Time After Time

Chapter 13: The One That Got Away

Beyond the horizon, the sun illuminated a shimmering haze. In the far distance, the silhouette of the skyline pierced through the warm glow of the slow-setting sun.

While waiting for the crosswalk signal, John snuck a glance at Lauren, which she brightly beamed back at him. She didn't have to say anything for him to know that today was one of the most incredible days for both of them.

The day started with Lauren dragging John down to the Brooklyn Bridge, finding a nearby Hot Dog stand, and eating them while they strolled across. Then, jumping back onto the subway and getting off near the Empire State Building. The moment they reached the top balcony, his eyes never bestowed on a view that majestic in his life. Granted, he always had a big fear of heights, but even so, the beauty of the city captivated him. The way the light touched every skyscraper in the city made him internally grateful for experiencing this moment, this city, but most importantly, with the most beautiful girl in his eyes.

While out on the balcony, she looked like a million dollars - her crystal blue eyes were calm and emotionless as she stared out into the horizon. With every glimpse John gave her, each one always took his breath away. While standing there together, she shared stories of her visits to this place, claiming to be one of her favorite places, which was now one of John's.

While reminiscing at the crosswalk, he knew she was not just any ordinary girl. Lauren was different than any other girl he met or known. The fact that she went out of her way to show him the city once again, taking him to the top of the world meant a lot to John. Her soul was selfless, pure of heart, and had a radiance when around others - in his eyes, an amazing woman. Though John wondered why she wasn't able to move on and knew there were plenty of men in this city he was sure could capture her heart. But why was she drawn to him? What made him special?

It began to get late, and both of them ached for some grub and drinks. While passing Central Park, this time, the hype, and mounds of people moving around didn't seem to bother him. He became familiar with New York, thanks to Lauren, but also understood that when and if he did return home, everything there would appear different.

"Almost there," she huffed, a little worried about tiring John out from the walk. She swiveled her head back at him, giving him an immediate smile then back around at her surroundings.

He didn't mind the long walk at all, hell, it was probably good for his own sake, "What's so fab 'bout this place, eh?"

A smile greeted her lips, anxiously excited to get to the bar, "You'll see when we get there," she paused, her eyes glancing both ways before crossing the street, "It's my favorite place to unwind."

Her smile was contagious, beaming brightly in the evening sky. John was so enamored by her but was confused about his feelings. Did she feel the same way? Was she falling for him like he was for her? There was only one way to find out.

John edged his hand towards hers ever so slightly until she felt his fingertips brush her hand. Lauren's heart began to race, her eyes focused on the destination, perhaps wondering if he mistakenly did it on accident. She unfurled her fingers, waiting, until finally, his fingers slipped into hers, intertwined with the warmth of his hand pressed against hers.

His hand gently squeezed hers, sending an electric spark through her skin. Lauren's heart started to pound so fast and felt the adrenaline rush from her head to her toes. This moment was something she dreamt of since she was just a little girl. It was a gesture that was so simple, yet it seemed to take her breath away. Holding John's hand seemed natural as if they did this plenty of times before. She gently squeezed his hand back, a small smile spreading to her lips. There was nothing she felt she needed to say or wanted to, almost afraid to ruin this moment. In this city and at this instant, it was a time she knew she would never forget.