Chapter Text
He kissed me. His hands cupping my chin lifting my face up to his. His back arched as he leaned down to my height. A glittery red jacket draped over a tool like material under shirt. Tight black pants hugged his thighs while pointed black shoes held his feet. Around his neck hung a silver necklace and a black collar circled his throat. Upon his long fingers sat multiple rings and jewels. His hair hung to his face, touching mine, wet and warm. His scent was of sweetness, amber, and sandalwood.
His lips were so soft, and his kiss so strong. His nose brushed over my own, from left to right as he tilted his lips onto mine from every angle. His fingers made small affectionate brushes to my cheek and over my ear.
My hands remained at my side. My back stayed stiff in a state of surprise. He broke from the kiss and rested his forehead on mine. His eyes closed. “I thought I would never find you again. And I never stopped trying,” the man whispered. His voice was so endearing.
“I...I am so flustered...I'm sorry..uh you um...I don't know you…” I managed to sputter out. I was surprised, in awe, and confused. He was dressed like a showman. He was attractive and decorated like an actor. But he certainly was not someone I recognized.
He let go of my face and straightened his back. He looked just beyond me staying silent. I felt my heart wring into a tight knot, an awful cringing embarrassment crawled up my neck and into my jaw. I felt sorry for his mistake and the painful silence made it all the more difficult.
It was early evening. I had simply finished a meal delivery to a company party and was returning to my car to await another order on my phone. As I exited the main doors I walked along the side of the building to where I had left my car. A small door along the way had opened and that man had stepped out, staring at his phone. I gave a simple greeting as I continued to my car, his phone dropped then leading to our unexpected embrace.
“You don't remember,” he responded. He seemed disheartened. He looked me in the eyes again. “Please-” he began, patting his pants, in search of something. He then turned behind him to retrieve his phone from the ground. “Please, may I have your number, before you go again?” He asked, dusting his phone off and offering it to me.
I did not want to. Thoughts of his mental state or sobriety tossed in my mind, along with thoughts of caution and safety. Being a fairly nervous and non-confrontational person I tried to be polite. “I...I am sorry, I really rather not, I hope you find who you are looking for. I really need to get going now. Have a good night.”
I began to side step away. I saw him biting his lip and staring at the ground. He stepped back through the door as I walked towards my car. A moment later I heard the door squeak open again and my jaw tensed. Oh please please just don't say anything, let me get in my car and go… I felt the awkwardness and dread in my heart. He jogged to me, a paper and pen in hand, he quickly scribbled numbers down and offered the paper to me.
He panted as he caught his breath, his hair disheveled and his eyes wide. “Just...huh...just take this number, please call me. Please remember. It's J- ...Leo” he said.
I took the slip and gave a shy smile. He walked back to the door as I entered my car. I started it up and began to pull away. In my mirror I saw him still standing, watching me with his hands in his hair and obviously distressed. I could feel my mind relax but my body shake with the remaining adrenaline within me. I drove away in a daze trying to gather my thoughts.
He kissed me...he must be crazy...I...he kissed me. KISSED me! How dare he kiss me. You don't just grab…you just...ooh! Oh I shoulda… and slapped...and just ur!
I gripped the steering wheel tight. Fighting with my confused thoughts trying to focus on the road. Why did I just let that kiss last, do I know him...is there really something I'm missing? Leo?...Leo?...no…
“No more orders today, let's just go home buddy.” I said patting the dash of my car. “Phew…” I sighed. “Just get some sleep, shake it off.”
The memories of last evening re-entered my mind as I rose in the morning. I took to the kitchen to try and busily remove these thoughts.
Stop stop stop! I squeezed my eyes shut trying hard to clear my head.
"Whoa whoa girl you good?" My roommate asked. My thoughts burst and a relieving sense of normalcy filled me.
"Trying to pass a kidney stone or something, what was all that straining for?" He continued smiling humorously.
"Just some embarrassing moments rotating in my mind that's all Haha. How was class last night?" I asked.
