Saturday, March 23, 2013

Grief

I'm just so sad. I can't put it into different words or a grander thought. My heart hurts and promises me that today he'll come home to me; make it better and safe again. My mind says otherwise. I am afraid of the emptiness that screams at me.  I am angry at the loneliness which knocks at the windows of my mind, asking to come in. I pace and search for things to do. I sit, then stand, then pace some more; watching, hoping it's just not true.  He's not gone.

He left that morning, just as usual with a warm hand on my shoulder and a kiss on the top of my head.  "See you tonight" Then he flashed that smile that makes my heart soar. Can you love a smile that much? So much that you feel it, taste it in your soul like the sweetest, most warming and comforting dessert you've ever taken in? Yes.  So I let him go.  I had no reason to believe he wouldn't be anything but home at dinner.  But I ate alone.  I tried to wait up, instead falling asleep on the couch.  It had been dark a long time when I woke.  I stood at the door and looked out; at nothing. Shadows of cars that meandered passed our house tricked me into excited anticipation. "Now he's here. Now he's safe. Now...?" My body was tired from worry. I sat down again, sighing heavily.

The knock jolted me from a sleep I didn't know visited me. I jumped to the door and peeked out.  "Surely he's playing a joke on me." I was breathless and ecstatic, hovering at the glass.  "Well, hurry up. Get in here! Hold me and tell me it was just a rough night and it's all okay again."

But there was a tall dark clothed man standing with our neighbor, Nick. Nick is a good man. To many, he would appear suspicious and unfriendly.  We get along okay. I smile at him and he smiles back.  He says hi and is usually pretty quick to come out to give me a quick hug and see how I'm doing if I'm out walking. Quirky? Maybe. But I watched helplessly as Nick used a key to come in.  They stood and we all stared at each other; like curious cows. I heard the words from far away; "... won't be coming home...." desperately unbelieving them.  I found myself still watching-more than glad to prove them wrong.  My breath fogged the window with hollow promise. I contemplated the unfairness in life; not understanding why I wasn't allowed to simply love someone. 

Time began to crawl as the people came - too many.  And sorrow moved in uninvited.  It's a heavy, demanding guest, waking me with  panicky punches in the chest, causing restlessness.  It laughs while I roam around and remember; his warm touch, his laugh or Sundays on the couch with sports, Saturdays in the park, the special little things that make a life worth sharing; give it meaning. 

Now, everyone stops to lay a hand on me- they mumble words  I don't understand or truly care to hear.  I just want it back the way it was; simple and happy.  I hear them talk about me:

"What's she gonna do without him?  Where will she go?" 

These words are haunting, frightening.  That kind of fear is biting, makes me raw under my skin, my hair tingles at the dread of reconfiguring everything.  I know I will survive.  We can live without happiness or joy but it sure isn't as much fun.  Am I so selfish for being angry at having that stolen from me? I will get up. I will do what I do every single day.. All alone.

More touching-It's almost painful.  I want to smack them. More tears; though not mine.  I seem to have run out.

I sit here in front of his new home; not one we chose. One much colder and darker; marked by prettily etched rock.  Won't he need a jacket? Want a blanket? I would.  Can he see me? Does he even know how much I miss him? Did I show him I loved him enough? Is he lonely and scared too? Does Heaven allow that? Or did he forget me; not remember me at all? Is that what taking the pain away means? Finding peace? Memories blow away like dandelion seeds in the wind? Poof. 

The people have run out of things to say so they get in their cars and drive off.  Nick waits. When everyone is gone, he comes next to me and kneels.  His hand on my back hee gently prods me.

"C'mon. I'll take you home."

I don't argue. I turn and look one last time... "Won't you come too?" my eyes plead with that hateful stone with nothing but his name; such an unfair reflection of all he was to me but I couldn't erect a monument tall enough to tell all my heart felt. He will not be joining us. They were right all along.  It's just us.  Me and Nick.  I want to lie down next to that stone and sleep too. 

I don't realize we are back home.  Nick stops the car.  I sit, too exhausted to move.  But he comes around and opens the door.  Still I sit.

"C'mon." he coaxes.

I look at him.  He reaches for me and cups my face.  "I know.   It will be okay.  Come inside.  I'll get you something to eat."

