His face

She knew the face in front of her. She’d seen it thousands of times before. Held it, caressed it, stared longingly into its eyes. For several years, she had seen it only in dreams, sure that would be the only way she’d see him again. The man who stood before her was no stranger.
“Nicole? Is that you?”
“Do I know you?”
Of course she did! He was her first real crush. Her first love. Her first lover. She was shocked to see him, but her expression did not betray her.
“It’s me. Jake?”
“Oh? Jake…I think my roommate in college dated a Jake. But he was blonde. Did you go to Michigan?”
His face was less able to withhold emotion. He appeared startled and hurt.
“No. Jake. From high school? Jake Larson. We…dated?”
Dated. What a simple, incomplete way to put it. Everything out of his mouth sounded like a question. Her confusion had shaken him at his core. He had wondered what would happen if he saw her again. Uncountable scenarios had run through his head. This was not one of them.
“Oh, right! Jake Larson. Nice to see you, I hope all is well, but I really must be going.”
She turned and walked away. She wanted more than anything to turn around, but her pride made her continue on. Her memories and dreams had been enough to remind her of their love long lost. His matured face would haunt her for months to come.


18.1.10  4:35am