Fallen

Chapter 6: Making Plans

After a better night's sleep than I'd had in forever, I spent the morning leisurely sitting around reliving it all. Just before noon, I showered, dressed and went downtown. I didn't have a plan, I just walked around, going into some stores, looking not buying. In a small cafe, I sat at an outside table with a coffee and macaroon cookie. The thoughts still on my mind.
"Hello again." A voice broke into my thoughts.
I looked up. "Hey Joseline."
"Wow. Two days in a row." She smiled.
"Yeah. Join me?"
"Sure." Once she sat and order, she looked at me closer. "Everything okay? You seem preoccupied with someone."
"I'm fine."
"You sure? I don't ever remember you being so still."
I sighed, sat back in the chair and looked over at her. "Could I ask you something?"
"Sure." She nodded.
"Have you ever had an experience and wondered if it would happen again?"
"Oh my.... You finally met someone!"
"No. Well yes, but... I'm not sure how to... There's things in my life that aren't what normal people do."
"You mean you extra curricular activities?"
"You know about that?"
"One night, you'd invited me to dinner. You forgot something in the car. I answered your phone and it was someone with a reminder about your special therapy. I got curious and followed you the next day. I never asked. I figured that you had your reasons. It was your secret and I never said anything."
"Wow."
"I'm really sorry. That was private and I shouldn't have..."
"No. It's okay. I guess I couldn't keep it a secret forever."
"Tell me about this guy you met. Where did you meet him. At the..."
"Shit no!" I said to loud. "I, uh. His brother is living in the building. He was having troubles and I told his brother to invite him out. He's everything that I try to avoid but it was so fulfilling. It was like someone put breath back into my body."
"Sounds really good. I think you need a little selfishness if this guys is so...let's say yummy...don't overthink it. You don't know what it'll become."
"True, but I really want it to become something."
"Fate is a funny thing my friend."
We talked as we finished our coffee, then promised to get together. I passed the rest of the day at home, just reading. I never heard any noise across the hall, but thought nothing of it. When I finally went to bed, at midnight, I wondered if it was just a one time thing. Shannon needed to release the tension of his withdrawal, and I couldn't deny that I needed to feel something. I had another appointment the next day. Would I keep it?

In the morning, I walked toward the brick building, still not sure if I should go in, but brought a change of clothes if I did. Sitting outside, I thought about a conversation I'd had with my parents. I was so strung out between drugs and partying. It would be my last chance or get cut off. Using the one thing they knew I loved to do, they told me what they'd do for me and the consequences if I messed up. Since then, I didn't talk to them much but knew they were happy that I'd kept my promise.
"Hey Dreamer." A pair of hazel eyes stared at me.
"Shannon? Hi. What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be working?" I stood up quickly.
"Yeah. Across the street again. I saw you sitting here and came over. Sorry that I didn't come over yesterday. The guys went out after work and I left so early this morning."
"It's okay. You don't need to explain."
"But I feel that I do. The other night, what happened. Look we're wrapping up early today. It's supposed to be a scorcher. I was thinking about heading to the beach. Would you come with me? I want to spend time with you, away from the building." His voice was quiet.
I felt a warm glow go through me. "That sounds nice. I'd love to go to the beach today. We could go to Venice or to the Pier, if you want to go do the games and Ferris wheel."
"I'll come over after I clean up. You pick. You know the places better than I do."
"Okay."
We stood silently for seconds then Shannon placed one hand on my neck, stepped closer, stared into my eyes and kissed me softly. His lips were like a soft breeze and I shivered.
"See you later." He stepped back.
"Okay." Was all I could say.
I watched as he crossed the street and back to work. Picking up my bag, I walked away from the building. It was the first time that I didn't make my regular appointment.