Midnight Grey

Chapter 1 New Nightmare

  The wind surrounds me with its chilling breeze; yet even with its cold touch I'm soothed. It whispers softly in my ears with swift currents and pushes my brown curls into the path of my vision.

His fingertips are warm, as if being touched by the sunrise as he brushes the strands of hair out of the way. "Your green eyes mesmerize me," he says, like silk; his voice always seems to calm me.

"Everything about you mesmerizes me." I glance over his features, enticed by how his crystal-blue eyes stand out like an aquamarine jewel against his tanned skinned and raven black hair. As he smiles, his lips part to reveal his pearly white teeth; one more flawless thing about him. He slides his hand slowly down my jawbone to the bottom of my chin, then as smoothly as he had spoken, he lifts my face up and kisses me softly.

I close my eyes, taking in every second. Breathing in the damp smell of autumn leaves, my muscles relax, and my body moves in closer thirsty for more. My fingers start to run through his hair as he wraps his arms around my waist and the aroma of his cologne surges throughout my senses. Compared to the dull smell of the leaves, his scent intoxicates me; with every whiff, more sensations flow down my spine.

His lips press firmer against mine and then he pulls away; I was so enamored by his kiss I forgot we were in public.

My eyes open and as I acknowledge still being in the park, so I promptly fold my arms. In the vast space, I feel as if I'm exposed for the world to see.

Unexpectedly he draws my body into his embrace. Leaning in, I place the side of my head on his warm body. I feel the contours of his muscles against me and it gives the aura of being safe.

The continued blustering of the wind should chill me, but since his body is so warm, he becomes my own private heater. The crisp leaves flicker against my legs as he places his chin on top of my head. With a deep breath he tells me, "I love you, Lynnette." He squeezes me tighter but manages to be gentle.

I place the palms of my hands against his chest and slowly push away. His blue eyes gleam down at me with sincerity and a light smile spreads over my face, "I love you too."

His face lights up and the glimmer in his eyes glistens like a sparkling diamond. He pulls me in for one more, quick hug and kisses my forehead, then releases me but keeps the glow on his face. We turn our bodies to the side and as if rehearsed, we both start walking at the same time.

I gaze up at the tall trees lining both sides of the concrete trail; their beauty has begun to wither with the progression of the fall. Many leaves have fallen leaving them almost bare and the ground is sprinkled with its colors. Together the path and trees outline the round open field. Although kept tidy, the central field has grown yellow with the cold. Scattered throughout the clearing are people enjoying the scenery and eating from their picnic baskets. The silence of their quiet meals is eclipsed by the giggles of the care-free children as they play Frisbee with their dogs.

A couple rides by us on their bicycles and pedals consciously slow, so they don't miss a word either of them says. The rings on their wedding fingers signify the couple is married. I start to daydream how if that was us ten years from now, and the overall scenery of the park makes it easier for my mind to wander deeper into the fantasy. How gentle he would be, how caring. The way he would be on our wedding day....

Being immersed in this world of fiction, I am caught off guard as he pokes me in the left side of my ribs. The tingling sensation causes me to burst out into laughter. I try to move away, but he wraps his right arm around me pulling me in close for more torture. In a quick struggle I duck under his arm and as I stare at him catching my breath, I notice he is now laughing harder than I was. "That was not fair!" I exclaim, though the devious grin on his face makes me smirk.