Disclaimer One: There isnt one. These characters belong to me. So, dont
steal them or use them without permission, please.
Disclaimer Two: Mush alert, but it is Valentines Day, so Im allowed. Subtext.
Nope, its maintext.
Dedications: To Camille upon celebration of our second Valentines together. I know
there will be many more. To God up above, thanks for continually blessing me. To all the
crazy Kids at Minervasplace, thanks for making me laugh so hard. Monkey Butt. LOL
On with the show.
Breathe
By Minerva
Copyright © January 2001
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
************
ChapterI
************
Anne. Its short. Its a four-letter word, but it could never be a bad one. The
name means nothing to you. Does it? To me, it means everything. A month ago with bags in
hand, everything walked out of my life. She met the frigid January Indiana weather head
on. Simply, because it was warmer outside than in our own house.
Joni Mitchell didnt lie. She never does. You dont know whatchu got till
its gone. I mean, I knew, but I didnt know. Know what I mean? I miss her so
much, and it gets worse every day. I miss her hair. The short strands of blonde looked
like sunshine, smelled like it, and felt like silk. I miss her smile and how it crinkled
up her nose and made little lines fan out of the corners of her eyes. She never liked when
I told her about the little lines. Anne called them character grooves.
I miss that sexy smirk that only she could pull off. Only one side of her mouth would go
up, and those eyes. God, the deepest green I had ever seen, would sparkle with some other
worldly fire. That fire was for me and me only, but thats gone too. I miss those
little mewing, kitten-like noises she made when she got up in the morning, when she
stretched, or when she came. I miss seeing her in a pair of jeans. I loved the way they
would taper to her legs, making them seem impossibly stronger, and the way they hugged her
behind. I swear every time she walked it winked at me.
I miss the little notes in the lunch she used to fix me. The ones that said I love
you, or Hurry home. The smile they put on my face made them famous in the
teachers lounge. Id become known as Coach Cuddles behind my back ofcourse.
Good thing it didnt rub off on my girls. That would have meant extra line and lay up
drills for them. All in all, I, Leah, just miss Anne. Yeah, thats me Leah Moore or
you can just call me Coach Moore. Everybody does. Anne used to call me her boo bear.
Dont laugh because I loved it.
The pain hasnt gone away, despite of what our friends said. Yeah, I still think of
them as our friends because if I hadnt been with her, I wouldnt have any. As
it is, Ive isolated myself from almost all of them. All there is -is work now. I
drive my girls to be the best girls basketball team in the state. Then, after that,
I go home to an empty life. At least the crying stopped. I must say that surprised me.
Not that it stopped but that it started in the first place. I didnt cry over
anything even as a kid when I watched them lower my moms coffin in the ground. I
didnt cry when the kids at the state run home laughed at me and tried to beat the
shit out of me. I didnt cry when foster father after foster father pawed at me like
a piece of meat and when my foster mothers yelled at me like it was my fault. Through all
the shit, I didnt cry. It all went somewhere inside, deep, and Im paying for
it now. God, am I paying for it.
Heres the rub. I love Anne, and I even told her so. But, you cant say those
words and do nothing to back them up. Even when I touched her body, made her scream my
name, I held back. She knew this, and now I know this because when she yelled it, I could
see the truth in her eyes. I told her that I loved her and revealed nothing of myself. I
told her I loved her and refused to let her inside. It wasnt a conscious thing, mind
you. I guess it was just what I was used to. I didnt even know it was happening
until she told me so.
Now, that I know all of this, there hasnt been a day that has gone by that I
havent thought about it. You might think or say that if she really loved me, she
would have been patient. She was every day for the thirteen months we were together.
Theres got to be a limit to how much a woman can take. She reached hers. I
wont share the gory details of that day just know that she left me.
The truth of the matter is that the more I think about it the more I realize that I want
her back. I know, I know. I have to work on me, right? Well, I did, and I am. When I said
that I had isolated myself from our friends, there is one, Tim that I allowed in. Why him?
