Star Struck

It was right before dusk when he opened the car door for her. He hoped girls still noticed that type of thing. With consideration and grace she leaned over to unlock his door and open it. He watched her - studied her, and was overcome with adolescent nervousness and excitement. She was a keeper. His clammy hands confirmed it.

"Where are we going?" she asked. He chose not to say anything, knowing it would make her absolutely crazy. Getting her worked up was his favorite. She quit asking, and silently, a victory parade in his honor marched first through his head, and then to his heart.

The sun was beginning to set, and he knew had to hurry. Under his left arm was a blanket that was older than them both. He rushed her. She sassed him. And so was the nature of their relationship. Soon, she could hear water and smell grass. This adventure was appealing to all of her senses.

"Come on," he called out. He reached out his right hand for her to hold, and she did. His hands were callused and strong, clearly indicating they'd been used for years of hard work. Yet there was this soft, inviting nature to them, too - they knew how to guide gently. She wondered if she'd ever felt safer. After a 5 minute walk they neared the bank of a river. She could barely believe where she was. With the river at her feet, she felt free. He loved this place and hoped that after tonight, she would, too..

They laid the blanket on the ground and sat. The soundtrack of rushing water and wind through the trees served to ease both of their nerves. He made her laugh, and she made him laugh. The sun was almost gone, and soon she would see what he really came to show her.

The moon was full and looked close enough to touch. On this, the clearest of nights, you could see what seemed like millions of stars unadulterated by artificial light, and noise for that matter. They were everywhere, and she couldn't soak in enough of it. He caught glimpses of her expression and felt a deep sense of satisfaction. He pulled her closer to him and she rested her head on his shoulder. She had been wrong before - this was the safest she'd ever felt.