6 comments/ 22082 views/ 20 favorites Optical Illusion By: fgmntfmgnshn As always: Thanks to Boheminxen for editing. Thanks to "Doc" for writing Jim's character. Thanks to "Beanpole" for writing Amanda's character. Thanks to "me" for writing everything else. Optical Illusion: I almost missed her. Almost. I pulled my Prius to the stop sign at the corner of maple and elm, ready to make my final turn before I reached my destination, my small two bedroom home. A place I really wanted to be. It was Friday and it had been a long chaotic work week topped by a fun filled 12 hour marathon of a day today in which some idiot crashed the server and ended life for everyone in the office as they knew it. I just love squeezing my 6'3" 200 lb frame in the small excuse for a space the servers are in. The architect of the building really outdid themselves with that design. Seriously, why do people look at porn at work? Don't they know when I fix the problem I have to trace the cause and report it to the boss? I just wanted to relax and begin my weekend of doing nothing. Looking both ways, I eased on the accelerator and then stopped suddenly before I made my turn. Something caught my eye. My headlights pierced through the night and rain when the sequence on her white gown reflected back the light towards me. She was sitting hunched over with her head in her hands on the green park bench, unprotected from the elements. Could she have been a bride who skipped out on her wedding? Or worse, did some asshole skip out on her? Either way, I knew I wouldn't be able to relax at home after seeing the vision before me. I pulled into the small parking lot, inhaled deeply, and then took off my blue work shirt and tie so they wouldn't get ruined, leaving me in a grey t-shirt and black slacks. I then grabbed my oversized black umbrella from the back seat. I trudged through the precipitation and mud. If she heard me coming, she did not act on it. As I approached, I realized the woman before me was a little younger than I, and I'm 24. A little young to get married I thought, but if you found the right person, why not? Her water soaked jet black hair went to the middle of her back and it had a strand of pink on one side. I didn't say anything, but I also didn't want to scare her. I stood behind the bench and held the umbrella over us. She was crying. She was crying under the blackened sky. She was crying under the blackened sky in the pouring rain. What would possess someone to be out here at this time in the rain? Ten minutes passed before her head jolted upward as she just noticed that the rain hadn't stopped, but it did stop falling on her. She reached for something next to her and slipped on a sleek pair of black rimmed glasses and turned to me. She had a pair of mascara trails coming from each eye and I could see through the beads of water on her lenses a twinge of fear in her big brown eyes. "Sorry, I didn't intend to startle you. You have nothing to fear. I've been here for some time now. If I was going to hurt you, I would've done it already. You looked like you needed a little comfort or at the very least a big umbrella. Are you okay?" That was stupid to ask, dummy. Of course she's not okay. Would you be okay if you were crying in a downpour? I walked around and sat next to her. I kept my face forward and the umbrella hovering over us. I stared at a flickering streetlight down the road as I felt her eyes seemingly peer at my very soul, contemplating if I were friend or foe. She took me by surprise as her hand clutched at my shirt and she buried her head into my chest and started to cry again. I was caught off guard and froze for a moment before I wrapped my arm around her shoulders. My heart went out to her. Whatever devastation caused her this pain, it had significantly impacted her. Finally her sobbing subdues and I spoke. "Can I give you a lift home?" "I can't go home tonight." Her response was muffled as her head was still in my chest. "Oh. How about a hotel or a friend's house?" She tilted her head slightly up, to where her eyes focused on my neck and chin. "I don't have any money and all my friends are out." I'm an idiot. Of course she can't go home, the asshole would be there. She probably ran off in such a hurry she forgot her purse and money and all her friends, well, wouldn't they be at the church? I had much trepidation about my next question, but what else could I say? "I only live a couple blocks down the road. You can stay there tonight if you would like?" The young woman sat up and gave me a quizzical look. As if she were thinking sitting on a park bench with a complete stranger wasn't bad enough, now he wants to lure me to his house. She then shook her head slowly, closed her eyes, and gave a sigh. "Alright." It was barely audible. I gave a weak smile, stood up, and offered my hand. "Don't worry. You'll be safe." Isn't that what all rapists say? She tentatively took my hand and I wrapped my arm around her shoulders. We gingerly made our way to my car, unsuccessfully attempting to avoid as much mud as possible. I doubt her white high heels survived. I opened the door and helped her in the passenger seat. When I got into the driver's seat, she understandably appeared a little nervous. I realized then I haven't even told her my name. I extended my hand again. "I'm Riley West." "Huh? Oh." She just came to the same conclusion I did. She took my hand with a light grip. "Amelia Mosler." With that, I turned the key and headed home. Not one word was spoken in the three minutes it took to drive from the park to my driveway. "We're here." I tried to say in an upbeat way. When Amelia didn't respond, I glanced over and she was sound asleep. The rain had let up to a light sprinkle as I carried her inside the house and into