In A Time And Place

Chapter 25

               “He kissed you?!” Vivian looked at me. I had been talking with her for 3 hours after she got out of school and studied with Archie. She was with him for 2 hours and after another 3, at almost 9, I finally told her what happened. I asked if I could stay the night earlier. She agreed surprisingly. I guess she couldn’t toss me out in the cold dark wet night.

               “Yes.” I nodded. I was in one of her nightgowns and lying on the floor with her and her books.

               She thought then sighed. “I still don’t think he’s good for you but, you seem happy. What do you think of Archie?”

               “Oh I like him.” I nodded. “He seems perfect for you.”

               “Really? Do you really think so?”

               “Sure! He has some muscle to him. But not too much. Now a days, every guy is scrawny. Uh, well, most, I guess.” I wasn’t thinking clearly. I rolled onto my back and thought of Richard. How he held me, and how I held him, like we were nobody else’s. Alone in the park. The rain pouring down.

               “Alison. I’m going to get you some tea.” Vivian got up and walked out of the room, shutting the door behind her.

               My clothes were dripping in Vivian’s bathtub, the mere sight of them reminded me of when Richard fixed my collar and held it as he kissed me. The tense lock of our mouths. Had he been wanting me as much as I him?

               He was my everything. I blushed and just shut my eyes and put my hands on my cheeks. Richard. Darling? Love? Now that I’ve had a touch of you, I don’t think I could bare a life without you. I’ll stay. I’ll stay here. With you. I don’t care either way. As long as I have you. In any time, in any place. As long as I have you. My Richard. I’m content.

               I must have fallen asleep because when I woke, the moon was lighting up the room, Vivian was under her covers and the tea I was supposed to drink was still on the tray.

               I stood, walked to the window and smiled at the moon then giggled to myself. It was all going to be all right. I could stay here. Help Richard with his work. I’m going to make it. I’m so happy. Sure, I’d miss Minnie, Tina, my mom, and everyone else but, I’ll be fine. I will.

               I let the visions of Richard I’d stored up loose in my mind. The focus of his eyes were the only thing that kept my thoughts steady. The moon helped me relax as it bathed light onto my skin. Is it possible, that love can conquer time? This was all, destiny? Always meant to be? I’d like to think so.

I walked over and looked at Vivian’s clock. 7:43… I couldn’t wait. I’m going to go see Richard. I have to. We have to talk. I have to see him.

               I then let my mind remember the first time I saw his face in the movie. How Tina tried to pull me away, but I wanted to stay. I want to stay now, and nothing will pull me away. Nothing.

               I went into the bathroom and started to put on the slightly damp clothes. They were a bit wrinkled too. It didn’t matter. I put on my shoes and put her nightgown on the end of her bed. I grabbed my purse and Thomas’ coat, inhaled then walked to the door.

               “Thank you.” I whispered to Vivian, still asleep. I’ll never be able to thank her enough. I closed the door then walked toward the stairs when a little figure opened the bedroom door next to me. I turned and saw my grandmother.