Another scene I'd like to see

*This is me having fun, again.

Again, dedicated to a good friend of mine.

 He looks into her eyes.

 “You’ve been staring at me for quite a while now, it’s getting creepy,” she says.

 He laughs. “I’m just memorizing your face. It’s been a long time since I saw you. Personal beats digital anytime.”

 “Oh? Flattery? It doesn’t sound like you.”

 “A lot can change, apparently. And if you’re flattered then you’re welcome but I am merely speaking my truth.”

 “Dear sir, I see you still haven’t lost your flair for inflating other people’s egos.”

 “You sting me with your words, ma’am,” he smiles, “Is it wrong for me to acknowledge that you are beautiful?”

 She laughs, “Perhaps I would’ve believed you if you’ve told me these things eons ago.”

 He sighs. “You’re not going to let me live this down anytime soon, will you?”

 “Let’s just say I find it cute when you squirm.”

 They smile.

 “Excuse me, sir, your coffee,” the waitress says as she puts the cup down. “And, ma’am, you ordered chai and crème brulee. Will there be anything else?”

 “Do you want anything else?” he asks her.

 “I’m fine, thank you.” She turns to the woman, “We’re fine,” and smiles.

 “Please enjoy yourselves then,” the waitress says.

 “We’re fine then?” he says.

 “I was addressing her.”

 “But isn’t that a declaration of sorts?”

 “Don’t push it. I haven’t completely forgiven you yet.”

 “Well, it was worth a shot, wasn’t it?”

 “Quite.”

 He sips his coffee and she her tea. They talk, share stories of how things have worked out in each of their lives. They listen. They joke. They laugh. They just be.

 “Damn! I missed this so much. I knew stupid and scared was a dangerous combination,” he says while shaking his head.

 “Learned a lesson, haven’t we?” she smirks.

“But then, I’m here with you now. I guess everything worked out all right.”

 “Touche.”

 “You know what else I missed?”

 “I think I have one or two ideas.”

 “Well, would you care to join me?”

 “Why not? It’s a beautiful night.”

 He stands and assists with her chair then escorts her out of the café. Down the flight of stairs they go and out the hall, across the street, pass the theaters and the carillon to a familiar road.

 “It’s just the right kind of bright. Just like how I remember it,” he says.

 “The more things change, the more things stay the same, they say.”

 They quietly walk side by side; just taking in their surroundings. He points this way and that and relives memories they have shared. She laughs upon remembering and she, too, gets lost in nostalgia.

 They get to a wide field.

 “This I remember. We have lots of fond memories here,” he says.

 “Let’s take a seat?”

 “Yes, let us.”

 He lets her lead the way, down the slope. They jump over the small moat and walk towards the middle of the field; the soft light of the hanging Crescent their guide. They sit and keep still.

 The only other sounds they hear are crickets playing their songs and the breaths they draw. A few cars pass by every so often. But that is that.

 “I wish we could just stay this way, just like before,” she says.

 “I don’t.”

 “You don’t?”

 “No. If there is another thing I’ve learned from being away and, well, being virtually ex communicado – now, don’t look at me that way, let me finish – it’s that not doing these things often makes it all the more special when it is done.”

 She looks at him with regard.

 “Sitting here, with you on a beautiful night, makes this moment precious. I mean, I appreciate more being with you right here, right now, exactly because I don't get to be with you often. Sameness would only be boring.”

 “What did they feed you abroad? Where did you get these ideas?”

 “Effects of missing you perhaps?” he laughs.

 She falls silent. He smiles at her. She looks to the night sky where streaks of light appear.

 “Shooting stars! Make a wish,” she says.

 “I already have. It already has been granted,” he answers.

 His eyes meet hers and they smile.

 “Do you remember? That time on the roof?” she starts.

 “I do. I also made a wish then.”

 The two move closer. She puts her head on his shoulder.

 “Thank you,” he says after a few moments.

 “For what?”

 “For everything. For coming with me. For being you.”

 “You make it sound like you’re going away again. But still, you’re welcome.”

 “I’m not leaving anytime soon.”

 “Then thank you, too.”

 “You’re welcome.”

 They allow silence to rule. A moment passes and is followed by another, and another and another. Finally, he speaks.

 “Let’s go.”

 “Now?”

 “There are still many more adventures to take. I want to share them with you. Besides, we shall always have our time.”

 She pouts but begins to rise. They brush off the grass from their pants and walk back toward the road.

 They quietly walk side by side; just taking in their surroundings. Again, he points this way and that and relives memories they have shared. She laughs upon remembering and she, too, gets lost in nostalgia.

 He lets his arm gently swing and skin touches skin, fingers find fingers and their hands intertwine and become one.

 One. Just as it should be.