And then he moved his hand up and wiped my tear away with his thumb.
Then I smiled up at him, “Future reference, I really like hugs.”
He nodded, “Got it.”
I looked at the house, then back at him, “I’ll let you get back to work. Okay?”
He nodded, “Be careful.”
I winked, “Always.
After he got his food and his tea, I climbed in and then drove home to my apartment.
Letting his words replay over and over in my head.
What I missed?
He had stayed standing in the same spot, watching me drive away.
Feeling as though his heart... something he thought was dead... traveling with me.
***
And yes, he actually laid down on my blanket with me and gazed up at the stars that night.
“How many stars do you think there are?” he asked.
“According to Google, we can only see around one thousand,” I told him.
He chuckled, “Fuck.”
I grinned. “Fuck indeed.”
That night, I checked my email and saw my acceptance letter to the community college.
I squealed as I tagged my phone and texted Xander.
Me – I got in.
Xander – Into what?
Me – The community college. I only had one semester to go.
Xander – Fuck yeah. That’s great.
***
I got ready for my first day back to classes.
And when I opened my door, sitting there was a vase that held star gazer lilies, my favorite.
I scooped them up, then headed back inside.
Then I tagged the little white card and read the masculine script.
Have a good first day. The lady told me the name of these. Thought it was fittin’. X
And for the second time in a matter of days, I felt a tear trail down my cheek.