Saudade

15 (Now)

Cecilia felt lighter on the drive back to Apulia. She felt happier.  It was now dark, she had managed to escape her drunk parents to get back to Rui. She had texted him to let him know she was on the way to the cafe.  

She parked on the road and walked to the cafe.  When she stepped in the chairs where put up on the tables and the smell of pine sol hit her.  "Rui?" Cecilia called, Rui stepped out of the back kitchen, he looked worn out but happy to see Cecilia.  "Hi, you look pretty." He said stepping up to her and kissing her forehead.  He wore a black t shirt and black jeans, His usual work attire. Cecilia blushed at the sight of him.

"I'm almost done here." He told her.  "Can I help you with anything?"  Cecilia offered.  

"That's ok, I just have to wipe down the counters."  He smiled, walking to grab a towel.

Once he was done the two decided to take a walk.  They strolled along the coble stone side walk that overlooked the water. They walk in comfortable silence, holding hands. The streets were mostly empty.

They passed the basketball court, the striped tents on the beach.  They walked down the sidewalk where they first laid eyes on each other.  "I remember seeing you here for the first time." Rui broke the silence, the moonlight illuminated his features.  "Yeah me too."  Cecilia smiled.  "My mom said you were 'Totally checking me out' after we walked passed you."  Cecilia laughed. "No she didn't." Rui denied, laughing.  "There is no way Selena Pereira said that." He shook his head.  

"She did." Cecilia stated.  

"Well, I was checking you out."  Rui admitted, shrugging his shoulders.  Cecilia blushed.  She was pretty sure that everything Rui said for the rest of her life would make her blush.

"Want to sit?" Rui asked, Cecilia nodded.  He led her to the bench that over looked the beach. "I missed you." Cecilia admitted, their hands were still knit together.  "While you were at your parents?" He joked.  "No, for the passed nine years." Cecilia stated.

"I missed you too, Cici." Rui replied, Cecilia put her head on Rui's shoulder.  "I love you so much." He said.  "I love you too." Cecilia answered.  

"Rui."  She added.  "Mhm." He mumbled.

"I'm staying."

He shot up quickly and looked at her in the eyes, like he was making sure she was serious.  Then, he pulled her in for a kiss. Long, deep and passionate.  When she pulled back she realized there was a tear falling down Rui's face. She wiped it and pulled him in for a hug.

"I've never been more happy." Rui smiled.