I dont know really, but I think its because he reminds me of this one little
boy who hung around with me at the home. He didnt talk much, but when he did, he
left you thinking. Tims a lot like that with the curly red hair and freckle face to
boot, except he talks. . .a lot.
He pops up at the school around lunchtime sometimes. I think everyone thinks were
together or they may even think he was the one who packed the notes. I have to snort at
that. Ive never been with a man, but then again they dont know that. We would
make an odd couple because hes a short, pasty very white, white guy, and Im
tall as hell, with dark skin due to the sun and ancestry.
Where his hair is red, mine is very dark almost black really and hangs down my back. I
usually wear it in a ponytail at work. The hair and the skin are gifts from my mother. The
silver-blue eyes are from the father I never knew. I dont want to get into that. I
cant tell you about someone I dont know.
Anyways, Tim has been my sounding board as of late along with the big blue Teddy bear Anne
left behind. She said it was the same color as my eyes. I guess thats where the
nickname comes in. When Anne left, she took that wall I had around myself with her. I
didnt know pain till then, and Oh, God it hurts so much. I have this huge gaping
hole inside. It throbs. It bleeds. Its always been there, but now, its bigger.
Anne was the only one that came close to filling it. She could have, if I had let her.
Two days after she left, Tim came over and I gushed all over him like some pent up geyser.
The minute she walked out it was like I could see what she saw including the pain I caused
her, the anguish, and I had to tell somebody. Does that make sense? He held me in his thin
arms, and I cried like a baby. Im not ashamed to say it. Since Anne left I
cant breathe, not properly anyway, and I wont again until shes back in
my life.
Im sure you would like to know something about her. Ive been going on about
myself for so long. I told you what she looks like. Beautiful, extremely so. Anne still
lives in the city near the school, as far as I know. Ive only seen her once since
the break up. I wanted to give her space. She runs a little coffee shop near the IU
campus. Its pretty popular with the kids too. Its called The Quill. I know it
sounds like a bookstore, but its not. The bookstore is next to it, and its
called. . .well, The Book Store.
Shes a lot shorter than I am. Vertically challenged, as she likes to call it.
Everything about her is tiny including her hands and feet, but her personality is as big
as all outdoors. She talks with her eyes, and sometimes with her hands.
The kids love her too, and I hope one of them isnt trying to love her right now.
Id have to kill him or her. This may sound a little arrogant, but I would like to
think that she hasnt gotten over me that quickly. Anyways, thats something
else altogether. Shes extremely smart, funny, fierce, loyal, and when she smiles it
brightens up the whole room. People gravitate toward her. I did. We met when I was
interviewing for a coaching spot on the IU girls b-ball team. After the interview, I
found her little slice of heaven.
I was dressed to the nines in what I guess was a nice little skirt number. Dresses
arent my thing. Im more at home in sweats and a pair of Reeboks. Anne picked
that up right off. It must have been the way I kept fidgeting and fingering my pantyhose.
She was cleaning off a table, but I noticed her right when I walked in. She had on jeans.
Next thing I know, she was staring at me strangely. I finally sat my latte down with a
thud and asked angrily, What?!
Anne did the one thing I didnt expect. She laughed. I must have had a weird look on
my face because she glanced at me and laughed harder. Before I knew it, she was next to me
with her hand on my shoulder almost doubled over with laughter. I wanted to throw the
latte in her face, but it was hot. And, she was cute. After a minute, she sobered and
murmured in a thick voice. You know, if you didnt look like you do. I d
say youre about as comfortable as a boy in a dress. Youre acting like
youre wearing chain mail.
I tried to glare at her but ended up grinning. Arent I?
She howled, and I ended up staying despite the rush of students until she finally closed
up shop. The rest is . . .yadda, yadda, yadda. I didnt get the job. I still work at
the high school, but I got the girl for a little while.
Im sad to say that I dont know much about her personal background except that
her parents kicked her out when she came out to them. Now, I wish that I knew more,
but the simple fact is, I never asked. This time, I want to know everything that
shes willing to tell.
