It was Jonah's idea, this journey. He borrowed a car from a friend and drove it all the way out to the Jellicoe Road to where I am. Then he took me by the hand and led me down the steps of that house; the house dreamed of by Narnie, Jude, Fitz, Web and Tate, and built by Hannah; through the garden and along the river bank. Dragonflies are flitting among the lilies, pausing for an instant to sample the nectar, before bobbing away again. But my attention is diverted by Jonah, who leans down to whisper in my ear;
"I love you."
As we drive along that road that leads to the coast, the sun is setting. I lean my head against him, drinking in the sweetness of the moment. He places his hand on mine and smiles. And that simple gesture sends waves of - what?...is this how love feels? - through me, and I smile back, enjoying the feeling of having no responsibilities for the next two weeks.
As the sun dips lower over the hills, I look at him, his body, his face, and finally his eyes. They look back at me, and it seems like he is looking into my eyes through to my soul. Then his eyes take on a cheeky look as he presses play on the CD player. I recognize the music.
"Jonah Griggs," I say, through clenched teeth, "do you mind explaining to me just what makes you think that playing 'Coward of the County' is a good idea?"
Jonah sighs, and slows down, pulling over to the side of the deserted road.
"Well, it's not as though this is karaoke. Would you rather I changed to 'The Gambler'?"
"Just keep driving." I say in an exasperated tone.
He doesn't move, and as I look up into his eyes what I am about to say is silenced by a look so intense that it frightens me. I don't quite understand it, but at the same time, I know that I feel it too.
He places his hands, cupping my face, cradling it, slowly running his hands down my neck and along my collarbone. Then he moves them down my sides and slides them up under my t-shirt. My breath catches, and I fumble with his buttons.
He kisses me, slowly and gently, but with an urgency I cannot comprehend. I am breathing with him again, but when we've both run out of air I break away, gasping. He doesn't stop. He kisses me along my cheekbone, down my neck, along my collarbone. My breathing is coming in rugged gasps now, but he silences me with one last, breathtaking kiss. Then reluctantly, he turns back to the wheel, buttoning his shirt. I straighten mine and look out the windscreen, shocked to see how dark it has gotten. Jonah flicks on the headlights and we drive along that road. It is a pretty road, and I lean my head on Jonah's shoulder.
"Thank you." I say.
