“And I didn’t break his heart. He broke mine…….”

“Wait, I’m confused. What are you talking about? What happened?” Cheryl asked cautiously.

“You know me. I’m so big on feeling something or someone. The sweet smell of his breath, the softness of his lips upon mine, and the way that he talked about me as if I was someone. It made me feel like somebody or like I was actually on this planet. The sky wasn’t dark and empty to me anymore. The stars spoke to me for once and not to everyone else.”

Tears began to develop in Mariah’s eyes as she spoke softly and effectively to Cheryl. So effective that Cheryl began to feel Mariah’s feelings, already understanding the personality of Eric.

“Well, did you tell him that before he left? Is that what made him leave?’ Cheryl asked.

“No. He left before I was able to tell him. That would’ve been a little uncomfortable.”

“What did you expect him to do then if you didn’t say anything!”

“He cut me off and I didn’t want to be rude.”

“Mariah, you are so full of excuses. Of course he wouldn’t say anything if you don’t feel the same as he does. At least he feels that in his mind. Truly, you can’t feel like him. He’s been carrying that around for a while.”

“What stopped him from telling me? You knew and you avoided telling me. I mean, why not tell me?”

“Mariah, it’s not my place to tell you. Besides, I’m sure he would’ve killed me. You know now, that’s what’s important. He made the first move and it may have been his last. He’s been making the first move for some time now. You were just too stupid to see it. No disrespect intended. Besides, it’s not like we are that close that I’d tell you.”

“Okay Cheryl. Kick me when I’m down,” Mariah states as she turned away from her.

“Let’s be clear. I like you Mariah, but I know Eric and I know what he’s like. I hope you can get it together and figure out what you need to do. Anyway, I’m having a party so I’m going back to enjoy it. Will you be okay?”

“Sure. Just need some time to think about some things. I’ll figure it out. Thanks for the shoulder.”

“No problem.”

Cheryl went back to the party, while Mariah decided to take a walk. She arrived with Stewart; however, he was the last thing on her mind. As she walked down the stairs, arms folded across her chest, the stairs echoed their relief. The rain subsided, allowing Mariah to walk along the sidewalk. Her heels tap the pavement as she moves slowly up the walkway. Her long legs spread apart as each step took her further and further away from the party. She realizes that her clutch purse is still inside of Stewart’s car, of which her identification and credit cards are within. Luckily, she carried her small cell phone in the right side of her bra so she wouldn’t have to carry the purse. Mariah could at least keep track of the time. For once in her life though, she was alone with her own thoughts, unclear of where she was walking. All she knew was that her mind was suddenly open, enjoying the fresh night air blow across her frame. The cars passing released the sound of water passing through the tires. With her arms folded, the breeze began to grow cooler, as her ears began to feel the chill of the night air. Coming across an old elementary school, Mariah rested on the bench in front of the school, reminiscing about the days when there were no bills, no relationships, no career goals, just play. All things were so simple then, and now, things have returned to that period in her life for some reason. Sitting there on the weathered red bench, she examines the rain droplets that lay upon the bench, the dampness of the street in front of her and the old bus sign that has been there for some years to help students home. The light beams shine brightly, as if she is in the middle of a spotlight. The street is only 5 feet from her, displaying its cracks and insignificant potholes, and weathered school crossing letters written across. A black sedan passes down the street highlighting the cracks, slows down to look upon her and passes by to continue its journey. Mariah begins to rub her legs, shielding them from the cool air, thinking it was time for her to find a way home. She realizes at that moment that she has just been in life instead of living it. It amazed her that Eric barely said anything but made her feel as if she was missing out on something special. All the way back to her childhood, there was never a time when she felt cared for or loved. Many of her relationships have been surface or settling just to make it through the days of loneliness. She realized that she was still lonely, and it all went back to her childhood. Upon the street, there were lights flickering of an approaching car. From the distance she could see the same black sedan. As it pulled past, this time it slowed to a stop, with water droplets sliding from the body. Squinting her eyes, she focused to see who this person was, especially since she was in no mood for guys trying to hit on her. The window came down and she heard a voice say, “Mariah, are you okay? You need a ride somewhere?” Surprised, she arose from the bench, walked cautiously to the car, bent down a little to see this dark figure. The inside light came on and a huge smile developed on her face. “I’m so glad to see you.”

To be continued………..

“Kiss of Life” is on every Monday at 9am EST. Please participate in the show by leaving comments and suggestions about the show or what you think it should happen next! Our author might consider your ideas for the next episode!

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About The Expert

On our About the Expert page, you can learn more about the author, including contact information and other posts they've written. About Rajah Smart, M.A. ED.