Totem Page 12

  “They couldn’t have been too small when you were younger.”

  Ty clears his throat and looks out over the water.

  “I guess not.” He responds. “It probably just seemed like it.”

  “So tell me about you when you were younger.” I implore.

  “What would you like to know?”

  “I don’t know.” I smile. “What was it like growing up in New Orleans?”

  “It was interesting for the most part. I didn’t think the parades were unusual or the hurricane warnings. It was just life as I knew it. I am originally from Florida, however. My parents moved to New Orleans when I was five.”

  “Around Disney World?” I ask excited.

  “No, I lived in the pan handle part. There wasn’t a lot around me where I lived.” He paused there. “So you’re from Pennsylvania.”

  He states as a fact. All I manage was giving him an inquisitive look. How does he know that?

  “I overheard you and Michelle talking one day in class.” He states in answer to the question on my face.

  “Oh,” I reply. “Yeah, I finished high school in Pennsylvania, but my parents recently moved to Alabama.”

  We sit there a few seconds in silence watching the ripples in the water. My eyes drift to the ducks swimming happily in a group as people walk their dogs on the other side. A breeze blows the oaks causing the moss to dance lazily around. The wind finally hits my face sending my hair flying in every direction. I close my eyes in response and wait for the wind to subside. Ty lets out a laugh. I open my eyes and look at him through misplaced strands of hair. He is smiling down at me. Slowly he brings his hand up and gently pulls the hair out of my face.

  “You have such pretty hair.”

  His comment sends my heart a flutter. I didn’t notice but I slightly lean my head into his hand. His smile grows wider as he allows me to rest my head.

  “Your eyes are pretty as well. They are so blue.”

  “They kind of match your shirt.” I joke with him. I had to break the romance. I am way too young for this much.

  “They kind of do.” He chuckles.

  His fingers begin to trace the contours of my neck. The feeling alone sparks sensations deep inside. I close my eyes fully enjoying it. It only lasts a few seconds as Ty removes his hand and takes a sip of soda. I want more. Reigning in my libido, I take a sip of my own soda. The caffeine is doing nothing to keep me awake. I let out a yawn.

  “Still tired?”

  I nod my head and let out another yawn. Ty readjusts his body and crosses his legs sitting Indian style then pats his thigh closest to me signaling for me to lie down. I adjust my body to lay down resting my head where he offered.

  “So I have never even asked how old you were.” I comment.

  “I am 22.” He replies.

  “What grade are you in?”

  “Well based off of credit hours, I am a sophomore.”

  I look up at him and smile.

  “I got a late start in college.” He comments.

  I’m sure there is more to it, but I leave it at that. He slowly strokes my hair. The sensation feels great. I close my eyes concentrating on the feeling. Resting in his lap in the middle of New Orleans is the perfect release on a Saturday afternoon. I can stay this way forever and never leave. The birds chirp a happy tune as the wind blows through my hair again. Being with Ty after all the craziness of last night is relaxing. For reasons I cannot explain, I feel drawn to him. I begin to ponder my feelings for him slowly as I drift off to sleep.

  “Hey.” Ty whispers in my ear.

  I quickly realize that I had fallen asleep in Ty’s lap on a date. Slightly embarrassed and really sleepy, I stretch my back and look up at him. He smiles at me. I hide my face in his lap.

  “How long was I asleep?”

  “About forty five minutes.”

  I let out a sigh and a stretch as I sit up feeling groggy.

  “I bet that never happened to you on a date.” I comment.

  “Well, at least not a first date. I like it though. It means that you are comfortable with me,” he replies.

  “Too comfortable,” I comment.

  Suddenly I am aware of the lack of sun around us. I look up and the sky is a dark menacing grey.

  “That’s why I woke you up.’ States Ty pointing at the sky. “It’s about to rain any second now. I would have woken you sooner but you are so beautiful when you sleep.”

  I hear the low rumbling of thunder in the distance. I feel the winds picking up. Then I feel a drop of water land on my skin.

