Forbidden Love

V - 1986

Spring break was next week, and I had already started packing with excitement. I tried not to think about Gregory. I felt like a horrible person when I did. He was back at home, waiting to marry me. And I, Sherrie, am in France cheating on him with another man. Days passed, and it was getting closer towards the trip. I was so excited to spend the week with Pier, and my father was happy that I had made a friend. My father told me that I would be better with Pier. The thing is though, he hated Gregory. He didn't think he was good enough for me. But I mean, what father thinks any man is good enough for their little girl? But for some reason, Pier was. Pier was the man my father wanted me to be with.

***
Spring break was finally here. I put my suitcase in his car, and we drove to the hotel. The hotel was very nice, and they had fresh water for us when you walk in. Pier put his arm around me and we walked to our hotel room. As soon as we walked in, his kissed me passionately. We turned around and we fell on the bed. We laughed while kissing. I unbuttoned his shirt, and he pulled my hand away. "Not now, we must go and see the beautiful sites I told you about." At that moment I knew he was real. I knew he loved me, I knew he wanted me and not my body. I was sure that he was genuine, but now I really knew. "Of course." I said, smiling. He helped me up, and we got dressed and went to go see the sites. We first saw the Eiffel Tower. It was beautiful, I tell you. A beautiful river in front, and a romantic view from the top. We rode the elevator to the top, and we had it all to ourselves. Pier had reserved the place for a dinner-for-two. There was a table set up, with wine and fresh meat on the table. The meal was delicious, and I know I know. I'm only 18, but guess what! The legal age in France to drink at the time was 18. So I didn't break any laws- I promise. Okay, moving on...the site was beautiful. There was a violinist who played songs, and we danced and danced all night long. "I love you, so much." He said, pausing in the middle. I smiled at him. "I love you." I said. I kissed him. We continued dancing in the moonlight, and I had the time of my life. That night was the best night I had ever had. In that moment, I knew. Pier was the love of my life, and I couldn't marry Gregory. I had to stay here, here in Paris with Pier. My father could go back, but I had to stay here. He grabbed my hand, pulling me with him. He told me to close my eyes, and we ran, and I didn't know where he was taking me. I laughed, "Pier, my darling, where are you taking me?" "It's a surprise." he said. We stopped, and he said,"Now, open your eyes." I opened them, and there we were- the Locks of Love. In his hand, he had a lock. His name was on there, plus a plus sign. He handed me a sharpie. "Write your name, my love." He said. I looked at him shockingly. I took the sharpie, and wrote my name. S-h-e-r-r-i-e, I wrote. He locked it, and as he almost threw the key, I stopped him. "Pier-" I started,"may I throw it?" He smiled, "Oui," I smiled, and I threw the key into the deep lake. I then kissed him. "Forever," I said. We held hands, and the walked peacefully into the sunset.

***

Our trip was over, and we had just gotten back to the academy. "I had a great time," I told him, grabbing my things out of his car. "Me too," he said. He kissed me softly. I grabbed his hand as he placed it on my cheek, and we starred into each other's eyes for a minute. "Well I better get going," he said, removing his hand from my cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow?" He asked. "Of course, my darling." I said, smiling. I turned around and started walking to my dorm. There was a man, tall and slim, turned around facing towards the dorm rooms. I looked over at him strangely, and I couldn't tell who it was. He had flowers in his hand, and he seemed to be waiting for someone. But who? I walked closer, and he seemed to have heard me and turned around. It was Gregory. My heart sank. I swallowed. My eyes went wide open. I almost fainted, knowing that he was there, and probably saw me kissing Pier. "My love!" He shouted, running towards me. He kissed me and then picked me up. "I've missed you so much, my darling." He kissed me again. "Gregory, I-" I started, moving my hair behind my ear. "I know, I surprised you!" He said, smiling. "I had to tell you in person," he continued. I gulped and felt anxious. "My mother offered for you to come stay with us if you wanted to come back home. This way we don't have to wait to get married." He said,"What do you say?" He grabbed my hand, looking at me with hope. "I-" I started, and then I saw Pier running over to us. "Hey, you forgot-" he started, and looked up and saw Gregory. "Who is- who is this?" Pier said, looking as nervous as I was. "Her fiancé," Gregory answered for me, hugging me closer towards him. "Oh." Pier said, stepping back. "As I was saying, what do you say, my dear?" Gregory said. "Uh, honey. I might have to think about this." I said, moving away from him. "But why? We will get married as soon as we return." He said, following me. Pier ran up to him,"hey, don't pressure her into anything she doesn't want to do." He grabbed Gregory's shoulder. Gregory turned around, looking angry. "Who is this man?" He said, "please, leave us alone." "Don't talk to him like that." I said, angry. Gregory looked surprised that I defended him. Pier stepped forward, "Sherrie, can I talk to you for a second?" Gregory stepped in, "No." He exclaimed. "Gregory, darling, it'll just be a minute." I pushed Gregory slightly, and walked with Pier. "Are you going to leave with him?" He said, looking down. "I-" I saw how disappointed he was, and how he must think of me. "I don't know." I finished. "Sherrie- I need you to tell me. Are you leaving with him?" He demanded an answer. We both didn't say anything for a few minutes, and I finally spoke...
"Yes."