something from the archives: chocolate velvet - part 4

i think some of this scene was inspired by a date with my now-husband...

Part 4

Kyle carefully guided a blindfolded Liz forward along the uneven path. He’d had her meet him at his house earlier that evening, where they’d eaten dinner with his dad before setting off. He’d planned the date as a surprise, and so far had been successful at keeping their destination a secret. 

She held on to him, allowing him to lead her, trusting him, trusting his strength implicitly. 

“When will you tell me what this is about?” she asked laughing as she fell against his chest when she stumbled over some tree root or crack for what seemed the millionth time. “I’m starting to think that this is all an elaborate set-up for you to cop a feel.”

“I never. Seems to me that you’re the one feigning this clumsiness to feel me up,” Kyle objected teasingly.

“Me? Why Kyle I do think you’ve caught on to my evil ways.”

“I knew it. All this time it’s you who’s been doing the corrupting in this relationship. I always knew you weren’t as angelic as you looked.”

“Shh. Don’t say it too loud. We don’t want to ruin my reputation.”

“Never. After all, I want to be the only person you ever work your wicked ways on.”

Liz laughed at that, and Kyle paused a moment to look at the inordinate beauty that stood before him catching her as she once more stumbled and holding her close. Her mouth was a breath away from his, and he couldn’t help capturing it in a wild kiss.

Liz was exhilarated by the sheer amount of feelings that rushed through her body at Kyle’s touch. Not being able to see her surroundings or Kyle’s face, she could only sense the heat of his gaze on her and every touch magnified until it was the sole thing she could concentrate upon. When his lips brushed against hers it was with such longing. And their embrace spiraled out of control in a sensory overload.

When they finally separated Liz felt as if her knees would give way. She didn’t think she could walk, let alone stand on her own two feet, “How much longer?” she asked Kyle.

“We’re almost there. Don’t worry.”

They walked for approximately five minutes before Kyle announced that they had arrived. Taking advantage of having to untie the scarf he’d used as a blindfold, Kyle ran his hands through the silken strands of Liz’s hair. 

“Surprise,” he whispered in her ear.

“What is this?” she asked as she took in her surroundings. Her eyes adjusting slowly to the silver glow of dusk. They were at the community park, where an assortment of couples were sitting on picnic blankets in front of a makeshift stage.

“The Roswell Theatrical Society is holding an open air function of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ tonight. I know you liked the play when we read it in English class this year so I thought you might like to see it”

“Oh Kyle, this is the best surprise.”

“You really like it?” he asked uncertainly.

“I love it. Where should we sit?”

“Oh I got that covered,” he said as he led her to a blue and white-checkered blanket with a picnic basket and a bouquet of flowers to one side.

“Oh wow. You did all this?”

“Well, I had some help.”

Liz didn’t say anything. She merely smiled into Kyle’s eyes and brushed her lips against his, “Thank you for this. This is amazing.”

“You’re welcome.”

They sat down on the blanket and enjoyed the show.

Liz and I watch the sunrise together. Over the last two months on the run, it’s become something of a ritual between the two of us. 

But today it feels like there is hope in the light that slowly infuses the night sky. The stars dissipate in the sun’s morning glow and I wonder if we’ll finally be free of all that’s otherworldly.

I’m afraid though. Afraid that when push comes to shove, Liz will once again choose Max Evans. 

I realize that this is the moment. The last time I was ever in this position I was drunk and foolish and didn’t even bother fighting for what I wanted most. This time I have to make it count.

Only I don’t know how.

We’ve been sitting here in silence since she revealed that the symptoms to her change returned. The crackling continues to make her shudder every five minutes or so. She must be agitated.

It’s only the breathing exercises I learned for meditation that keeps me from becoming the spark plug she is. I haven’t told anyone yet but I feel the changes too. It’s like a tingling in my extremities, if it weren’t for the fact that I’ve seen Liz go through this, I’d think I was going numb.

But it’s the opposite of numb. This change that affects us. It makes us feel far too much.

She shivers once more before turning to me, “They’ll be up soon.”

“I know.”

“Do you have any idea what we should say?”

“I was thinking that we should just stick to facts. One, we need to separate. As a group, we’re too big, too recognizable, and too easy to track. Two, it’s best if we do it in groups of two. We should also have an emergency notification system. Just in case anyone of us runs into trouble. And three, that the groups should be Michael and Maria, Isabel and Max, and you and me.”

“Just like that?”

“Well, I’m sure it won’t go over well. But the rest is up to you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Liz, I’m not going to fight this battle for you. I want to be with you. You know how much. But if you want this to come to pass, you’ll have to fight for it too.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I’m just so tired. The last three years have been nothing but drama.”

“I know,” I say. I don’t add “but that was your choice, not mine.” It isn’t the time to cast blame. 

We’re standing at the edge of the parking lot, my arm is around her shoulders, and I’m holding her close to me when we hear footsteps behind us. We look into each other’s eyes wordlessly and turn around. 

It’s time to face the music.