You’ve had a hard day at work/school and to get your mind off of it some friends try to convince you to meet them at the club. Tired of arguing and wanting to end the convo, you agree, thinking you would hang out for a little while and it would be the end of it. You block out where you all were to meet, thinking you all are going to meet at your local hangout spot. Not realizing [hey you wasn’t listening] that they had picked another spot, you show up at the local club and go inside to wait. After some wait you try to call and/or page your friends, in hopes that they will respond and/or meet you soon. After another 30 minutes you think that either your friends have stood you up or they will show up any second and explain all. Either way you will try to stay until they show or you get some word from them. They finally call you back and explain that they are across town at a different club [the actual club you were supposed to meet] but not to move because they are on their way to you…they should be there in 15 minutes [wishful thinking] tops. You agree to wait... but for only 15 min. claiming you had a rough day and you were getting tired. After another 15 minutes you write a note to your friends and prepare to give the letter to the bartender to give to them when he hands you a letter instead. You ask who the letter is from and he shrugs and tells you to read it…this is what the letter says...

You turn to the bartender and ask who wrote/sent the letter…he says he’s not sure but the person said to tell you they were in the back just in case you wanted to know. Thinking it was some type of joke from your friends or something...you head to the back ready to blast into them for having you wait all that time while they were here all the time. “Why in the he...” You stop mid-sentence because it’s not your friends you see but instead it’s Maxwell. Shocked at seeing Max you turn to leave suddenly, thinking you went into the wrong room, but he stops you by saying..”Don’t leave...I wasn’t sure you would come after reading my note, but I’m glad you did. Still thinking you are in the wrong room you turn to leave anyway when he comes over to you and takes you hand. He smiles and says... “Hey maybe this won’t make up for all the time you’ve spent out there alone waiting but would you like to dance?

Too shocked to say anything you shake your head yes and Max smiles and takes you into him. Your heartbeat quickens as Max places his arm around you to rest his hand in the small of your back. While still holding your other hand, you and Max begin to dance. Softly you hear “TTCCK” playing in the back ground and you become lost. You breathe the smell of him and lose yourself in the intoxicating scent. Gently you sway to the rhythm of the song as Max slowly draws you closer. Soon you feel his breath upon your neck. You suddenly realize that Max is softly singing the words of the song in your ear. Without realizing it you move closer still to Maxwell, until you practically become one. You feel tender kisses being applied upon your neck yet you do nothing to stop them…the feeling is too good. Lost in the feeling you continue to move and sway, not knowing that the music has stopped. You slowly lift your head and stare into his eyes. You’ve always heard people say that the eyes are the windows/mirrors of the soul and now you finally understand why. It’s almost as if time has stopped and it’s just you and he, and nothing else is of importance. You envision scenes from the future of you and he laughing, smiling, dancing and loving together. You see scenes of the children and the family, the dog and the happy home. The old couple sitting together still holding hands after all the years that passed. Lost in the wonderment of his eyes, you realize that you’ve never seen anything as beautiful as this. Never wanting this moment to end, you try to remember every aspect of him, fearing never again will this happen. You start to stroke his hair [yeah I know I got a thing about his hair], but soon you are drawn to the delicate yet strong lines of his face. You lovingly run your fingers over his scar, as if soothing away the pain if any it may have caused. You stroke his eyebrows and relish in the silkiness of the hair and his skin. You run your fingers down the side of his face, playing momentarily with his sideburns and wisp of a beard. With nervous fingers, you begin to trace the contours and curves of his mouth and lips [thinking of how it would feel with his lips upon yours] when Max reaches up and clutches your hand. You’re startled thinking that maybe you’ve done something that he has not liked. But to your surprise Maxwell slowly begins to kiss each finger. The softness of his lips and the warmth of his breath astound you. You marvel at how he is kissing each finger with such tenderness. Just when you think the pleasure is at its peak, Maxwell surprises you by in turn reveling in the wonders and beauty of you face. Delicately and softly tracing the lines and shapes of you. With the exploration complete you move in closer preparing your lips to meet his. Just as your lips are to join in union you faintly hear your friends calling your name. You realize they are in the hallway headed your way. You quickly move away from Maxwell, not ready or able to explain the intimate scene they would have walked in on. You gather yourself and nervously call out their names to direct them to the right location. They enter the room and sense something between you and Maxwell. Although they never comment on it verbally you see a thousand questions in their eyes. Being the gracious gentleman that he is Maxwell stays in the room and interacts with and entertains you and your friends. Despite all the people in the room it’s as if only you and he remain. You can still feel his arm around your waist and the softness of his hand as he held yours in his as if it was a precious gift. The way it felt when you were pressed up against him. The prickly feel of the stubble on his chin that he had yet to shave away. You thought and thought about what might have happened had your friends not come in when they did. You imagine his soft supple lips slowly graze and caress your lips. The moistness of his tongue as ran it along yours. From time to time you feel his eyes upon you and you in return stare at him with thoughts of could have been. After hours of joking, laughing, dancing, eating and having the best time in a long time it’s time to leave. The club is closing and everyone must go their separate ways. Maxwell the ever gentleman, goes around and one by one hugs your friends and comments on the good times had by all. As he draws you near you your heartbeat quickens, for you have another chance to be close to him. Finally he’s upon you and like the others he takes you in his arms and hugs you close. As he holds you near to him he whispers in your ear...
“Until next time, maybe then we can finish that dance.”
He hugs you awhile longer than the others and you see the bemused and confused expressions on your friends’ faces, and you know you will be in for a marathon chat. He releases you and wishes you all a good night. Before anyone has a chance to question you about the hug and the things that occurred before they arrived, you come up with the excuse that you will explain all later and you need to get up early in the morning. They accept your excuse/explanation for now but warn you to be expecting their calls. You rush to your car thankful to be away from them and the fact that theirs is in the other direction. When you arrive at your car you are greeted with a surprise...Maxwell. You smile as you move closer, anticipating the kiss you never got to experience.
“I just wanted to make sure you got to your car ok [he asked your friends the make of your car] and to tell you I enjoyed our dance.” Max says.
“So did I” you reply.
“Although we didn’t completely finish it was quite enjoyable, and if you don’t mind I’d like to give you an incentive to come back here to finish it when you get the opportunity.” Max says.
Inadvertently you moisten your lips and Maxwell begins to smile. You begin to blush thinking he has read your thoughts and now knows how eager you are to kiss him. To your surprise he reaches for your hand and holds it gently in his. He caresses your hand and tenderly and gently brings it to his lips and kisses it. You are in awe of the simple yet extraordinary act he just performed.
Again Maxwell whispers in your ear... “Next time or maybe even the time after that we will experience the ultimate culmination [ending] to our dance. But until then I’ll look forward to meeting and joining with you in our special place, which will be reserved only for us, only for our dance.” Again he kisses your hand and then helps you into your car and you know that soon you will be meeting him again for a dance.

Here’s what happens when the imagination runs wild… [hold on to your hat...] The scene... your house...a quiet evening...just you and Max... The action...you agree to wash and braid Maxwell’s glorious mane of hair... Imagine if you will...

