SHADOW

Welcome Home

I sat unmoving in my car as I waited impatiently for a reply. I had never invited a woman into my home this early, but I was sure I wasn't making a mistake. I knew she was ready for that type of intimacy. The real question is, was I.

A few more minutes passed by before her long awaited call flashed across my screen. I picked up.

"I'm not going home with you."

I raised my eyebrows. "No hello?"

"No, you don't deserve that after you left me like that. I'm not going home with you," she reiterated firmly.

I ran a frustrated hand through my hair, shaking my head at her stubbornness. "I don't think you understand love. I'm not leaving without you. Lets just talk about this...please. I'm outside."

"And another thing," she continued, completely ignoring me. "You have to stop showing up to my house unannounced. It's not flattering, it's creepy."

"Why are you telling me all this now?"

"So you leave. Leave me alone."

"Jayde," I pleaded softly into the receiver.

I heard her breath hitch in the back of her throat from hearing her name leave my lips so softly. "Please. Can we talk about this? I miss your company."

She grumbled before falling silent, her resolve slowly breaking. "We can talk, but you have to leave after that."

"Ok," I agreed easily.

I obviously wasn't going to leave without her after we talked, but I'd agree with her for now.

The line clicked.

I stuffed my phone in my back pocket and leaned against the cars frame, crossing my arms over my chest. A few minutes later, her door opened and she emerged from it.

I watched her closely until she was standing in front of me.

"What's your problem?" she asked.

I cocked my head in confusion. "I don't have a problem."

"No, you do. You can't just leave like that without an explanation. I thought we were having fun. It doesn't make sense."

Maybe it didn't make sense to her, but it made perfect sense to me which is all that really mattered. I had an involuntary epiphany if you will and I was ready to act on it.

"I'm sorry."

She stared at me, awaiting the rest of my explanation for my behavior. Truthfully that was all I had. I wanted her. That's all I could say. "I want you with me. I want you to come home with me tonight."

She shook her head, turning to leave. "I won't. Bye Robyn."

I grabbed her wrist, pulling her back toward me. "Quit being so stubborn."

"Quit being so standoffish then."

I loosened my hold on her, letting my hands fall to her waist instead, resting them there loosely. "Just come home with me. I'm sorry I Ieft. But I came back, that has to count for something right?"

"No..."

I looked down at her, a small smile overtaking my features. "My love...please come home with me."

She stared at me, her eyes searching my face for any ounce of insincerity. The funny thing was, I wasn't being fake or trying to manipulate her. This was genuine. And I wanted her with me tonight. This was a milestone for us.

I could see the internal battle waging in her head. She wanted to come with me but her stubbornness wouldn't let her.

"Please," I said again.