All in all, I sorta have a plan. Valentines Day is two days away and thats
when my plan goes into action. I have to show her that Ive changed, and the only way
I can do that is through both actions and words. Its time for her to see a side of
me that I never showed her-the side she longed to see-- the Leah thats been hiding,
and the Leah that loves her deeply.
I know it doesnt sound like much, but Im going to her shop. Hopefully,
well end up doing what we did that first day we met, talking. We talked about
nothing big that day, but in two days I hope to be able to talk to her about everything
and nothing. I hope to be able to finally listen. I know nothings gonna be fixed in
one day, but itll be a start.
Im sitting here in what used to be our apartment. Youd think it would seem
larger, but its not. It feels so much smaller without her larger than life presence.
I lean back into the comfortable cushions of the black couch and listen as the re-run of
Hunter that I started to watch goes off. I dont care though.
Even, the orange soda sitting on the table has gone untouched. I did sip at the Hinkley
Scmidt spring water though out of habit. I love my soda, but Anne wouldnt let me
drink one until I had water first. It was just another way she took care of me.
I turn to my blue confidant. Do you think its gonna work? There was
silence. I guess Ill just have to wait and see.
************Chapter II
************
Its a little over sixteen hours until I put my little plan into action. Tim has
kidnapped me for lunch. We are at this little Chinese place, called Ting Pos that
sells the best General Tsos chicken that I have had in a long time. They have little
booths outside to eat during the summer, but with the now melting snow on the ground, I
can assure you that summer is a ways off. Were eating inside by the windows, and I
watch stealthily as Tim tries to sneak a piece of the succulent chicken off my plate for
the last time. I trap his fork in between my chopsticks.
He chuckles and pulls his utensil away. I always knew you were dangerous. Your eyes
are spaced too far apart. Makes you look shifty.
I look at him strangely and reply. Have I ever told you that you say the strangest
things sometimes? Shifty? Come on, Tim!
The expression on his face is one of incredulity, making him look unbelievably boyish.
What? What did I say?
I take a sip of my orange soda. Yesss, I already drank the water. Its time for us to
talk seriously. Look, all jokes aside. I pick up a napkin and swipe my lips
with it. I need time to gather myself. I look him square in the eye. I never knew
that I could find a friend like you.. I mean, I put you through some heinous shit. It
cant be fun sitting with me while I cry or getting phone calls at two in the
morning. I reach across the table to grab his hand and squeeze. I love you,
man, and thank you. I do nothing to hide the emotion in my voice. Im done
hiding whether it was intentional or not. Im done.
He blinks at me several times before clearing his throat. You really have changed
havent you?
I give him a small smile and nod.
He pats my hand. Just open up to her like youve been doing with me, and
youll be fine.
You think so?
I dont know for sure, Leah, but its worth finding out dont you
think?
Yeah.
He sits down his fork and glances up at me with twinkling brown eyes. You know, I
dropped by there the other day. Was dying for a cappuccino.
I open up mouth to ask the inevitable, and he stops me with a twitching finger. Ah,
ah, ah, let me finish. She asked about you. Wanted to know how you were. I told her that
you were coming along nicely. I never pulled any punches with either of you. You know
that. I told her how much I think youve changed. I even told her that I always saw
that tension around you. You always looked like you were ready to run, Coach. I told her
that-that wasnt you anymore.
Hope and fear makes my heart speed up to double time. What did she say?
Tim shook his head. It wasnt what she said, Leah. It was the way she looked.
She misses you. Even through all the shit, she misses you, and she wanted to believe me. I
could see it in her eyes.
I hold my breath for a moment, hoping to slow the excitement bubbling up inside, down. I
dont want to get my hopes up, but I cant really help myself. A smile flutters
to my lips.
Tim chuckles again. One more thing. I love you too. . . man. He says with a
sickening smirk on his face. Before I know it, we are standing up and hugging with hands
clapping on backs and everything.