You stand close to Max as you prepare to wash his hair. As he leans back in the wash bowl, with his eyes closed, you begin to stare as his face. Slowly you take in all the wonders of his handsome face, wondering how even with his scar [which you also wonder about] he still is so handsome. You’re startled when Maxwell suddenly opens his eyes and asks… “What are you staring at?” You stutter as you try to explain that you can’t completely wash the back of his hair so you have to get a little closer. You move in closer until his arm rests upon your thigh. Maxwell asks you if you want him to move his arm and of course you say NO. You lean over Max to wash the back of his hair and you can feel his breath upon your neck. Trying your best not to let that distract you, you continue washing his hair. When you’re finally finished you tell Max you are going to get chair for him to sit in so you can grease his scalp and braid his hair. To your surprise he tells you he would rather sit on the floor with you sitting behind him. You ponder for a moment if you really want this man to sit between your legs for an elongated period of time…[HELL YES!!!!!!!!!!!] or if you would rather stand up and braid his hair. As he is sitting on the floor [* smile *] you asks what if any particular way he would like his hair braided [while trying desperately to get that scene from the “School Daze” movie out of your head…the licking of the part and scalp]. When he tells you the style he wants you realize that for a period of time he’s gonna have to sit facing you…[if you know what I mean…..]. When you are nearly finished braiding the back of his hair he asks you to take a break because his neck is beginning to ache from holding it a certain way. You agree thinking he’s gonna get up to stretch his legs or something, but to your amazement he closes his eye, leans back and rests his head on your thigh. Unable to stop yourself you begin to stroke his hair. When you see Max begin to smile you stop stroking his hair, but he suddenly reaches up and grabs you hand and says, “Girl…don’t stop now, you’ve got me heated up”. You’re shocked but you see Max is laughing and you realize he was just making a joke to lighten up the mood and you laugh along with him. You finish braiding the back of his hair and realize that it is now time to begin braiding the front. You constantly repeat to yourself… RELAX… RELATE… RELEASE…. RELAX… RELATE… RELEASE…[hey you gotta try to remain calm at times]. Try as you might you can’t seem to part his hair straight. While he gazing at your splendor, out of the corner of you eye you see Max slowly beginning to grin. You want to ask him why he is smiling but you don’t want it to seem like you’re watching his every move [even though you are]. Curiosity gets the better of you and you ask him why he is smiling. He says he sees you getting frustrated and that you’re sorta cute when you get those lines in your forehead. You smile despite yourself and explain that you are having a hard time parting his hair straight. He suggest that he lean forward, meaning that his head would be resting upon your “glory” and no matter how much you would like that you say no and go to get a chair for him to sit on, thinking maybe that would help. Even with the chair you still can’t get the part straight and you tell him again that you have to come closer to get it straight. Now while straddling him on the chair you begin to make the part when you feel Max’s hands on your waist. You suddenly stop and look at Max and move in to kiss him…slowly your lips meet and you relish in their taste. As his kisses slowly travel down your neck, his hands are weaving a delicate pattern as he strokes your back. Max pulls you closer and your arms wrap around him and you vow [to yourself of course] to never let him go. Max asks you if you want him to stop and you say NO and he picks you up and carries you to your bed. Delicately and slowly he begins to undress you kissing every spot he reveals. Again he asks you if this is what you want and again you YES YES YES!!! After he undresses you he stands and does a strip tease you won’t soon forget. When he finishes undressing he joins you again on the bed and deliciously kisses you from head to foot. When you try to return the favor he stops you and says tonight is all about you. He is here to please you any only you, he is not of importance…tonight it is all about you. Slowly you and he join and become one, and a single tear begins to roll down your face. He stops and asks you what is wrong and/or did he hurt you in any way. You say no and try to explain away the tear..[how do you tell a man the sex/lovemaking was so good it had you crying?????]. He shushes you and slowly kisses away the tear and hugs you tighter saying he understands all and you silently wonder if he does. After hours of lovemaking you fall asleep in each hours arms. When you awake however you realize that he is gone, thinking he has left. You wonder how he will look at and think of you when he sees you again. As you rise to shower and contemplate what happened last night you hear him on the phone in the next room. And you wonder who he is talking to and what they are the talking about. When he comes back into the room he senses your concern/confusion and explains that he was clearing the rest of his schedule. Because after what he has experienced last night he has no plans that are of more importance than you. And he takes your hand and slowly leads you back to the bed.

I wrote this story for someone birthday, but just replace their name with yours...enjoy

D@mn another birthday has come and gone. Now I know I told everybody I was throwing a cyber party and why they didn’t show up I don’t know. And that d@mn Asani…she promised me a story and she didn’t even send it to me, now I know she slow but d@mn. And not only that my family and other friends didn’t give this day the importance it deserved. Not that I was expecting a party with streamers, balloons, confetti and the whole works, but at least something more than what I got. Well the hell with all of them and everything else…today is your day and you’re gonna do something that makes you feel good. A nice long hot bubble bath is just the trick to get the night started off right. No phone, tv, people, computer, no nothing…it’s all about you tonight. So you unplug the phone, cut the lights and tv, and light the candles that surround the tub and prepare to “submerge”. Once the tub is filled with the hot steamy soapy water you smile despite yourself. Try as you might scenes from the “Luxury: Cococure” video keep flashing through your mind. What you would’ve done to be in that bathroom for the filming of that video…..Whew Lawdy!!!! The music is paying softly as you slip into the water and you are instantly relaxed. Just when you think the moment couldn’t get any better you hear a knock at the front door. You ignore it not wanting to disrupt the mood you’ve set, but the knocking continues. “Go away…don’t you know it’s my birthday…I’m trying to relax here!!!!” you yell and the knocking finally stops. You’re able to relax again but after about 10 minutes the knocking begins again. UNBELIEVEABLE!!!!!! Don’t these people get it…I’m trying to relax…you think to yourself. You try to ignore the knocking again but this time its more insistent. Despite repeated shouts to the “knocker” to stop and leave they continue. “Oh I see I got to handle this ghetto – style” you mutter to yourself as you get out of the tub, grab your robe, and head towards the door. Ready to blast off on whoever disturbed your flow, you yank open the door. You’re surprised to see that no one is there, yet you see a single rose lying in front of your door. You look around to see who could have left the rose but there is no one around. You collect your rose and head back inside. Seconds after you close your door you again hear a knock. You rush to open the door to catch whoever’s been knocking at door all evening. Expecting to see someone you know you open the door but instead you see Maxwell standing there rummaging through/in a bag of some type.

You stand there shocked [with your mouth gaped open] not believing what you see. He says “I hate to interrupt your evening, but I uhhh I have something for you.” You stand there a second longer then invite him in intrigued by what he just said. He continues… “I know today’s your birthday and all. I’ve been thinking about it all day and about how I would go about sending you some birthday wishes. I thought I was going to be able to join your cyber birthday party, but at the last second something came up and I knew that by the time I finished I would’ve missed the party.” Now you’re really shocked…how did he know it was your birthday, let alone about the cyber party?
“I know this isn’t much, but I just wanted to help you celebrate your birthday.” He reaches in the bag and pulls out a hostess cupcake and some candles…he smiles sheepishly at you humps his shoulders and says.. “Last second….sorry I really wish it could’ve been more.” You smile touched by his efforts even to do something.
“How do you know it’s my birthday?” you blurt out.
“I have my sources.” He says smiling.
“What else is in the bag? you ask seeing that the bag is still lumpy. “Oh that is the best part….” He says as he reaches inside his page and pulls all the things for a “good” birthday party, “just sit back and relax…this shouldn’t take long.” Despite yourself you sit back and smile as he works quickly setting up the room for an impromptu birthday party. As he is placing the “Birthday Girl” crown on your head he smiles and says “I almost forgot the best and important thing for any party..” he goes back into the hall and brings back inside dozens and dozens of balloons of every color. “All birthday parties must have balloons…how else would people know it’s a celebration” he says smiling. Now really cheesing he begins to sing you happy birthday, and try as you might you can’t seem to keep the tears from welling up in your eyes. As you are blowing out your candle Max is whooping it up and throwing confetti in your direction. You are so moved by what Max has just done for you that you rush over to hug him. That’s when you remember truly how little the amount of clothes you have on. Remember all you have on is your bathrobe because you rushed to the door to tell someone off. You hear Maxwell gasp as you rub against him. You realize that he now knows exactly how much you have or don’t have on under your robe. You step back and you look at him. Your eyes lock and you become unsure of what to do next. After what seemed like an eternity you ask him if there is anything you can do to repay him for all that he has done. He smiles slyly and says “I wouldn’t mind another hug….but seriously just seeing you smile was more than enough payment.” You stand there nervously smiling for a few seconds more and then excuse yourself to go and put on some more clothes.

