sometimes soapy

Watson sat at the small kitchen table that lived between the lines of the lounge and kitchen. He watched Rina wash rice and sauté green leafy things and dish up kimchi into two little dishes for them.

"Have you eaten Korean food often?"

"I've had bulgogi? But not more than that."

"Okay good, you won't be able to tell if my cooking is bad or not."

"I'm sure it won't be."

They sat down to eat. Rina explained each dish to him and directed him how to eat it. She watched him intently as he ate, **** for his approval.

"It's delicious! Oh my god." Rina was giddy.

After dinner they stood next to each other calmly and quietly over the sink; they washed and dried and put away. They watched the sun go down slowly through the window above the sink. If they spoke the same language, perhaps the conversation would have been deeper and plentiful. But the simplicity was a relief. The lack of language **** them to be simple. To pay attention and rely on a different language. To wait for certain movements of the chin and of the elbow. If enough attention is paid, the body and face can tell you everything you need to know about a person. They watched each other's eyes and lips. They looked each other's bodies up and down and imagined what the flesh looked like underneath. They didn't want the veil removed, mystery and imagination are more powerful than reality will ever be. Under their clothes was the future. Under their skin the present. Their souls and spirits phasing in and out as their hands touch gently between soapy plates and bowls.

"So, what do you think about your first kiss?"

Rina became quiet and small. "I'm sorry. I didn't know what else to do. I couldn't believe it was happening. I had to run away."

"But did you like it?"

Rina nodded aggressively.

"What did you think it would be like?"

"I thought I would have my first on my wedding day to that boy. It was warm, I felt very near to you. When did you have your first?"

"Oh, it's nothing special. I was 14 and it was with some girl that lived a few doors down."

"That's young."

"I suppose. I think in America it's normal."

Soon, Watson was gathering his things and getting ready to leave. They stood awkwardly by the door, neither wanting to say goodbye.

"So, can you come back tomorrow?"

"I have cross-country tomorrow so I can't unfortunately."

"Oh…" Her face looked downcast.

Watson took that as his cue to touch her. He put his arms around her and brought her into his chest. Like a happy toddler being laid to bed by its parents, she lay her head against his chest and closed her eyes. A few blissful seconds before the darkness. They stare at each other, Rina kisses him gently on the cheek. She did it like she was giving him gold. Something never to be disposable. Watson walked out and went home.

I can't believe I kissed him. It felt like my body did it on its own. I love hugging him. I want him to run back inside, pick me up and hold me until I fall asleep. I need to go take a shower.