Of Fallen Leaves and a Kiss
Making leaf piles and making out...
I'm so high...
Yesterday was perfect - the leaves on the ground all golden maple red - Mrs. Brennan's blueberry muffins fresh from the oven - new stock to put out for the holidays. Mr. Brennan has liked my work and is offering me a raise. I'm doing very very good in school, but no surprise there. And of course, My Lord Suck Ass is no longer amongst the living. Perhaps he can teach English to the stranded souls in Purgatory.
And Shawn Brennan kissed me.
Yes, the one thing I'd thought would never happen - and to a point I'd made peace with that - did happen.
And all because of the leaves falling on the ground, a precursor to winter.
Blessed leaves.
It all started with me taking a bit of a break from stocking the shelves. With another cup of hot chocolate in my grasp, I went outside and watched the sky, still blue but with that bite of chill. I saw Shawn slowly approach me, in that long broacade greatcoat that would look disasterous on just about anyone but makes him look like a romantic hero.
We start to talk - little things at first, the weather amd such. He'd just come from Eupheme making a delivery to someone and told me that some guy hit on him. I can't imagine whom it could be - but there are at least three viable candidates. Not that I mind, and interestingly, neither did he. Not that something like that makes him gay or anything, just accepting. Anyway, we talked more about school and whether or not I was planning to take the room upstairs.
Then he started talking about the falling leaves, about their lifespan and their beauty, even in death - and then he just kissed me.
And even though I didn't spill my chocolate - it's Irish Cream hot chocolate, and wasting a drop is a sin - it was a miracle that I didn't drop it because my hands were shaking.
No, it wasn't anything like what I'd imagined. It was more. It was gentle and soft and it didn't feel like he was teasing me or anything. It only lasted for a few seconds, but how slow time becomes in moments like that. My lips still tingle. He tasted like honey and berries and spices. His lips were warm against my own.
Then Shawn ran a finger down my cheek and went inside the store, leaving me wondering what next?
As much as I'd like to take that room at the Brennan's, after that I'm not so sure. He's a silken temptation and more than I think I'm ready for. But the kiss...it's what I've waited for all this time.
The rest of the day went by in a haze. Shawn walked me back to campus and left me quivering with another kiss.
Is this what my mother felt when she fell for you know who?