As I sit silently on the porch, watching our neighbors go about their business, I see a young couple walk by and I am suddenly reminded about how my wife and I used to live our lives. Meeting Tia was a blessing and it turned my life around. She was always full of life and everyone wanted to be known with her.
Back in high school, I often laughed out loud whenever she was around, just so she could notice me. Although I sucked at acting, I joined the theater group, just so I could watch her. I was recognized for being the most punctual student, but in all honesty, I just loved to see her walk in every morning.
Just as I had lost hope of ever being with her, she walked up to me.
'Hi stranger', she said to me. Her lips curved into a teasing smile. Her voice was smooth, teasing, like she already knew she had caught me off guard.
I was seated in the corner of the library, deeply buried in my physics textbook. I sincerely couldn't contain my excitement. Her skin glowed, smooth and warm. The kind of glow that made her seem untouchable. A faint trace of sweet vanilla perfume lingered in the air between us, almost impossible to ignore.
It's been ten years, but I still recall every detail of her face, look and outfit and nothing about what we talked about, because I was too busy admiring her. Fast forward to now, she's still the most beautiful woman I know.
I have always loved Tia. She is the reason I strive to become better everyday, but her parents were never in support of our relationship. Even though I was one of the smartest kids back in school, they believed I was no good and had nothing to offer their 'gem' as they called her, despite all my attempts to prove myself.
Just as I was reminiscing about the old days, she walked up the porch, carrying two bags full of groceries.
'Hi love, when did you get back?' She queried.
'I just got back.' I responded as I rose up from my seat to help her out.
I took the bags of groceries from her, while she pushed the door open and we both made our way inside to the kitchen.
'What are we celebrating? The last time we bought this much groceries was when we hosted our house warming party.'
'We're not celebrating', she responded with a chuckle. 'I would barely have time to go grocery shopping next week, so I thought to pick everything up at once'.
I placed the bags on the kitchen counter and started to unpack. Before I could reach for the next item, Tia walked up to me and hugged me tightly from behind.
'I've missed you so much,' she whispered, her voice trembling just slightly.
I stopped to unpack and made a slow turn, now locked eyes with her. Those same eyes I met years ago in the library, but a little less sharp than they used to be.
'I've missed you too, magic.' I said, managing a smile.
She curled her hands around the back of my neck, rose on her toes. She pulled me to her, tilted her head and pressed her lips against mine. We began to kiss, softly, gently and passionately.
The kiss became intense like the countless kisses we've shared in the past. Her breath grew unsteady, her need poured into me, I wanted to give in.
Her hands slid down my neck, making its way along my chest and finally reaching into my shorts. Her tender, warm palm began to stroke my penis softly, her moans and breath deepened.
'I'm sorry,' I pushed away sluggishly. Guilt engulfed me.
'No, no.. It's.. It's fine. I'm sorry. I got ahead of myself.. I'm sorry.' She stuttered as she continued to shake her head repetitively.
Her words tumbled out with rush, but her eyes betrayed the hurt she tried to hide. She turned and hurried upstairs, leaving me standing alone in the kitchen.
I leaned against the counter, closing my eyes. The warmth of her touch used to set me alight, but now, it struck me with dread. Every part of me wanted her, needed her — but my body no longer answered.