I sit back down and end up stopping mid-way when I see who walks through the door. Anne.
This place is as famous around her for its Mongolian Pork, which happens to be one of
Annes favorites, as its General Tsos. Tim notices the surprise on my face.
What?
I point toward the cash register with my eyes and chin. Oh. He doesnt
seem too surprised. I wonder. Like out of some dream all in slow motion, I watch her walk
over to our table. Whatever breath that is still in my lungs rushes out. Shes as
beautiful as ever. Her cheeks and nose are red from the cold, but those eyes are still the
way I remember them, deep and luminous.
I continue to observe as she yanks off her gloves and unzips her jacket. By the time
its all the way down, shes standing at our table, and I suddenly dont
know what to do. I look away down at my hands as if they could provide inspiration, but I
feel those eyes on me. I can feel the heat off her body and smell her perfume. She still
wears Cool Water. It makes my mouth water. Wearing a minimum amount of make up like she
always did, she looks flawless. For what seems like forever we all wallow in silence. Anne
is the first to break it.
Hey Tim. How are you? Havent seen you in what-two days? I could hear the
smirk in her voice, and Im dying to see it. I glance up quickly only to find her
gaze on me. Vestiges of the smirk are still there. Ive never felt so helpless or
unsure in my life. Oh yeah, I HAVE changed. My eyes skitter back to my hands.
From under my lashes, I see Tim look at me quizzically. He clears his throat. Um,
yeah. Same old, same old. You know me. Decided to take my favorite girl out to lunch today
is all. I look up in shocked surprise and watch as he stands up. Why
dont I let you two play catch up. I gotta go to the little boys room anyway.
Then, just like that, hes gone.
Now, were sitting in silence. Where is all that courage? Where is my big plan? I
need to get a hold of myself here. I need to talk to her. I lift my eyes slowly to see her
chin leaning in her hand and her eyes riveted on me. Suddenly I feel sweat dripping down
the back of my Nike sweatshirt. Her eyes are full of questions, concern, and curiosity.
The latter makes my heart skip a beat.
Hi. Her voice is hesitant but clear.
The old me would probably put forth some kind of false bravado, but Im not that
person anymore. I allow her to see everything in my eyes: the pain, the misery, the
sadness, and the apology. I hear her gasp, but she doesnt tear her eyes away.
Hey yourself, I reply thickly over the enormous frog in my throat.
Anne reaches out like she was about to touch me then draws back at the last second. I let
my disappointment show in a sad smile. I see her throat bob on a swallow. Im
throwing her. I know I am. She expects cockiness. How are you? She whispers,
and I can hear her clearly over the ringing phone and foreign languages being spoken.
Shitty. How about you?
She tears her eyes away and mumbles. The same. . .I guess. She pauses and
starts to pull on her earlobe. Thats always been a sign of contemplation. You
look good.
Dont let that fool you, but so do you. Hows the shop?
She nodded and smiled softly. Its doing great. Hows the team?
I hate this idle chitchat. I hate it. I need to talk in a way that she understands. She
appreciates the blunt truth. They need work. I miss you.
She sucks in a breath, and her hand falls away as she looks at me with pleading eyes.
You miss me too. Dont you?
Y-yes.
I shake my head in disgust. How did you put up with me all those months, Annie? When
I look back on it now, you probably should have been running away screaming.
Green eyes were wide with shock.
I nod somberly. Yeah, I realized how I treated you. Its part of the reason why
I feel so shitty.
Um, whats the other reason?
Youre not with me. I answer her honestly and with an unwavering gaze. I
know Ive said too much because she pulls back and sits up.
Leah, I-
I wave my hand to stop her. No, no I meant it. I just probably shouldnt have
said it.
So, you and Tim have gotten close, huh?
I give her the reprieve that shes asking for. For now anyway.
I lean forward with my elbows on the table. Yeah, hes helped me a lot. I
dont know what I would have done.
Uncertainty shows in her face. My leaving hurt you that bad?
