AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Thirty-Seven Years Ago
Despite their silly dreams and ridiculous conversations about their futures, both Maureen and Adam knew all too well that none of it was based in reality.And that’s what made it so fun and easy.
For a little while.
The reality was that Maureen was scheduled to start school in the fall and Adam…Maureen refused to think about what Adam was going to do, or what would happen if the opportunity in Africa ever came to fruition.
But reality couldn’t be ignored forever.
As the summer began to wind down, and they edged ever closer to the last few weeks of August, it became harder and harder not to think about the one thing they’d avoided talking about.She knew it was only a matter of time before they’d have to face it.The worry of it started to churn in her stomach.The ache in her gut grew worse and worse every day until the day that Adam took her hand and said, “I have news.”
She knew with those three simple words that she wasn’t going to like what his news was.
Together, they walked to the dock where they’d spent so many private nights.Maureen stood, frozen, while Adam laid out a blanket and pulled a bottle of wine and two glasses from a basket.
She’d only ever had small sips of wine before, at Christmas or on other special occasions.Wasthisa special occasion?
It didn’t feel special.
It felt ominous as Adam held out a hand and asked her to come sit with him.
Maureen was stiff as she sat next to Adam on the dock.She pulled her shoes and socks off and stuck her feet in the lake.The cool water snapped her out of her daze.She focused on moving her feet back and forth in the water, watching the bubbles and swirls they left in their wake as Adam removed the cork from the wine and poured them each a small glass.
“What’s this for?”She almost hated to ask.
“Just because.”
She narrowed her eyes.“Wine is for celebrating.”
“Not necessarily.”He winked and, before she could protest, leaned over and kissed her slowly.
The feel of his lips on hers dissolved the remainder of the tension she was feeling, and just like that, the worry was gone.Whatever he was going to say, it would be okay.As long as they were together.
“That being said, I do think we should celebrate.”
Maureen searched his eyes for a clue, but he gave nothing away.
“I’d like to make a toast.”He raised his glass.“To us.”He waited until she raised her glass to meet his.“I’m so glad I decided to go to that dance the night I got to town,” he said.“And I’m even more glad that I made the decision to buy the really cute girl a glass of lemonade.”
She giggled.
“Maureen, you have surprised me from day one.”
“Surprised you?”She lowered her glass.“How?”
“I knew you were beautiful.”He winked.“That was easy to see.But getting to know you these past few months, I’ve realized just how smart and funny you are.”
“Go on.”She wiggled her shoulders and laughed.
“You’re kind and caring and…” The smile fell from his face.“You’re amazing.I have completely fallen for you, Maureen.”
His words were laced with sincerity and despite the fact that they’d told each other dozens of times that they loved each other, there was something special about this time.
With his free hand, he took hers and squeezed.“I love you.”
She looked straight into his eyes.“I love you, too, Adam.”
They kissed before finally toasting their love.