As you are heading to your room the candles burning in the bathroom distract you. You think to yourself that you might as well blow them out now since you won’t be able to finish that bath now. Before you blow out the candles you decide to let out the water in the tub first. For whatever reason you become so fascinated by the water and bubbles that remain in the tub that you sit there and watch as they slowly drain out. You sense something is different and you turn to see Max standing in the doorway. You’re mesmerized by how is face looks in the flickering candlelight. You and he lock eyes again as he slowly comes toward you. You shyly look away as he stops in front of you. Max extends his hand and nervously you place your hand in his. As he slowly pulls you to your feet thoughts race through your head. This wrong…this should not be happening is all up keep hearing. Tenderly he cups your face and turns it toward him.
“I forgot to give you your present…” he says. Slowly he brings your face to his and softly kisses you. Amazingly despite the kiss being so soft and tender it is filled with great passion. After your kiss you look into his eyes and see such tenderness and longing. Surprised by what you see but also intrigued you take his hand and lead him out of the bathroom into your bedroom. Although it was a bold move on your part, you become apprehensive once you are in the room. Sensing your fear Maxwell closes the distance between you and whispers, “Nothing is or will happen that you don’t want to happen. I only came here to make your birthday a better one. And if that means going back in the living room to play tidily – winks we can do that too. Because I don’t want you to do something that you may later regret.” “If I didn’t want this we wouldn’t be in here” you boldly hear yourself say.
“Well alrighty then!!!” he says with the goofiest look on his face. You smile knowing Max was doing all he could to make you smile and feel at ease. However you change the whole complexity of the situation as you untie the belt on your bathrobe and drop it to the floor. For the second time that night, you hear Max gasp in surprise. “Are you sure?” he ask and you shake you head yes, and Max encloses you in his arms and begins to kiss you again. You move backwards until you fall on the bed, continually kissing. Suddenly he stops and you ask if there is a problem. “No, I just want to take in all of your wonder before I continue.” He says. You smile and raise your eyebrows a couple of times as if asking if he likes what he sees. You hear him mutter “Glory be” as he shakes his head, smiles and begins kissing you again. Ever so slowly Maxwell kisses AND licks every inch of you. Next his head and mouth comes to the valley of you, and with every stroke of his tongue he takes you to heights you never knew existed. So completely overcome by this, Maxwell takes you in his arms and holds you while your shuddering subsides. When you’re finally “calm” you and Maxwell submerge and join together as one, experiencing and sharing pleasures together for the rest of the night. You finally drift of to sleep in each other arms. You are sleeping soundly when you feel Maxwell slowly kissing you awake. You look at him and he says… “This is not how I wanted things to end, because if I could I would stay here all night and day being with you, but I really have to leave.” You try not to look upset/disheartened but Max can sense it in your eyes. “First let me say I don’t usually do “things” like this, but I want you to know everything we did last night I will remember forever.”
“So will I” you say as you mask your feelings. After Max showers, dresses and leaves you come back to your room trying to figure out what happened last night happened at all. That’s when you notice a small box with a letter attached to it on your bedside table. “This wasn’t here before…I wonder what it is,” you think to yourself. Knowing it was something Max left you, you rush over to see what it is. You open the box and find a necklace with a charm that has the letters “[put the intial of your name here]” and “M” combined on it. Then you begin to read one of the sweetest letters you’ve ever read. This is what the letter said:

“_____,

Everything was set. You’ve cleared your schedule so there was nothing stopping you now. Despite the fact that you lived together, it seemed as though you never see each other. So tonight you planned a special evening for just you and he. So with the candles lit, the music playing softly in the background, the dinner warming in the oven, you prepare for an evening a long time in coming. Now the only thing needed is for Maxwell to come home. The mood and moment was right for love and a little sumthin’ sumthin’ else [that is if everything went according to plans]. The candles cast perfect shadows around the room, illuminating some things and moving others into the background. The music played so softly it could lull and pull you into its trance if you but let it. Maxwell was a late, but you assumed it was only traffic that was holding him up. You’ll give him another 30 minutes before you begin to worry. After an hour passed [hey the music was intoxicating] you become concerned. You wonder if he called you at the office, [lately that has been the only place you’ve been able to talk to him. In the mornings all you have time for is a quick hi, bye and a quick peck on the check] so you go to call your service. Not surprisingly he did call to leave you a message. With bittersweet longing [you missed the days when it was only you and he and the outside world didn’t intrude] you listen to his message…

So for the next two weeks you wake up and go to sleep with calls from Maxwell. You speak about your love and how much you miss each other. But despite the constant calls and talks with Maxwell you still miss him more and more each second he is gone. You begin sleeping on his side of the bed just to remember the scent of him, and to somehow bring him back to you. In one of the last conversations with Maxwell he tells you he won’t be able to call you for a day or two but rest assured that he will still be thinking of you. You’re saddened by the fact that you won’t talk to him but you understand the situation. To take you mind off of him not being able to call you, you call up a few friends to hang out. While out you miss his call saying he’s coming home. Wanting to surprise you he doesn’t leave a message and heads home. It was good to hang out with your friends and all, but halfway through the evening you realize that you’d much rather be home. You come up with an excuse to leave early [you know how your friends are…it had better be a good reason] and head home. You pull up in front of your home happy that you went out, but at the same time just as happy that you’re home. You sense there’s something different but you pay it no mind, you’re in a rush to get inside to see if Maxwell has left you a message. You unlock the front door and are greeted by rose petals of every hue strewn across the floor. You become excited, but you quickly dismiss them. Knowing Maxwell, as you do, he probably just had someone come in and do this for him. In the two weeks he’s been away he’s surprised you with daily bouquets of flowers, he’s sent you tapes of lullabies [yes lullabies] to fall asleep to at night [he regularly sings you to sleep at night], long letters speaking of his undying love and appreciation for you. Constant things to remind you of him and his love. A few steps into the foyer you notice a card placed upon a platter with your name attached. You become excited again because you recognize his handwriting. You open the card and it reads:

_______ [Add your name]

Never did I think my life would turn out this way. I thought I was living and had a good life, that is until I met you. When you came into my life I was instantly awakened and shown what living really was. You’ve brought so many things into my life, I’m not sure if I will ever be able to repay you. Now, if I must, I will happily spend the rest of my life trying to return all that you have given to me. From private birthday parties with balloons and streamers for just the two of us, to giving you every rose of every hue, to hot bubble baths each and every night. I’d even offer to braid your hair but we both know what a mess that would be…*smile*. Nothing would ever compare or equal the one gift you’ve given me. I know I keep speaking and rambling on about this precious and amazing gift you’ve given me and I know by now you’re wondering what it is. Well I’ll gladly tell you…you’ve given me my reason to awaken every morning, my reason to live. I used to sit and watch people and wonder what makes them continue on day after day. And I remember one particular day I saw an older couple in the park walking together still holding hands and laughing together. I wanted to go up to them and ask them how did they do it? What was the magic they found within each other and themselves that made them stay together and happy for so long. But I didn’t have to go to them after all, the answer was so plainly written on their faces for all the world to see. They found love, and that was what held them together and kept them going. And I knew from that day forward that if I were ever blessed with the opportunity to give and receive love I would be a truly lucky man indeed. I didn’t realize till our time apart, that I had indeed been blessed.

I’ve been in a lot of relationships where I’ve given my all. But it was not always given back in return. I thought that this was how it would stay. I thought I would always be searching for the lady who was willing to give just a little bit more. Thou never really expecting to find her because her all would never be given. It was at the point where people/women were more impressed by who I was than who I am. So instead of continually getting hurt I conditioned myself to be happy with the status quo. And as sad as that fact was I accepted it. But with a glimpse of a smile my whole world changed. I never thought something as small as that would mean so much and become so important.