I bite my lip and release it slowly. Hurt enough to make me feel again. I-Ive
changed, Annie, and Im sorry it took all that pain for me to do it. I hope she
can hear the sincerity in my voice, see it in my eyes.
Me too, she murmurs. I left Boo to keep you company. Anne smiles
sheepishly.
He was a big help. I bet he could tell you all my secrets.
Her smile falls. Why didnt you? I can hear the pain in her voice.
Its a long story. One I would like to tell you when youre ready? I
ask hopefully.
Her lips purse and the skin between her eyebrows pinches with the face shes making.
What are you asking?
I decide not to answer right away. You know, the first day you left. I wanted to
comb the city looking for you. Tim said you needed space, but I was trying to think of
ways to make you come back to me. Still, I left you a long time ago didnt I?
Green eyes darkened with profound sadness. Yes, but I thought I could. . . Her voice
trails off.
All Im asking is to talk. Im asking to let both of us talk and listen
like we should have a long time ago. Where we go from there is up in the air, I
know.
Whatever Anne was about to say is interrupted by the waiter handing her the take out
order. She sits the plastic bag on the table and runs a hand through her hair. Its
shaking just like I am on the inside. Our gazes meet and hold for what seems like hours.
The longer it holds the deeper I look. Somewhere under all that pain, I see the fire
thats meant only for me, and I show her the fire that should have been there in the
first place. The air crackles and thickens between us. I can almost smell its charge. This
time she reaches out and doesnt pull back until our fingertips touch somewhere in
the middle of the table. I can do that. Her voice is soft. Her face is flushed
and full of the things that she isnt ready to say. She gets up slowly, getting ready
to leave.
Anne? Will tomorrow be too soon? I have to try. Um, do you mind if I
come by the shop tomorrow.
She hesitates. Valentines Day? I watch in fascination as a slow smirk
forms. God, Ive missed that. Youre not gonna bring me those nasty
chocolates that you got me last year are you?
I find myself chuckling at her off the wall questions. No, no I know better now.
Only Reeses peanut butter cups for you. She winks at me as she backs away from
the table. Good. Maybe Ill have a soda waiting on you when you get
there. Without another word, Anne turns and is out the door. I continue to observe
as she walks out. She has on jeans. Its winking at me, and I cant help but
smile.
A few minutes later, Tim comes back and sits down with a soft grunt. You know, if
you ate more ruffage you wouldnt have to stay in there so long. He balls up a
napkin and throws it at me.
Now, look at whos saying the weird things. You seem chipper. I guess you liked
my early Valentines Day present? She obviously wanted to come and see you. Why else
drive way across town? The Mongolian Pork aint got nothing on you, my friend.
I flutter my eyes at him. You say the sweetest things. Why hasnt some woman
snagged you up yet?
Tim shrugs, Dont know, but Im definitely snag material. He brushes
off his sleeve. So come on! What happened?
I bite my lip to keep the smile being too big, but I know my eyes must be snapping with
excitement. She misses me, Tim Unexpected emotion clogs my throat for a
second, but I dont hide it. I, um, were gonna talk tomorrow. My
eyes widen as he squeals like an old woman. For the second time today, were hugging
each other.
************
Chapter III
************
I know you can guess that I didnt get any sleep last night. I went over and over
yesterday in my head. She must have seen something. Anne must have sensed the change in
me, otherwise she would have never agreed to see me. Running into her, yesterday was the
most fortunate thing to happen, and I thanked Tim profusely.
My plan was flawed you see. Thank goodness he saw it. All night, my head was filled with
old times. There was a myriad of times that she made me laugh so hard that I couldnt
breathe. The incident with the mayonnaise sticks out more than others. Dont ask
though. Its too embarrassing. Those were the only times I was more open to her I
think. I wish I could explain to you how I used to be, but it has to be experienced. I was
cold and quiet, shutting down in any instance of high emotion. I can see that now.
