One Summer Shower

She just stood there and so did he, until a broad smile began to take over his face. He looked like a tall, shy schoolboy, watching her and grinning, his eyes damp but no more so than her own. It was crazy—half a block of lawn between them and neither of them moved…she had to.. she came here to see him, to talk to him, not just stand there and gape at him and look like a total idiot. She walked slowly along the walkway, and he began to walk towards her too, the smile plastered on his face becoming wider and wider, and then suddenly, finally, at last, she was in his arms. It was Daryl. The Daryl she knew. It smelled like Daryl. It felt like Daryl, her chin fit in the same place on his shoulder. She was home.

“What happened? You look like a dork who haven’t combed in centuries.”

“I didn’t bother trying to look good, I came immediately so you could save me from this horrible mess I’m in.” She was having a hard time fighting back tears , but so was he, and still their smiles were like bright sunshine in a summer shower.

“Lizzie, you’re crazy.” He held her tightly and she laughed.

“I think I must be.” She was clinging to him tightly. He felt so damn good. She put a hand on his head and felt the silk of his hair. She would have known it blindfolded in a room full of men. It was Daryl. “God, you feel good.” She pulled away from him just to look at him. He looked fabulous. Skinny, a little tired, a little burnt and totally overwhelmed. There is a look of contentment in his face. A vision of peace. He pulled her close again and nestled her head on his shoulder.

“I couldn’t believe it when you started writing, I’d given up hope.”

She felt bad suddenly for the long months of silence, now looking at his face, she could see how much they must have hurt him. He held her at arm’s length and looked her over. He didn’t want to let her go. He was afraid she’d vanish again. He wanted to hold on to her, to make sure she was real. And back. And his. But maybe….maybe she had only come back to visit…to say hello…or say goodbye…His eyes suddenly showed the pain of what he was thinking, and Lizzie wondered what was on his mind. But she didn’t know what to say. Not yet.

And then the words began to rush out. She couldn’t hold back anymore. The dam had finally given way.

“Daryl, I love you. It’s all so lousy without you.” It sounded so corny, but that was what she had come to tell him. She was sure of it now. She knew what she wanted. And now it was a question of want more than need. She still needed him., but differently. Now she knew how much she wanted him.

To be continued..