"Uuugh don't ask. All I learned is how hopeless and done for I actually am, I am just not keeping up mentally and physically with the bull this class cranks out. Girl this mother- just grrrr, you know what it's too early," He answered squeezing his fists tight in a strangling motion to the air.
I laughed. "You got that right." An urge to tell him about last night and my confusion rose up in my throat. Why can't I stop thinking about this…
"Hey, you know...when I...you know the whole motorcycle thing. After I got hurt, do you notice me, forgetting things or something? I mean I don't feel like I have but um…"
"What I've noticed you've forgotten lately is about how you would always get your girl some coffee in the morning remember that?" he joked tipping an empty paper cup upside down. "Seriously tho, what's up? Why are you thinking of the accident again, what's been going on B?"
Almost a year ago I had a motorcycle and rode it everywhere. A Saturday night after visiting with friends at a car show, I only remember merging onto the freeway and seeing a small pick up ahead of me. Then as checked my left rear he had slammed his brakes. The image of the truck beneath me, the feeling of the air cradling my body above the ground, and the sound of my bike shredding with the tailgate of his vehicle still glow within my mind.
I had a jacket, gloves and helmet on thankfully. The helmet for sure saved my life. I had landed head first, then onto my left, and rolled myself upon landing. I had a concussion, a bruise but no break on my left side and a fracture in my right hand.
I feel absolutely fortunate and had decided not to test my luck, therefore out of caution and anxiety I stay off two wheels. I truly miss it, and wish my mind was strong enough to return to it sooner.
"There, there was just someone who thought they uh...knew me. And I just, oh whatever it's flipping goofy I know." I laughed it off. "Probably just a misunderstanding or a look-a-like thing." Oh come on you know better, there was something… I thought to myself.
"Okaay girl, I don't know what the hell is going on but ok ha," He said with suspicion in his voice. He walked to the fridge with a forward eye still on me squinting intensely. "Need your juice boo," he asked as he pulled a pastry and my usual morning smoothie bottle along with it.
"No thanks, my stomach is a bit off. I'm going to shower then start delivering. Study hard you genius."
"HA!" He shouted after me as I made my way to the bathroom.
My little silver Nissan waited outside for me. A dependable and wonderful car full of memories. I sat inside, placing my phone upon a rubber grip attached to the dash and opened an application to receive orders. My car growled as it slowly turned the engine. "Good morning, alright boy here we go." I sighed.
The morning air was cool and damp. The whoosh of cars making their way through the city streets for their weekday hustle calmed my heart. Everything is back to normal, each passing minute taking my mind further from the overwhelming encounter of last night.
I made my way to pick up an order placed at a nearby donut shop. "'3 dozen variety donuts, you decide'? The car sighed as I cut ignition. I snatched my phone and stepped out. Only 3 other cars sat in the wide parking lot with me near the street corner with the rest of the wide lot empty surrounding a for sale building and one law firm.
Inside the little shop the walls were pink and baby blue, there was no music just a loud fan in the corner filled the quiet empty room. A few small tables decorated the green tile floor. And ahead of me was the counter surrounded by the glass view of my potential selections. One customer, a father with his child, were speaking with the employee at the counter as I approached the glass hungrily. I was now at peace in the routine of work that my appetite had comfortably returned.
On my left I saw "Speciality Donuts" where cute faces and creative shapes sat within the glass. I couldn't seem to remove my attention from an adorable bear face, I felt comfort and joy. How adorable! I'm so getting this. I snapped a photo while I waited.
It was finally my turn and I purchased my pastry as well as chose the 3 dozen donuts with the help of the shop worker's recommendations. I carried the boxes to my car ready to head out to the buyer's destination.
"Alright Bob let's go, play me something boy," I said turning on the radio in my car. I sent a quick text to my roommate of the pastry picture and went on my way.