Im almost ready to go now. During any other weekend, Im usually busy putting
my girls through the proverbial rack, but I gave them the day off. I have more important
things to do. Its four now, and I know Annes place wont be too full.
Either way, Im willing to sit for the next few hours and wait till she closes at
nine.
To say that Im nervous would be the biggest understatement of all time. My hands are
shaking, my heart is hammering, and whatever breath that remains in my chest is rattling
around.
When I got up this morning, I spent the first half hour staring into the second bedroom,
which we had made into Annes office. It was bare of course, but I remember seeing
her lounging in her swiveling chair wearing that ratty ISU t-shirt that came almost to her
knees. I used to sip my morning soda and just sand in the doorway watching her.
Anne would always try to ignore me and concentrate on the computer instead. Within
minutes, she would turn to me with that sexy smirk I love so much. You know, if you
took a picture or even used a camcorder, it would last longer. I would chuckle at
her cheesiness and end up sliding a chair next to her just to be near while she conducted
business for the shop. Maybe someday this apartment will be full of new memories. The rest
of the day was spent thinking of Anne and doing busy work around the apartment.
I head toward the door, but stop near the couch to give Boo Bear the same hug that I gave
Tim. He deserves it for being such a good listener. I put him down and brush a hand over
the skirt I am wearing. Yess, its a skirt. In fact, its the same outfit I had
on when we met. The navy blue skirt tapers to my hips and legs, and the white silk
shirt is ideal for my coloring, enhanced by a little make up I left my hair free and
flowing down my back. I look good, but I am as uncomfortable as hell. Should be good for a
laugh or two. Its the perfect icebreaker.
Before I know it, I m pulling up in front of The Quill. Thats a laugh because
its going to take me forever to find a parking space. Damn college kids. Arent
they supposed to be studying? Anyway, after twenty minutes, I find a spot three freakin
blocks away. I walk in, and the well polished, wooden tables, each covered in a different
cloth, were half full. The air is alive with quiet murmuring and the smell of pastries and
strong coffee both exotic and domestic.
The shop is warm and not just by degrees. Old movie posters as well as the most recent
stellar ones adorn the walls along with a faux, blown up photo of Anne shaking the hand of
that Juan guy. You know the coffee man from Brazil that used to be in all those
commercials. Tucked against the far wall is an old style jukebox that contains the latest
music. It was quiet for now with the kids choosing laughter and conversation. The
checkerboard floors are buffed to a waxy shine.
The glossy black counter near the front and to the side stands tall but not too tall and
is teeming with over with containers filled with pastries and cakes. The delectable smell
is coming from behind the counter where gallon size coffee makers are busy at work.
Through the low noise, Im able to hear a gasp. I catch Annes eyes because I
know its her. The gasp is followed by muffled laughter. I glance at her and roll my
eyes. She mouths chain mail, and I cant stop my smile. I walk up to the
counter and set the purchase I made on the way here on top of it. Anne grins at the one
pound bag of miniature Reeses cups.
As you have guessed by now, shes no the flowers kind of girl. I know that much. I
know that much. Our fingers touch, and a jolt shoots up my arm. I see a slow flush creep
up her neck. At least, thats still here.
Hey, she murmurs softly.
Hey you, I say in return. God, she looks good. Yes, she is in jeans again, and
the green sweater brings out her eyes. Before I blink my eyes, a mocha cappuccino is
sitting in front of me along with an apple danish. I smile widely at her. You know
me so well.
Her grin falters. I wish I did.
Not hesitating at all, I tell her, You will, and Ill know you, if you give me
a chance. She wants to believe me. I can see the war between uncertainty and belief
being fought behind her eyes, making the dark, almost stormy.
Instead of responding to the particular statement, she says instead, Why dont
you have a seat, and Ill bring your water and soda, personally, a little
later?
