CHAPTER 7: Thus With a Kiss I am Reborn

The expression on Veronica's face said… nothing. Absolutely nothing.

And then I saw something that appeared to be joy wash over her and she smiled. It was a smile that shone so bright even the heavens were blinded.

"You're happy," I said.

It wasn't a question. It was a simple statement that held no puzzlement or shock. Because, deep down, I knew all along that this is what she wanted.

And it was what I wanted, too.

She sat down beside me and I felt burning baby fishes swimming in my stomach.

"Happy doesn't even describe it."

We gazed into each others eyes as silence surrounded us. Words did not need to be spoken. She felt what I felt, and that was all that really mattered.

The clock stopped and time froze as her face slowly inched towards mine. That glorious scent of vanilla hit me like a tidal wave and bathed the air around us. Her moist lips softly met mine and I basked in their warmth. My nerves were heightened and my body felt like it was floating. I didn't even need to close my eyes; They were already squeezed shut. It was instinctive.

She pulled back and I wanted to cry at the loss of contact.

"Are you okay?" she whispered.

I was unable to speak. The only thing I knew was that I desperately needed her lips touching mine again.

I leaned forward and pressed my mouth against hers. It wasn't enough, though. I felt my body begging for more.

She ran her tongue across my lips and I granted the entrance. We explored one another's mouths with our tongues as our bodies moved closer. I clutched her shoulders tightly as her hands cupped either side of my face. The kiss deepened as our tongues fought a battle that neither one of us would win. Quiet moans escaped from my mouth as I felt the heat rising inside of me. Her right hand left my face and roamed to my lower back. My body was sensitive to her touch and I felt my skin burning. Her breathing grew heavy and she would let out a small gasp here and there.

The entire world fell away as we kissed. In that moment, the only thing I saw, felt, smelled, tasted, and wanted was Veronica. That was where I belonged.

I was finally home.

-NEXT-

We were lying on my bed, facing one another. She looked so beautiful.

She is beautiful.

After our fiery kiss, we decided to lay down and just watch one another. We were both amazed at how passionate the kiss was and how everything seemed to fall into place the instant that our lips met.

I was surprised that kissing someone could be so powerful. I never imagined that I could feel that way with another person. It was as though I had lost myself within her and found myself within her at the same time.

For the past few days, I had been plagued with the question of whether or not it was right for me to feel that way about Veronica, but that question no longer lingered in my mind.

I knew it was right and there was not one single soul on the planet who could've convinced me otherwise.

Lying there watching her, I felt connected to her.

I felt complete.

I couldn't help but marvel at how incredibly gorgeous she was as she lay across from me, staring into my eyes. She didn't need to say anything. The look in her eyes spoke volumes.

This is perfect. This is bliss.

-NEXT-

"Lizzie, Veronica's mother just called and said that she wants Veronica home now."

"Okay, dad."

Veronica had to be home in time for dinner. The fact that she was leaving made my heart ache.

"Will you call me?" I asked as she opened my bedroom door.

"Of course I will, silly."

We stood there for a minute, smiling at one another. And then she moved forward and pressed her lips against mine, but it was only for a second. It was one of those brief goodbye lip-locks that said, 'I may have to leave, but you know I still want you.'

"I promise I'll call you later."

And with that, she turned to leave.

I shut my door and began squealing like a giddy school girl. I felt something that I hadn't felt in a long time.

Happiness.

"Lizzie, dinner is ready."

"Okay dad, I'll be right there."

With one last squeal of delight, I threw my door open and ran down the stairs.

-NEXT-

It was nine 'o' clock and I was lying in the darkness of my bedroom. All I could do was think of Veronica and the earth shattering kiss we shared.

She is so amazing.

The sound of the phone ringing caused me to jump.

Relax McGuire, it's just the phone.

I grabbed it from the cradle on my nightstand and said hello.

"Is this Lizzie?"

It was Veronica.

"Hey there!" I said, the butterflies madly fluttering around inside of me.

"I told you I'd call."

"Yes, you definitely did."

And so, we spent the next eight hours chatting to one another. We exchanged bizarre family stories, shared our favorite movies, talked about how horrible our siblings were, and discussed politics (neither one of us cared too much about that one).

But what I enjoyed most was really getting to know her. It was odd falling for a girl I had barely known, but learning about her past and her family was enjoyable. She was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland and was the youngest of three children. Her older sister Natasha was twenty two and lived in Los Angeles. She was newly married and worked in real estate. Her older brother Clayton was twenty and lived at home while he attended the local community college studying business. She revealed to me that he became heavily involved with drugs during high school and ran away to New York City after graduation. He showed up back home a month shy of his nineteenth birthday, addicted to heroine. Her parents put him into rehab and he had managed to get his life back on track and was clean for over a year.

"And when did you guys decide to move to California?"

"Last Thanksgiving. We arrived here during Christmas and I was actually taking high school classes over the internet for a little while, but I ended up enrolling at Hillridge High."

"Well why did your parents just suddenly decide to move your family out here to California, and why were you taking classes over the internet?"

She became quiet for a moment and then answered, "I don't know, they're just weird like that."

Something about her hesitation and response didn't sit well with me, but I decided not to push the matter any further.

So, we talked until sunrise until we both decided that it was time for some sleep. I promised to call her back, and that was one promise I intended to keep.

"Sleep well, Veronica."

"I will, Liz."

I heard a click and then the long drone of the dial tone. I pushed the 'off' button, set the phone down, curled up under my blankets, and drifted off into a peaceful sleep with a smile stretched across my face.

Life is good.