You’ve changed my life. I didn’t notice it at first, but day after day, night after night I found myself smiling with thoughts of you. I found myself looking forward to my moments with you. Whether it was the few minutes it took for me to open and read an email sent by you, or if it was the hours on end we would spend on the phone together talking about everything and nothing all at the same time. I would go to the phone to call you just for a chance to hear your voice. And if by chance a day went by that we didn’t get to speak or communicate, the day would seem to drag and go on forever and I would become consumed with thoughts of you. I would wonder about the things you were doing, what was making you smile, or [if by chance] you were thinking of me too. I would record my moments with you and play them over at least a thousand times in my mind. The way you smiled when you heard something funny, the way you blushed when I paid you a compliment and/or whispered something in your ear, the way those little lines came in your forehead when you were thinking or really concentrating on something. The way you played in your hair. You were becoming my world, my every thought; every wish was about you. You engulfed my soul and made me whole again.

So as I continue to gather up our moments together…each hour each second each minute each day spent and all the moments yet to come. I am immensely touched and awestruck by the magnitude of who you are and what you’ve brought into my life. And as these wondrous moments continue to build and construct our castle in the sky [I was listening to “Just The Two Of Us” by Bill Withers while writing this and the song fit us perfectly] I humbly come before you and say Thank You. It’s sorta funny, I put a tissue in the last box because I knew that after reading this letter…better yet pledge to you tears may be flowing [I know how you are…all sensitive and stuff…which by the way I love] but I can honestly say that I stand before you all man with tears flowing. Tears of joy [for all that you have brought into my life], tears of happiness [because the second after I met you it’s as if I found all the happiness the world could muster], tears of sadness [although now that I have you there aren’t any…but for all the empty moments I experienced before you], and most importantly tears of love [because regardless of how this “ride” may end I can and will honestly say that I will love and cherish you until the day our souls depart]. LOOK INSIDE THE BOX THERE ARE MORE TISSUES *SMILE*

The key that was placed in the box has two meanings…symbolically and literally. Symbolically it means you hold the key that unlocked my soul and allowed me to live, love and breathe again. I had willed all my emotions away as a safeguard to insure I didn’t get hurt again. And no one I met ever made me desire a release of these feeling until you. You’ve taken that key and opened my heart once again. You’ve managed to take that old rusty key [the skeleton key that was in the box] and replaced it anew [look in the box again and you will find the new “key”]. And this new key I want you to wear always so in case it ever seems that my heart is closing once again you will always have the power to open it again. (The new key is a small diamond encrusted key dangling on a clear plastic necklace so it appears to be floating) Keep this key close to your heart because you will always be in mine.

Love Always,
M

p.s.
In case you were wondering what the scissors were about turn around slowly and cut the ribbon on your final present…

You turn around slowly and behind you stands Maxwell “wrapped” in a red ribbon smiling at you. You rush over to him and fling your arms around him secure in the fact that his love for you is as strong as yours for him. He touches your face slowly and you join together for a kiss…
“I guess you liked the letter huh?” he says smiling.
“More than you know” you reply. “I….
“Shhh…let this moment speak for itself” he says. And you continue to hold each other and share in another precious moment made for only you two…

Anticipation
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Anticipation was starting to get the better of you. Here it was, you’ve chatted with him for all of this time, but now when it’s actually time to come face to face you’re getting nervous. You’ve told this man some of the most intimate details of your life, but yet you can’t face him. It was different when you were just sitting in front of a computer screen; there you were bold. You could tell him whatever was on your mind, you had no inhibitions. But meeting face to face made you leery. It was fine over the internet to speak of nipples and orgasms and all things in between but could you actually look this same man in the face and repeat some of the things you typed. You’ve clicked with this man mentally and you want your first experience of meeting him to be more about that than the physical and the things you wrote. The way you came to know each other was something in itself. You saw his name in the Auraqual chatroom and was instantly drawn to it. You sat quietly and watched as he interacted with the others in the room. His easy flow and how it seemed he knew everyone amazed you. It wasn’t your normal time in the chatroom so you didn’t know many of the people. You wanted to join in the chat be you were unsure of how he would respond to you. So you sat and watched and wondered about him. You started logging in early just to see what he was talking about. Always staying in the backdrop and never typing a response. Finally the suspense was getting to you and you had to ask the “LC” [late-night crew] if they knew anything about him. Asani seems to know a lot about things surely she would know something about him. And one night you came in Auraqual early in hopes of talking about the “mystery man” but to your surprise no one was there. You decided to wait a few seconds before you left to send out emails telling the crew to get in there. Just as you were about to leave you see he has entered the room. You’re frozen, trying to decide if you should speak to him and trying to gather the courage to do so. But he takes the decision out of your hands….
“hello _____[Add your name]”
[this time you can’t avoid him] “hello….”
“I’ve seen you in here from time to time but you never seem to chat”
“oh….really….i like to see what others are chatting about before I join in” [never realized he knew you were there]
“oh is that it…don’t like what we talk about huh”
“why would you say that”
“because in all the times I’ve been in here and saw your name I can’t remember seeing you respond or chat about anything”
“didn’t know you were paying attention”
“yeah….i have been”
“why…if you don’t mind me asking”
“liked your name the first time I saw it and i was always interested to see the things you might type…always wondered if they would be full of philosophy and insight”
“oh…ok”
“btw…this isn’t your normal time in here…why so late tonight”
“actually…i’m normally here this time…but have just been logging in early to see what everyone else was chatting about” [wow he really was paying attention]
“do you chat and respond during this time”
“yeah they can’t seem to shut me up…lol”
“lol…well i guess i should start logging in at this time”
“why”
“that way i will be able to chat with you”
“you really want to chat with me that bad”
“why else do you think i’m in the chat room all of the time….i’ve been waiting for my opportunity to chat with you”
“why is it so important that you chat with me”
“well….i’ve heard a lot things about you and i just wanted to see if all i heard was true”
“what kind of things”
“only good things”
“from who”
“i can’t say exactly…but i will say their words were overflowing and only spoke of high praise”
“really”
“yes and from what i’ve seen they may be right”
“thank you”……
You and he chatted for hours talking about every subject possible. None of the “LC” showed that night but it didn’t matter because you were mesmerized by his words and the way they made you feel. As he was leaving he asked for your email address and though you were a bit reluctant you gave it him anyway. The next morning you were surprised to see he had left you several messages. Despite yourself you were happy to see he mailed you something. You rushed to open the messages and was greeted with words of thanks [for the conversation last night] and how much he was looking forward to chatting with you again. You met again that night and you knew that this “friendship” via the internet was something a little different from your others and you could hardly wait to see where it would take you. It began with a single chat and lead to so much more. Your daily emails and chats started to mean so much to you. So here you are several months down the line about to meet him face to face. After agreeing on the place to meet [he was coming to your town] you explained to him how he would recognize you [the old red carnation thingy]. When asked how you would know it was him he would say. He only said to expect a surprise [a good surprise] when you meet face to face. Not really liking his explanation you try to press for a more concrete answer but all he says is not to worry because the second he walks through the door you will know him. You concede ready to put the issue aside. You agree to meet at the Musze Café tomorrow and you are not sure of what to expect.