  Ugh oh.

  I quickly rise looking in the direction of the car. It is a little speck across a grassy field. Ty quickly picks up the blanket and the already packed basket. He must have packed it while I was sleeping.

  “Ready to go?”

  Ty smiles at me. I nod my head and begin walking towards the little stone bridge. I jerk to a halt as light fills the sky. I look up just in time to see the lightning crackle across a purple cloud. Thunder explodes resonating in my chest as the heavens open up and rain begins to pour down in sheets. I look at Ty. He hesitates to react watching intently for what I am going to do next.

  At times like these, you can do one of two things. You can shield your head. You can duck under anything in your hands in a futile effort to stay dry, or you can open your arms accepting the inevitable. You can embrace the moment knowing you will get wet. I open my arms and let out a laugh. Ty smiles back at me. Immediately I take off running in the direction of the car. My date follows in pursuit blanket and basket in hand. I lift my head up to the skies and greet the rain as I run forward. It is like being in a giant shower.

  Louisiana rain isn’t cold like Pennsylvania. It is warm enough to stand in but just cool enough to relieve the heat. Immediately the rain pools and the low lying parts of the ground fill with the liquid falling from the heavens. I stop in the middle of a puddle splashing water at Ty not caring how he will respond. His smile grows bigger and with a care free innocence of a child he hops in the puddle splashing me back. I run away in the direction of the car. Passing another puddle, I cup my hands, reach down and throw some water at Ty’s pants. At this point, we are both completely soaked anyways.

  The splashing is just me playing. In response, Ty drops the basket and soaked blanket chasing after me. I let out a squeal of excitement. Ty tackles me slowly controlling my fall as he wrestles me to the ground. I am laughing and wriggling underneath him. His grip is strong but gentle. I look into his eyes. He is smiling back at me. Ty holds my hands underneath his one left hand. His right hand presses against my hips pinning me to the ground. I try to free myself but can’t. He is way too strong for me. Slowly I give up trying and Ty’s hold loosens. My laughing subsides as I smile up at him. A feeling inside me begins building up as my mind ponders the thought of kissing him. I see it registering across his face as well.

  This is the moment. It is the awkward moment on the date where there is the anticipation of the first kiss. I hold my breath as I look up at Ty. He searches my face with the same eager look as mine. As quickly as it was there, the look disappears and Ty smiles. He lets go of his hold on my hands lifting off the ground. Hovering over me, he pulls me up quickly and my body falls into his.

  He hugs me then kisses me on my forehead. I feel his strong muscles as he presses me into his chest. Even through the rain I can smell Ty’s scent and it is intoxicating. My heart races as I think of all the things I want to do to Ty. Before my thoughts finish, he releases me. He walks over and retrieves the blanket and basket then wraps his free arm around me. We walk leisurely through the pouring rain back to the car as the perfect moment for a first kiss has come and gone.

  He opens my door first.

  “I’m all wet,” I state, “I don’t want to get your seats wet.”

  “I’ll have them detailed tomorrow,” Ty replies. “Besides how else were you planning on getting home?”

  I shrug and then hop in the car. I look
down at my purse in the back seat thankful that I left it in the car. Ty closes the door behind me. I feel the car move as he opens up the trunk and throws the picnic gear in the back. I watch as he walks around and opens his own door. His thin shirt sticks to his body revealing every muscle in his torso. It is beyond impressive.

  The ride home is filled with chatter. We discuss class and then move into shows on MTV resting finally on Britney Spears. A short drive and we were in front of the dorms. I look out the car window at the streets filling with water. The amazing thing about New Orleans is that it is so below sea level that everything begins to flood during a rain storm. Ty hops out, walks around the car and opens my door.

  “Thank you,” I say stepping out. Ty closes the door behind me causing his body to shift close to mine. I am stuck in between Ty and his car. I feel passion building up inside me as I take in Ty’s scent. Once again my breath hitches and I feel my heart stop.

  “Thank you for the picnic.” Replies Ty. “Sorry I got you wet.”