But I don't want anything to eat. I want him to come home.  I want to sleep in our bed.  I want him to smile at me and do what he said. "See you tonight".  I pause at Nick's doorway.  New smells.  New shapes.  Shadows.  I smell something familiar.  I slowly venture in.  He doesn't rush me.  I look around and try to find the source.  I know this... I know this something.  I see my bed.  I see my toys.  I see my food bowl.

Nick sits down next to me and rubs his face.  I see his shoulders shake- tears.  I wander over and lay my paw on his leg.

"It's okay" I try to show him.  I lick his face because it is so close to mine.  "Thank you."
He smiles at me.  I wag back. I will help Nick with his grief.


A heartfelt piece for me. I cried like a baby and could barely see to edit it. We all could use a good cry once in a while; to lighten and let go.. I hope you liked this one as much as I did.  Thank you for coming over. Would you pass the tissues? Mine are all soggy.



Sunday, March 10, 2013

Afraid

" ... because you are afraid to." He watched her fidgeting with her shirt; smoothing and readjusting. She was beautiful even when she was this upset and nervous. He sighed, getting lost in her long arms that used to wrap around his neck and the soft lips that whispered kisses and desires against his neck.

"Shut up. You don't even know me anymore." Julie slammed the brush on the vanity.  

Keith jumped, understanding that he was right and she knew it.  "That is no argument Jule. It's a cop out AND I DO know." He hadn't counted on the tears brimming over or the bolt of sorrow and wadded up anger that she fired at him with one flash of her green eyes. It hurt him more than any slap she could have dished out. He watched her childishly swipe at her make up and push passed him, leaving him alone with the unspoken.  It was heavy as so many of their discussions were becoming these days; almost burdensome. He breathed in the scent of her perfume and soap but let her go downstairs alone. He missed her.

Julie stormed about the kitchen, jamming things in to her purse, preparing to leave.  She tried scolding herself as well as Keith, in an attempt to control the tears and guilt. She knew deep down, he was right and that simply infuriated her. She angrily shook her head and made mocking faces as she grumped "Always right. Keith is ALWAYS right." This caused her to stop and catch her breath.  She turned, expecting to see his gentle blue eyes laughing at her tantrum, or to hear him clear his throat in that manner that told her she had been busted. When he wasn't there, a small hot sob began to grow inside her chest.  She clenched her fists and glared up at the ceiling, blinking back more tears. She opened her mouth to yell at him but all that escaped was the wounded mewl of a hurt little girl. She hated this; that he wasn't here for her. He was pulling away; after all they had been through, he was disappearing as he promised he would never do.  What was left was vast; desolate. Julie had never been so sad and afraid.

She stuffed her arms through her coat sleeves and swiped up her keys; a little plastic duck they had giggled about winning at a fair on their first summer together wiggled into her hand.  His name was Berle. She twisted him, unaware that she was actually grinding her teeth, and when he broke free, she threw him down the hall toward the steps, hearing the little duck skitter along the floorboards.  Stomping down the hallway, Julie turned and looked at what she'd done. In the back of her mind, she heard nostalgia scream for her to run and pick it up, to dash up the stairs and cry to Keith that she was sorry.  He was right... again.  It would be okay and they could continue their lives happily though complicated. They could, couldn't they? There was a creak and a couple of footsteps above her.  She inhaled to call to him but her phone vibrated.  She was jarred from her indecision. It was Danny with a quick text: Can't wait to see you. Hurry. She hung her head and pulled the door shut.  "Goodbye Keith." she said quietly.  From the top of the stairs he whispered that he loved her and wanted her to stay, afraid that they were wasted, dead words.

The drive was long. She almost turned around a dozen times but at last she arrived.  She sat for a long moment hugging the steering wheel, questioning what exactly she was doing. She reached in her pocket and looked at her text again.  A small smile crept in to the corners of her mouth. Danny; with his dark curly hair and his even darker eyes that seemed to swallow her up with desire and love. Danny with his strong arms and gentle smile. Danny; warm and alive with so much to share with her.  Another tear threatened her cheek but she defiantly sniffed it away.  She reached for the door handle and pulled her keys; looking at them a second time, disrupted by Berle's absence. She shouldn't have done that. She would talk to Keith when she got home. With a heavy sigh, she shoved herself from the car and walked up to Danny's door.

