The Calm Before The Storm

2.

~October 19, 2008~

The first time we talked my heart nearly fell into my lap, and because you were such a kind spirited person I know you would've returned it to its rightful place. It was a cold day in October. Snow was falling and that morning my car had decided it wanted to stay in for the day. I had no choice but to walk to work. I'm sure no one knew who I was with all the scarfs i had wrapped in every direction I could fathom. I barely made it off of my block, and there he was. Like a knight in shining armor this time the armor happened to be your car. A black 1998 Honda Accord. He had so much pride in that car you would've thought it was a ruby red Ferrari.

"Aye! Aye! You need a ride?" He pulled over to the curb with the window down.

If this was any other man I'd decline with no hesitation.. but it was you. Made my heart skip several beats. I told myself to calm down but whenever it came to you my body disowned me.

"Uhm sure! Thanks" I shivered for multiple reasons once i got in the car. Then I looked at him, and there it was. That smile like a 100 watt light bulb. My cheeks rushed with red.

"Quin?? I didn't know that was you" His smile grew even bigger I swear I wasn't cold anymore.

Silly Quin.. so sprung over someone you barely even knew. It didn't matter I wanted to know him.. I wanted him to know me. Soon enough he did.

By the time I got to work that morning I was as happy as a bee during the summer seasons.

Then when I got off work he was right there again.. I don't know how he did it or what he had to do to find out when I got off. I didn't care. It was like a sign from above. This was my match.. he had to be my man.

"Quin! I hope you like green tea." He smiled as he opened my door. No matter how I tried to act like his presence didn't interfere with my thought process it did, and I'm pretty sure he knew it.. he had to. Whenever I would freeze up.. he always just laughed. He didn't mind my strange ways. He didn't mind the trance he always had me under. I loved that. I wish my complete love for him and only him was enough. I wish I loved him enough to learn the secrets he kept locked deep in those beautiful eyes.

"I love green tea" A response that felt like it took years to process. I got in the car and caught a quick hint of his cologne.. what did I do that for? I smelt it before, but this time it was different. This time.. it was for me. This time he put it on to impress me. Or thats what I told myself. Even if he knew what was going through my mind I know he wouldn't deny it.

The ride home I had a bit more composure.. maybe it was the conversation we were having or it was just me trying not to burn myself with this hot tea. Either way it was a ride I'd never forget.

When we got to my house I got out all wobbly like a baby deer. The cold air was fresh and brisk. Just what I needed to push me out from under his mind control.

"Thanks again for the ride." I smiled way too hard, and by the time I got to my front door I remembered the tea. I turned back around partially hoping he was gone so I wouldn't embarrass myself anymore than I had already, but no. There he was waiting...waiting for me to get in safely.

"Thanks for the tea" I smiled again... this time it was just the right amount. He chuckled and assured me it was no trouble. I believed him.. I always believed him.

~October 25, 2008~

Our first date. It wasn't too long after our first interaction. I was so giddy when I read the card he sent in the mail. I went through so much just to find the perfect dress. Once I found my dress I nearly fainted trying to figure out what to do with my long bouncy curls. I wanted to be perfect. I wanted him to think I I was beautiful effortlessly. I wanted him to fall for me the way I fell for him.

Soon it was time for me to be swept off my feet.

Ding dong

Wait already? Suddenly I was over thinking everything, and you would think that because my mind was in utter chaos my feet would be glued to the ground. But no. Once again.. my body was disowning me. I opened the door and the first thing he said was

"Wow... you look.. beautiful" Once our eyes met all the problems went away. I knew he felt what I felt. I saw it in his eyes. I could've stood there all night.. just staring and him doing the same. Our stomachs decided this wasn't the plan. Growl. We laughed at the sudden disagreement.

"Well I guess we should get this show on the road huh?" And like that we were off. This was the beginning of something so beautiful.

Who knew it would end so horrific?

He took me to a poetry slam, tonight was the showcase for all different talents. The place was small and intimate. I could tell he really loved this place. When we got to our table his happiness was so contagious that I caught it.

"What are you so giddy about? Thats usually me" I giggled earning a light chuckle from him.  While he searched for the right words I was searching for a reason to stop staring and admiring the craftsmanship that was used to make this man.

"I'm presenting some of my art.. and I want you to be among the eyes that see it first" he looked at me.. clearly pleased with his answer. I just nodded and smiled bashfully.

Finally it was time for his painting to be unveiled. When he got on stage this cloak of confidence came over him. I rested my chin in my palm and watched him grab at the cloth that hung over his large masterpiece. He looked over his shoulder at me and winked. I couldn't do anything more than blush. That changed once the painting was shown.

It was so.. life like. So beautiful. It took me a minute to realize that it was me, or a woman that looked exactly like me. She was standing in blizzard like weather but she had a summers glow to her. People were snapping and murmuring at his work but I couldn't hear any of it. Our eyes locked, and I knew that was me.

He came down from the stage and sat next to me.

"Did you-

"I loved it.. it's beautiful" My eager spirit cut him off and for once he was the one with the red tint to his cheeks.

"I want you to be my inspiration Quin." He grabbed my hand and looked into my eyes "I wanna take you out... Again. And I want to paint the stories those beautiful eyes tell."

All this time I had no problem saying my chopped up sentences, but this time was different. I couldn't even begin to think of anything more then

"Yes"