The most Natural thing

Sitting on the sand, watching the ocean ahead, my mind was roller coasting between memories. I was remembering the day I first came here. I had been living in this city for the last three years, but had never known that a place as this existed. I had been on the other end of the ocean but never this side. He brought me here, introducing me to his favorite place in the whole world. It was calm, unlike the other side, which was always full of people and mayhem. Here lay peace and serenity, and the view was beautiful. From that side, one was only able to see till the rock came into sight. But from here, one could see the vast expanse of the ocean without the rock hindering its view. In fact, the rock stood to the side, adding to the beauty.

We met at a party and struck a chord instantly. We were engrossed talking, when Cynthia came up and told us that everyone was gone and she was going to hit the bed. I was amazed! I had been talking to this guy for the last three hours! Was that me? I hated parties and was there, only on the request or rather pleadings of Cynthia. I really couldn’t believe it. I exchanged numbers with Nick and he dropped me home on the way.  I had my little heart pounding away, when he opened the car door for me. I asked him if he wanted to come upstairs and have a cup of coffee but he politely declined, saying he had to go to work early morning tomorrow. Oh, so they still made men like that!

I went upstairs, changed and lay in bed going over the last three hours. It was then that I noticed that I had blabbered almost all the time, while he had listened patiently and attentively. I felt like a fool. He will be pissed off. Who would want a girl that speaks as much as I do? Perhaps, dreaming about him, I fell asleep.

I was awakened by a shrill sound. I covered my ears with the pillow. I wanted to sleep. But the ring wouldn’t stop. Finally, I picked up the phone and managed to mumble a tired and angry “Hello”.

I was greeted by a soft sexy voice “Good morning, Angel”.

Before I could figure out whom it was, last night flashed before my eyes, and I sat straight in my bed. “Hello, Nick?”

“Yes, Angel. I am sorry I disturbed you. I guess you were sleeping. I will call in the evening.”

“Oh no, I am awake now. In fact, I have to leave for the office. Thank God you woke me up. Tell me.”

“I just wanted to ask if we could go for dinner tonight.”

My heart was pounding heavily and I resisted the urge to shout and said a soft “Of course”.

“I’ll pick you up at 7 then.”

“Sure”.

“Have a nice day, see ya.”

“Yeah, see ya.”

I laid the phone down as if it were the most precious thing in the whole world, and wrapped myself in my arms. I was so happy. I hadn’t expected his call. I got up, showered, and got ready for the office.

Throughout the day, I kept wondering what I shall wear to the dinner and not a single thing came to mind. I left the office early and went to the mall. I tried a couple of outfits, but nothing satisfied me. Suddenly, something caught my eye. I walked up to it. It was a full length black dress with a slit at the knee. I touched it. It was soft and silky, just what I wanted. I bought it and walked home with a spring in my step.

At home, I showered leisurely and stood in front of the mirror, admiring my new dress. It fit perfectly, showing off my curves. I felt butterflies in my stomach. Ten minutes later, the doorbell rang. When I opened the door, the most handsome man in the world handed me a gorgeous bouquet of red, long-stemmed roses. He smiled at me and I knew he was pleased with the way I looked. I smiled back. He handed me the flowers and I thanked him. Without a word, he took my arm and led me downstairs.

In the car, the soft music was the only sound. When the Titanic track “my heart will go on” came up, both of us looked at each other at the same time and then looked away just as quickly, embarrassed. When we reached our destination, I saw that it was something I had never seen before. Our table was reserved and thoughtfully decorated. The whole restaurant had a distinct aura, suggesting something antique and unique. I appreciated the atmosphere; its beauty, simplicity and serene environment. Nick told me he was in love with the place and came here often. I wondered if I should ask “with whom?” but resisted the urge. After all, this was just our second meeting. We ordered seafood and it was delicious. I felt as if each single thing on my plate was paid special attention to. Everything was cooked with utmost precision. I ate the most scrumptious meal of my life, with the greatest company I had ever had. Nick had a wonderful sense of humor. We danced and I was amazed at the way our bodies complemented each other. Never before had I felt so sexy. He asked me if I would like to go for a walk and I agreed.

