Memories of William

Second Memory

I'm halfway through the gate when a twig snaps. Startled, I turn around. I try to see through the thick foliage, but it's all dark green. I catch a glimpse of what looks like a deer. A jump a little, then feel relieved. I continue on my way. Soon, a second memory flashes through my mind.

"OK. Next question." you say. So far, you have asked me what my favorite color was, when I had my first boyfriend, and what my favorite animal is. In return, you answered the same questions: Orange, 5 years old (obviously you had a girlfriend) and a black bear.

"When was your first kiss?" you ask with a smirk on your face. Your hazel eyes have a wicked gleam in them. Your hand has a mug of black coffee and we are sitting on my couch.

"What do you mean? Like just a peck or a full on make-out session?"

"Uh... Both I guess." You say, making it sound more like a question. Your hazel eyes are full of curiosity, waiting for my answer. I'm debating whether or not telling you, because it happened only three years ago, and it was not that romantic.

"Well, I had my first peck-kiss when I was 13, and my first make-out session when I was 17." I say nervously. I hope you don't make fun of me. Most kids by the time they're 15 have had more than what I experienced at 17. Instead, you look out the window and sigh.

"Oh." You say with what sounds like disappointment. You take another sip of your coffee and your arm lies on the edge of the sofa. I now realize that we are at least a foot apart.

"Is someone jealous?!" I say, taunting you. Maybe if I joke around a bit it'll lighten the tension in the air. I set my cup of mint tea on the wood side-table and grin.

"NO!" you reply a little too fast. You too put your coffee down and your face turns red in embarrassment. A shaky hand combs through your black hair and falls back to your side.

"I don't believe you!!!!!" I say in a sing-song voice. I start to laugh so hard no sound is coming out. I can feel my face get red from not breathing. I can't believe you are jealous of me kissing someone else!

"Stop laughing!" you say with your voice cracking from laughter. I can tell you're trying not to laugh as you watch me dying. I hold my stomach stomach in pain from my muscles constricting.

"I can laugh if I want to!" I say defensively. I love playing around with you. When I calm down a bit, I notice you coming closer. Then, I fall completely silent. My heart rate soon picks up and my palms start to sweat as I get nervous. You lean your head in and I can see the green ring surrounding your iris. Then, the unexpected happens.

You turn your head and whisper in my ear, "If you want to laugh, I'll give you something to laugh about."

Thump-thump my heart pounds.

Your face turns from serious to playful as you start tickling me. "NO! N- AHAHAHAHAHAHA. HAHAHAHAHA- STOP- AHAHAHAHAH- STOP IT!!!!!!!!!!" I start laughing uncontrollablyy as your hands tickle my stomach, neck, feet, and sides. I can hear your roaring laughter above mine as I try to pry your hands off, but it's like trying to remove a thick iron bar from my body. "PLEASE!!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHA-PLE- AHAHAHAHAHA!" I'm squirming, trying to get up off the couch, but in the process take us both down on the floor. Your body lands on top of mine and I let out an oomph.

I look up at you and your face turns serious again. You dip your head down until its almost two inches away from my face. Your eyes are closed so I do the same and lean in to close the gap.

When your lips meet mine, a burst of excitement courses through me. I place my fingers in your hair as we continue to kiss.

You pull away a little too soon, but then I realize that we had our first kiss in my apartment.

Now, I realize I have loved you since that day. The sun pokes through the dense leaves and branches to land on me. I can't help but wonder if this is your way of letting me know you're in a safe place.

As I continue to walk, I find myself playing with the ring on my left hand.