I returned home at 5:30 that evening. I slipped off my shoes and headed to the kitchen to fix a meal and relax. The shock, awkwardness and confusion from the prior day had completely faded.
"Hey boo," my roommate said softly stepping through the hallway, his keys jangling and his school bag over his shoulder.
I smiled and leaned against the counter, "Hi, you okay, bummed about school?" I asked.
"Girl always, but hey," he stopped at the front of the kitchen and held both his hands over his keys a look of concern over his face. "You doing okay? You were off this morning, and you had mentioned something about memory. I mean this kind of thing I guess anyone can forget from time to time, but you know the pic you sent me today."
I tilted my head, listening to him go on, noticing his awkward hesitation. "Yeah? Just let it out, I'm seriously all good now. Don't worry."
"Well, you've sent me that picture all excited before. I mean any other day I'd just call you out for the stupid you are girl, but after this morning just thought I'd ask you about it. So you recall sending this pic before, almost a year ago?" He asked.
"No...but yeah it's nothing, everyone forgets something after a year, nothing to do with my concern. Thank you for worrying." I said. Feeling a bit touched but also humorous over his out of character behavior.
He stayed serious. And walked toward me and put his hands upon mine. "Ok sweetheart, let me just show you this, because um, you had sent it the...that day you know."
He lifted his phone to show me an image of that same pastry with the text "I can't "Bear" to be with you either" and then the pastry in a trash can and my face as I flipped the bird.
My heart ached. Only a brief memory of that day, an awful phone call, and the hurricane of emotions quickly gusted into and out of my mind. "Oh." I said.
He flinched. "Sorry boo."
"You're good, yes I do not remember sending that at all actually. Just wish I could've forgotten him." I said softly. "Alright thanks for letting me know, I guess I am forgetting things… Well, you have a good night okay, I'm gonna eat, I'll see you at 10 or so. Be safe."
"Okay stupid, I'm gonna go. Now don't you spend the next few hours thinking of him alright!" He gave me a hug. "I love you, sorry about your memories sweetheart, go ask a doctor ok. I'm here for you. Bye!" He stepped away and waved at the door before stepping out.
He was right, as I prepared rice to steam and placed pieces of chicken in the oven, my mind was reliving the moments from that day.
There was a man in my life. One who I had been with for just over 3 years. Upon meeting him I decided that I knew he was what I wanted.
Prior to him, I had dated quite frequently in short intervals. I would let each previous person go as soon as I saw a trait I knew was incompatible with me or that I could not live with permanently. I did not want to waste their time or my own. And I've stayed very cheery with those past people. From those experiences I felt I was able to pinpoint what I know was good for me. This man was mindful of others as well as respectful and loving to his parents and sisters. Now the hook of it all is that he showed absolute respect for me, my boundaries, and my body.
Our first kiss was so light, his hands only on my waist. He would kiss my cheek right after. It drove me crazy with respect and admiration. Until the day I wanted more and I asked him, he welcomed it, and kissed me passionately. He still never pushed anything, nor asked me to dress differently, nor grab at me. It was shockingly refreshing. Once again I took the initiative and invited him to do more with me until he fully had me. He was the first I spent a night with and let take my body fully.
Our relationship was full of beautiful simple times, gatherings with friends, motorcycle rides, and movies. After 6 months we moved in together.
Then gradually it changed. Sex became less frequent, we had more outings alone and separate. He wanted time to himself with friends. He began cancelling our already made plans, making promises to get me off his back when I ever confronted him, then never keeping them. The most I did was question and punish myself, which invited him to do the same. Until it became something where I would fear or hate myself for ever asking anything of him.
His spending habits changed. He would buy lemon motorcycles and never work on them and purchase many sports jerseys saying he would resell them never taking the time to do so. He would also visit Vegas with friends and gamble from our joint savings. Savings we had told ourselves would be the downpayment for our first home when we decide to have children and finish plans for our careers. All of his losses and failures he would pin on me when given the chance.
