Tender yearning.

You always loved her. You just didn't know it. You pictured yourself kissing her so many times. You thought it was just physical. It was not.

Years after you first met, you were sitting with Ria in a theater watching a movie when you realized that no mystery in the world intrigues you more than the person by your side.

Your gaze drifted from the movie to her face, her dazzling eyes her and her captivating smile. You put your hand around her.

She giggled.

"What are you doing?"
"Nothing. I'm just damned glad you're here with me", you say to her.

You both enjoy the movie.

You take her home to her apartment.
She pauses at the top of the stairs in front of her building.

"Do you want to come in?", she asks.
"Of course!"

You climb the stairs up to her room. She lights some candles. Scented. She doesn't turn on the lights.
You gingerly make your way to her living room area.

"Would you like something to drink? I have some red wine in the fridge", she asks.
"Sure! That would be perfect", you say, looking at pictures of her back in high school.

She's gorgeous.

"Here!", she offers you a glass.
You sip it.

"I really had a great time tonight", she says, sipping her own drink.
"So did I", you say. You wonder if you should tell her how you feel. You press your luck.
"Ria, I want to tell you something...", you begin. She looks at you, earnestly. Her curiosity, piqued.
"We've known each other for so long now... it feels like it was just yesterday when we were writing articles for the school paper", you hesitate.

You look at her. She looks into your eyes and you are filled with warmth.

"I really love you, Ria".

She blushes and looks away.

"How long have you felt this way?"
"A while. I wanted to be sure! You're so important to me and I didn't want to harm our friendship for something uncertain... but tonight I'm sure. I love you and I want you to be with me for the rest of my life".

She looks at you with tears in her eyes, her breathing heavy.
"I really care about you too... no, I... I love you! I love you too, Carlos!"

She hugs you. The scent of her hair floods your nostrils. The warmth of her body mixes with yours.
You savor the moment, the profound sense of connection and promise yourself that you will never ever let her go.