the bedroom. Even though she was left at the altar, this bride still got carried over the threshold. My threshold. Not sure how I feel about that. She is either a real heavy sleeper or emotionally drained. Or perhaps both as I tried waking her, but her only response were light groans. My hands apprehensively but carefully took off her gown. Ever try taking off a soaked gown off of someone who is dead to the world? Not an easy task. Something else that wasn't an easy task was not looking. Amelia was wearing a tantalizing black lace bra and matching thong. Holy shit. If the guy would've seen her in this, there is no way he would've left her. At this point I was praying she didn't wake up. If she had, what would she have thought? She was in a stranger's bed, almost naked, as that stranger was hovering over her. What was I saying about what a rapist would do? Finally, I got her into bed and draped the comforter over her chilled, damp body. I then hung up her gown. It would definitely need to be dry cleaned as it radiated a musky smell. I set out an array of t-shirts, sweat pants, and shorts in case she woke up. I knew none of it would fit her, but at least she could cover up in something. I grabbed a fresh pair of boxers and a t-shirt for myself and shut the door. After a quick shower, I made a light dinner and plopped down on my couch to watch a movie. It was only 10pm and I really needed to unwind from the week, day, hell, just this evening. I didn't pay much attention to the movie as my mind was full of questions, all swarming around the young woman in my bed. Is she alright? Hell, am I safe? Will I wake up to a house devoid of all my valuables? Will I wake up to a man pummeling me because I stole his bride? Was she on drugs? Will the cops show up because she called and said I raped her? Too many questions. It was just past midnight when the movie ended. I pulled the blanket from the back of the couch and uncomfortably drifted off to sleep, pondering if I knew it would be like this, would I have stopped at the park to help? "Riley? Sir?" Someone was lightly shaking me. My eyes flew open and my body shot straight up. My mind was frantically trying to figure out why someone was in my house. A woman jumped back and let out a quick snicker as I almost head butted her with my reaction. "Whoa. Sorry. I didn't mean to scare ya. Just wanted to say breakfast is ready." The sunlight poured through the bay window and I squinted to view the silhouette of a woman walking into my kitchen. I wiped the sleep from my eyes as last night's events came flooding back to me. Everything but her name. What the hell was it? Ashley? April? Amber? Damn. I know it began with an 'A'. I got up, stretched, and made my way to the kitchen. The aroma of bacon filled my nostrils but the sight before me was even more intoxicating. She was wearing one of my red oversized t-shirts that fell almost to her knees. That was it. Her black hair was done in a ponytail and she had pep to her step as she danced her way from the stove to the counter as a top forty hit filtered from the radio and into the air. She must have felt my presence, for at that moment she looked at me gave a small smile and I really saw her face for the first time. She had a youthful beauty that was brought out by her braces and dimples. One look through her glasses and into her big brown eyes and I was hooked. Then it occurred to me. Her name is Amelia. I wonder what the protocol is for asking a woman out the day after her botched wedding? I smiled back. "Did you need a hand with anything?" "No, I got this. You just sit down and let me take care of you." Amelia put two strips of bacon on each plate. I sat down on one of the chairs that had a cup of coffee already placed in front of it. "This is my way of saying thank you for last night. I was a bit surprised to wake up in only my underwear, but after I got a whiff of my dress, I understood." Amelia made her way with the two plates to my small dining room table. "Now, let's eat." We had a great conversation to go with a great breakfast. Amelia had a wonderful sense of humor and our laughter was contagious. She laughed, I laughed. I laughed, she laughed. We talked well after we were finished eating. Every topic was well received and we found we had quite a few common interests. I even detected some flirting on her part. Probably my mind overreacting, but it was a pleasant thought. I avoided discussing last night. I now knew I definitely was going to ask her out and didn't want to discuss her failed romance. We were in the middle of another fit of giggles when my doorbell rang. The only people that ring my doorbell is family and solicitors, and my family would've called first to see if the eight hour drive would be worth making. I got up, slightly annoyed. "That's probably for me." Amelia said, still laughing. "I hope you don't mind, but I used your phone when you went to the bathroom to call someone to bring me a change of clothes. I couldn't go around wearing this all day." "Why not? I wouldn't mind." I teased as I made my way to the door. I opened the door and the girl before me had black hair and had brown eyes similar to Amelia's and was carrying a blue duffle bag. I was certain she was a teenager, perhaps her younger sister. It makes sense for Amelia to call her sister to bring her clothes. I can only imagine what a parent coming into this scenario, her half naked with a complete stranger and a friend may not have access to her clothes. "Is Amelia here?" The girl shyly asked while looking past me to see if she could find her answer. "In here Mary." Amelia called from the kitchen. Mary brushed passed me and headed in the direction of Amelia's voice. I shook my head and mumbled. "C'mon in." She's definitely a teenager. The