Lost without You

It's not the same without you.

The beat up pick up pulls into the tiny parking lot.
The sun is just peeking over the horizon, shining onto the dark green swirl of the ocean.

When the engine goes off I can't stop staring at the waves.
And he can't stop staring at me.

Finally, after a few silent minutes he decided to speak.

"Wanna sit on the hood?"

It broke my gaze and turned it to him.
The fries in my lap were still warm and the shake in my hand was a little too cold to keep holding on to.

"Sure."

The hesitance in my voice seemed to sting him but he opened his door and slid out, moving to my side and helping me out.
And as if reading my mind, taking the shake from my freezing hand.

He was just too good at this.

"...thanks..."

It was all I could mutter when my feet hit the sand covered pavement and I scooted between him and the truck uncomfortably.

Setting the fries on the hood I hoisted myself up, the faded red metal cool under the flimsy gym shorts I had run off with.
He moved next to me, far enough to be comfortable yet close enough to be social.

After he opened the box of fries he set it between us, peeling the two straws that rested in his hoodie and sticking them in the shake.

And while all this occured, all I could think was how perfect it was.
And how it wasn't you.

But that was all right for now

And we both ate french fries and drank the half melted shake and watched the sun over the waves.
And the waves on the sand.

And then his hand on mine.

And I didn't even know his name but it was warm and welcome and I wanted to fold myself into it so much. To get lost in that touch that took away the pain.

My eyes were free of tears when I turned to him.

"Who are you?"

It may have sounded cold and harsh on any other day, but right now it was perfect.

His eyes were soft and sweet, his mouth that perfect lopsided smile.

"Chris. Who are you?"

And my smile was back.
And the warmth inside me was back.
And everything felt great when I answered.

"Jenna."

"Well Jenna, it's great to meet you."

He was so sincere I had to laugh.
And he laughed too.

"You have no idea."