An evening with an old friend

Sometimes I would press my head to her chest so that I could hear her heart beating. That sound was so sweet to my ears. I would close my eyes, and hope and pray that her heart would go on beating forever, or that at the very least she would outlive me, for I could never live without her...

I got to spend the evening with a good friend last night. Bobbie was in town and she called yesterday afternoon to see if I wanted to get together and catch up on things. Mom had already invited me over for supper last night because she was cooking, so I invited Bobbie along. I called Mom and said I was bringing a guest, but didn't tell her who. My sister was sooo surprised. It was like she had woke up on Christmas morning and seen Santa Claus. I like surprises sometimes. Anyway, after dinner, we went to Joe Muggs and I had my first-ever latte. One word: Blech! Then we went to Wal-Mart for a bit. I picked up a couple of new CD's.

Anyway, it was good to catch up with an old friend. It was the first real time we have spent together in over a year. We talked non-stop. Maybe it's because we haven't seen each other much, but there seemed to be so much to talk about, family, relationships, jobs, life in general. We just kept interrupting each other. There was so much to say, and so little time. Seems like it's always that way though.

Most of the time, whenever I date someone and try to remain friends afterward, it just doesn't work real well, for any number of reasons. But somehow, we have managed to have a real friendship. There's never the slightest hint of jealousy or anything. I can go deeper with her than most anyone else. It has become one of the most rewarding relationships in my life. I am so proud of her. She has done so well with her career. She has a really good head on her shoulders. She has really matured. I think we both have. I really believe it's good to have someone, and especially of the opposite sex, that you can call and talk to about anything. It's just good to have that other point of view. It's good to have someone who will be honest with you, no matter what, even if it's not what you want to hear.

We have known each other for over nine years now. Sometimes it is really strange to look at someone I have spent so much time with, and think about how much time has passed, how things have changed, and yet so much is the same. I would catch myself looking at her while she was talking and just thinking about all the years.

I always wonder why we had such trivial problems and arguments back when we were dating. Immaturity, I guess, is the main reason. We are so similar now, but that spark, that feeling, you know, I guess it has passed. Why is it that one cannot see things clearly in the present, but once that present time has passed, one sees those things with perfect vision?

When we left Wal-Mart, she took me to my truck, and I guess we sat and talked for another 45 minutes. These times are so rare, it was like neither of us wanted to go. But we had to get back to our lives. Our paths don't cross nearly as much anymore, but I cherish the times when they do. Something about seeing her and talking to her grounds me. It feels like coming home after being away for a long time. It was good to see an old friend.

I wish I could write more. I wish I could write better.

"We caught up on old friends, caught up on old times, but all thru the small talk, it kept running thru my mind. Does she think about the nights we spent on Crystal Lake, wrapped up in a blanket 'til the break of day? So many times I've wondered does she think of me that way. But I didn't ask, and she didn't say..."