Fire and Ice

Fire and Ice II

He parked the car at the same spot he had dropped her off last night. The sun was shining bright, yet the breeze was quite chilly. He started the heater to ensure the car was comfortable when she came. If she came. His eyes searched for her down the path. Would she come to see him?

He had texted her that he was here but hadn't gotten any response. He glanced at the clock. 7:50am. Still early. He rubbed his tired, sleep deprived eyes. Had he thought too much into that kiss she gave last night? Was it a response to his kiss or was it a goodbye kiss? No, there had been something possessive in the way she had held his cheek bringing him closer to her. Only way he could find out was if he asked her. Nervousness crept up as he pondered over what to say to her. 7:52am. It was already hard for him to experience these feelings. How was he going to say what he wanted? He would mess it up and she would realize that he was an idiot. 7:55am. Closing his eyes, he thought of the moment when he had told her about his childhood and the time when he had stolen his favorite Turkish sweet from the local vendor in Adana. He had never shared something like that with anyone, not even his own brothers and sisters. With them, he had to be their 'Baba' and protect them from the burdens, the guilt, and the pain that he had endured. With her, he had felt open enough to share that memory. She had the opportunity to judge him, belittle him for his poor life choices. But instead, she had gazed at him with sparkling eyes. An affectionate smile had graced her lips as she watched him make a complete fool of himself. Was he a fool to come here? Was he overstepping some boundary? He opened his eyes at the thought. He wasn't forcing her. He would never make her chose between him or her family. He just needed to know if they were really done or if there was even a slight chance for them. If there was, he would fight for it till his last breath.

8:00 am. She wasn't coming. He glanced over at the path again and his heart stopped. No, she WAS coming. Wearing a half sleeve plain white T-shirt and pale blue jeans, her long black hair, straight and silky under the shining sun. Her soft skin glowing. Her eyes looking around to see if anyone was watching her before landing on him at a distance. A shy smile graced her lips and he couldn't help himself from smiling back. She was here. She was so beautiful. The ache in his chest crept up again at the sight of her. She reached his car and opened the passenger door, his eyes never leaving hers. She was here. She was smiling at him, her eyes soft as she took him in.

~~~

Looking back one more time, she pulled open the passenger door and climbed into the seat.

"Drive" she said urgently, closing the door before turning over to look at him. Her eyes soaked in his image. He was the most handsome man she had ever seen. The once prominent facial scars had healed but they still gave him a rough look. Dressed in a pair of dark slacks and a crisp white shirt, his hair a slight mess like the day she had first met him. As if he had run his finger through it multiple times. A soft smile that showed his deep dimples hidden behind his soft stubble. Eyes that had never left hers, trying to drown her. Her chest felt tight as she comprehended that the distance had only increased their awareness and their feelings for each other.

"Hadi..." she said, snapping her fingers. He blinked and smiled even wider as he started the car and changed the gear.

"Kemeri bağla" he said, nodding at the seat belt. She grinned back as she fastened it before asking him.

"Nereye gidiyoruz?"

"Surpriz" he glanced over; his smile so adorable before looking back on the road. She sat back in her seat, happy to be with him. Feeling as if a missing part of her had been found.