He stood there with a wry, sexy smile and a glass of wine. "Hello Beautiful." he said almost shyly and stepped back to let her by. She took her coat off, trading it for the wine glass; a long drink was in store.  Danny watched her shoulders relax a little bit, the warmth come back to her cheeks and lips.  He loved to look at her.  Julie was one of those women who didn't understand or believe how beautiful she really was, which only endeared her to him more.  All his life he had wanted a woman who was funny, independent and smart.  Julie was all of these; and caring, gentle, passionate. He loved her but struggled with her reservations. He knew she wanted to love him back but since the death of her husband, Keith, she had been unable to move on.  In small steps he noticed her trying. She would stay later and later but never the entire night.  She always went home; to her ghostly memories of Keith. It had begun to make a crack in her happier self.  She was a little more sad, a little more often.  but not tonight. Tonight, he would do his best to make sure they had a wonderful evening.  

"Step into my parlor..." he purred, quickly catching up to her.

"Said the spider..." she finished over the rim of her glass. She laughed lightly and smiled at him.  A sigh relaxed her shoulders a little more and she reached out to pull him closer to her.  "Hi Handsome." she said in a quiet tone and without thinking, kissed him lightly.  Danny reached out, encircled her waist, pulling her to him.  He snuck in a couple more quick but intense pecks and leaned back.  

"Well, I like your version of appetizers better." he grinned tasting a hint of wine on her mouth.  Turning on his heel, he traipsed back to the kitchen where an array of delicious aromas and dishes were dancing and colliding. Julie stepped in and joined the party; laughing and sharing the more important things of her day. The 
couple enjoyed teasing each other, debating their philosophies and consoling each other on  their stressful work days.  He loved the crinkles around the corners of her eyes and the carefree laugh she had.  Without knowing, she made him feel as if he was the most important, funny, interesting person in her world, just  by her engaging smile, her watchful kind eyes, her body language. Danny drank heavily from his cup and fell a little deeper in love.

They ate and carried on some more, sparring over whether to go out or stay in and watch a movie.  They decided to stay in, snagging a blanket to snuggle up. Exhausted from a long week, Danny didn't realize he'd fallen asleep until a soft whimper accidentally woke him.  he stirred to see Julie, quietly crying, eyes glued to the screen at the climactic heart felt end of the movie played out.  He sat up and reached over to wipe her tears. "Ohhhh don't cry." he half laughed.

"Stupid movie." she hitched and wiped angrily at the droplets.

"Want me to shut it off?"

"Nah." she sniffed and chuckled herself. "we need a good cry every once in a while." 

"What time is it? I didn't even realize I fell asleep. I'm such a sorry date."

She grinned and nudged him. "I'm REALLY glad we didn't go out now. I would hate to have to elbow you to stop snoring in the theater or prop you up in a corner booth."  He reached over and pulled her close hugging her.  She returned it at first but he felt a gentle light pat as she began to retreat.

"It's late. I need to get going." she sighed heavily.

"Stay with me tonight." 

The clouds were instantly in her eyes and a wall began to go up.  Julie pulled away and smiled awkwardly for the first time that evening. "Danny..."

Without waiting, he leaned in, his warm mouth finding hers. His hand gently clasping her throat, tracing the line of her jaw.  His heart burned and his breath drained from him in a single hungry gulp.  At first, her body stiffened, her lips tense and unwelcoming; almost reproachful. He kissed her again, nuzzling her chin and neck.  He kissed her earlobe. "Julie ~" his voice husky, almost pleading. "Stay tonight."

It was he who pulled back this time, searching her eyes for encouragement, desire.  Julies eyes were bright and glistening. She covered her lips as if she'd been burned. He saw her lips tremble.  He sighed, broken hearted that she was still so torn between her dead husband that she missed loving and the living man who wanted to love her now. "I'm sorry Julie." he said quietly, rising to fold the blanket and help her collect her things. 

"No Danny, I think I'm the one who's sorry." She looked at the floor, her eyes closed, her head shaking slowly with her own disappointment.  "I'm trying.  I really am. It's just so..."

He hugged her and placed a lighter less aggressive kiss on her head. "It's all right Julie. I'm trying too.  I'll be here." and he squeezed her.  He looked down into her lovely sad face and cupped it in his soft hands.  Kissing the tip of her nose, he smiled once more. "I love you Julie." 

