I am publishing some of my “early writings” – pieces from high school that I’ve rediscovered in basement bins. This one was titled Aaron, as a nod to my significant crush at the time.
I open my eyes and discover that I am in a beautiful, warm, sunny place where I am alone with my thoughts. The edges of my vision are fuzzy, like I am in a dream, but slowly I begin to become aware of my surroundings.
I am sitting in the sand, and I can hear the waves lapping at the shore of this golden sunbaked beach. The sun is beating down, but the sand is not too hot to touch yet, since it is still morning. I feel as though I am wrapped in a blanket of sunshine, so I close my eyes and let the rays of sun penetrate my skin. All of a sudden, I feel a warm breeze stirring the ends of my hair and I hear it whispering in the few palm trees and long grasses in the distance behind me.
I can taste the salty sea breeze and it is strangely refreshing. As I look out to the ocean, I see the waves with their foamy white caps, waving to me. I smile, and now I don’t feel so alone.
I look toward the horizon but I can’t see it — the sky and water blend into one. The only way to tell where the sky begins is by watching the puffy white clouds drift across the sky like dandelion seeds floating by on a warm summer breeze. Strangely enough, although there are clouds they never float over the sun and block its light. This beach is the most beautiful, peaceful place I have ever been to.
As I look around, I realize there are absolutely no footprints anywhere in the soft golden sand. All I can see are the tiny ripples placed there by the wind last night. It’s as if this beach was meant for me and only me. Although I am alone I don’t feel alone. The lapping water and the gentle breeze keep me company while I bask in the luxurious sunlight on this magnificent beach, which stretches on forever in both directions, as far as I can see.
I never want to leave this place, with the warm sun smiling down on me, and the breeze whispering sweet nothings in my ears. The water looks so peaceful and I cannot bring myself to stand up and disturb the serenity of my surroundings, so I lie down to think. I lace my fingers into the golden sand and it feels incredible. It is almost hot on top, but I much cooler just below the surface. I have never felt anything like it.
My thoughts drift away and I close my eyes. As I listen to the wind, I realize that it is getting louder, as if a flock of birds just perched in the trees above me. Curious, I sit up and look behind me.
What I see makes my heart skip a beat. He is the most amazing man I have ever laid eyes on in my life. His hair is strawberry blonde and reflects the light from the sun, giving him a godlike appearance. His shirt lightly clings to his body, revealing a perfectly toned chest and arms. He sees me and I realize I am staring, so I smile sweetly and look away. My heart is pounding in my chest — I hope he cannot hear it.
I hear him moving, but I continue to watch the water and pretend I don’t notice the fact that he’s getting closer. My whole body is tingling as if a million little ladybugs were running all over my bare skin. As he gets closer still, the sea breeze now makes me shiver, even though the air is getting warmer.
As I sit here waiting, I feel a gentle touch on my neck which makes me jump. I turn my head and he strokes my cheek whispering “Shhh,” in my ear. So I say nothing, enjoying his soft touch. He sits behind me, stretching his long legs on either side of me. I lean into his strong chest, feeling him in every fibre of my being. When he wraps his strong arms around me, I melt into him.
We sit together in the sand for what feels like hours, but in reality, is only minutes. He gently sweeps the hair off the side of my neck and tenderly strokes the side of my throat with his thumb. I never want him to stop. He plants a kiss on my neck that sends a chill down my spine.
I quiver. He stops. “Did I frighten you?”
“No, I just had a chill. Actually, I loved the kiss,” I shyly whisper.
He hugs me tightly, his hands find mine and he brings them to his lips. He showers my hands with kisses and then moves up my arms. He begins kissing the back of my neck and nibbling on my ear.
I turn around to face him, and, for the first time, really notice how beautiful he looks. I kiss his nose and he smiles. His lips look perfect and I can’t help but kiss them. I think I am falling in love.
I run my hands through his hair, and it feels like silk between my fingers. He has the softest hair I have ever touched. And I love the two little silver hoops in his left ear. He is amazingly sexy.
We kiss again and his lips are warm and gentle on mine. He strokes my back and I tremble. This time he doesn’t stop, which is good because I don’t want him to.
Finally, the sun begins to set, casting a deep orange-red glow over the beach. I take his hand and lead him to my little hut so we can get some sleep. We talk a little and I learn he has been sleeping under the stars on the other side of the island for two days, when he decided to go for a walk and see if anyone else was on this beautiful sunny island. Lucky for me he did.
We climb into bed and I curl up beside him. He kisses my forehead and we say good night. I fall asleep, smiling.
Originally written February 1997
