Michigan Fall

  Chapter Eight

  Later that evening, having changed into something silky, a dress Adam had bought me I must add, and heels, we rode out in chilly winds to the Michigan theatre, so he said. Once inside, he led me up some semicircular stair walkway before settling into our seats. Performances ranging from plays, poems and songs were all arrayed to my ears' benefit and with Adam seated by my side, nothing else really mattered. He smelt different, not the straw scent I had come to love.

  ‘What fragrance is that you wearing? I asked. He smelt of an ambrosial, delicate forest-like aroma. I felt his breath on my cheek.

  ‘It's for special occasions, canoe....’

  A sudden amplified male voice drowned his voice,

  ‘Dear ladies and gentlemen! From New Jersey and here to perform their number one hit from four years ago, ‘’Will you still love me tomorrow’’, please welcome next on stage, the Shirelles!

  Tonight you're mine completely

  You give your love so sweetly

  Tonight the light of love is in your eyes

  But will you love me tomorrow?

  Is this a lasting treasure or just a moment's pleasure?

  Can I believe the magic of your sighs?

  Will you still love me tomorrow?

  Dear friend, I have never been more exhilarated, I held onto Adam’s arm tightly. The calming silvery female voice sung with good diction and her words were concise sending sweet sensations all over my body. The other mellow female voices in the background were blending effortlessly with a range of instruments, I soon found myself revering sweetly and moving with the rhythm.

  ‘Why are you smiling?’ Adam asked me.

  ‘I’m happy that’s why.’ I replied smiling.

  ‘Come let’s get out of here.’ He said.

  ‘I’m still having a wonderful time.' I answered, 'but, if you say so your majesty, I’m only too glad to oblige. Where are we going to now my dear?’

  Inside his room it felt warm and cozy. Turning to him, I said.

  ‘The show was over too soon wasn’t it?’

  ‘Yes, it was over too soon.’ he replied.

  ‘Thank you Adam for everything.’

  ‘You’re welcome Leila.’

  I felt his arm gently take mine, slowly. His palm felt warm and sweaty too.

  ‘Adam,’ I asked facing him. I could feel his breathing close to my face, ‘do you love me.

  ‘I do love you Leila, deeply, tenderly, wholly.’ He answered.

  ‘Why?’

  ‘Leila, you are the most beautifully arranged creation I’ve ever seen.’ He said softly. My heart pounded hard within me. He was now very close to me. I longed to feel his lips on mine, more than anything in the world.

  ‘Kiss me.’ I found myself saying and as these words escaped my lips, his lips met mine. The warmth of his mouth sent shivers through my entire body and I threw my arms around his neck holding on to him so tightly.

  ‘You are so beautiful Leila,' he whispered tenderly in my ear,' how I wish you could see me, my face and my eyes.’

  I placed my index finger on his soft lips,

  ‘Quiet my love, I see you Adam William Holloway the third, in my own way, I can see you.’

  Nothing was going to come in between this moment.

  Words cannot describe the joy I felt as we rode back to MSB the following morning. It was paradise. Colors and shapes darted beautifully in my head. Every scent that came my way was heavenly. Cold winds blew in my hair cooling my skin as the sound of the bike rhymed with sounds of waterfalls, creeks, birds and ravines sweeping by. Smells of fresh bread and roasted corn came and went as did small towns, as did the sweet smells of leaves and trees. I felt free and happy that besides me was the one person I truly loved and I knew he loved me too. It felt sacred.

  ‘We are here my love.’ I heard him say and a sudden stinging longing for him took hold inside my chest.

  ‘It’s over too soon.’ He said, his sweet voice sounding sorrowful as he helped me off the bike. He took me in his arms and kissed my lips long and hard. I didn’t want to let go of him but knew that I had to. How I hated that moment of letting go, saying goodbye. But I had to, so, I was first to pull away.

  ‘I have to go my love.’ I said, still breathless.

  ‘Alright, let me lead you to the stairs.’ He replied. He seemed overwhelmed too. ‘Here’s your cane, I believe you’ll find it useful again.’

  ‘Alright Mister Abraham the third,' I said trying to sound formal, ' now that you’ve brought me back in one piece, could you do me the honor and allow me not be late for my lessons?’

  ‘Of course not darling.’ he replied.

  ‘So when may I expect you again?' I asked, eager to know.

  ‘I’ll see you very soon my little fairy, very soon.' He said before placing his wet warm lips on my cheek.

  ‘I love you Leila.’

  ‘I love you Adam.’