  Oh I would let you get me wet anytime. I think to myself.

  My breath hitches in my throat and my heart beat starts again more urgently than when it stopped. Ty hears my breath and looks at me. He looks into my eyes then down at my lips. I want to take his lips owning every single sweet kiss they emit, but I will not be the first to make a move. I pause, waiting for Ty to kiss me. He lingers. His eyes search my face darting back and forth as if trying to decide what to do.

  Finally he reaches a decision. I hold my breath in anticipation for the kiss I have been waiting to receive. He begins to lean in. I close my eyes. Then I feel his kiss land on my forehead. My breath releases as all the anticipation drains from my body and is replaced with disappointment. I keep my eyes closed for fear that they will give my internal emotions away.

  “Can I call you tomorrow?” Ty asks in a low, husky voice.

  My disappointment slightly lulled by these words as hope rises. I nod my head. Regaining my composure, I open my eyes and smile at him thankful I gave him my number earlier.

  “I had fun today.” I state.

  “Nap and all?”

  “Nap, rain and all,” I reply. I lean in and give him a lingering hug. His muscular arms wrap around me as I breathe him in one last time today.

  “Talk to you tomorrow.” I state as I lean in kissing his cheek wishing it was his lips.

  That is that. The moment for our first kiss came and went. I cannot help but feel let down as the moment falls further out of reach. I leave Ty’s side and begin walking towards the front doors of the dorms. After the first steps, I chance a look back at Ty. He is still in the spot where I left him. He waves and then starts walking around his car. I go up the second set of stairs then turn around to glance back at Ty again. I look at his face. Then immediately I stop dead in my tracks watching the scene that unfolds before me.

  Ty has not hopped into his car, yet. He is staring down at some unknown spot on the road. His face registers different emotions as his body seems to be conflicted. One sad look sends him to his driver’s side door. Then a resolute look stops him as he moves onto the side walk and towards me. Then immediately he turns around. I stand soaking wet in the rain with my arms crossed and a smile on my face as I watch Ty’s internal conflict go on externally. He turns a few more times. It isn’t until his back is turned towards me that he lifts his head one final time. He stomps in one resolved and final motion. Quickly he turns, his face lined with determination in his final decision. With purpose in his eyes, he throws his hands down and takes the first decisive step towards the dorms. The bold look of intensity across his face and purpose filled step are halted when he notices me. All the determination fades as his face softens. In its place draws a smile as he realizes I have been there the whole time.

  The jig is up. I caught him in the act and there is only one thing left for him to do. Quickly he walks up to me taking steps double at a time. With one fell swoop I am in his arms and with all the determination back on his face, he kisses me. Electricity pools through are lips and my knees grow weak as the most fantastic kiss continues. This is not a kiss of an inexperienced high school boy that I had the awkward pleasure of when growing up but rather a kiss from a grown man.

  The initial kiss lingers on my lips and he begins to move kissing deeper and deeper until we run out of breath. As we come up for air I whisper through the rain.

  “It’s about time.”

  A smile crosses his face.

  “I wanted to do that ever since I met you.” He replies. I knew I felt the same way.

  “Why didn’t you?” I ask.

  “Not sure, but I’ll do it again now.”

  With those words he places his hands on the contours of my jaw. Then, he kisses me again as he lifts me off the ground one more time. The rain pours and in that instance I knew we will be doing this again and again. Finally he lowers me back down to earth. I hold him tight waiting for the strength to come back to my legs. He stares deeply into my eyes.

  “So I’ll call you tomorrow?”

  I nod my head.

  “Thank you for the kiss.” Ty says as he releases me.

  I feel my face turn red. From anyone else, those words would sound weird. From Ty, it is the perfect ending to the most perfect first kiss. I watch as he walks back to his car and hops in looking so carefree. With a smile on his face, he winks at me then drives off.

  Feeling lighter than air, I turn on my heels and walk into the dorms.

  That was the most perfect kiss. I think to myself and I know I wanted more. I know I want Ty.