You glance at your watch again…he’s 30 minutes late. Maybe he got lost on his way to the café. Either that or he stood you up [you pray this is not the case] If he’s not here in another 15 minutes you will leave and write this up as another lesson learned. You know meeting someone you met via the internet is not always what it’s cracked up to be. You’ve set your hopes so high on this meeting that any disappointment is bound to last a long time. So as the minutes tick by your mind starts to wonder over the things you chatted about. Life, love, anticipation, expectations, sex, all heavy subjects in themselves but you were able to talk openly and freely about them with him. And you liked how that felt. It was rare that you were able to find someone who shared your same views and ideals. You wondered if he truly felt this way or was he just agreeing with you just to agree. Maybe meeting him was not the best choice you ever made, but you knew that you must. Fifteen minutes past and still no sign of him. Trying to hide your disappointment you prepare to leave when a waitress comes up to you.
“A flower for the lady…” she remarks
“No, no thank you,” you say trying to leave without much of a scene.
“No you don’t understand, this flower is for you. A handsome gentleman asked me to give this to you.” she says smiling as she hands you a rose and departs. Is it possible he was actually in the room with you?
Maybe he’s sitting to the side somewhere and is watching how you react to the flower that was given to you. You look around trying to spot him in the crowd. No one is looking in your direction and you become confused by the flower given to you. After five minutes pass you mark your flower up as a mistake and ready to leave again. You smile to yourself thinking that at least you got a souvenir from this “adventure” and a lesson learned. Again as you rise to leave another waitress approaches you and says “A flower for the lady…”
“This has got to be some type of mistake. I’ve asked for no flowers and I see no gentleman to assure me that this is correct” you say.
“I’m sorry, all I was told was to deliver this flower to the prettiest lady in the room and I was pointed in your direction.” She smiles hands you the flower and departs. You are not sure what is going on but you know eventually these flowers will lead/point you in the direction of “him”. Slowly one by one more flowers arrive at you table all by different waitresses and waiters all with the same message…“A flower for the lady…” Soon there are eleven roses and yet you still have yet to meet the person you came to see. After the last flower arrives you are sure that he will appear. You wait ten minutes and still no one new walks through the door. You’ve been there practically all day and although it’s still early the café is beginning to close. You’ve waited all this time and despite the flowers you have not had contact with him. A waitress approaches you and tells you that in five minutes the café will close. She sees the disappointment in your eyes and tries to soothe away the look with a tender glance. You assure her that you are preparing to leave and begin to gather up your bouquet of flowers. With as small shake of your [still not believing that he didn’t show up] you rise to leave. You feel a hand upon your shoulder and instantly you know it is he. You turn to face him but he stops you. With a voice that sends chills up your spine he says “Leaving without saying hello…huh?”
His voice sounds so familiar yet you can’t place where you know it. “I wasn’t sure you were gonna show up” you say with a shaky voice because he is slowly caressing the nape of your neck.
“Did you really think I was gonna miss my date with destiny? Is there something you are missing?” he asks still standing behind you.
“Destiny…huh? Considering you are here with me now, what per tell could I possibly be missing?” you ask excited by his presence.
“Only this” he says as he leans over your shoulder and gently kisses your cheek and hands you the final rose to complete the dozen roses. Still not seeing his face you drink in the nectar of his scent acquainting yourself with it. “Do you know how beautiful you are, all I had to go on is assumptions of you and nothing I ever imagined could ever equal you” he whispers in your ear
“Well you have the advantage for you can see me and I have yet to witness you” you reply in playful banter. Though the conversation you are having with this unseen man is exciting you long to see his face. Unable to take it any longer you say “You told me I would be surprised by you when do I get to experience my surprise?”
“Whenever you are ready to turn and face me,” he says. You stand and slowly turn around, and to your surprise standing behind you is Maxwell [the object of your desire, affections, love, lust, and all that good stuff in between]. His piercing eyes looking into you searching for some sign of recognition you are momentarily stunned into silence unsure of what to say. A thousand questions come to your mind yet you are unable to mutter even one. What is he doing here…is this some type of joke…could he possibly be the man you chatted and became so familiar with.
“Hel…hel…hello. It’s…it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” you stammer out
“I know you are a little shocked by the turn of situations, but know everything I typed and everything said between us was what was felt in my heart. You might be a little taken aback by who I am and I know your first reaction is to back way and think that this is some type of joke, but believe me this is real” Maxwell explains
“But I don’t understand how…” you mutter out.
“I happened to log into the chat room one day just to see what people were chatting about. And all I seemed to read about was some girl named _______. So I made it a point to find and to know you. I know about your comments made about me…”
“I can explain those” you blurt out.
“But they don’t matter. Although I would have loved to be in the room when some of them were made,” he says smiling. “All that matters is you and me now. I know people will think we’re crazy, but from the moment I was able to actually chat with you, I know this meeting was destined” he replies.
“I don’t know what to say” you say slowly shaking our head still not believing Maxwell is in front of you. “Don’t say anything…dance with me” Maxwell says.
“I…I…I can’t the café is closing” you say nervous by the possibility of being that close to him. Slowly he smiles and says “Actually it’s not. It will remain open for just us. I reserved it so we would have no interruptions. So you have no excuse,” he says as he holds out his hand.
“We have no music to dance to” you say as you try and stall so you can steady your thoughts.
“Is that all…” he says, and with a snap of his fingers the lights dims and “Reunion” begins to play softly in the background. As you are dancing close he explains that the words of the song matches your story, and although this is your first meeting it is as though you two are rejoining [a reunion of sort] your souls. As you continue to slowly dance to the music a sense of calm comes over you. You don’t know why but you sense that this is right. You are standing there enclosed in Maxwell’s arms and this is a feeling your never want to lose. As the song ends you search for the right words to say.
“Maxwell …I just want to say…”
He interrupts you by placing a finger your mouth to quiet you.
“I know there are a thousand thoughts/questions rushing through your head and in time I hope to answer them all. But right now, right here let this moment be about us. There are so many things I want to say and tell you and so many things I want to show you. But right now there is no better feeling than you in my arms” he says.
“I agree” you interrupt.
“I want this feeling to last my lifetime but there are no guarantee that it will so I want to soak up that I can now. I know it might sound a little selfish but I knew that from the moment I started chatting with you that you would have some type of impact in my life. And I’m not sure if we only have this night or many more to come, so I want to take in everything about you that I can. So that it will leave an imprint on my mind, heart, soul and body, because I don’t know about you but I want to remember this forever” Maxwell explains breathlessly.
“I wanna remember this too,” you say shyly.
“I don’t know how long you’re gonna be here but I wanna remember every moment we have together,” he says.
“I’m not going anywhere,” you say smiling.
“I glad you said that,” he says smiling. “I have a bit of a surprise for you…if you don’t mind,” he says as he covers your eyes and leads you to your surprise. When he uncovers your eyes you are on the rooftop of the café where you see the making of a candlelight dinner.
“Were you that sure I would stay and join you?” you ask.
“No, I was just hopeful. The reason I brought you up here is because I wanted to experience what it feels like to watch the sunset and sunrise with you,” he says.
“Both of them…. umm that’s a long time to be up here on this roof,” you coyly say.
“That is barely enough time for me to truly get to know you. But the setting and rising of the sun holds magical powers and I just wanted to share them with you,” he says.
“Magical powers…how so?” you ask.
“Well with every setting of the sun all of your troubles of that day are washed away. And with each rising new endeavors and opportunities are granted to you. And I want you to be here to experience this with me. Besides when the sun rose today I knew I would meet someone that would be so important to my future. Also I want you to be here to witness as my worries wash away when the sun finally sets. Because I know no matter how many more sunsets and sunrises I see none will be of more importance than the two I saw with you,” Maxwell says as he is looking into your eyes as if asking the question whether you are gonna stay or leave. You turn away unsure of how this all will end but you know that you want to be here. You’ve talked countless hours about Maxwell and to now be in his presence with him pleading for you to stay is nearly too much for you to handle. What will tomorrow bring if you stay and more important what will it bring if you go? You know the answer lies within your heart and it only the matter of you speaking up and saying it. You walk to the edge of the building and look out over the landscape replaying in your head the events of the day. You never expected anything like this would come out of a chance meeting/chat on the internet. You know Maxwell is quietly awaiting your decision behind you and you slowly turn around and extend you hand and say…
“What are you waiting for…destiny begins with a single step…let’s watch as the Divine slowly paints her sky and washes away our worries” Maxwell comes forward and again encloses you in his arms as you stand and watch the sun fade away.