She looked in to the deep dark brown pools of his eyes. She felt the warmth of  new love between them.  Her knees were going weak.  She hugged him back intending only to thank him for yet another wonderful night.  They smiled and she kissed him lightly.  "Danny..."she began but she touched his cheek instead.  She leaned in and kissed him again. And again.  A small fire ignited under her skin as she tasted his mouth; a hunger warmed her body with every breath.  Her kisses grew longer, stronger and harder. Her hands traced his arms and chest under his shirt.  she leaned into his body to feel as much of it as she could.  "Please..." she whispered against his lips as she began to undress him.  She pulled away his shirt and ran her fingertips across his skin. Gently, each kiss was accompanied by the tiniest marveled gasps as if she were tasting candy.  Julie took his hands and raised them to her own blouse. 

He felt her mouth and kisses. He heard her words and felt the heat growing between them.  When she began to take off his shirt, he almost melted.  He waited patiently, not wanting to startle her with his own intense passion and desire, but to understand what she was feeling, wanting.  Then she lead his hands to her breasts. She closed her eyes and said his name.  Want raged through his body.  He cupped her breasts and pulled at  the buttons to her shirt.  He dropped to his knees and pulled it off hastily to taste the soft skin laying underneath that pricked with excitement.  She gasped and leaned into him, her head dropping slightly to kiss the top of his head and her hands gripping his shoulders. He stood and, holding her face in his hands, looked deeply into her eyes.  "Julie, tell me..once."

The tears were hot and steady.  She blinked them away "I ... I want to ..." the words trailed behind a frustrated cry. He started to back away when she pushed into him "I want you. I want to love you Danny." It came in a heated whisper as did a barrage of kisses, damp with the pain of letting go and the fear of starting new. He sat back on the couch and watched her undress.  Danny reveled at her body slipping from her jeans in the soft glow of the moon peeking at them from outside.  She stood before him, naked.  He slowly reached for her as if in a dream.  He pulled her to him, laying her down along the couch.  He began to explore her body with his fingertips and soft lips.  Julie shuddered and giggled as he introduced himself to her. In hushed tones, he told her she was perfect, beautiful. He whispered how he loved her body, tasting the desire and sweet shyness of her. She tugged hopefully at him and when their bodies came together at last, the explosion left them both speechless.  They curled hungrily around each other, bashful unfamiliarity giving way to eager sensual greed.  She claimed his body with her mouth and fingers; stroking and grabbing at his flesh.  She clung to him, moving so that he could feel the true depth of her passion. she cried out when the desire became too much and they satisfied each other fully.  They collapsed against each other, panting and exhausted. She slept in his arms and muttered his name.  He stroked her hair and dreamt of their tomorrows.  When the sun came to verify the rumors the night told were true, they made love again, more slowly and gently this time.  She kissed him fully and told him she would see him that night at her house for supper.

The day was bright, the drive, short.  She didn't realize she was humming, smiling after a song on the radio had reminded her of something Danny had said. Hanging up her coat, she entered the kitchen and began searching for ingredients for their Saturday night dinner.  Pulling things from the fridge, she turned and dropped them all when she found Berle on the counter.  A creak summoned her from upstairs.  Reluctantly, Julie went to say goodbye at last. He did not show himself to her, though she could feel him.

"He loves me too, Keith and I'm not afraid."

There was a chilly breeze that whiffed passed her and down the stairs. She heard the door click softly. 


Hey
Sorry I didn't get back here sooner.  What a week! And this one coming isn't looking much better. Well, I haven't written one of these in quite a while and I didn't want to get rusty.  I hope I got your heart racing even just a little. Who knows? Maybe it will help you through your Monday.
Thanks for stopping in. I enjoy your visits and comments. 

Until next time, be good to yourself.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Well, it's late and I'm still at the lake. I'm going to miss our date this week.  We snuck up here early and had a wonderful time with "framily". We saw our eagle, the kids played on the lake and got to board down a new mountain; it was scary for them but fun. I even got to take a couple of naps. Mmmm I love naps. In front of the fire, a good book, and a blanket?  Life is SO good.

I really hope you had a grand time as well. Let's try to catch up mid week.  If not, count on me for the weekend.  Where does the time go? Geesh!

All right, long night ahead, longer ride. :(
See you soon.
Love,
Tess

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