girls headed down the hall toward my bedroom. The contrast in them was obvious. Mary had a bounce of giddiness to her step, chatting incessantly in a high pitched voice using the entire annoying youthful vernacular. Amelia, however, just flung the duffle bag over her shoulder and walked casually down the hall, seemingly refusing to go back in time to that teenage world. I completed the breakfast clean up when they walked back in. "I gotta get going. Thanks again Riley." Amelia had her gown draped over on arm. I walked over to Amelia and cupped her free hand with mine. "Can I see you again?" "Sure." Amelia blushed. I smiled. "How about tomorrow, 6:30, at Moreau's?" "Is that the fancy French restaurant downtown?" Amelia's eyes lit up. "Yes it is. Are you interested?" "It's a date." "Where can I pick you up at?" "I'll meet you there." I raised her hand and kissed it. "See you there Amelia Mosler." And so our relationship began. The first two weeks I only saw her a couple times. The third and fourth weeks we met up three times each. After that, it was whenever we could get together. We were addicted to each other. During the week, we would do simple things: movies, bowling, miniature golf, etc. On weekends, I showed her my cultural side. Fine dining, the theatre, the orchestra hall, and the art museum were all successful outings. Amelia is smart, funny, and beautiful. She's not a supermodel. She doesn't have a large chest or a big backside, but I was never looking for that. Our conversations were full of intrigue and laughter. Her vanilla perfume scent is intoxicating. And I am falling in love. Hard. Today is Friday, June 6th, my 25th birthday. My last girlfriend broke up with me two years ago, so I was used to getting the typical phone call from Mom and Dad and then go to dinner, alone. This year, Amelia said she was coming over to surprise me. Since she doesn't work, wanting to focus all her attention on school, she doesn't have much money and feels guilty I pay for everything. She even started to tear up when she knew she couldn't buy me a gift, but she is now determined to make my birthday a "grandiose event for two" as she so eloquently put it. Amelia has no idea, but my birthday wish has already been granted six weeks earlier when she entered my life. She is all I'll ever want or need. My doorbell rang and this time I was not annoyed to answer it. No, instead I almost ran to it. "Hey Babe. Oh let me help you." It never ceases to amaze me what a true vision Amelia is, even when she is wearing a simple v-neck t-shirt and jean shorts. This vision is carrying four plastic grocery bags and that blue duffle bag. "Thanks Honey. That was getting heavy." Amelia leaned in and gave an open mouthed kiss. "Happy birthday." "What is all this for?" I set the groceries on the kitchen counter. "I'm making you dinner for your big day." "And the duffle bag?" "That's so I don't have to call Mary tomorrow after your slumber party." Amelia grinned. "So be a dear and set this in your bedroom while I make dinner. And don't even think about coming back in here and try to help. You can stay in the living room and watch T.V. and I'll let you know when it's all prepared." I couldn't tell you what was on the television. My mind kept thinking about my slumber party. We've made out quite a few times and had advanced to light petting through our clothes. Whatever Amelia is up for, I am definitely willing. My fantasies of tonight were interrupted by the wonderful aroma permeating the air. Dinner was excellent and the food was good too. All throughout, Amelia was rubbing my inner thigh with her foot. She didn't go all the way up to my bulge, but she was very effective in sky rocketing my already present arousal. She knew what she was doing to me. She brought up topics like politics and world events, but used a plethora of innuendos to keep my mind on edge just so she could tease me about not listening as her foot did its dance. I was actually thankful she didn't make direct contact with my crotch as my mind wasn't the only thing on edge. When we finished eating, Amelia told me to stay put as she first went to the bathroom and then she handled clean up. I was thankful for the break, if what her foot was doing was a preview for the main attraction. Amelia was finishing the dishes when she called out. "Shit!" I turned my head to the commotion. "Are you alright?" I went to stand, but slumped back into my chair when I saw her. "Look at what I did." Amelia's white t-shirt was soaked. "How clumsy of me." She said in a whimsical way. My jaw dropped as I realized Amelia must have taken off her bra while in the bathroom because two glorious mounds of flesh were on display through the transparent fabric. Her nipples were hard and erect, trying to puncture their way through their prison just to say hello to me. Amelia shrugged her shoulders and sighed. "Oh well. I guess I'm going to have to get in my pajamas now." She padded down the hall to my bedroom. After a minute or two of paralysis, I followed. Amelia was waiting on my bed in her "pajamas." "You made it right on time." Amelia greeted me with a grin. I smiled back. "I love your pajamas." "Would you like to join me in your matching pajamas?" I didn't hesitate and stripped off all my clothes and jumped into bed. Both of us were lying on our sides, facing each other. My heart beating a mile a minute as I opened my gift that being the little red bow Amelia had placed over her womanhood, effectively removing her only clothing. We kissed. We kissed in a way we never kissed before. There was an electricity coursing through us as our lips, tongues, souls intertwined. It was sensual, sexual, passionate, and full of love all at once. If we did nothing else, I mean ever again, I'd be happy with