After our lease was up in 12 months I made the decision to move out. (A decision I am grateful for today) He returned to his parents' home and I joined the roommate I still have today. The next year was filled with my earnest desire to make it work, my love, my energy, and unfortunately my whole self. I refused to let go. And in return, no intimacy, hardly any dates, more broken promises, more dreams and goals made on his good days then shattered on the bad ones.
When finally the night it ended arrived. I was on my way to pick up my roommate from his class. My phone rang and I pulled over to answer the call. It was my boyfriend asking for me to come now, right now. I told him just a few minutes. He then responded with what crushed me after all I already beat myself up about.
"I need you now! I knew you didn't care. I've always known. I know why your like this, I babied you. And here you go you spoiled child. Give back everything, give back my life. You took everything away from me. I missed my chance to just be young, a whole 3 years of my life and now it's over. And now it's too late I have nothing, thanks to YOU!"
I remember fuming and beginning to defend myself with tears welling up in my eyes to say "Not true!" I won't let myself believe that on top of the self doubts that I already faced. And he hung up in the middle of it. My largest weakness, my parents themselves would use ignoring me to hurt me if I've ever done wrong. They would go silent and act like they heard nothing even as I cried out "mom, dad please, please" and I'd fall into panic.
So right there in the car I sobbed, my breathing quickened, my chest sank down heavy to my spine. My thoughts raced far too quickly for any part of me to process. My anger would rise only for my sadness to drop me. I rang his number again and again only for him to decline each call...
"That's right, I stepped out of the car. There was no room for embarrassment. It was along the street downtown in front of that cafe by the college." I began to recall that awful night. By the parking meter, I held onto it as I sobbed. Then seated myself at the bench across from my car.
Rage and sadness returned to my mind again. I remember calling my roommate to ask him if he could find a ride or wait a while, through each of my sobbing breaths. He asked where I was and urged me to wait for him, that he wanted to help me. He is a sweet and wonderful friend. I refused and said I would be home later. I continued to cry just sobbing please over and over and feeling my body tense up as I told myself, "who is he to say that I took his life away!"
I don't remember what else only that I had returned home early in the morning. My friend was still awake. He gave me a big hug and told me what for. Told me to stay away from that man. We celebrated with drinks and talked shit about him just to make me feel better.
So I texted those photos. I took...no...who took that photo of me flipping off the camera? How did I calm down from my panic? Who was there…?
Overwhelming feelings of my newfound forgetfulness filled my heart.
That day, that saddening day was only days prior to my motorcycle accident. Though I never cared to recall that rough few days of my life, I came to realize I had hardly any memories from that phone call to the day that I fell off my bike.
At the bench, the bench that night, I remember someone grabbing my hand and they squeezed firmly. I remember feeling a warmth like entering a soothing bath, flow up my arm.
That's right, someone. Someone I forgot.
But who!? I struggled to recall a face.
It doesn't have anything to do with… I recalled the man who had kissed me yesterday. No way…
I jumped up and headed outside to my car. The slip of paper with his number rested on the floor of the passenger seat where I had tossed it aside. I retrieved the paper and returned to the apartment.
My unfinished dinner sat on the dining table. I pulled my chair out and sat down, pushing the plate away. My phone rested warm in my hands as I stared at the message screen ready to type in his number.
Am I crazy? If he's just some loose screw I don't want to… or maybe he is just looking for someone, yeah. And if it isn't me I'll know, just ask how he knows you. Yeah…
*Hello, I am the woman you ki*
The thought of our intense kiss shocked my mind again, but more excitedly than before…
*Hello, I am the woman you had given your number to at that building. I wanted to ask, how exactly do you know me?*
I sent it. Anxiety, doubt, regret, and curiosity filled my mind. I waited scrolling through social media mindlessly back and forth not really grasping a single image on my screen.
Regardless of my fears I knew I wanted to know whether or not he had anything to do with that day and the things I had forgotten.