Lately going out had become so tired. Not that you didn’t have fun but every weekend you and your girls would go to the same tired club and see the same tired people. You knew y’all had to make a change soon or you’d be just as happy not to go out. You’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about a new club called Enigma that just opened up and if was the last thing you do you were gonna convince your friends to go there. To your surprise your friends jumped at the chance to go to the new club. So when Saturday arrived everyone was excited as you headed to the club.

You weren’t prepared for what you saw when you arrived at the club. Vacant buildings polluted the street. A few would even scare you if you were to walk by them. It looked as if all forms of life had long died and removed from that area. The club itself had a very ominous look to it. There were no marquee bearing the club’s name or anything of that nature. There was nothing particularly distinctive about the doors to the club either. Just two heavy black door with gleaming handles to welcome you. It had no windows or anything that might allow lights or sounds to escape. To be honest, it was the only building on the block that did not look condemned. So as you approached the door to enter a dark figure emerged from the shadows and in a whisper said “Your invitation please.”
“Excuse me,” you said shocked that there was someone there.
“This club is by invitation only. Without an invitation you can not come in,” he replied still in a whisper.
“An invitation? How can I get one? Is there a list or something where I gotta add my name to get one?” you ask.
“I’m sorry, there is no list. Only a selected few were chosen and in turn they were sent invitations,” the shadowy man informs you.
“How do I know if I’ve been selected or not?” you ask.
“You will know…an invitation will be delivered momentarily if you have been,” he says.
“So we can’t come in without an invitation…huh?” you ask again hoping he will let you slide.
“No, I’m sorry you can’t,” he says as he turns and walks away. As you are walking to your car you hear “I’ll see you soon _____ [Add you name]”. You turn to see the shadowy man [whose face you never saw] but once again he has disappeared in the darkness.
“How did he know your name?” ask one of your friends.
“I…I…I don’t know…maybe he heard one of y’all say it,” you try and explain.
“I don’t think so…no one said your name,” exclaims another friend.
“Stop playing…he had to hear y’all say it,” you say it.
“Ummm no we didn’t…I don’t like the fact that he knew your name, maybe we shouldn’t come back here even if we do get an invitation,” your friend says.
“Yeah, probably not. I just wonder how in the hell he knew who I was,” you say.
Your friends rib you the rest of the evening about the “shadow” knowing your name. [Y’all were looking too good to just go home so y’all hit the regular spot]. But as you returned home that evening you discover a single rose unlike any you’ve ever seen [a white rose with hints of blue throughout it] placed by your door with a card attached saying…

So as you hand your invitation to the “shadow” your heartbeat quickens. You see a glimmer of a smile upon his semi- hidden face and wonder if things will truly be different tonight. He takes you by the hand and leads you in a different entrance of a club. You’ve only seen this entrance used once and you wonder why he has selected it today. He leads you to a long secluded hallway and removes the hood that had been blocking his face. You are momentarily stunned because before you stands you one of the most handsome men you have ever seen. He steps closer to you and places his finger over his mouth to hush you before you begin to speak. Once he is close to you he leans forward and says… “Complacency makes you wonder not. Be not content with things as they are. Dig deeper and many of your hopes and dreams and will be met in time.” He places a kiss on your hand and leaves you in this hallway. You feel along the wall until you find a door with a knob that turns. You open the door and enter. You step inside the room and know instantly you’re in the wrong room. The aroma of candles and incense invade your senses. Soft music you can’t quite make out is being played softly. You can’t make out anything in the room despite the lighted candles. You gather yourself and prepare to leave, still unsure why you were lead in this direction. You take a deep breath and turn to leave but the door has locked behind you… “D@mn what now,” you say aloud as you continue to turn the knob hoping that the door was only jammed instead of locked.
“Leaving before saying hello?” a voice whispers. You know instantly that this is your admirer.
“Hel…hel…hello” you whisper.
“Hello yourself, come closer,” he says
“Excuse me”
“Come closer, I want to see all of you”
“Excuse me”
“Are those your favorite words. I said I want to see all of you. I’ve waited for this moment for so long. Step up closer into the light, ” he explains. Full of apprehension yet intrigued you step forward into the light yet you are still unable to se your admirer’s face.
“I’m glad we finally get the chance to meet _______ [add your name]”
“How do you know my name?”
“I know all that is important about you”
“Excus…how do you know me?
“I make it a habit to know everything about someone who helps to inspire me so,” He says.
“Huh?” is all you can muster unsure of the things he’s said.
“You’re even more beautiful than I thought,” he says with obvious awe in his voice.
“Thank you, but how do you know me?” you ask.
“You’re awfully full of questions. All will be revealed in time. Wow!!! The sight of you is practically hypnotizing,” he says.
“Thank you again, but I really would like to know…”
“Sshhh….I want to drink in all of you before the moment passes,”
“What…”
“Radiant, eloquent, divine, all combined adds to my mus…excuse me…my inspiration”
“Do I know you?”
“In more ways than one”
“What”
“All will be revealed in time…”
Suddenly the door behind you opens and you hear “I’m sorry miss, but no one is allowed in here. This area is off limits”
“That’s ok I want her to stay with me”
“But I was told that no one is allowed to be back here. She must leave with me….” explains the new shadow.
“Do as I say”
“But…”
“Are you questioning me…”
“I…I…I’m only doing as told” stammers the shadow.
“Hey…if it’s really that deep, I can leave,” you say hoping this will be your escape.
“No…you will stay. That is all.” With that the voice leaves and again you and he are alone.
“Why do you want me to stay here with you. I have no idea who you are or what is going on. I only…”
“All will be reveal…”
“I know I know all will be revealed in time. That is all I ever hear, when will the time come when I learn everything?” you ask
“I guess the time is now, ” he says. You take in a deep breath fearful of what you might hear. “Do you mind if I light another candle or two?”
“No…go right ahead,” you say anxious to hear what he has to tell you.
“You might find what I’m about to tell you a little strange, but promise me you’ll let me explain all before you interrupt. . . Do you promise?” he says as he lights a candle.
“I promise, ”you say.
“I saw you before…”
“Where?” you ask interrupting him.
“As I was saying, I saw you before and was instantly drawn to you. The sight of you nearly made me stop in the middle of what I was doing. We made eye contact and I was lost. From that point on I couldn’t take my eyes off of you for the rest of the night, no matter what I was doing. I wanted to go to you and ask you all there is to know about you, but it wasn’t the right time or place. There was just something about you I knew I needed to know, ” he explains. He pauses to light another candle which partially illuminate part of him. You strain hoping to see more of him but it is hopeless.
As he lights the candles that surround him, slowly casting more light upon his face, you began to see the shadows of his face and you can make out vaguely the lines and shapes of him. There was something familiar about him but you can’t figure it out yet.
“I know this might sound a little strange, but I have thought of nothing else but you from that day. And when I was given the opportunity to come back here I jumped at the chance. I wasn’t sure how I was gonna to find you or if you would even be interested in meeting me too. I did a little research and found out who you were. I knew that I had to find and meet and get to know you.”
“Why me?” you ask.
“I don’t know. Maybe it was when I saw you smile. It was dark but it lit up the whole room. Or maybe it was the way your whole face softened when I saw you laughing. I wanted to be in on it. I wanted to be if not the reason you were smiling at least be there to witness its wonder. I remember listening to a song off this cd I that I have after I saw you for the first time and the words matched what I was feeling exactly,” he says almost in a whisper.
“What were/are they?” you ask curious to what he might say.
“The words are not important, what’s important is that you are now here with me and we are able to experience this moment.” He pauses again to light a few more candles slowly lighting the room. “It’s funny so many things went through my head from the moment I saw you. That momentary space in time will be with me forever. Things are not as they always appear. Doing what I do it’s easier to keep up images then to live as life really is. It’s hard for me to say but I’m a lonely person. And loneliness tends to make you do some crazy things, and for as long as I can remember I have prayed and prayed to God for someone to come into my life, someone for me to love.” He breathes another deep sigh and continues, “And when I saw you I thought finally my time had come. Finally God had sent someone for me. I see tons of women daily, but you are and were the only one to ever stand out and remain in my mind. When I saw you I saw all the missing pieces of me. So yes, maybe it was wrong or a little strange the way I went about coming to meet you, coming to know you. But I knew that somehow some why I had to do this.
“First you gotta understand, I understand and appreciate all the things you are saying. And yes I will admit your words are beautiful, but it still does not explain and reveal all the things I still don’t know. Like who are you, and although the words are nice it still does not explain why you chose me,” you say.
“I didn’t choose you, my heart did. Everything about you I want to know, your every thought, your every wish, your every desire I want to fulfill. I don’t know much about you, only the things I’ve imagined, nor do you know much of me, but you are a part of my soul,” he says as he moves to light more candles. As he is lighting the last candle, you hear him whisper, “Come”. He holds out his hand and welcomes you forward. Although you were still a bit uneasy and not sure of what or who you might encounter you slowly move to meet him. Despite all the lighted candles you still could not clearly see his face but it was something about his voice that put you at ease. He senses your nervousness and whispers, “Believe it or not, I’m just as nervous as you. It’s not often that you actually get to meet your destiny face to face.”
“Destiny, huh?” you say in a whisper as you try to steady yourself. As you step fully in the light you are shocked to find yourself standing face to face with Maxwell. You are at a loss for words and he says “Before you say anything else I want to at least apologize for our first meeting in the club. I am ashamed to say I came on a bit strongly, but the sight of seeing you before me within arms reach clouded my judgment. And although that does not justify my actions I still would like to say I am sorry”
“There’s nothing for you to apologize about,” you say.
“Yes there is, you are a divine creation and you should always be treated as such,” he explains.

