Imperfect Truth(73)

“Just trying to make you fall in love with me again,” He takes a step closer to me, securing my hand in his. I wasn’t sure my heart has ever pounded so fast in my life. His fingers reach my face and softly caress my cheek. “Let’s go,” he winks at me, and I can tell this is going to be fun, romantic and…special.

As we step out of the cab at Central Park, I remember it like it was yesterday the image depicted on the map is now coming into focus in front of me. As my eyes lock onto the image of Central Park, memories flood my mind.



We sat with our bodies adjacent to each other on a picnic blanket in Central Park. We had been dating about 2 months when Alexandre had surprised me with an impromptu picnic. The spread was beautiful. Crudites, fine cheeses, Caviar with blinis, and a bottle of Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé. He had obviously paid attention as that was my favorite. His hand traced circles on my thigh, and he leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on my lips. I smiled to him and opened my mouth to deepen the kiss. I nibbled on his bottom lip to be playful, and he gently pulled away. “You look incredibly sexy.” The champagne was going straight to my head as I continued my pursuit of acting naughty in the park. He held my hand gently and again leaned forward this time whispering into my ear, “Ava, when we get back to your apartment we will most definitely continue this, but not here.” My lips pouted as he started tickling me. “Smile for me, pretty girl, stop pouting.” His eyes were dilated with lust. “I would, if we could.”

I smiled at him so thankful and grateful for the romantic gesture of the picnic. No man had ever doted on me like this. There was a certain comfort in him. I sighed to myself and relaxed into his embrace, fully content in us. His lips tickled my ear as he whispered, “You’re so beautiful.”



As the sun meets the horizon, swirls of color dance in the distance. Darkness creeps in, and the sky becomes ablaze with reds and pinks. Dusk would be coming soon. As I gaze out into the sky, I feel at peace. It is as if nothing can go wrong. Life is beautiful. This moment, this feeling, is beautiful.

The warmth caresses my face. I close my eyes and breathe in the peace and tranquility that surrounds me. A single tear slides down my cheek but not of sorrow. This is a rebirth. I will always have to fight the demons that live inside me, but they can no longer take refuge in my mind. I am stronger than that. We walk side my side, occasionally touching, the contact leaving goose bumps down my arm. He smiles at me warmly while crossing the street to enter Central Park. The horse drawn carriages line up along the avenue.

“Do you remember?” he softly asks me, his eyes searching mine for the memory buried so deep, that it is almost lost.

I nod to him, biting down on my lip as the memories rush back

“Any interest?”

I nod once again. Alexandre steps into the buggy, reaching his hand out to help me up.

With my hand in his grasp, I feel him lovingly caress me.



Sitting next to him, the heat of his body radiates through me. So close yet barely touching. I wait, trying to slow my breathing, waiting for him to close the distance. His gaze was not on me, but rather on the horizon. Staring, deep in thought at the full moon, I felt his hand reach across the confines of the blanket that covered our laps, and he slowly yet very deliberately stroked my hand. My heart hammered in my chest as the time came slowing to a standstill. Each inhale made the butterflies dance faster in my belly. Just when I thought I couldn't take much more, he reached up to my face, and his fingers slowly caressed my chin turning it ever so slightly to give him his opening. Our eyes locked, he leaned in a little closer. I could feel his breath on my lips. Almost as if I was inhaling him in, I closed my eyes and leaned into him.



The sound of horses’ hooves brings me back to my surroundings. The air is crisp, a faint smell of leaves permeates my senses. My eyes track over his face, catching on his full lips. The longing for his kiss is palpable. I’m eager to feel the soft caress of his mouth on mine. As he descends, I feel ravenous. I had forgotten how he tasted, his smell, the way his hands felt as they trailed up my body. My heart beats erratically, as excitement courses through my veins. I wrap my arms around his neck, the tiny hairs tickling my fingertips. The warmth of his mouth is comforting me, soothing my soul. We slow our pace and slowly pull away. Alexandre gently presses his lips on mine, once, twice, and a final time. As he trails the final one, I can feel him smile as he speaks.

"No matter what you think…No matter what you feel, I will love you forever… You are my forever.”

I lean into his kiss. “For someone who can’t express his feelings, you are doing a rather good job.”