weeks ago, trying to muster up the courage to say what she did. Boy, did she regret it.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Alone in his room, Matt stared blankly at his computer screen as he tried to organize his college registration; the gentle buzzing of the machine and the glare of the monitor compounded his throbbing migraine. The conversation which occurred between him and Tara a few weeks ago was still lurking in his mind. He no longer visited that café where those words were spoken, from where he and she parted silently, knowing what will never be.
“So Zac and I are planning to go tour around the new town before settling at Bromwell, should be fun.” Tara leaned back lazily into her chair, and then stiffened as she took a deep breath. It’s worth a shot, she thought. “So let’s keep in touch, I’m really going to miss you Matt, a lot.”
Matt looked up at her, surprised at the sudden turn of the conversation. Despite the history of their acquaintance, they had never spoken about anything so directly sentimental about their relationship. He mumbled something inaudible as his muscles constricted with nervous tension. A cold sweat formed behind his nape as Tara proceeded to place her hand on his as she gave it a gentle squeeze. A look of endearing honesty and wavering uncertainty swam beneath her glassy eyes.
“I just want to say, when I still have the chance,” she continued, “that I really felt we had an irreplaceable connection. I’ve come to care deeply for you in the past months, and I was wondering, what you would say to the suggestion that we take this further, that is, if you feel the same way.” Too nervous to worry about her grammar, she tugged hesitantly on her sleeve.
“I don’t know” Matt replied when he had finally regained his voice. This is all too sudden; everything that he ever wanted to say to her caught up in his throat and refused to come out. He was reduced to a pathetic wreck. He cringed as she waited as they sat in silence, her eyes pleading with him for words to lift her heavy heart. But the silence lingered on.
“It’s ok, I understand” She let go finally as she looked down, defeated. “It’s time to go anyway. I’ll see you around, Matt.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Packing the last items of her luggage, Tara ceremonially clicked her suitcase shut. Having bid teary goodbyes to her family and friends, she felt almost ready to leave the town she had spent her entire life in. Unfortunately, she had still not heard from Matt. Her disappointment in his absence during the past few weeks have gradually accumulated into anger. His inert emotions and silence had pained her pride and dashed her hopes. She should never have said anything to him; she berated herself, even if he wanted to be with her, they would never work together as a couple. All those years of friendship didn’t spark anything flames. If it was mean to happen, it should have happened along ago. Would he be happy with somebody who couldn’t be there for him? It simply would not be fair to keep him hanging. In a way, she was happy he had hurt her so. It makes it easier to let go, and do the right thing.
She had already made up her mind to turn a new leaf, away from this tangle of emotions. Gathering her plane ticket, she started to head out when there came that familiar shrill at the door. She had long learnt to contain her heartbeat as it no longer represented hope for a visit from Matt. Probably a late farewell, she thought as she made sure she still had some Kleenex left.
It was Matt.
Tara’s heart jumped as she held back the urge to embrace him. She shakily forced back her own tears and tried to control her wobbling knees as she calmly greeted him: “Hi there, how have you been?” She can no longer help staring accusingly at him, the past weeks of hurt and feelings of betrayal suddenly resurfaced in the form of a penetrating glare that sent shivers down Matt’s spine.
“I’ve been pretty busy; sorry I haven’t called” Matt replied sheepishly “How’s the packing going?”
“Oh the packing is great, just great” Tara forced a smile, “As a matter of fact I was just on the way out, I’m meeting Zac for lunch before we head to the airport”
Matt stiffened at the mention of his foe. “Wait,” he gently grabbed her arm as Tara turned to leave, “I was just wondering, how you’re feeling now, you know, about leaving”
“Well I’m certainly going to miss everyone” signed Tara impatiently. She wished that he would leave so he won’t see the tears on the verge of pouring out.
Seeing the pain in her expression nearly crippled him. He was sure she still felt something fore him, he had to know. “I’m going to miss you so much Tara, I want you to know...” his voice began to tremble “I just want you to know that I feel very deeply for you too.”
Tara turned towards him furiously. “What good is this going to do, Matt?” she hissed, trying to contain her own voice, “You turn away from me, and now you tell me this when I’m just about to start a new life. Is this some sort of a game?”
“I apologize for my behavior, it was inappropriate” Matt admitted, “But now I just want you to know how I feel, how I always felt, and I know that somewhere in there you feel the same”
“Don’t just assume things about me, Matt. I might have felt something before, but it’s all too late now. It isn’t going to make a difference what I feel anyway. I’m leaving with Zac. That’s the way things are meant to be”
She gasped as he suddenly took hold of her shoulders and pushed her against the wall. She had never known that he was so strong, as he moved his face towards hers until their lips were inches apart. As she felt the weight of his arms and the warmth of his breath, a lump formed in her throat as her breath quickened. A familiar warmth gathered at her groin as her face flushed with the heat created by the proximity of his heaving torso.
