NO MORE TEARS

“No more tears?”he asked with a sadness I had never seen. Jack was a handsome man whom I had known for a long time. He reminded me of one of those old Hollywood hunks from the movies. When I would move closer to him I could smell his cologne; it always made me
smile. The scent was a touch of the outdoors with just a hint of something sweet and spicy. The cologne matched Jack’s personality. He was a rebel; the kind my mama used to say needed to wear a sign around his neck reading “Extreme Weather Ahead”. He was the kindest gentleman when my eyes were brimmed with tears or I was having a crisis. He could convince me that I was the most special girl in the world; like you could soar like an eagle or walk on water. However, Jack also had an elusive side; one that he kept hidden to most.

I met this man, Jack, many moons ago in a port city on the coast of NC. Being fresh out of college, a transplanted Georgia peach, I arrived at the Azalea festival with Diane. We were full of life and ready to spread our wings. We were celebrating my birthday and Diane’s surprise was to bring me to Wilmington and introduce me to the Azalea festival; an event that was held every spring. There would be bands, food and lots of arts and crafts. “There would be music for the mind” and food for the soul”, was her promise. “Every single day will build memories and dreams. You will not be disappointed.” The streets were already filling with vendors and musicians unpacking equipment as we made our way to the motel.

While unloading the car, I got a whiff of a sensual smell. I couldn’t make it out but heard a gruff voice, “Calling all redheads. Is anyone interested in some fun? “, spoken with the most obvious southern drawl. There stood the most handsome man I had ever seen; clad in cowboy boots and a stetson. I could feel my face flush as I turned to introduce myself. “You girls look’n for some fun’. The introductions commenced and Jack explained to us about the history of the Azalea festival. “Every single day brings new excitement and new adventures. When evening falls, they close the streets and it becomes the dance floor. You’ll love it. Welcome to your virgin year!”

We ate funnel cakes, sausage dogs and cookies n’ crème sundaes. We visited every craft booth, had our faces painted and laughed at 50's comedians. We listened to every kind of music known to man and created a dance for every song. Jack hung out with us the entire weekend. Sitting on the concrete stoop, Diane and I were being silly. As the band struck up a love song, Jack grabbed my hand as Diane shouted with a wicked smile, “Please, let him lead”. Thus began the stormy relationship between Jack and me, some twenty years ago. The jigzaw puzzle life I grew to hate.

Sitting on the back stoop, much like I had in Wilmington that day, I heard my sister’s voice. “He’s patiently waiting”. I knew I had to go face him. My sister had stopped over after work and we were jabbering about nothing in particular. Standing at the kitchen window, I saw him come up the driveway and I headed for the back porch. I told my sister to get rid of him; knowing full well she wouldn’t do that. Jack and I had been through so much. This time was different, this time he wasn’t the man I was in love with so many years ago. He was more like a friend I used to have. I had lived the past few years without him and this time, this time I wouldn’t listen to my heart. He would leave again, as he always had; but this time our son was grown; though he sometimes was still my little boy. We had no ties anymore and besides I didn’t feel the same way about him. I could face him one last time. “Ricki, tell him I’m around back on the porch.”

It started the same as always. “Baby, you know we have a love like no other. You know I didn’t want to leave, I just couldn’t stay put. You are my beloved, my beauty, my breath. I'm just hell on wheels and good for nothing. Baby, tell me what I can do, nothing's too big; just ask." I could almost recite the speech I had heard so many times in the past twenty years. The first time was after the first year of marriage. Each time there was less time between his leaving and more time before he came back. The last time was two years ago.

“Jack, I’m sorry", I said softly. "I can’t do this anymore. All the tears are gone. You accused me the last time of wanting all that you have. Jack, I no longer want or need anything. I told you a long time ago; when all the tears are gone, it will really be over."

The skies were turning gray with impending rain. Clouds matched the mood of the moment. For the first time, I saw the sadness in Jack’s eyes. Before today, it had always been me pleading, begging, asking forgiveness for whatever made him leave again. As he turned to walk down the sidewalk I realized that I was finally over him. The heavens opened up and the rain came. "Rain on me; to wash away this chapter of my life." My heart was filled with gratitude as I turned to heaven; finally, no more lies and no more tears!

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Word count: 963


**Author's Note**
This was written for the "Happy Trails" multi round contest hosted by TexansBeatTheMiamiDolphinsBy3
The prompt was to write a story that made sense using as many titles found in her port as you could. The titles from her port are in red.