Chapter 4: Back to Earth, In My Mind, In the Past…

I remember the day I first met Katherine… I was hanging out with my friends at the local bar. We were having fun sharing stories, having good drinks, until a group of girls entered the bar. Katherine was part of that group. That group of girls sat at a table at the other side of the bar. We guys then tried to make eye contact with the girls. I teased one of my friends to flirt with the best-looking girl who was in that group, Katherine. That friend of mine's name is Randy.

My group and Katherine's group got to know each other and eventually became friends. Some of my friends went out with one of the girls, including Randy. I was something special in our group; mine's, Katherine's, and our's. I was the youngest. The kid of the group. During that time I was eighteen, Randy was twenty-one, and Katherine was 20.

I grew envious of their relationship, their special friendship. I wished I was the guy Katherine was kissing, not Randy. I dreaded the time I was teasing my best-bud. I hate seeing them together, holding each other's hand. I hated the fact that Randy had a job, Katherine was finishing her thesis paper, and that I was just beginning college.

There were times I felt so stupid. Me, Randy, and Katherine were a trio. Randy and Katherine was the happy couple and I was Randy's wingman. I feel disgusted at myself. I acted that I was supportive. I thought of things… What I hadn't expected was Katherine was attracted to me.

At Randy's birthday party… Celebrated at my place.

"C'mon man, there's a surprise." I said as I beckoned Randy to enter my condo.

"Better be worth it man, I left work early for this…" was Randy's reply.

As he entered the condo our friends yelled at the top of their lungs:

"SURPRISE!"

"As expected." Randy said as he opened his arms wide to hug Katherine.

We had fun. One of our friends brought some champagne and I cooked the food. I was pretty proud 'cause that food was hard to prepare, and by the look of their faces-- pretty good. At some time each of out friends had to leave, including Randy.

"I gotta go now," he said "thanks man. Bye Katherine. Love you." He told her.

"Love you too birthday-boy," she said in reply.

"Bye," I said.

By 9 o clock only me and Katherine were left.

"Let me help you with that," she said as I was carrying a pile of plates.

"Here," as I handed her the plates.

She started going to the kitchen when she suddenly slipped on a block of ice. The plates were shattered. (Wah.)

"You OK!?" I said as I knelt down beside her.

"Yeah, I'm fine." She said.

I assisted her as she stood up. When she was finally on her two feet I put my hands on her sides.

"What're you…?"

I put my lips close to hers but didn't kiss her. She kissed me. Hard.

We stood there exploring each other's mouth. Kissing passionately. That was the night we slept together. The best night of my life.