In his mind they’re husband and wife. He has been dreaming and daydreaming about her long enough. The beauty of teenage years is dreaming, big or small the dreams are palpable. He plays how he will one day propose to her several times in his head. He wears the smile of intimacy when he sees her. She wears that of familiarity. He speaks to her like a spouse. She speaks to him like a friend who could potentially be a lover.

     In her tiny black eyes he can see the distance between them. She is flattered by the attention he’s giving her, he can tell. She needs a little more time to catch up. Through his actions he will bring her up to speed, to be on the same page. In such endeavor, patience is a virtue.

     In the b...

Please subscribe to keep reading.