FRIDA' S LIST

Chapter 8 THE FIRST KISS

Chapter 8 The first kiss

I didn't know what he had in mind for us. But, whatever it was, this night was a beautiful night. He drove past the Eiffel Tower, and all her lights were shining. It was like a rain of stars. The weather was perfect. He drove fast, but I didn't care because I felt so good. He was my everything. He led us to Montmartre. The beauty of Paris stretched in front of our eyes. The full moon was watching us. We left the car on a lateral alley close to the chapel. We walked up the old quiet street and reached the little park behind the chapel, called the Square Bleustein-Blanchet (or Parc de la Turlure). A warm wind was blowing softly. It was almost summer. He looked up at the sky.

"It's like a dream," I murmured, raising my face toward the sky. "It's not too hot. It's just GOOD to hang out, to walk down the street. I've always loved this season. I'm talking about summer. I know that technically it's not summer yet, but it seems like a summer night to me, you know."

I sighed. I couldn't help talking.

"I know what you mean. Come on," he said softly, in front of the closed gate.

I raised an eyebrow at him.

"Here? But the park's closed," I said.

"Yeah, that's the idea."

He smiled at me. So breaking and entering the park: that was the plan! Unfortunately, it wasn't really my thing.

"Frida, it's just a park. There's nothing bad about it, unless you're planning on stealing a tree," he said.

I looked at the wall. How was I supposed to get over it? I thought to myself.

"C'mon. I'm gonna help you," he added as if he could read my mind.

"You wish."

"Come on! Don't be shy."

"There's no way in hell I'm going there! I'm way too heavy! Plus, don't you see the sign that says: Closed, no trespassing?" I pointed at the sign on the front gate.

"Don't worry. Trust me. I'm_"

"Used to?" I interrupted him, arching an eyebrow.

"No, not really," he smiled. "I was gonna say that I'm sure I can handle it. C'mon. You're not heavy. I bet I can carry you with just one hand."

"I said _"

I couldn't finish my sentence; he scooped me up in his arms.

"Oh, put me down! Put me down! I said put me down!" I yelled, twisting my body like a worm.

"Stop yelling! Oh, boy! You were right! You're heavier than I thought," he said.

"Put me down," I repeated, tapping on his shoulder.

"I'm kidding. Come on," he murmured.

He raised me up toward the top of the wall. I pulled myself up to the top. I sat on it, and Anthony joined me by jumping up. He was definitely athletic. We were both on the summit of the wall, looking at the quiet park before us. I was about to say something when he jumped down into it.

"C'mon," he said, raising his hands toward me.

I watched the ground as if it were a big monster's mouth about to swallow me.

"I'll catch you. Don't worry. C'mon," he said, waving at me.

I threw my purse. He caught it.

"Am I supposed to run away with it now?" he asked.