Chapter Three: Solstice

It didn't take me long to try to reach out to Maria. As firm as I was on the phone with her, I couldn't help but want to speak with her again. I remember it was a weekend and I couldn't stop thinking about her. I didn't know if she even wanted to talk to me anymore after the conversation we had. So I sent her a text message saying "hello". And she quickly responded back. I was delighted! And so I worked up the courage and yet again asked her if she would like to meet up for dinner. And she said "yes"! I was so elated and excited! I couldn't believe that we were finally going to get the chance to sit down with each other face to face and talk!

I was so nervous! I didn't know where I wanted to take her to eat, or what to wear. I was just excited and nervous about everything. This wasn't your average first date. I felt like I was meeting for the first time someone I was already in love with. I had shared with Maria more of my hopes and dreams than anyone close to me. I had a whole lot on the line on this date, and that in turn made me tense and uneasy, yet anxious and galvanic.

I remember driving to her house trying to control the racing beat of my heart. When I got to her house and she came out outside and I recall the way she looked. The very sight of her sent a chill down my spine that I'll never forget. There she was. She was absolutely beautiful with her opulent hair, exotic skin tone, brilliant brown eyes, and that gorgeous smile that I love so much! She was literally breathtaking.

I decided to take her to Mickie Finnz to keep it casual and fun, but when we got there the place was packed due to the UFC fight that they were showing that night. And of all places and times, I ran into Steven and his family there! And Tina (Steve's mom) being as sweet and she is invited us both over to sit at there table. But of course I respectfully declined and decided to walk up the street to the HT Grill for a more intimate setting. And I'm glad we did so for we did get to sit at a small table in a quiet restaurant and have our first face to face talk that I waited for so long to have. And honestly I don't recollect what we actually spoke about, but when I can call to mind is just looking at her. Staring into those big beautiful eyes of hers, and just relishing in the wonderful feeling that was surging through my body. Words can't express how happy I was at that moment. And despite our talks of always having spaghetti together, our first meal was chicken piccata.

After dinner, we walked down to the beach and just held each other. It was chilly that night so we snuggled close. We listened to the waves and talked. Again, I was feeling overwhelmingly jubilant! I remember holding her close and closing my eye's and telling god "Thank you".

After I dropped her off ay her house I remember getting home and just laying in my bed feeling like the Nintendo 64 kid on Christmas morning. That night Maria gave me the most gorgeous sleep I have ever had. I dreamed a wonderful dream of all the memories and conversations I had shared with Maria all leading up to this night. I dreamed a wonderful dream of all the memories and conversations that we have yet to have. I was so excited about what the future had in store for not only me, but for us!