Match Made

Nightfall

Aden and I sat catching up on life for hours in that restaurant. It is now evening. We both had a tad too much to drink. When I stand, I feel woozy. Aden stands too, watching me. Palms flat to the table bracing myself, he asks, "What's wrong?"

With my eyes shut tight, I answer, "A little dizzy. I'm not a drinker, so those three glasses of wine did me in."

Laughing, he extends his hands across the table. I grab them, he pulls me close and cuffs his arm beneath mine to escort me outside. The brisk air hits my face and I shiver. Teeth chattering, he says, "Damn it got cold! Hold on tight, we need to run."

Our initial sprint turns into a steady jog. Nearing our hotel entrance we dash inside laughing. The lobby's fireplace is lit so we head straight to it to warm ourselves. Side by side on their loveseat both our thoughts drift away.

Mine returns to a few days after graduation. I've been accepted into Michigan State University so I'm ecstatic. Every week I shop for something new for my dorm room. Today I'm at the mall purchasing clothes and necessities. As I approach the perfume counter, I see Lauren. Seeing me she does a double take. With a bright smile, I greet, "Hey Lauren."

She returns an unenthused, "Hey."

"May I get a bottle of Obsession?"

Sighing, she answers, "This is just my summer job. In the Fall I'm going to Wayne State."

Nodding, I reply, "Cool. I'm going to MSU."

Her face is all frowned up when she scoffs, "You always thought you were better than us. Whatever we did you had to do better."

I stood speechless while she took my cash, returned my change, handed me my bag without free samples, and stormed away. Slightly embarrassed, I dropped my head and hurried out of the mall. I hated that I ran into her, but nothing was by coincidence. I'm assuming she told Sonya of our encounter, who in return must've told Aden because he showed up at my door only a few days later.

Desiree sees his car pull up and rushes into my bedroom saying, "Aden's here!"

Stunned, I sat confused. The doorbell chimes and Desiree whispers, "Go get dressed while I stall him for you!"

Snapping out of my temporary trance I hurry and brush my teeth, wash my face, and under my arms. I apply a little makeup and fix my hair. The doorbell rings again and Desiree rushes to the back to see how I look. Two thumbs up she grins then runs to open the front door. Still primping I hear her say, "Hey Aden. Long time, no see."

His calm deep voice chuckles, "Yeah, it's been a minute. Is Kelly here?"

"Yep! She's in her room. Let me go get her."

Desiree shouts my name as she comes down the hall. When she reaches my room door, her hand is over her mouth quieting her laughter. Index finger pressed tight against my lips, I shoo her away. With a deep inhale, I exhale slowly and then head to the living room. He's sitting on the couch gazing out the front window. Sensing my presence, he looks my way and smiles. Bashfully, I smile back.

As I approach him, he stands, and we embrace. A sigh of relief escapes him while he takes his seat. Once I sit beside him, he sweetly says, "Hey."

"Hey."

"I was in the neighborhood and decided to stop by. I hope it's okay."

"N-No. I mean y-yes it's fine."

"I heard you're going to Michigan State."

"Yep."

"That's great. Good for you."

"Thanks, and you?"

"I was accepted to Florida State."

Clapping I say, "That's good Aden. I love Florida."

Fidgety, he asks, "When do you leave for school?"

"Uh, three weeks."

"I'm leaving in two. You should come see me off."

Eyes widen I answer, "Okay."

"Cool. I'll call and tell you what time to come through."

"Okay."

"Well, I better go, I work tonight."

"Okay."

I can't think of any other word as he exudes nervous energy. Now face to face, he hesitates before hugging me. While patting his back, I return the hug. He leaves.

The day has come to see him off. I asked my mom to use her minivan. Unenthused she hands me her keys as I rush over to see the guy who shattered my heart. My hair is pinned up like I wore it at prom, with soft pink gloss and rouge for my cheeks. I'm wearing a white tank top and a long pastel pink skirt with a high split on one side.

Aden comes outside, watches me park, and waits on the porch. Now walking towards his fence, he hops down his steps and holds the gate open for me. He greets, "Hey." into my ear as I enter.

"Hey." I mimic him.

His mother stood watching me as I entered their house. Seeing her reminds me of when Aden and I returned from going out once. We entered and she said, "Kelly, my son is just so in love with you so I have to be honest. I can't stand seeing him head over heels like this. Aden is my baby boy so it's just too hard having to let him go this soon."

Giving an uncomfortable chuckle he asks, "Mom what are you talking about? Leave Kelly alone! Wow."

Discerning her thoughts, I'm sure she's thinking, "I thought I was rid of you, but here you stand."

Through a pressed smile she greets, "Hello Kelly. It's nice to see you again."

"Hi, Mrs. Cullen. It's nice to see you too."

Mr. Cullen comes around the corner grinning with his arms wide. Hugging me, he says, "Hi Kelly."

"Hi, Mr. Cullen."

Binky rushes downstairs and hugs me saying, "I'm so glad to see you! I was sick of hearing Aden crying."

Aden huffs, "Mom."

Mrs. Cullen covers her laugh saying, "Girl be quiet!"

Aden's sitting with me laughing and talking as if nothing has changed. He caresses my hand and says, "When I come home for Christmas break, I want to see you, okay?"

His eyes were focused on our hands, but he lifted them to gaze into mine and I melted. Cupping his hand, I nodded. Now staring at my lips, he leans forward but his doorbell rings. Startled we both looked up and it was Monet, glaring through the screen door.