Around and around we go

Chapter 4

        I had been praying to every god I could think of that he didn't actually recognize me. I was no longer the girl he once knew. The piercings were gone, the dark hair and dark makeup washed clean, the drugs and partying left behind. I was relatively happy and healthy, living a very different life now. 
Cursing them all, I make sure I have my footing and turn to face him "Hello Jared." 
"Hello Natalie," He leans in and kisses my cheek and I can't help but lean into it a little. Breathing him in and just taking a moment to enjoy the man I have missed every single day of the last 5 and a half years. "it's been a long time." 
All I can do to keep from breaking down is nod. He knows me so well, sometimes I think too well, and he just lets me have that much needed moment in his arms and doesn't release me right away. With a deep breath, I straighten up and take half a step back and out of his arms. The warmth from his embrace vanishes instantly in the chilly pre-dawn air. But he's still gotten hold of both my hands. His signature move. Watching me as if he's afraid of what I will do next. I was a little... unstable.. the last time we saw each other. 

"Well, come on then, let me show you what I'm up to...Over here."

He drops my right hand,  keeping hold of my left he allows me to lead him over to my gear. I glance down at my little hand in his. It was always a perfect fit and I wasn't the least bit surprised to find it still felt like home.   

"Is that...?" he asks, dropping my hand and walking up to my camera topped tripod. 
"Yes, it is..." I sigh and watch him intently. I had received this camera as a gift from his brother, Shannon. 

He's busy examining my setup and the rest of my gear, and looks up at me inquiringly at the sad tone I just answered him in. Thankful that he keeps it at just a look and doesn't inquire further, he says "This is some really nice stuff you've got here. I don't have any of these yet... I might be a little jealous here." He smiles that genuine smile that could melt even the coldest of hearts. I step up behind the tripod, facing him, running my hand over my beloved camera. 

"Well then I guess my mission in life has been accomplished. Imagine, Jared Leto being jealous of little ol'me!"

I wink and stick my tongue out at him. Just like old times. It's completely insane how so much time can pass and you can just fall right back into step with someone like it was nothing. 
"And you're still as bratty as ever!" He's sticking his tongue out right back at me. 

We both crack up with laughter and he's beside me with his arm wrapped around my shoulders and kissing the top of my head he says "I've missed you, Kiddo."

 I wrap my arm around his slim waist and just snuggle in closer to him. We stand there in complete silence as the first light begins to break over the horizon.