Liberation [completed]

Liberated

The clock on the pure white wall of the diner read half-past five. For a brief moment, I felt a drowning sense of dread and fear settle in my stomach. It felt so familiar and normal, but then I focused on the clock and the wall. I narrowed in on the details. It wasn't a blue clock with a white clock face. It wasn't a green clock or a dirty white wall either. This was a fresh white wall and it was a black clock with a white clock face. The air smelt nicer and the warmth in my chest engulfed the dread and fear. I felt the lump at the base of my throat disappear as I swallowed the excess saliva that had invaded my mouth.

I was fine.

I was more than fine.

I was going to see Asher in a few minutes.

My Asher.

"You know you always have this giddy, full smile around this time." My co-worker, Brenda comments as she cleans up.

I grin back at her, not sure how to answer that without sounding cheesy.

"She's about to see her lover, obviously she's gonna have that lovestruck smile on her face" Emily replies for me as she nudges me, "Looks like lover boy's early," she says nodding to the window.

"And it looks like he's in a good mood, look at that bouquet!" Brenda gushes.

"My man doesn't even know what a flower shop is!" Emily complains, "Damn girl you are one lucky bitch"

I feel my face tighten and squeeze as I try to control the grin on my face. Asher looks god-like as he waited outside. I watch as women walk past him and openly gawk at him. Asher doesn't notice them, as always. He was already looking directly at me. I feel giddy and nervous for a little while. I recall the same emotions I felt the first time I sat next to him in his car after he saved me. I had tried to suppress those feelings then but now I allowed them to consume me.

"Seems like someone's impatient," Emily comments drawing me out of my daze. I look out again and see Asher walking towards the store.

Both Emily and Brenda have met Asher before, so I wasn't worried. They all got on well, both girls never stopped flirting with Asher and Asher always took it in good strides.

"We're closed for the day" Brenda calls from behind the counter.

"I know, but I figured, for a special customer you'd be open" Asher replies her already looking at me, boring holes into my lousy attempt at maintaining a put-together facade. Asher in this small cupcake shop seemed odd. I never got used to it. He seemed too big to be here. His presence seemed to reach every inch of the room.

"You're not any special customer," Emily replies and I hear the tease in her tone

"He's my special customer" I finally speak and look at him curiously.

"DAYUM! Things are getting heated up in here." Brenda comments.

"How about you head out for the day, we can close up," Emily says winking at me.

I blush hard and don't wait to clarify. I wanted to feel Asher. I wanted his hands on me again. I missed him and I could tell he missed me too.

"What's with the flowers?" I ask him as I walk around the counter towards him.

"I picked up some flowers for Leah and the baby and figured I'd get you some too," He says just as I reach him.

I smile at him, "Thank you, they are beautiful" I tell him, placing a hand on his shoulder. He had a firm forearm that I loved to massage and feel.

Asher grins at me and hands me the flowers, I take them and bring them close to my chest. "I can't wait to put them in the vase," I say.

Asher takes my free hand and begins to lead me out. "Bye ladies" He calls over his shoulder.