“Look into my eyes Tara,” he whispered huskily “and tell me you feel nothing now. You owe this to me, to us, after all these years.”
“There is no use Matt, what does it matter how I feel. There is no us. There will never be an us. It will never work out” Tara cannot bring herself to admit to him what she really wanted. It’ll only impede his life. She wished for his happiness more than she did for her own.
“That’s not what I asked,” he intercepted “tell me that you don’t love me, tell me now!”
Without warning, he covered her lips with his own. Tara melted into the kiss wholeheartedly. Her head spun as the softness of his lips enveloped her mouth with more tenderness and intensity than she had ever felt before. She could not help tasting him hungrily, gripping his hair frantically as she pulled him towards her. She moaned into the kiss as his hands traveled down her back and crept inside her sweater. Her skin prickled at the coolness of his fingertips, as her other hand cupped his face fervently.
As if catapulted into an unreality, she felt that time had frozen, and they were the only two beings in this universe. Everything seems to have fallen into place, despite the wrongness of it all, it is right in this very moment. As the union intensified, he pressed his body against her own, as she felt his impressive rigidity throbbing against her aching flesh. Her hands slid unconsciously down the trail of his navel as she thrust her weight against his pulsating manhood, as he grunted against the nape of her neck.
She did not know how long before she had regained her senses and pulled away. His eyes burning into her own with a fire that she had never expected to see in him.
After catching her breath, she calmly replied: “I don’t love you”
The flinch of pain and shock flashed across his eyes. It felt like a kick in the stomach as she watched him turn away before disappearing into the distance.
Closing the door behind her, she slid down the other side as she choked on her own tears. At least he didn’t see me cry, she thought. God she loved him, so much that she can’t bear to see him less happy than he deserved. She is in no position right now to offer him that sort of happiness, so she has to let him go.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Six months later....
“Surprise!” a familiar giggle emerged behind Tara’s dormitory door.
She had moved out of Zac’s apartment after she had become fed up with his sluggish living manners and constant release of bodily gasses. His initial allure had worn off with time as their relationship transformed from flirtatious fun to grudging room mates. They had remained good friends; moving out had proved to be a wise choice in retrospect. Some people, she thought, are just better in small doses.
Janet popped inside her room with a bounding leap. Squealing like children, the girls embraced each other,“Oh my god how did you know I was here!” cried Tara
“Oh I just peeped around every door; I’ve never seen so many naked butts on the same day.” Tara grinned at her friend’s ridiculous antics. Some things never change. “It’s your birthday too, as if you’re going to spend it without a single old friend around. That is, if you haven’t already forgotten poor little me” Janet pouted after she had regained her breath.
“That’s very sweet of you my dear, and pray, where is my birthday gift?” Tara prodded her playfully, an old friend was a welcoming sight after working so hard, and being awfully homesick at Bromwell.
“Well now that you mention it,” Janet replied slyly, “I shall retrieve it now!” With another leap, she hopped out of the dormitory as quickly as she hopped in.
“Happy Birthday, Tara” a familiar voice sounded behind a big bouquet of lilies.
Tara froze, she was speechless, motionless. Her heart raced as the bouquet moved aside to reveal Matt’s cheeky grin.
No longer able to contain her glee, and finally regaining the ability to move, she pounced onto him and wrapped her arms around his large frame. “Matt, I missed you” she gagged on her words as she buried her head into his broad chest. All those months of longing, knowing that she had lost him forever, had convinced her that Matt was the only person she could be happy with, and from the fire in his eyes, she felt that maybe she can make him happy too. It was all too late though, she lamented, and she just had to learn to let things go. That’s the way life goes, she supposed.
But now that he’s here, hope suddenly flooded over as the doubts about their distance, the hurtful exchanges, the tears and accusations suddenly vaporized as her mind was swept over with an insatiable desire to hold him and never let go.
“I don’t care anymore Matt” she sobbed into his sweater, “I just want you. Even if we have to talk on the phone, we’ll save up to see each other as often as we can. I want us to work out, and I know that if we both wanted it badly enough, it will work out. I’m sorry I ever doubt anything, we’re going to be strong together, and we’ll make it.”
“Shh” Matt whispered as he stopped her with a tender finger on her lip, “It’s going to be wonderful, we’re going to be wonderful. I know.”
For a while, nothing more needed to be said. They stood there with each other in their arms, as they whispered to each other everything they had ever wanted to say. Nothing else mattered anymore.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dedicated to a fervent lover of romance. Many thanks for your friendship and kindness.
May you stay gorgeous, joyous, and always loved.
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