Letters For Him

8// Then

Then

Leonardo

The first kiss

I had promised Sophia that straight after her morning class I would meet her at the coffee shop, then I would take her out for our 3rd date.

I loved the feeling I was beginning to feel when I knew I would be seeing her again, my heart ached for her when I was at work or my mind wouldn't sleep when I lay in bed. I hadn't felt so much passion and desire for someone in my whole life and it began to scare me.

She lit up the spark inside that I never knew I had and I couldn't resist her and as I heard the shop doorbell ring and watched Sophia enter scanning the room until her eyes landed on me, I couldn't help the butterflies take over inside me.

She greeted her grandmother first with a quick peck on the cheek before she rushed over to me and I stood up abruptly taking her in to a short embrace, a hint of mixed fruit surrounding us before she smiled up towards me, her eyes glossing over.

"Hey, you." She said which was just short of a whisper, her long brunette hair fell over her shoulders as she manoeuvred her bag onto the chair opposite.

"How was class?" I asked as I grabbed my coat from the back of my chair, facing Sophia so she thought I was listening.

"Interesting, but I'm glad to see you now." I could see the small blush on her cheeks as I stood.

"Are you ready to go?"

"Yes, let's get out of here."

***

We had just rounded the corner that led onto the small backstreet market which was surrounded with people as we mingled in, Sophia's presence right next to me. After a few moments wandering around endless stalls Sophia spoke up.

"Let's play a game?" She announced and I frowned at her in suspicion and a mischievous grin formed on her face.

"Okay? What kind of game?" I reply intrigued, brushing the wispy hair out of my face.

"It's called 21 questions." She begins to explain. "We both get to ask each other 21 questions and it can be about anything."

I turn towards her as we come to a clearing at the edge of the market. She watches me closely as I contemplate what she's asking.

"And if I don't want to answer a question?" I hesitate, thinking of all the possibilities I could screw up. She's silent for a moment and this gives me change to really admire her as she stands infront of me.

"Then you can say pass." Sophia answers honestly.

"Okay then, I will start." I bite the inner corner of my mouth as my mind tries to concentrate on a question I could ask.

"What's your favourite colour?"

"Green." Sophia answers like its the easiest question in the world (even though it is)

"Mine too." I smile and she smiles back showing her pearly whites.

"Okay my turn, why did you choose interior design?" Sophia looks intrigued as she awaits an answer.

"My grandfather built and designed his own house for my grandmother and I have been inspired ever since. Question 20, when can I meet your parents?" I laugh trying to sound not too serious even though I am and I think she catches on as she giggles next to me.

"When I can meet yours DiCaprio. my turn." She winks and my heart leaps. She then falls silent again, her features deepen as she concentrates on her question.

"Have you ever been in love?" Sophia asks with such curiosity and I feel her flinch at the side of me once her eyes meet mine and recognises my pained reaction like she knows my whole past like a book.

Of course I wanted to share my past with her and tell her everything but I couldn't answer, not right now. That although I had never really been in love as I was only 17 but I loved and cared for someone who eventually broke my heart the night she passed away. I wanted to tell Sophia everything I had gone through when losing my best friend but I couldn't put it into words and as I glanced over at her, I could see the reflection of realisation on her face as she shook her head slowly.

"Pass." I whispered.

"I..I'm sorry Leo I shouldn't be asking questions like that so soon." Her head dipped in embarrassment, that's when I laced my fingers in hers which took her by surprise and her head lifted as my body filled with warmth at her touch. I tugged on her hand until she was inches away from me, the wonder her soft, brown eyes watched me closely but she didn't move as my other hand met her face.

"Let's leave the questions for later but for now answer me one more. Question 19, a newly graduated guy fell upon a teenage, angelic woman and had fallen for her wonderful looks and powerful personality. What would she say if he asked her to be his?"

It was then that gap between us was closed quickly as our lips met in sync and I felt my insides melting as I tugged her closer. Her lips were soft and tender and I heard the intake of her breath like I had caught her by surprise. I felt her hands secure themselves around my neck as I grabbed her around the waist, the soft smell of mixed fruits and mint cologne surrounding us.

We pulled apart and i kissed her forehead as I felt the heat rising within me. I was in for a long ride with this girl but in that moment I couldn't be more excited. Suddenly I heard her speak as I listened to her every word as she answered my question.

"I think she would say, Leonardo Alfonso De Garcia, of course I will be yours."