*Bzzz Bzzz Bzzz*
My whole body jolted. My phone dropped lightly from my hands onto the table. It was his number. I did not know what to do. I didn't want to talk I was too nervous. "A text would have sufficed what is this dude!" I said. I let the phone continue to ring until the cycle was through. But then it rang again. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I answered.
"Hello," Leo answered. "Are you there?"
My mind soothed and my chest felt warm as calmness spread over me.
"Hello?" Leo said again.
"Hello, could you explain to me how you believe you know me?"
"I wasn't sure you really had forgotten or if you just truly didn't feel what I feel." He began.
His voice was so comforting to my ears. My heart warmed again. Stop, just stop what is this. I thought.
"So how do you know me?" I asked again.
"I actually don't really know you. I had only met you, and I experienced something amazing and knew what I felt for you immediately." He explained. "It was almost a year ago, I don't even know your name, you left and I never saw you again. Until yesterday."
My mind strained as I tried to understand and piece this information into my head. "Oh...then how did we, uh meet then?" My heart beat hard against my chest as I braced myself for his answer.
"You sat next to me, distressed," he began, laughing nervously.
The world stopped. The brief memory of me on the bench returned. The hand that had sent warmth crawling up my arm to my chest returned to my thoughts, this time it belonged to him. It was you.
"You were sobbing so anxiously…" he continued. My memories began to flow clearly and continuously like a river.
… "Focus on your hand, what do you feel? That's right it's okay." His gentle voice directed as he placed his hand on mine.
Warm. I thought.
"Focus on the air, now what do you smell?"
Coffee… I thought, my lungs still gasping and my panic still racing.
"You are okay, let your eyes open, lift your head ok. What do you see?
I looked up through my tear blurred eyes, looking at his shirt, seeing the lights of the shops behind him, people walking, smiling, & eating. My thoughts slowed.
"That's good you are doing so well, now listen, just listen to what you hear," he encouraged me.
I heard the chatter, music, people shouting, bicycles squealing by, loud cars roaring as students hollered and I heard his singing. He sang in a whispered voice his thumb brushing over the top of my hand. My breathing slowed while my lungs filled with air and released. I looked up to his face, he stopped singing and smiled warmly.
Embarrassment filled me as I recovered from my panic. "Thank you, for doing that…" I began my eyes lowered.
He lifted his hand off mine. "Please, don't mention it, I'm glad I was able to help." His reassuring voice relaxed me again. I looked to him. He wore a grey sweater and jeans. He held a coffee in his other hand, bracelets hung from his wrist. An earring glistened from the street lights at the side of his face. My heart swelled and I felt my eyes flicker.
I rubbed my eyes. "Oh wow, that was a lot. Thank you uh…?" I began.
"You can call me Leo." He said still smiling.
"Thank you Leo, I have to, I should get going." I said to him giving a shy smile. I felt my own heart wrench with my words. I wanted to stay.
As I began to stand up, he placed his hand upon mine again. "Wait," he started, "you sure you'll be ok?"
His smile was replaced with concern.
I stared at him for a moment before speaking, "Actually, if you don't mind, I do need some distraction to shake this off, if you're not busy would you…"
"I'm not busy, this is just a visit actually and I'm meaning to explore," he said.
I couldn't help myself but grin. My heart was ecstatic. I stood up. "I haven't given myself the time for karaoke in a looong time."
I had gestured him to my car. "I can take you to explore some of my favorite spots here." He smiled in agreement and went along with me.
We rented a karaoke room and sang for an hour. He laughed at my singing and tried to give me tips and guide me with his strong and beautiful voice. He picked a gorgeous song that I've never heard of and began to sing. I just watched. I felt myself gaze at him with my heart. Watching, hearing, and feeling his passion. My whole mind and body left my pain completely with that song.
After our singing completed we headed out to show him another favorite spot of mine. "They are open late and are so fun. My roommate and I come here at least once a month." I showed him to a mini golf building.