just this kiss. It was a pleasure beyond rational comprehension, an expression of true love between two soul mates. We kissed for an eternity, for a few seconds, who really cares, and I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that Amelia felt it too. "Amelia, that was... Wow." My hand was caressing her arm. "I know... I know." Amelia shook her head, searching for the correct word. "It was perfect." I had to agree. But this evening wasn't about a kiss. Amelia slithered her arm down and began to lightly pet my erection. I almost felt sex after that would ruin the moment. Her petting became a stroking and we kissed again. I had to touch her. Any part of her body would suffice. My hands came to her sides and I felt her warm, soft skin. Once in contact with this beauty, I realized not any one part of her body was enough. I wanted, no, I needed to explore every square inch of her. I brought my hands to the nape of her neck. I broke the kiss and Amelia was momentarily disappointed. My lips began their descent south. First her chin, and then her neck, placing light pecks everywhere. With my hands and lips now working in conjunction with each other on opposite sides of her body, I traveled further down. My hands on her spine could feel her involuntary shiver as my lips reached the valley of her luscious bosom. My fingertips were randomly moving along her backside, unsure of where they would land next while I started a spiral path with my lips from the underside of her breasts to reach the apex. I took my time. My kisses were following their own yellow brick road path and as I reached the zenith of my ascent, Amelia was squirming with anticipation. My hands molded her derriere and I flicked each nipple with my tongue, sending a shock wave of pleasure through her body. She fell on her back and pressed my head to her chest. I lightly nibbled and sucked on her left nub and positioned my right hand to toy with the other. I reluctantly released her teat as it was time to continue my close inspection of her anatomy. Amelia groaned her displeasure until my kisses resumed their downward descent, giving her the expectation of joys soon to come. My hands went to her sides and traveled at the same speed as my unwavering kisses. I reached her naval and darted my tongue in. Her pelvic region was next and her short, black hair tickled the inside of my nose. My hands were on her hips and my fingertips were scraping the sides of her backside. My kisses made their way around her opening and then outright passed it up when I advanced to her thighs. She was twisting in agony and clutching at the mattress, her body upset at my bypass of her need as I lowered myself down her left leg and then up her right leg, stopping momentarily to suckle on each of her toes. Optical Illusion Finally, I reached my target destination. I could smell her arousal. It was more intoxicating than her vanilla perfume I love. I started at the bottom and worked my way up, teasing her without penetration as my tongue dutifully performed its dance. It first hopped along, creating the illusion of being everywhere at once, and then glided in one motion to its goal. Simultaneously, I thrust my finger into her depths and my mouth sucked on her jewel of love. Amelia climaxed immediately, screaming her bliss as her thighs pressed against my head, embracing the cause of her pleasure. I slowed down, but didn't stop, trying to elongate her thrill. "Please Riley. I can't take any more. I need you." Amelia's voice was full of lust, passion. I repositioned my body and I was now face to face with Amelia, my world. My manhood was brushing against her entrance. "I love you." Amelia gave me an enchanting smile and we kissed again. I eased inside her and her muscles tightly grasped at the intrusion. I was completely buried inside her and it felt like home. We were a part of each other. We were connected not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. And there's no place like home. Amelia was panting and I was grunting with each plunge of my shaft into her tunnel, ecstasy written all over our faces. Our lovemaking was like a classical masterpiece, conducted by Mozart himself, building to a climactic crescendo. There was velvety smoothness wrapped around my shaft, caressing, coaxing, begging for my release. It was heaven on earth. Amelia was writhing underneath me. Her panting turned into moaning. Her moaning turned into outright wailing announcing her own impending pinnacle. A loud screech filled the air and her lithe body convulsed below me. A flood engulfed my pole as her dam released with intensity. This triggered my own climax as I plunged deeply one last time. We kissed again, with less intensity, but the same amount of passion. I lay beside her and we embraced, knowing this moment will be with us till the end of time. "I never had anyone take their time with me like that before." Amelia was glowing. "You mean nobody has made love to you before?" "Well, I thought I had, but after what we did, I guess not." Amelia's glow turned to a look of disappointment. "Ya know, it's your birthday. I was supposed to take care of you, not the other way around." "Amelia, I wouldn't change a thing. I would've been satisfied after that first kiss." I leaned in and gave her a brief kiss. "Hell, I would've been satisfied with just dinner." Amelia smiled at me and her eyelids began to waver. She soon fell asleep in my arms as I watched. Amelia is a true vision, my ideal woman, and she is in my bed. The best birthday ever. I awoke with a euphoric feeling as Amelia's warm flesh was cuddled tightly with my body and my arms wrapped around her. I smiled and squeezed her lithe body lightly, wishing this moment could last forever. "Good morning lover." Amelia whispered. "Good