Hearts Aflutter

"Hi honey! I'm missing you terribly." Tessa said trying not to sound like a whinny brat, but that was how she felt.

Tessa knew her message would go to Jenna's voice mail. Jenna was in the middle of a four day major distribution convention in Dayton, Ohio.

"Do you realize this is the first time we have been apart for more than a day in the seven years we have been together? I know this is just a voice mail, but I wanted to hear your voice. I will call back later and try to talk to the "live Jenna". Love you, bye."

She was gone three days now. Three more days until she came home. Maybe I should plan a special meal for when she comes back and a special desert. Maybe I should go and get her a big stuffed animal. Maybe I should just get a grip. Tessa stifled a growl and went to the living room and turned on the television.

It's friday night and I can't even bring myself to socialize with our friends. It just seems wrong without Jenna.


Turning on the television and flipping through the two hundred channels, Tessa
finally fell asleep on the sofa watching "Steel Magnolias" on the Encore Romance Channel. She woke up at 2:30am. OH NO! Did I miss Jenna's call? She must have called! Why didn't I hear the phone ring?

She walked over to the phone in the hallway and saw the red number three flashing. She DID call! Tessa felt like a high school girl again. All giggly inside and happy her honey had called her. She hit the play button.

"Hi Tess, sorry I missed your call earlier sweetheart. I figured since you didn't answer, you probably did the smart thing and went out with Amy and Kim to distract yourself. I hope you did. I could tell by the tone in your voice you were upset. Try not to be, I will be home in a couple of days. Call me in the morning if you can. Sleep well Tess, I love you."

No I didn't go out. I should have, but I didn't. Amy did call earlier today but I flaked out. I will call them Saturday night. Tessa hit the play button.

"Heya Tess, it's been about an hour and I have been relaxing and just can't stop missing you and thinking about you...heh reminds me of that 1980's Marty Balin song, "Hearts". It has always been one of my favorites...

Is everything alright?
I just called to say how lost
I feel without you
Miles away
I really can't believe I'm here
and how I still care about you

That's how I'm feeling Tess. I am missing you so very much. This really sucks sleeping without you. I hate being here without you. All these creepy convention guys gawking at me like I am some piece of meat."

Tess could hear Jenna sigh. And gave a boo boo face at the answering machine.

"Any way..miss you."

How did I ever get so lucky? Tess felt silly being so upset earlier. At least I am home safe away from the cheesy gropers.

Tessa hit the button to play the third message.


"Is everything o.k.?
I just thought I'd write a song
to tell the world how I miss you
'Cause each and everyday
I think of all the words I never said
and all the chances that I had to

Tessa, I don't know if I tell you often enough how much I appreciate you. You are the most important person in my life. I guess being away from you has made me realize I don't want to be without you. You make everyday a joy. I miss waking up and having coffee with you as we discuss the plans for our day. I miss racing you to the bathroom each night to see who can brush their teeth first. No I am not drunk, I am lamenting. Seven years together and I hate having to be away from you even for six days! By the time you hear this it will be less than three days until I come home to you. OK enough of my silly sentiments. I will try to sleep now my love. Kiss yourself for me.."

Tessa hugged herself and kissed her hand, her heart now aflutter, and headed to her bedroom to get a few hours sleep before daylight arrived. Less than 3 days and honey will be home.

Song Hearts by Marty Balin, 1981