MORE TO COME

D@mn another holiday season…and to make matters worse you definitely are not in the mood this year. Your computer up and crashed on you so you’ll be out of touch of the fam for a while. Beside that the money it will cost to fix the computer takes all of your holiday/Christmas money. So presents this year will few and far between. You thought being around your other family would help, but it hasn’t. Even the weather wasn’t cooperating this year. The weatherman said it would be unseasonably warm this Christmas. You had hoped there would be a white Christmas, at that would have given you a reason to smile, but even that didn’t pan out. So as your family starts arriving for the annual Christmas get together you resign yourself to grin and bear it. No sense in bringing anyone else down.

The party was in full swing, everyone was there laughing and joking and having a good time. But all of this good cheer only seemed to darken your mood. And as much as you loved your family, you knew you had to make an escape before you exploded. Surprisingly you made it out of the house without being caught up in a hug-a-thon [you’ve hugged everyone in the house at least two or three times]. After you made it outside safely you tried to think of a place where you could go where it was likely you would be all alone. You decide to go to Musze Park. You knew that since winter arrived [even minus the snow] no one would be there. Especially now that they’ve removed all the swings and covered up the remaining children’s toys.

As you are walking to the park a few snowflakes begin to fall. You walk around the park for awhile searching for the perfect spot where you can sit and reflect on the past year. The good and the bad, the things that made you laugh or cry, all the new friends you met this year and the friends that seemed to slip away. You wanted to be able to go into the new year smiling instead of frowning. You lose yourself thinking about the aurafam and what was probably going on in the chat room. You just knew some craziness was going on in there [it always happens when you don’t show up…. lol]. As you are sitting there thinking about the room the times slips away from you and before you know it has gotten darker. You also didn’t notice that the weather had changed and that the snowing had gotten considerably heavier. You stand in wonderment and watch the falling snow around you. So caught up in the moment you start to twirl around laughing and dancing. At least one of your wishes was coming to be this Christmas. You smile thinking about all the things you use to do in the snow when you were a kid, and decide that since you were alone you might as well do them again while you got the chance. So like a child experiencing snow for the first time, you stand with your face facing the heavens, and try to catch a few snowflakes in your mouth. You stand there relishing in the innocence of this moment and how it was bringing you so much joy.
“How does it taste?” says a raspy voice.
“Excuse me…” you say looking around.
“I said how does it taste?” he asks again.
“Uuuuhhhhh….” is all you can mutter out as you stare at a bemused Maxwell standing beside the bench you were once sitting on.
“The snow….it looks like you are trying to catch a little in your uhh mouth to taste it and I was just wondering how they taste” he says.
“I…I…I…” is all you can say.
Smiling he says, “I’m only kidding. It looked like you were having so much fun I couldn’t resist asking.”
Finally gathering yourself you respond, “You never tried to taste snow by catching it in your uh…mouth?”
Laughing he says “Can’t say that I have.”
“You should try it, you’d be surprised,” you say.
“I think I’ll pass on that one,” he says laughing again “ I’ll just have to take your word on it.”
“What….honestly you should try it,” you say smiling.
“I don’t think so,” he smirks.
“Why?”
“You might laugh at me, and I’m not sure I’m ready for that to happen,” he says looking down.
“Now why would I laugh ?”
“Cause I might look silly,” he says.
“Oh…so you saying I was looking silly huh?” you ask smiling.
“Naw that’s not it” he responds.
“I promise I won’t laugh,” you say.
“You promise?” he asks. You answer by shaking you head yes and he then says “Ok”
You move to the side to sit down on the ground and watch him as he attempts to catch a little snow. As he leans his head back to catch the snow he looks at you again to assure that you are not laughing. You keep a serious look on your face and tell him to continue. As be begins again you marvel at the change that comes over his face. There is such a look of joy on his face as he experiences tasting snow for the first time. As hard as you try you can’t help but smile. And upon his laughter after catching a few snowflakes you can’t help but laugh with him. He shoots a look at you and you say “I’m laughing with you, not at you”
He smiles and comes over to sit down beside you. You both laugh a little longer and he asks “What’s your name?”
Smiling you say “Snowflake”
“Snowflake huh?
“Yeah snowflake,” you say still smiling “And you are?”
He laughs and says “Just call me Snowstorm.” You both laugh and he says “Well Snowflake thanks for not laughing,” as he hits you with a snowball that he has kept hidden for your view.
“Oh you wanna fight huh?” you say as you pick up a hand full of snow. He tries to stop you from hitting him with the snow, but you throw it at him before he can.
“Ok so this is how it is?” he says as he grabs a handful of snow
“No…no…no…wait” you say as you hold him and the snow at arms length. “ Let’s make this a fair fight, give me a second or two to get me some.”
“Ok…but only because its you Snowflake. You got two minutes, and then it’s on” he says “Pick you home base”
“Ok…ok…ok…I got the bench,” you say as you prepare to head in that direction. “I hope you know you gon’ lose.”
“Are you sure about that,” he says smiling, “cause I have yet to meet anybody who can beat me in a snowball fight.”
“Well, sweetie you’ve met your match…so prepare to lose cause I’m gonna light you up,” you inform him.
Laughing he says, “You gon light me up huh? This I gotta see. Well what are you waiting on…your two minutes are about up.”
“Nunhuh…. It hasn’t even started. You gotta at least let me get to the bench before you start counting,” you say as you hurriedly get up. As you are walking away Maxwell throws one of his snowballs and hits you in the back. You turn to glare at him but he sheepishly smiles and says, “It slipped.” You can’t help but laugh as you continue to head the bench. As the two minutes are winding down every now and then an occasional snowball would fly in your direction. The most you could muster out was “Hey” [you were to busy laughing and making snowballs of your own to yell anything else] and it would be answered with laughter. After two minutes pass you yell out “Snowstorm…”
“What?”
“It’s on!!!” you shout as the snowballs start flying. In between the laughter form you and Snowstorm you have a snowball fight like you’ve never had before.
After several minutes you hear, “I quit…I quit…you win!”
“You’re surrendering huh?” you shout.
“Yes!!! I am no match for you!” he shouts
“That’s what I like to hear….say it again,” you yell back.
“You win…I am no match for you,” he shouts as he is laughing. “Can I come and shake your hand?”
“You wanna shake my hand…why?” you question.
“I have good sportsmanship. Besides I wanna shake the hand of the first person to ever beat me in a snowball fight.” He yells back.
“You ain’t got no tricky stuff planned do you?” you question him.