I nod and go to find a seat as close to the counter as possible. I cant take my eyes
off her, and I think Anne knows it. Shes clumsy, rattling cups and dropping money
when shes usually so sure footed. I try to take pity on her and cast my eyes
downward, as I sip the now cool coffee, but I just cant. Our eyes catch every few
minutes, and I see the recognition of what we had and could have shining in hers. The air
is palpable and thick between us. Its the most heady feeling knowing that
youre drawn to someone like that and vice versa.
Finally, after what seems like forever, Anne comes over with the bottled water and orange
soda. She sits across from me after sitting the drinks in front of me. She blows out a
breath, disturbing blonde bangs. Our eyes meet. Leah, maybe. . . .Its hard for
me to work with you here. I cant--- She turns away flustered.
I wanna touch her so bad my teeth ache, but somehow, I refrain myself. Im not
leaving. I know you feel this too. I pause and gaze at her until shes
compelled to look up. It never left did it?
Her eyes light with fire. But, I did. Is that what youre trying to say?
I can almost see the steam rise from her. I smile, but I understand her anger. I even
deserve it along with any bitterness shes holding. The smile completely perplexes
Anne. Her mouth works but nothing comes out.
I dont blame you for leaving, Annie. Now, that I look back on it, you shoulda
left a long time ago. I place my hands on the table. They find each other and clasp
out of nervousness.
I dont understand you.
I shake my head. I didnt understand myself until recently. Now that I know, it
makes it easier to communicate that to you. I pause and take a long swig of the
water. For some reason my throat is parched. I sit it down and continue. I wanna
know you too. Everything that youre willing to tell.
Her eyes close, and she sucks in deep breaths for long minutes. When she opens them again,
green eyes are luminous. Shes starting to believe. Youve never said
anything like that before.
I know, I tell her softly. Before she could speak again, one of her employees
calls her. Anne grimaces in disappointment. Ill be back. Drink your
water.
The last student leaves, and Anne shews away her two employees for the night, telling them
that she had help to clean up. I lean back in the wooden chair, and stretch my legs out. I
lost my shoes at about seven oclock. A little apprehension curls in my stomach as
Anne makes her way to my table. Like I said before, Im ready for anger, bitterness,
but I pry that I dont get any hate.
She breezes by me, leaving the scent of cool water and sunshine. Now, all I have to do is
wait. When Anne first sits down in front of me, she doesnt say a word, but her eyes
scream. I can see that shes halfway between belief and pain.
Why? Her voice is full of tears, and it breaks my heart. She deserves honesty
from me after all I put her through. Because thats who I was. It was easier
for me to hide.
She leans forward on her elbows. Her hands fidget and her face is somber. Who made
you that way?
I almost laugh. It would be so easy to blame my childhood; blame my mother for dying on me
and leaving me in shit. I dont want the easy way out anymore. I made myself
this way. I tell her with certainty. My mother died when I was nine. Cancer
got to her before we could even say goodbye. She was all I had. There was no other family
she told me about, so I became a ward of the state.
I go on to tell her a little bit about the home and my large number of foster parents.
I got passed most of it and went to Purdue on a basketball scholarship, if you can
believe that, but obviously there was a lot that I didnt get over. I shouldve
gotten help when I had the chance. I never wanted to hurt anyone like you. I never wanted
to hurt anybody.
Oh God, Leah. Her hand shoots out to grasp mine. I jerk away and shake my
head. No, Im not telling you this to get you back, and I dont want pity.
I just want you to understand. Slowly, she reaches out her hand again, opening it
and waiting for me. Just as slowly, I slide my hand in hers.
She swallows. You know, you just told me more about yourself than you ever did
during the year we were together?
I squeeze her hand and smile sadly. I know.
I wanted so much to get to know the real you. I was so lonely, Leah. I never knew
that I could love someone and be so lonely. I had to keep trying though. We Cages are
notorious for our stubbornness, but the more I tried the more of me died little by little.
I had to get out. Her eyes plead with me to understand.
I ache for the pain I caused her I ache for the lost time between us. I bring her hand to
my lips and kiss it softly, reverently. I know, baby. Now, I know. We have so much
to talk about.