morning to you, and might I add that you look absolutely amazing." "No, I don't. My hair is a mess." Amelia said with a confused look. "And it is perfection." I said sincerely. "I know yesterday was my birthday, but I have a present for you." I rolled over and grabbed a key from the top of my night stand and placed it in her palm. "A key?" Amelia yawned. "What's this unlock?" "I never in a million years thought that after six weeks I would be in love like this." I gazed deep in her eyes. "This key unlocks my house and my heart." After breakfast, we were sitting on the back deck, holding hands watching a blue jay and a robin eating at the small birdfeeder I have set up. It was peaceful and serene; the calm before the storm. "I'm a little worried to ask you this." Amelia appeared nervous. "But my parents are throwing me a party next Saturday and I was wondering if you'd like to come?" "Meet your parents? Why would you worry about that? Of course, I'll come and meet your parents." Then it hit me. "Why are they throwing you a party? You said your birthday was in August, right?" "It is." Amelia then took a long pause. "It's my graduation party." She bit her lower lip. "Graduation?" I was perplexed. "I thought you told me you didn't know what you were majoring in and you were going to get all the mandatory prerequisite classes done first?" Amelia tentatively responded. "I am, starting in the fall. I'm graduating high school." "High school? Really?" I wasn't sure what to think. "Um, how old are you?" "18." Amelia cringed. "18?" I paused. "Really?" Amelia nodded slightly, still biting her lower lip. "Seriously?" She gave the same reaction. I was still unable to comprehend what I was being told. I felt my world crumbling. I'm 25 and the woman, I mean girl I love is in high school. "Amelia, what was going on the night we met? I thought you were a bride who got left at the altar." "You thought I was getting married?" Amelia was exasperated. "Yes," I said intently. "Oh." There was still some shock in her voice. "My date for prom was already drunk when he picked me up. After a mile, I told him to stop and let me out. Once I took one step out of that car, I knew I couldn't go to prom. I was soaked. I couldn't go home because that's where the after prom party was going to be and my parents went to my Grandma's house for the weekend, three hours away and all my friends were at prom. I didn't know what to do or where to go. Then there was you. My hero. My knight in shining armor, or should I say grey t-shirt and umbrella." I didn't know how to respond. I now have a myriad of insecurities over this situation. Amelia's only 18 and still in high school, granted she only has at most two weeks left, but still. Could I just be a high school crush? What about her going to college? I thought she was already in college. What if she's going out of state? What if she finds someone else? And she wants me to meet her parents? If I was a high school boy, I would have met them before the first date. If she was my girl, I'd be upset if I didn't meet a guy she's been seeing for six weeks. I can only imagine their reaction to my age. Seven years isn't that much in the grand scheme of things, but it's a huge difference at 25 and she's 18. What to do? Amelia's body began to fidget and became worse with each passing second I sat in silence, motionless. "Please say something?" She whimpered out a plea. Still holding her hand, I turned to face her. "I'm not sure we should see each other anymore." It was all I said and it was enough. Amelia pulled her hand away and was unsuccessfully trying to hold back her tears. "You were supposed to be different." She was barely audible. "The places we've gone, the things you've done and said. You were different from all the high school boys. You were supposed to be mature." The flood gates opened as she set her glasses on the small table next to her and buried her head in her hands, sobbing. I've seen this before. I was transported back six weeks. Different environment, same scene. I was witnessing this poor girl crying uncontrollably because some idiot guy. Only this time, I'm the idiot. Amelia was right. I was being a teenager and she was being the mature one. Why should I be afraid of dating her? Because she's 18? She never acted that way and now I'm telling her it's a problem. This is exactly why she was so nervous a minute ago. I couldn't handle seeing her like this six weeks ago and it's even worse today. "You're right." I said apologetically. "And I hope you can forgive me. I was scared of a number. I love you and would be honored to go to your graduation party and meet your parents if you're still willing to have me." Amelia's head eased from her palms, a weak smile adorning her face. "Really?" It was her turn to be cautious. "Of course." I gave her a wide grin in return. "You did nothing wrong and didn't deserve to have your heart stomped on like I just did. You are my ideal woman and I love you for who you are." Amelia reached out and embraced me. "I love you too. I'm sorry I didn't tell you my age. I didn't think you'd want me." "I do, very much." I paused a moment to enjoy our hug. "So tell me, are we going to have to figure out a long distance relationship in the fall?" "Yes." Amelia replied with a chuckle. "The same three long distance miles we've been dealing with this entire time. I'm going to the University 20 minutes from here and staying at home to save on room and board." As the days led up to the graduation party, I did not know which one of us was more nervous, Amelia or I. Amelia had no idea how her parents were going to react to my age. She was taught school first; love second until you know what you want out of life. Sound advice she took to heart. She only had two steady