“Tricky stuff? I aint even like that. I wanna shake your hand fair and square that’s all,” he says all sugary sweet. Not trusting the way he sounds you hide one last snowball behind your back and you go to shake his hand. After you see he is indeed empty handed, no snowballs in sight, you quickly drop your last snowball. He looks at you and your dropped snowball and then again at you. You laugh and say, “Well a sista gotta be prepared don’t she?” you both laugh. He takes you by the hand and says, “I wanna shake the hand of the one and only person who has ever beaten me in a snowball fight. And for that I give you this….” Suddenly he pulls out a hidden snowball and throws it at you. Unable to block it you are hit squarely in the face with a cold soppy snowball. Maxwell is overcome with laughter as he watches you wipe the snowball from your face. As you go to pick up your dropped snowball Maxwell takes off running and you chase behind him snowball in hand. He is laughing so hard you easily catch up to him. You quickly jump upon his back and tackle him to the ground. You wrestle in the snow for a few seconds and somehow you end up sitting on top of chest pinning his arms down. You are looking down at him and he is still laughing when he says, “You gotta admit…that was funny.”
Trying not to laugh yourself you say, “Was it?”
“Yes it was. You should have seen the look on your face. It was too funny for words.” He says still laughing.
“I wanna see your face after this…I wanna see if you think this is funny,” you say as you pick up snow to hit him with.
“You wouldn’t” he says.
Looking at him squarely you say, “You wanna bet?”
“Seriously you wouldn’t,” he says again
“I won’t huh?” you say as you continue to raise your hand with the snow over his face
“Come on now” he says as you allow a few clumps of snow to fall from your hands
“Apologize and I’ll stop,” you say smiling.
“No, I ain’t apologizing, that was funny. And besides you deserved it for not trusting me when I first said I wanted to shake your hand,” he says still laughing. < br> “That wasn’t an apology,” you say as you allow a few more clumps of snow to fall from your hand.
“Ok, ok I apologize oh master of the snowball fight!!!” he shouts.
“Thought so….now call me The Snow Queen and I might think about letting you up,” you say. But before you know it Maxwell has flipped the situation and is now sitting on top of you and you are pinned below.
“Snow Queen huh…?” he says as he picks up a handful of snow.
“Ok, maybe that was a bit much,” you say laughing. He falls off of you and you both lay in the snow cracking up. Once the laughter dies down you look at one another and the laughter begins again.
“Are you gonna make a snow angel?” you ask.
“I don’t need to, I already have one,” he says
“Huh?”
“You’re my snow angel, so you see I don’t need to make one,” he says smiling.
“Didn’t I say my name was Snowflake? I don’t remember saying Snow Angel once,” you say smiling. You both laugh awhile longer and then proceed to make two perfect snow angels. Maxwell helps you to your feet and you ask him, “What should we name them?”
“What else but Ms. Snowstorm and Mr. Snowflake,” he says as you both laugh.
As you are heading towards the bench you first sat on when you came to the park Maxwell ask you, “Why were you at the park tonight?”
“I was waiting for someone to come along so I could have a snowball fight with.” You both laugh and you say, “Seriously, I was just trying to get away from my fam for a second or two, a little too much laugh and cheer going on for me, and I came here.”
“Well I’m glad you decided to come here,” he says.
“So am I,” you say in a whisper.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed playing in the snow,” he says smiling.
“You should do it more often,” you say.
“Should I?” he questions.
“Yeah you should,” you laughingly say.
“And why is that?” he asks.
“So next time you might, and that’s a big might, be able to keep up with me next time we have a snowball fight,” you say.
“So there’s gonna be a next time huh?” Maxwell laughs and says.
“Only if you can hang,” you respond.
“Alright na…..” you both laugh. “I think it’s about time I get back to the hotel, would you like for me to walk you home?” Maxwell asks.
“Aww that’s not necessary,” you tell him.
Smiling he says, “Yes it is I can’t let my little “snowflake” be left out here in the dark alone.”
You smile and say, “Yeah, you might be right, besides I’ve already encountered one “snowstorm” tonight, I don’t think I would be able to handle another.”
Unbeknownst to you Maxwell’s picks up another snowball as you begin to head toward your house. You are laughing and joking with Maxwell along the way. When you reach your house you turn to Maxwell and thank him for walking you home.
“No thank you,” he says.
“Thank me for what?” you ask.
“For helping me to experience the snow again. You had me out there acting a kid who saw snow for the first time,” he explains.
“Yeah you were fooling,” you laugh and say.
“Hahaha….very funny. Well I gotta go tell your family I said hello,” he says.
“Would you like to come inside to get some cocoa or something to warm you up?” you ask.
He smiles and says “Aww as much as I would love to, I can’t. By now I know folks are looking for me as is.”
“Oh ok maybe next time,” you say trying your best to hide your disappointment.
“Yeah next time,” he says smiling slyly.
As you turn to walk away you hear Maxwell laughing and as you turn to see what he is laughing at and you are hit with his hidden snowball. You try to give Maxwell a stern look but you can’t help but laugh.
“I think you better watch out the next time,” Max says laughing.
“Yeah alright, we will see,” you say laughing as you walk into the house laughing.
“Watch out for flying snowballs,” Maxwell yells as he walks down the street laughing. You laugh again as you brace yourself for the onslaught of questions you know will come your way once you go in your house. But to your surprise few questions come. It seems the party is still in full swing and with your newfound spirits you join in and share in a few laughs and cheers. You receive one last surprise for the night as you are given a new laptop with internet access. So as you are checking your emails you sit and think about the laughter and good times shared with Maxwell that night. You could hardly believe that you had a snowball and played with Maxwell or all people. You are headed to Auraqual when an instant message flashes across the screen alerting you that someone has sent you an email. You go back to check it and is excited to learn that Maxwell will be appearing on The Tonight Show with Lay Leno in two days. You think to yourself that you will finally be able to tape Maxwell’s appearance, considering the fact that you missed it last time. Even more excited you head to Auraqual to trip and hang out with the fam. Everyone is excite to see Maxwell, even if it is possibly a repeat. So as the day arrives you are hardly able to hold your excitement. Seeing him again will take you right back to his concert and the feelings and emotions you experienced there. But to your surprise this was a new episode and Max sang a new song this time. And an even greater surprise Maxwell actually spoke this time with Jay after his performance.
“So Maxwell, how are you tonight, did you have a good holiday?” Jay asks.
“All in all it was pretty good…considering,” Maxwell replies.
“Yeah that’s right, you almost didn’t get the chance to sing on here tonight. Tell everyone what happened to you.” Jay says.
“Well, I wanted to get away from the band and whatnot so I decided to go for a walk and it seems I got caught up in a…uhh snowstorm” Maxwell says smiling.
“Wow that must’ve of been horrible,” Jay comments.
“Naw…it wasn’t that bad, I got the chance to remember how fun the snow could be,” Max says laughing.
“Oh ok, so what did you get for Christmas?” Jay asks.
“Well, I got a few things but I gotta say the best thing I got was a new charm for my necklace,” answers Maxwell.
“Oh really, and what is it?” he is asked.
Maxwell laughs, smiles and looks at the camera and says, “A snowflake.”
“Cool, thanks for getting here and performing for us man. Once again I wanna thank Maxwell, Designer Asan….” Jay’s last comments are interrupted when your little cousin comes to your door and says, “Sorry I forgot to give you this, a package came for you this morning.” She hands you the box and leaves. You go to open the box and inside the box you find a necklace with a snowflake charm attached and a note. On the note it say…

“My one and only SnowQueen…this time only…lol….just a little sumthin sumthin to help you remember the snow…and the snow fight…next time you better watch out cause I’ll be ready…thanks again for helping me to experience the snow…”