We stepped in, and I watched him smile at the unique courses, art, and decorations that filled the interior of an otherwise plain appearance of the building's entrance.
Music filled the room, other young groups were there laughing and playing. The smell of snacks and beer completed the atmosphere.
We played a full round. Through it we made fun of each other's poor shots and became competitive. It was intense and hilarious, lifting my mood higher than it had been in a long time. He had boasted about his next shot and somehow missed the entire ball. I couldn't stop myself from laughing so hard as he cursed himself. He came up with so many excuses and pushed me playfully as I mimicked his initial pride. He stopped and smiled at me his gaze powerful, my laughter cleared up and my heart swelled with the intensity.
"What, you dummy?" I said and kicked his shin. He broke his gaze and laughed it off.
After finishing our game I told him I wasn't sure of any places that I frequent that were open after 1am. We just agreed upon a little donut cafe that's open until 2am to grab a snack.
"Another coffee?" I laughed. "You had a coffee when I saw you, you bought one at karaoke, and now another!"
"Coffee is the most delicious snack," he said, sipping on his large cup. I held a cute bear pastry in my hand.
"This is adorable. You know, I've known of this place and never took the time to come here. Wow their pastries are cute." I said. For some reason, the more I stared at the little bear in front of me, the more resentment rose and tears welled up.
"Hey you okay…" Leo asked.
"Can you help me with something," I interrupted. I stepped out to the empty parking lot. I gave him my phone and I held my middle finger up as I carried the bear in the other hand. I had him take a picture. And after he took it I couldn't help but toss the donut into the trash.
Leo just watched me quietly. I took my phone, snapped another picture and walked away to my car. He followed.
He sat in the passenger seat next to me. I couldn't help but cry a little again. "It's really over this time," I mumbled sending texts and then blocking my boyfriend's number.
I put my phone down and sat in silence. Leo reached his hand over and touched my shoulder. I leaned to him as he leaned closer to me. As he held me my feelings grew.
I just met him. I don't even, it's only been a few hours, I thought.
I couldn't fight it. I lifted my head up to face him. He placed his long fingers over my face and we kissed. I sat up from my chair and crawled to him. He moved his arms slowly to my back and held me close. My emotions and physical sensations all heightened at his every touch. It healed me again. I moved to his neck surprising him and myself. What am I doing… a thought had quickly breezed through my mind.
He grabbed my waist and pulled me fully onto his seat. I could not help myself, I reached my hands up his sweater feeling a surprisingly tough and smooth back. My lips made their way back to his. His hands stayed at my side as mine wandered to his chest, to his hard stomach, and to the button of his pants. "Can I…"
"I don't mind" he whispered. I worked his pants open. His gentle fingers pet my neck before he began to open each button of my shirt. "You're everything I've ever wanted," he whispered into my ear followed by a kiss. "Just by looking at you, I felt it and I knew," he continued as his warm strong hands explored my chest. "You're mine, love at first sight."
I froze as I battled my sadness again. Really, what AM I DOING? Tears came pouring down my face again. His hands left my body as he stared at me without a word.
"Can you step out please?" I asked crawling off of him to my chair.
"Did I, I'm sorry if-," he began
"Get out, I don't have room, nor time for this 'sweet nothings' bull shit, please get out." I said through clenched teeth. My strong anger suffocated the apologetic worries that tried to reach my senses.
He opened the door to step out but leaned his head back in. "Are you sure you can be alone right now, we can just talk instea-" Leo began again.
"Here" I said angrily, my face tightening and heart thudding against my chest. I rudely threw a $20 bill from my wallet out of the passenger seat. "For a cab or something. Thanks for everything, sorry, and go away. I don't need any of this kind nonsense ever again."
He stood still for another moment in silence. He shook his head then nodded biting his lip. He gave me one last look in the eyes. The urge to change my mind nudged my thoughts. But I had just turned away facing the steering wheel. He closed the door and I drove away…
"...It was unfortunate, I felt connected and drawn to you." Leo concluded his explanation. "May I also ask something, what happened?"
