The Words I Can Not Speak
Eric looks into my eyes and I feel my face go hot with a flush. He rows the boat with strong strokes and I can't help but notice.
"You know I feel really bad not knowing your name." He laughs. "Maybe I could guess." Leaning back in the boat, he makes me smile by trying to guess.
"Is it a…Mildred?"
Eww no. I must make a face because he laughs again; I love that laugh. It's like the rippling of a gentle tide.
"Okay, no," he says, putting up his hands, relenting. "How about…Diana…Rachel?"
I shake my head but a whisper on the wind answers him, "Ariel, her name is Ariel."
"Ariel?"
Nodding my head, I feel the bow on the back of my head bob. Yes, Eric, yes! That's my name!
"Ariel," he says, excitement in his voice. He leans forward and I take one of his hands. "Well, that's kinda pretty…"
My heart jumps in my chest as he puts his hand over mine. It feels warm and smooth.
Finally we're getting somewhere.
"Ariel," he says again, this time with a tender note to it. As he looks deep into my eyes, I can see every color of the sea in his.
Or is it every color of the heavens?
We float along until we find our way into a weeping willow. It's branches hanging down like soft lace. Still our eyes are locked on each other and I barely notice the serenade my friends are giving us.
Fireflies dance around as we slowly turn in circles. I feel as if I could lean forward and fall into those eyes staring at me, like they were cool pools of water. A longing is deep within me, flowing up and pressing hard on my lips as they long to meet his. My throat aches with the words I can not speak.
Eric, I love you.
Suddenly, he is leaning in as well. His eyes are large with the same kind of longing. His face comes closer and closer to mine. I can't even breath; my rushing heart is stopping my lungs from working somehow. I close my eyes and pucker my lips.
Kiss me. Kiss me.
Like a building of emotion the whole lagoon seems to hold its breath. Heat is radiating from his face and I can feel him only inches away. His breath tickles my mouth and I know he is almost there…
*Note: I have plans to add more to this later. This is my first "present tense" story, I hope you liked it. :)*