boyfriends before, one moved away when they were both sixteen and the other dumped her heartlessly for, not her best friend, but someone in her inner circle. She had no chance of me doing that. If Amelia was my age, I would have been excited to meet her parents. I would've been eager to show I could take care of, provide for, and emotionally support their daughter. But I remember all too well the few meetings I had with parents when I was in high school. In college, it was easier. Parents only wanted their daughters to find happiness. In high school, all fathers were strict and did their best to be intimidating. One was even polishing his gun when we were introduced. The prevalent theme behind each encounter was all girls are daddy's girls and all boys that took them out were the scum of the earth. Since Amelia didn't know what to expect and, if I were them, I would think a boy my age was only with a teenager for one reason, to get in her pants, I was definitely not looking forward to this. I arrived at Amelia's house and just as I pulled the keys out of the ignition, I was pulled out of my Prius by Amelia. We kissed briefly. "They're over here. I hope you don't mind getting this over with first thing?" "Absolutely not." We held hands, but Amelia was a step in front of me as she led the way. The couple we headed for was engaged in a conversation with an elderly woman, perhaps Amelia's Grandma. Her father stood about 6 feet tall with black hair and had an average body frame. Her mother was only about an inch shorter and had blonde hair. She was slender and wore black glasses. Amelia's Grandma walked away and her parents were still laughing over their last statement when we approached. "Riley, these are my parents, Jim and Amanda Mosler. Mom, Dad, this is Riley, my boyfriend." "Pleasure to meet you both." I extended my hand first to Amanda and then to Jim. Amelia's Dad wanted to show his immediate impression of me, and that impression left the mark of his fingers and thumb engraved around my now completely red hand. Ouch. He doesn't like me. Jim quickly turned his attention to Amelia, with a disapproving glare. "I wasn't aware you were dating someone? Did you meet at your school?" It's quite obvious I'm not in school. Jim is pressuring Amelia about the age gap between us, showing his disgust. I see Amelia shy back with her eyes now on the ground, reluctant to answer. I need to save her. "No sir. We met about seven weeks ago at Grove Park." "Why is this the first time meeting him?" Jim's eyes were on fire as he stared down his daughter. "What your father means, "Amanda looked at Jim, giving him a warning glance and I had to stifle a chuckle with a quick cough at seeing it, "is that it would have been nice to have met Riley on a different day because all these guests are here today." Amelia's mother is definitely trying to keep the peace. She obviously doesn't want to create a spectacle in front of family and friends. At Amanda's intervention, however, Amelia found her voice and, at least partly, raised her head. "We've only been out a few times and you guys were always at work." I didn't like the lie. I gave Amelia a disappointed glance to show it, but I don't think she noticed. "Well you could have introduced him to us separately, we may not be home together a lot, but we are home." Amanda added. Jim was fed up. "We'll finish this when "your guests" leave." Jim turned and left briskly with Amanda right behind him, trying to calm him down. Other than the handshake to start, Jim didn't acknowledge my existence. Amelia's head went back down and I knew she was struggling to hold back from crying. I took her in my arms. "I know that didn't go the way you'd like, but you did surprise them. Don't worry about it. We'll all get together after the party and figure this all out. It's not over by a long shot." I gave her a kiss on her forehead. "And one other thing." Amelia looked up at me. "We can't lie to them. If you lie and they find out, it'll be much worse. They'll feel they can't trust you and you don't want that." "I know. They just put me on the spot." Amelia wiped away the remnants of her tears. "I thought that would go much better. I mean I wasn't expecting them to be all "Outstanding, this is excellent news," but I thought they'd be at least cordial." "I don't want to come between you and your family." I brushed a strand of hair from her cheek. "But I love you and I'll fight for you if that is what you want." "Thanks." Amelia gave me a soft smile. "Now let's enjoy this party. Congratulations on graduating." I pulled a box from my jeans pocket and handed it to her. Amelia took it with a surprised smile. She opened it and her smile dissipated to a look of shock. "Oh my God!" She looked back up to me in disbelief. "It's beautiful." In the box was a gold heart shaped necklace with a ruby where the arch's met. "I hope you like it. It's been a while since I bought jewelry for a woman and that was a mother's ring for my mom." "I love it and I love you. Thank you." Amelia started to cry again, this time tears of joy. "Can you help me put it on?" "Absolutely." Amelia turned around, and I lifted her soft hair and I clipped it on. Her skin is so smooth. I met numerous amount of Amelia's family and a plethora of her friends. Mary turned out to be one of her friends, not a sister and the elderly woman was actually the next door neighbor. I assume too much. Amelia's friends seemed impressed that she could land such a "handsome looking older man." Two of them even offered themselves to me if Amelia and I suddenly broke up. They said it with a teenage snobbery I hate, and they call themselves friends. They don't realize why I'm with her and probably only asked me after seeing the necklace. Amelia's family had a