"I remember now...and I am sorry. You didn't do anything wrong, someone else did. I was just tired and overwhelmed." I answered.
"Okay…" he said and nothing else.
I could hear his breathing. My face felt hot and my heart raced excitedly. "I am not mad at you really, and I got into an accident on my motorcycle…" I began. I heard him gasp.
"Oh, I am still in one piece as you know, I'm ok. It was back then, just a few days after that night. I remember now, that I was thinking and wondering about you each of those days. You are what I thought of as I began my ride home prior to the accident." I paused. My breathing began to shake as my heart roared with more excitement. "And with this phone call, that place for you in my mind…is back."
I felt a strange familiar longing and powerful desire reenter my mind and heart. I wanted him near me. I wanted to spend time with him again. I wanted that comfort and ease that his touch and his voice had brought to me.
"I need to see you!" He shot desperately. "Please, will you meet me at that pastry shop."
My heart whipped, jumped, and shook. I had to take a moment to gather the excitement and need that whirled within myself. "I…" my breathing was so quick it was hard to speak. I caught my breath and swallowed. I smiled too big I had to keep licking moisture back onto my lips "I will...yes I am coming!"
"Ok! Travel safe see you so very soon." He said and hung up.
I felt like flying. I rushed to my room to freshen up. I fumbled with bottles and sprays dropping things on the ground upon leaving my bedroom I almost tripped and fell. I laughed at myself. What is this feeling!
All the emotion and power that had been missing within me, from our brief connection nearly a year ago, had returned one hundred times stronger than it had been that night. Even for my past lover, I never felt this way, never let myself feel this way. Magic of the universe, fate, soulmates, were all nothing to me, absolutely ridiculous. But whatever doubt I had could not ever explain what was happening now.
I quickly jumped into my car heading out on a peaceful path drawing in comfort and clarity as I made each meter closer to him.
When I arrived, he was already there, I saw him smiling running his fingers through his hair and licking his lips as he held back excitement. He was gorgeous in his simple white button shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and the twinkle of an earring and necklace chain framing his head.
The grin grew across my face again. I stepped out of my car and we both quickly made our way to each other through the empty lot. I fell into his arms and wrapped mine around him tightly. My entire being felt in place, felt so whole. I closed my eyes and let myself sink into this comfort. I began to cry, beautiful joyful tears. Leo did not say anything. I only felt his strong arms around my back and his fingers brush over me back and forth.
I tipped my head to look at him, he was crying. We were both crying together. He turned his head away smiling but shielding his eyes with one hand. I laughed through my tears and placed my hand upon his cheek and stroked down to his neck. I brought his face to mine and pressed my lips upon his.
"The kiss," he said in between our kisses, "Yesterday's kiss. I am sorry. My feelings were. So surprisingly powerful. And tormenting. This whole time. I thought, wait please," he said gently putting a finger to my mouth. "I want to properly apologize, I thought you were going through the same and I shouldn't have jumped to such a conclusion."
"Thank you, I was surprised. But right now, I definitely understand" I said referring to my equal passions that returned today. "I can't imagine how you must have felt." I said leaning to kiss him again.
He leaned away for just a moment. "I thought I was insane for a moment. I felt ashamed immediately after I had kissed you. Then I felt so hurt, that perhaps that night may have meant so little to you that you had forgotten so easily. Yet I was still filled with this emotion." He explained then bit his lip. "I am so relieved that it was not exactly the case." He leaned in to return my kiss. I accepted it so greedily. He's so sensitive, so vulnerable.
I led him into the back of my car and sat him down I crawled over the top of him again and let him hold me and kiss my neck. I went for his shirt when he stopped me.
"Wait, I need to know this time. Just in case," he laughed, "What is your name?"
I smiled, "My name, it's- "
Thank you for reading this far. Part 2 is almost complete and there is finally more conversational interaction between Taekwoon and the main character. I am excited to post it soon.