Pulling up to
the house, my heart raced. I could feel that familiar tingle run up my spine,
while my broken and battered tennis shoes carried me to her doorstep. I took a
deep breath, the air was wet and cool, smelling strongly of pine. One hand
grasped a plate of freshly baked cookies, while the other shakily reached for
the doorbell. ‘Stop shaking’ I chided myself ‘it’s not like this is the first
time you have done this.’ My finger pressed up against the button and a small
chime rang out, echoing through the tiny cove, and slightly calming my nerves. My
heart jumped as the doorknob clicked and her shining face greeted me, her flowing
brown hair was tied up in a ponytail and she was wearing an old t-shirt whose
logo had faded from the many times it had been washed. Her eyes lightened when
she recognized me, and beckoning with one hand she asked me to enter. As I did
I slightly bowed my head, more out of habit, but slightly out of respect. “What
are you doing here, not that I don’t want you here, it’s just kinda strange
that you showed up…” she trailed off when she looked up into my famous half
smile. Raising my hands I simply said “Cookie?” Lifting them from my hands, she
set them on her table. Then, rising on her tiptoes, she wrapped her arms around
my neck. I wrapped my arms around her and there we stood for what felt like eternity.
Without warning her father walked thought the doorway that lead to the hall (where
I suspect he had been hiding) and cleared his thought. Out of instinct we
pulled away and stood stock still as if to not draw attention to ourselves. He passed
through to the kitchen and then out of site, my eyes following him leave before
making a move. Turning back to me she spoke formally but with a mischievous
grin on her face. “I have to go, my family is waiting for me.” “Well, see you
later” I spoke with the same formality, but still had to smile. Opening the
door I stepped outside, she followed suite and we had a quick hug before I left
for my car. As soon as I heard the door shut behind me I could not help but
skip down the road, clicking my heals once or twice.