completely different vibe. The word got around like wild fire that the guy parading around with Amelia was an older man and her new beau. I'm sure her parents made no attempt to hide their displeasure, especially Jim. And once it was talked about, her family was influenced before they even met me. The next person to meet was Grandma Mosler. She was sitting at the picnic table wearing one of those one piece floral frocks only grandmother's wear. "You two come over here and chat with Grammy for a minute." She waved us over with one of those familial smiles. "I promise to be brief so the two of you can have fun with people your own age." We sat across from her and Amelia had this look of here we go again strewn across her face. "Amelia, look at me dear." Grandma Mosler waited until Amelia looked her in the eyes. "Amelia, I've been watching the two of you and he seems nice, so let me ask you, does he make you happy?" Amelia's eyes lit up. The happiest I've seen her today. "Yes Grammy, very much. I mean it's only been about two months but he's everything I've wanted in a guy." Amelia's beaming smile was ear to ear. "And you, um..." Grandma Mosler paused, realizing we haven't been introduced. "Riley West ma'am." I gave a quick hand gesture, encouraging her to continue. "Yes, Riley, do you promise to take care of Amelia, protect her, and not abuse her physically or emotionally?" Grandma Mosler looked me dead in the eye and I could see where Amelia's Dad got that look from. "Ma'am, I can honestly say yes to all of it." Grandma Mosler then grabbed both our hands. "Then you have my blessing." She gave a firm nod and then gave a smile. "Now make me a great grandmother." Amelia was blushing as we both stood. "And another thing, Riley. None of this ma'am stuff. People around here call me Grammy." "Yes ma'am." I said with a salute. Amelia hung dreamily to my arm as we made our way to the beverage cooler. "I wonder with the promise I made, if your Grammy just married us?" I said half heartedly. Amelia hugged my arm a little tighter and the released it as we made our destination. "Rootbeer or Coke?" I stood dumbfounded for a moment. Amelia actually thought about it. I wonder how long ago it was when she first did? I remember a discussion in a psychology course that some women look at a guy the first time they meet and ask themselves if he's marriage material. But she's only 18. A very mature 18, but 18 nonetheless. Could she already be thinking about marriage? Actually I believe the question was how do I feel about marriage? "Hello, earth to Riley. Are you okay?" Amelia was waving her hand in front of me. I shook my head. "Um, oh yeah, rootbeer please." Amelia grabbed a rootbeer and a coke from the cooler and handed me my selection. "What were you thinking about just now?" A little unease in her voice. I looked her over and smiled. "I was thinking I love you." "I love you too, but really, that's what you were thinking?" There was air of disbelief in her voice. "Yes it was. Honest." In my opinion, I didn't lie. I realized that if I needed to make a choice right now, marry Amelia or get out of her life, I would marry her in a heartbeat, without reservation, without regret, and know for a fact we would be happy together, always, even if we had to live in a cardboard box in a dark alley somewhere as long as we had each other. And isn't that the ultimate form of saying I love you? The party was slowly dying down as guests began to leave. When Grammy left, she whispered to me to "Make her happy" and then to Amelia said "Follow your heart." The rest of her family gave a loving good bye to Amelia and a loving cold shoulder to me. I liked her Grandma's way better. Soon there were just four people remaining and I suddenly felt as if I was in Agatha Christie's novel "And Then There Were None", with each of us pondering who was going to survive the next round. Jim gave us a harsh look and pointed to the house. It was time. Where's the firing squad? Amelia and I followed the Mosler's into the living room. Jim made a gesture for us to sit on the couch. Amanda sat across from us but Jim elected to stand, arms folded, with his right foot tapping a cadence onto the carpet. It was a form of intimidation. His way of saying we are beneath him and what he says is law. And I only got 'C' in psychology. Jim immediately attacked Amelia again. "What else would you like to tell us about this relationship? Or is that a secret too?" There is no sugar coating his words as each are said in a harsh condescending way. I squeezed Amelia's hand. I wanted her to come clean. No lies. Amelia let out a deep breath and talked in a soft tone. "Sorry Dad. I've been spending most of my free time with Riley the past seven weeks and I'm certain I love him." I saw Amanda have a look of shock as she mouthed the word "love?" "So you've been going out seven weeks and you're already preparing for marriage?" Jim was speaking with force. "Are you going to give up all your dreams for some random guy? What about your scholarship?" He was getting redder with each passing second, filling with rage. Optical Illusion "Jim, calm down and let's hear what they have to say." It was nice to see Amanda, though maybe not on our side, willing to listen. I had to step in for Amelia's sake. I can see Jim's barrage already affecting her. "Sir, with all due respect, we are far from marriage and I have zero intentions of taking her dreams away. I want for her what she wants for herself, which is what you want for her: to go to school and get a job she loves. I just want to be a part of the equation." I took a glance at Amanda to gauge her reaction and I see her offer her daughter a slight smile. At least she liked my answer. "She can mail you a letter in four years after her graduation," Jim