It was then that he introduced me to this wonderful spot near the ocean where hardly anyone came, even though it was lovely. We walked barefoot on the sand, holding hands. Neither of us uttered a word and the only sound was that of the water hitting the rocks. Nick put his hand on the low of my back, and brought me closer. We were gazing into each others’ eyes. He had eyes the color of ocean blue and they beautifully complemented his dark brown unruly hair. I ruffled his hair with my fingers and he laughed out loud. Amused, I looked into his eyes. He leaned in to give me the most luscious, passionate kiss that one only dreams of. It made me ache with longing, for his touch. We were soon in each others’ arms, and then, on the sand, making passionate love.

Later, he slept peacefully, while I looked at his sculpted body and handsome face. I dressed and went up to the water, letting the sand sink beneath my feet and cover them at the same time. I sat down. The waves touched me, and returned. ‘How beautiful this is!’ I thought. Touching another and then going away, yet the touch remains, fresh, like water drops on my skin. The cool breeze blew my hair and the birds were singing. I saw a glimpse of the sun and at the same time, strong arms wrapped me up from behind. I took in his scent, and slowly turned, to kiss him. We stood there looking at the sun rise.

We met everyday, going for dinner, to the beach, at his place or mine. It was as if we were meant to be together. We shared our past, present and dreams for the future. There wasn’t a single moment we disagreed or fought. It was a match made in heaven, as they said. Things were great between us, until the day, I found out, that he was married. His wife lived in California and they had two kids. I was furious. We had been together six months and he hadn’t told me. How could he do this to me?

“Why didn’t you tell me? “, I screamed at him.

“I was going to.”

“You were going to? When, after you had your third child?”

“Oh, come on, Tisha”.

“Nick, we have been together six months and you never told me!”

“But I didn’t mean to hide it from you. It was just that I didn’t know how to tell you.”

“Oh great, you didn’t know how to, so if I hadn’t seen her letter, I wouldn’t have known for another two years, huh?”

“Angel, you don’t understand me. The position I was in, I love you but I can’t divorce my wife since I don’t want my kids to suffer.”

“Don’t you think you should have thought of it earlier, Nick and kept your distance from me? How selfish of you! You are cheating on your wife. God! How disgusting I am feeling right now. If I had known, I never would have been with you. My Lord, I slept with a married guy while his wife took care of his children. How could this not come to you, Nick? I thought you were the most caring, loving person I had ever known. But now, I don’t know what to think.”

“I am sorry Angel, I wanted to tell you, but I didn’t want to lose you.”

“Don’t call me Angel! I hate you for doing this to me”.

I was in tears. He came forward to hold me. I pushed him away and went out the door. He ran after me, “Tisha, please don’t go.”

I turned to him,” Please go back to your wife, Nick. Tell her everything and ask for her forgiveness. She loves you and trusts you. Be a good father to your kids”.

I left.

I changed residence and obtained a new phone number. I never tried to get in touch with Nick. But today, even after six months, I am unable to get him out of my mind. I never came here after that. But today, I couldn’t resist it. Today is the anniversary of the first time he brought me here.

I love him, oh I do. How my heart aches for him. His eyes, his lips, his shoulders, I remember all so vividly, as if we were together just yesterday. I remember his touch, his caring ways, his silly talks that made me laugh. Oh! I miss him. Cynthia told me he had gone back to California to be with his wife and kids. He changed his job. Though I am happy for them, it pains within to know that I lost my love.

My thoughts and memories were broken by the sound of kids’ laughter. I was surprised. No one comes here, I thought. I looked back to see two beautiful kids throwing sand at each other and rushing towards the water. “Don’t go too far, Joe”, I heard someone call. I knew who it was even before he emerged from behind the rock. Our eyes locked for a moment and I saw his lips twist into a smile. It was then that I saw a lady beside him. They were holding hands. I looked at the kids, a boy and a girl. The boy had the same ocean blue eyes like his father. He saw me looking at him, came up to me, took my hand, and said, “Hi, I am Joe”. I smiled, remembering the day when I had met Nick at Cynthia’s party. I was standing alone, looking lost, when he came, took my hand and said “Hi. I am Nick”.

“And she is Alice. Would you like to help us in collecting seashells?”, Joe asked.

” Sure”, I said, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.