Woman

May 17

The car made a smooth sound as I twisted the key. I exhaled deeply, pulling the car out of park and into drive. Shortly after driving, the developing neighborhood came into view. I parked my car below the low hill, got out and leaned against the car looking up at the house in contemplation.

The neighborhood was lined with houses that all looked like this one. Sleek, white, boring, 'modern' houses. Personally, these houses sent shivers down my spine; they seemed so cold and this particular house was no exception. Nevertheless, this house's garden stood out. Surrounded by palm trees and flowers of all kind, the house seemed somewhat inviting.

Tired of wasting time thinking about the action, I decided to just go through with it. I walked up the perfectly constructed stone steps that were lined with small flowering shrubs, to the door. I knocked three times before he came to the door.

It was his eyes that I spotted first; hazel eyes that bore into the very depths of your soul looking for the truth. For moments, we just stand there; I was speechless while his face showed the exoression of pure shock.

Then he spoke. "What are you doing here, Adira?" He asked sighing, leaning tiredly against the doorframe. He looked wretched. We'd avoided each other at work and we only talked of things concerning work. His facial hair clearly had not been shaven in weeks and neither had his hair been trimmed. He reeked of alcohol and marijuana. "Ok," he said shutting the door, "bye."

"Wait," I asked desperately, holding the door from him shutting it. "Chris, we need to talk."

He searched my eyes, probably searching for the truth. He sighed and without speaking another word, invited me in his house. I found my way to the living room and sat while he retreated into his bedroom. After five minutes he came out.

I stood up and walked toward the door while he found his keys. "Did you bathe?" I asked from behind him.

He turned to watch me, eyes filled with irritation. "Don't push it, Adira."

"But-"

"Don't." He said simply, finally finding his keys.

"Ok. Ok," I surrendered putting my hands up in defeat.

He followed me out the door, locking it in the process. I led him to my car, unlocking the doors so both of us could get in. I drove slowly, there was no need to rush. Neither of us spoke, probably because we felt uncomfortable, probably because at this moment there was nothing to say.

Before long, the sand and ocean came into view. I screwed down the windows and the sea's distinct smell, flowed through the car. The waves slapped the sand furiously, as if to say we weren't welcome in the sea.

I parked the car in an area that had no cars. The beach wasn't packed like most days, in fact, there were only about ten people here. It made the scene intimate and that's exactly what I needed. I needed to understand and ask things without people around.

He opened his door first, getting out without speaking and finding a seat on the hood of the car. I sighed but, followed suit. I knew I needed to do this; if not for him, then for me. He was staring out at the horizon as the sun was new to the day. He seemed to be in deep contemplation.

I stared at him, admiring how handsome he was and knew that someday, he would make some woman very happy because despite of him being an atheist, Chris was a good man; he just wasn't the man for me.

"Your hair looks good, by the way. You going back natural?" He asks breaking the silence.

"Yeah," I said running my hand over my now boy looking hair. I liked it though. I needed the change. We slipped back into silence.