Three Words, Eight Letters
I sat in front of Mother and Father as we waited for everyone else to finish eating. I wanted to talk to them put there was no way I was going to do it in front of Ila. We had kissed for the first time a week prior and I knew I had fallen in love with her. I loved her smile, I loved the way her eyes would light up when I came back from chopping down trees, and most of all I loved how much she cared about life. She was also the most beautiful girl in the whole world.
"What would you like to talk to us about Shem?" Father asked me once the others had retreated to their tents.
"Something happened with me and Ila the other day in the forest." I said after a few minutes.
"What do you mean?" Mother asked.
"I, um, I kissed her." I said sheepishly.
Father let out a deep chuckle. Mother swatted him on the arm before turning to me and taking my hands in hers.
"It is natural for you to have urges Shem. You are fifteen." She told me. "How did it feel?"
"It felt…right." I replied. "I think I love her."
"Tell her Son." Father told me.
They left me and after a few minutes of trying to calm myself down I walked over to Ila's tent.
"Ila, are you awake?" I asked from the tent flap.
"Yes." She replied. "Come on in Shem."
I walked in to find her braiding her hair. She looked so beautiful, illuminated by the tzohar lamp. I sat down across from her and looked at her.
"How did you know it was me?" I asked her.
"I recognized your voice." She said frankly. "Is everything alright?"
"Yes everything is fine." I replied. "I have something to tell you."
"My goodness Shem you are shaking." She said, holding my hands.
"Ila…I love you." I told her.
She dropped my hands and put her hand over her mouth.
"Are you sure?" She asked me.
"Yes I am quite sure." I told her.
I leaned forward and kissed her. Once the shock wore off, Ila wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me back.