Reunion

Reunion Part 14

Andy stares out the window over his kitchen sink. The sky is streaked with pink and purple. The mountains in the distance reflect the golden sun. It's a gorgeous sight, but he doesn't even see it. His thoughts have once again drifted back over his week with Melanie.

He hadn't allowed himself to dwell on the possibility of seeing her at their high school reunion when he planned the trip. But to be honest, he probably wouldn't have bothered going if he hadn't thought there was a chance.

It has been two weeks since that night. When the crowd parted and there she was. He'd say she looked exactly the same as she did in high school, as she did in his memory, but he'd be lying. She is even more beautiful now.

Everything about her is subtle, sophisticated, elegant. How he loved messing her up. Under her polished exterior, she is still the same smart, witty, loyal girl he remembered. She is so easy to talk with, laugh with.

She looks at him like she can see into his soul. He can tell she wasn't caught up in his fame or success. She sees through that to the real him underneath. She meant it when she said she always knew he'd make it big. To her, he is the same as he always was. It's such a relief.

"Ok, here are your notes and mine, grouped by lecture," Melanie's quick fingers gather the papers and hand them across the table to him.

"Thanks," he takes them from her with a smile. She's adorable when she's all business. So serious and efficient. "Can I call you tonight to go over the study guide?"

"Sure," she says smiling. Her smile is dazzling. Tonight, he'll tell her. He'll tell her he wants to be more than friends. His pulse quickens at the thought and heat begins to build in his chest. He's almost gotten the words out a dozen times before, but each time they stick in his throat. Not tonight.

"I need all the help I can get on this one." He pulls a goofy face.

"Right," she laughs, "like you'll ever get anything less than an A." When she laughs, it's with her whole body. Head thrown back revealing the slender column of her throat. It's the most beautiful sound. Thank God she thinks he's funny.

"Yeah, ok, but I couldn't do it without you," he replies, trying to infuse the words with all the feelings he has for her. He could reach for her hand. His fingers tingle at the thought. His heartbeat pounds in his ears. He moves his hand from his lap to the table.

"That's what friends are for, right?" she shrugs and smiles. Friends. He slowly moves his hand back to his lap.

This week has been the longest of his life. Six nights ago he kissed away her tears and held her to his chest as long as she would let him. It was his suggestion they wait a week to talk about his offer. It was the right move. She was going to dismiss it out of hand otherwise, but it has been torture. He finds himself reaching for his phone to call or text her a hundred times a day. One more day and he can hear her voice. Her voice may break his heart.

With a sigh he turns his attention back to the dishes in the sink. One person doesn't make enough to use the dishwasher and the habit has stuck even now that he's sharing most dinners with his father. Tonight, though, they spent apart. Both needing space and rest after an intense week.

His father complained incessantly about having his own place, but Andy knew he was right about this. After living on his own for ten years, he was going to want his own space to ease the transition. The grumbling decreased over the course of the week. He didn't even call Andy ungrateful today. He'll take what he can get. Hopefully his dad is looking out his window and enjoying this spectacular view. Pennsylvania is gorgeous, of course. So green and lush. But the California landscape is simply stunning.