"You were a breath of fresh air" I told Stephan as he stroked my hair. We were embracing each other in the comfort of our queen sized bed in our small suburban home. We just had our Sunday lunch and we didn't have anything going on for us for the rest of the day. Our children already had their own families so we had the house to ourselves. I remember craving for time alone with my love as the children grew up since we were too busy to have our weekly date nights. Ever since our youngest moved out, alone time with Stephan was abundant. I placed my head on his chest as I listened to his steady heartbeat. Waking up with him had been one of my favorite moments in our 25 years together. I'm about to turn 50 in a couple weeks and looking at him reminded me of the first time I ever laid eyes on him.
I still remember the first time I met him, at least the first time for me. I was working at a small bookshop near the market and I started working there when the couple who owned it, wanted to go on their 40th anniversary getaway. They were a lovely couple, constantly bickering about little things but they were not embarrassed with telling everybody how much they loved being married to their best friend. I love it so much when people are so open with their love for each other. I always thought I would have met the one by the time I got out college but it didn't happen. I was almost halfway through my twenties and I honestly didn't think it was going to happen anytime soon. After many heartaches and late night strawberry ice cream binge, I stopped looking. It wasn't everyday that you meet your perfect guy. I get lucky if someone even look in my direction. But the one is out there.
The one who can make you laugh until tears are flowing down your face and your stomach starts cramping. The one who could listen to your childhood stories and your boring days with the same level of enthusiasm. The one who you could laze around with during the weekends and the one who is willing to be there while the both of you deep clean the entire house before relatives come to visit. The one who is willing to be there through the ups and downs of life. The one who could handle you at your worst and still love you just the same. The one who will stand by you as you change into the person you are becoming. The one who isn't afraid to make fun of you because he knows deep down that you enjoy it when he does. The one who knows the lyrics to your favorite song and the one who can just get you. The one who is willing to be the big spoon just because you love being the little spoon. The one who isn't embarrassed talking about body odors and faeces. The one who knows how you like your coffee just the way you know theirs. Soulmates are real. I believe that everyone has one soulmate in every lifetime. That one person you can connect with in different ways. I thiught to myself that I have yet to meet him, but he is out there, pooping behind a bush or something.
It was a Friday afternoon and I was arranging the books in the non-fiction section when he walked in. He came in clad in his maroon sweatshirt and faded blue jeans. He was still wearing that same old cap that he loves to wear when he goes for his evening walks. It had been raining hard so his dark brown hair was a little damp and darker than usual. His green eyes caught my attention quicker than a plate of cheesy fries. He smiled at me and opened his mouth to speak but I was too entranced with the depth of his eyes. He was the youngest version of him that I can remember ever seeing. He waved and started to move towards me, his long slender legs taking him closer to me. I never met him before but he looked at me as if he's known me his entire life. It was odd that a stranger could be this close to me but all I remember feeling was comfort. As if I finally came home, I still feel that every time he holds me. He stared at me with so much love and adoration. But I could only offer a confused look to the young man who was soaking wet standing in front of me.
"Hey darling," he whispered, as tears welled up in his eyes and threatened to fall. I was so puzzled with the situation but he made me feel so safe and so warm being so close to me.
"Do I know you?" My voice was little as I hesitantly asked him.
"Not yet, I'm Stephan and I've known you for many years."
YOU ARE READING
Date Night Stories
Short StoryA collection of short love stories I've written for my date night storytimes with someone I love dearly in this lifetime. I hope you enjoy the stories as much as we did.