She stares at my lips on her hand. Yeah, we do.
Can I say something? She nods. I feel like I missed out on so much there
is so much that I dont know about you. Will you . . . tell me?
She bites her lip and reaches for her ear with her free hand. Um, what do you want
to know?
Everything. I tell her breathlessly. Her eyes search mine, and I hope all she
sees is sincerity and love.
I-I wanted to be a vet, but my parents didnt think that I was smart
enough. She chuckles derisively. Can you believe that?
I shake my head in disgust. Thats just stupid. I wish that I was as half as
smart as you are. Do they know about the shop? How successful it is?
No, I dont think they do. We havent been in contact since my sophomore
year in college, so that makes it about seven years now. Her voice is small and
child-like.
You miss them?
Anne laughs again. I cant lie. Sometimes I do. Theyre my parents after
all, but they always wanted me to be something Im not. Id die around
them.
I take in a deep breath. Thats how you felt with me, huh?
Green eyes are dark with sadness. Yeah. Her eyes bore into mine.
Im so sorry. I wish I could do something to erase all of that. Guilt is
a sickening feeling.
You are right now. Even though I left, it does not mean that I dont love you.
I never stopped. I just couldnt live with you. You being here right now shows me how
far youve come and me listening to you shows the same thing. I was so mad and hurt.
Part of me still is, but the other part just missed you so much.
My heart thuds against my ribcage as hope runs rampant. Wh-what are you
saying?
Anne shrugs. I dont know what Im saying. Lets just talk, and
well go from there. But, Ill tell you now that I dont want anybody else.
I want to see if I can be with you, and this is a start.
I want to do a jig. I want to get on top of the table and tap dance. I want to take her in
my arms and kiss her until shes as breathless as I am, but instead of doing all of
that, we talk. I tell her about the good and bad in my childhood and she does the same.
For long minutes, the sadness of it leaves us silent. She tells me about the first time
that she kissed a boy, a girl, and her first girlfriend. We laugh about our high school
and college antics. I become privy to her dreams and her to mine. As promised, we talk
about everything and nothing.
We chat, we clean, and play with the suds from the unexpected overflow of the dishwasher.
I lay it all on the table for her. I want her to be a part of my past, present and future.
A weight is lifted, and Anne gets to know h real me at last. So do I.
After hours of conversing, laughing and crying, I finally touch her. Anne had been waiting
for it, and so was her body. Leaning against the counter, I slide a hand from her cheek to
her neck. Her skin is hot, and she leans into the caress as a whimper exits her throat.
Those kitten noises, its good to hear them again. A small hand finds its way around
my bicep, and I lean in until our foreheads touch. Her breath mingles with mine.
Electricity crackles around us, between us, as I reach up with a thumb to trace painted
full lips. Leah. She steps forward, allowing my body to engulf hers. I feel
her shiver or is that me? She hugs me, holding on for dear life. I wish that I could live
inside her. That way she could always be around me.
Happy Valentines Day, Annie, I whisper. I step back and run a hand
through blonde locks before I lean down to kiss her forehead, her nose, then her mouth. So
sweet. Our lips cling as we continue to indulge in the softest of kisses. It isnt
about sex or arousal. Its about discovery. Its a place to start, and its
the best present we can give each other.
Three Months Later. . .
Im sitting in the teachers lounge with my lunch. Fortunately, Tim is spending
his lunchtime in better company these days. He finally got snagged. So, Im stuck
here to deal with the curious stares I always seem to get. I sit my bottled water on the
table followed by the customary soda. I pull out a Tupperware bowl full of last nights
spaghetti. Digging deeper into the cloth bag, I feel a thin piece of paper and pull it out
curiously. Hurry home. I love you. I feel my face flush and the goof grin
start before I can even thing about stopping it. Glancing up, I see what seems like a
million eyes looking back. I dont care. I can breathe again.
Hope you all enjoyed it. Let me know, and have a Happy Valentines Day. Drop me a line at >Minerva