  Chapter 8: Wanting more

  The kiss in the rain left me wanting more. Ty called the next day like he said he would. We talked for an hour. It didn’t matter what we were talking about, just being on the phone with Ty was more than enough. In a way, it was relaxing. I didn’t have to poise myself or wonder what he was thinking through his expressions. It was just our voices. Anything more would lead us quickly into trouble.

  Finally, I had to get off the phone and finish my homework. There was French homework and biology reading that I had put off until now. Diligently I sat at my desk until it was complete. I began putting away my books when I heard my text message notification. I look down and see a message from Ty. With a smile on my face, I click it open.

  Finish your homework? – Ty

  Yep! All done! – Kimber

  Good. I’m about to go to bed and wanted to say good night. –Ty

  Thinking of me before bed? ; ) – Kimber

  Maybe… – Ty

  : ) – Kimber

  Good night. See you in class on Tuesday. : ) – Ty

  Good night : ) – Kimber

  I walk into the bathroom and brush my teeth. My thoughts stay on Ty and the weekend spent with him. I hear the door click and see Michelle cross the room. I spit in the sink.

  “Hey,” I greet her.

  “Hey,” replies Michelle.

  “How was the library?”

  “It was ok,” replies Michelle.

  I wash off my face then walk into the room. Michelle looks drained. I chalk it up to too much studying. She flips on the television as she begins getting ready for bed. I change into my night clothes which usually consist of a comfy pair of shorts and a t-shirt. I go to my mini fridge and grab a bottle of water. I hear the shower start in the bathroom as Michelle’s clothes begin to fly around. Slowly I close the door to give her privacy. Michelle is one of those people who does not mind either way. I am still getting used to the idea of being naked in front of other people. I screw off the water cap as I make my way over to our dorm room window.

  I stare out into the blackness of the night. The darkness cut only by splotches of light casting shimmering gold everywhere. The campus looks deserted at night with only a few people scampering back and forth. My eyes gaze across the landscape. A raven that I can only assume is from the night it rained flies across the court yard.

  I have seen many ravens before, but th
is one is different. It settles on the building next to our dorms perching on the corner. It is a big black raven like any other. However, like other birds who seem to perch up high looking down for food. This one perches low looking up and it is looking at me. I drank my water as I looked down at this peculiar bird. I watch him as he stares back at me. I am so ensnared in its gaze that I didn’t notice little Michelle sneaking behind me.

  “Boo!” Exclaims Michelle as she grabs my shoulder.

  I jump up sending droplets of water all over. Michelle lets out a giggle.

  “Sorry, I had to do it,” replies Michelle. “What are you looking at any way?”

  “There is a raven over there,” I reply. “It looks like it is staring at us.”

  Michelle’s desk is in front of the window. She steps up on her desk chair to get a better look. Her body has droplets of water clinging to it. Her towel is wrapped around her.

  “Hmmm,” replies Michelle. “Should we give him a show?”

  I smile at her and shake my head.

  “What?” Asks Michelle as she hops off of the chair and opens up her wardrobe. I walk across the room and hop into bed. Michelle drops her towel and changes right then and there. The open wardrobe door blocks part of the window. That mixed with her small stature means people outside would not be able to see her change.

  It is time for bed and I feel sleep beginning to claim me.

  “Can you hit the light when you’re done?” I ask Michelle as I lift the blankets up from my bed.

  “Yes, Ma’am,” replies Michelle.

  “Thank you.”

  Slowly I begin to fall asleep. My mind drifts from topic to topic as I think of everything that happened this weekend. In only a few days, everything has changed yet remains the same. The biggest change perhaps is me. I am falling for a guy and I am falling hard. Something deep inside draws me to him. With him, I feel a new energy being released that I have never felt before. Where this will take me, I do not know. I ponder it as I fell asleep. I relive our date and happiness warms my heart. I feel his kiss as I am just about asleep and the last image, for some odd reason, was the black raven outside my window.