He Waits for Me

Anticipation

I awoke feeling very refreshed. I was a morning person through and through. I had another couple of chapters to read, but I knew I could get them done before class. I read pretty quickly. I put on music and danced around my room gathering my clothes and heading for the shower. I just knew today was going to be a good day. It was always a good sign when you woke up smiling. Once ready, I sat back down on my bed and began to read. Just after I finished the last sentence, I heard my mother calling me. I bounded down the steps and straight into her arms.

“Well, somebody is in a good mood.” she laughed while pullng back. Her eyes were a little swollen today. Obviously she hadn't slept good. Lately it seems like she has been having a lot of sleepless nights.

“Mom, you've got to lay off all the soda before bed, you know if keeps you up.”

She smiled faintly at me and turned back toward the kitchen. I followed her and the smell of eggs and biscuits. I don't know how she did it, but I knew I'd never cook as well as my mother. The eggs nearly melted on my tongue and the biscuits were fluffy and warm. I kissed her cheek and thanked her as I rushed out of the door.

And there at the end of my driveway was Pierre. He always walked with me to school. Maybe that was the reason for my smile this morning. I was excited to see him, more so than usual. I bounded up beside him and he smiled, obviously amused at my gaiety.

“Every part of you radiates happiness Ma Cherie'. It makes me feel like laughing with you.” As he spoke, his large hand enveloped a lock of my hair and he stoked it with his thumb.

“I guess I'm happy to see you.” I responded quietly.

“ I have something for you.” He pulled out a lily from his jacket pocket and handed it to me. I smiled at the old fashioned gesture and stuck the flower behind my ear. I began to walk forward and he stepped easily in line with me. Testing the waters, I looped my arm in with his. His bicep flexed momentarily causing a flutter to erupt in my stomach. I knew he was toned, but it was hard to tell under the old fashioned clothes he wore. After feeling his arm, I knew that I truly had no idea just how muscular he was. His left hand came to rest across my own and we walked like that until we reached the block that the school sat on. I turned to him and smiled, knowing he would walk me no further, as this was our normal routine.

His face was serious, and at first I thought something was wrong. That is until he leaned forward slowly and rested his lips against my cheek in an slow and lingering movement. I was frozen, shocked, elated and I wanted so badly to turn my head and let his lips meet my own. But I maintained control and took a ragged breath instead. He chuckled lightly at my response before turning and walking back in the direction in which we had come.

I stood there for a moment trying to get my head together. I took several breaths and turned to look behind me. He was standing there grinning at me. I couldn't help but laugh at the comical look on his face. I turned and walked to the school, trying to ignore my butterflies. I was going to have a hard time concentrating today. But it was worth it.

Throughout the day I listened attentively to my teachers, and even devoted some time for Whitney to tell me all about her newest crush. By the time the final bell rung, I was having trouble thinking of anything other than seeing Peirre. As I rounded the corner my heart dropped at bit when I didn't see him in his usual spot. I tried not to feel the disappointment as I carried on with my steps looking from side to side occasionally hoping to catch a glimpse of him.

I felt hands around my waist a block from my house and immediately screamed as loud as I could. I jumped forward and spun around to face a startled looking Pierre.

We looked at each other for a long moment before I began laughing hysterically. He just continued to look more and more puzzled the more I laughed. Finally I was able to get calmed.

“I'm so sorry I scared you. I thought you would be expecting me.” He ventured.

“And I'm sorry I screamed. When I didn't see you in our usual place, I assumed that you wouldn't walk me home today.”

“I couldn't miss the opportunity to be close to you Marabel.”

I looked over at him blushing, but needing to see the sincerity in his face. He smiled and stepped closer putting his hand against the small of my back, effectively turning me so he and I could walk together. I expected his hand to move, but it never did. He just kept it resting there, sending tingles throughout my body and fogging my mind once again. Once we got to my house he turned me slightly and again kissed my cheek.

“ Will I see you again tonight?” I asked. I was nervous being so bold as to request to see him again so soon, but I couldn't help myself. I wanted to see him, and I saw no reason to try to hide it. I was more afraid of not seeing him, then the rejection that could have come.

“If you would like to see me again later, then there is no where else I'd rather be.”

“ I won't even ask how you get there, just so long as I see you.” And I meant it. I knew that he'd show up in my room again. And I didn't know how he managed to get in. Honestly though, I didn't care. I should. I knew I should ask him questions, and demand to know how he got in, but I had never viewed him as a threat. He was trustworthy. His touch, and mannerisms told me that he cared for me. So I wasn't nervous. I walked back inside in a daze, right past my mother and directly into my bedroom to notice a large bouquet of lilies at the end of my bed. It felt as though my heart was tumbling around in my ribcage as soon as I saw them. I sunk against the door and for the longest moment just reveled in the beauty of the flowers, and the thoughtfulness of the man who had given them to me.

“Thank you, Pierre.” I whispered into my room. I couldn't see him, but I somehow knew he would hear me.