Waiting for Nia

Little else eventful happened for the rest of the day. Classes went by without a hitch — all the professors were either personable or those I had developed good terms with previously, and the upcoming assignments weren’t too demanding.

I waited outside the gym building for Nia. It was a little early, so I killed some time by basking in the afternoon weather. The full heat of the summer season had begun waning, leaving behind a pleasant warmth that made relaxing in a tree’s shade idyllic. Feet kicked up and back against the trunk, I took the opportunity to close my eyes and enjoy things as they were.

Nia sat down beside me at some point into my meditation. The two of us stayed there in silence, savoring the tranquil nature of this experience. Of course I didn’t know for sure it was her, but I didn’t know anyone else who else would be sitting with me intimately like this. My suspicions were confirmed when my back was gently guided from the bark of the tree and I was placed against an all too familiar softness. I welcomed the feeling by rubbing against the supple firmness.

Emery: Yesterday was the first time in a while I laid in your lap. Did you miss it? If you want to do this more often I’m not gonna complain.

I snuggled against her, exhaling as the new comfort caused my body to further unwind. Nia brushed her fingers against my hair, parting it away from the front of my face and off to the side.

Nia: Did I wake you up? I wanted to watch you longer.

Emery: Not sleeping, simply resting my eyes and basking in our fine weather.

Nia: “Resting my eyes”, eh? Nice try Em, I’ve heard that line before.

Emery: Well you’re not entirely wrong. If we stay like this for too much longer then you’re going to make a liar out of me for real.

I conceded that it was probably time to end this and exhaled once more, this time in disappointment. My muscles were already protesting their coming usage.

Emery: We should get going though. It’s not going to be much of a date if we fall asleep here.

We both got a kick out of that.

I welcomed back the brightness of the world and was rewarded with the most beautiful girl I’ve ever known. Her shoulder length red hair perfectly caught the rays of sun that escaped the branches above. Her vivid green eyes danced with the bright surroundings outside our natural canopy.

I lifted my arms above my head and wrapped them blindly around her waist. She returned the gesture by massaging my forearms. We looked toward the other expectantly, the rest of the day full of possibilities.

Emery: Dinner then a movie at my place sound good?
Nia: So, long walk and a movie at your place?

We stared blankly at each other before bursting into a fit of giggles at our synchronized suggestions — it seemed we were on the same basic wavelength. Perhaps we were too excited for having only spent a few hours apart, but being together now I realized it had felt far longer.

Emery: Leisurely stroll to a restaurant, then a couple movies at my place?

Nia: Let’s stop by the store after dinner first. I’m pretty sure you’re out of popcorn from last week.

Emery: You’re making your own bowl. I can’t stand the sweet toppings you put on yours.

Nia: Yeah? Well you put too much spice on yours! So there!

She stuck out her tongue at me and scrunched up her face. I could tell we were going to be in for a good night.