said with sarcastic anger. Amanda squeezed Jim's arm hard enough for him to look at her, but he quickly returned his glare back at me. Amelia came to my defense. "Dad, you're overreacting," she said with a huff. "Overreacting? You have a secret romance for seven weeks with a guy who looks as old as I am and I'm overreacting?" I swear I see smoke coming from Jim's ears and I literally think his head is going to explode any second. "Sir, I just turned 25 and you raised a very mature young lady. I myself only found out she was 18 a week ago. I thought for sure she was only a couple years younger than me." "You're 25?" Amanda knew I was older than Amelia, but putting a number on it solidifies it. She put her arms around Jim's waist as if bracing for a tornado that's about to hit. She might not be for us or against us, but at least I know she won't let him kill me. I hope. Jim let out a frustrated sigh. "I would much prefer you stay away from her." At those words, Amelia clung tighter around my arm than ever before. "I don't want her marrying the first guy she is serious about. She has her whole life ahead of her. My daughter's focus should be on getting her education first." His temper was still flaring. "Your father is right about the school part. You don't want to get distracted from your studies." Amanda's voice was full of caution for her daughter. "There's that word again, marriage. After only seven weeks, why do you assume we're heading to Vegas to elope? Yes, we love each other, but marriage and children would come after her graduation." I don't think Jim is capable of a rational thought right now. Amanda then gave us a reassuring smile; she was on the verge of approval or at least acceptance. She gave us both a glimmer of hope. Then Jim spoke again. "It's time you left." Jim pointed an authoritive finger at me, and then Amelia. "We'll talk about this in the morning." He looked us over one last time, vehemently shook his head, and stormed to the privacy of his den, slamming the door as he entered. Amanda, Amelia, and I all stood in unison and I embraced Amelia tightly as I whispered my final sentiments. "No worries, love. It will work out." I think I was trying to convince myself as well as her. We then pulled apart and I gave her a light peck on the lips. I wanted to offer more as comfort, but Amanda was right there. "I love you. Call me when you can." Tears began to fall from Amelia's eyes and I even started to well up a little as I kissed her forehead and made my way to the front door. Amanda followed me. She probably wanted to make sure Amelia wouldn't run off with me. Amanda shook my hand. "It was nice to have met you." She was polite, almost apologetic. "You too." It was all I could muster as I left with sadness in my heart. I now hoped this was not my last day with Amelia. The rest of the weekend was brutally long. Saturday evening, I was forlorn. Sunday morning, I was filled with anticipation for a phone call. That afternoon I turned to worrying, constantly asking myself "what if...?" By evening, my heart was in devastation; a shell of myself. I tried calling Amelia a plethora of times, but alas, her phone was turned off. I had my answer. Where do I go from here? Monday morning came and I was off to work. I contemplated calling off, but I needed the distraction. I should've called in sick. Normally the consummate professional, I made mistake after mistake. I even thought about logging on to some porn sites and crashing the server so I could get myself fired and wallow in my sorrow. A perfect ending to how I feel. Four o'clock took forever to arrive. When it finally did, relief swept over me as I would no longer be able to break anything else today. It was quickly followed by despair. I had nowhere to go and nothing to do. No plans with Amelia. No dinner. No movie. No holding hands while walking in the park. It took me over a half hour to walk to my car, a typical three minute affair, self pity coursing through my veins. Damn, I've had two serious girlfriends before and neither caused me grief like this when the relationship ended. If only her father would listen to how much we care for each other. All he sees is a number seven, our age difference. I suppose I can't blame him, I acted the same way when I found out. Maybe in a month or two, when she's in college, she might have more freedom. Or maybe it's just best for me to move on. Goodbye Amelia. It took two hours to drive home. I drove that slowly. Commuters were passing me left and right with a flurry of car honks combined with the international sign for fuck you. I didn't care. I pulled up to my house and turned off the car. I didn't move. All that awaited me was a house full of emptiness. I sat there in my loneliness as darkness began to loom across the sky. It was going to rain. Just like the day I met her. I needed to see her again. I needed to see her even if it was going to be our final time. I turned the key and the car started. As I put the car into reverse, the front door to my house opened. And there she stood. The light coming from the hallway gave her the look of an angelic being. Perhaps she is. An angel of love sent by the goddess Aphrodite herself just for me. We ran to each other and our bodies collided in a tight embrace. Our limbs entwined and our lips connected with electricity as droplets of precipitation fell upon us. We were together and I was never letting go. Epilogue: Amelia moved in that day. Thanks to Amanda, I was allowed over her parent's house when Jim wasn't home and on holidays. He was barely civil when our paths crossed, meaning we didn't fight, but we didn't speak either. Amelia and Amanda remained close, but her relationship with Jim was full of friction, all because of me. It took four years for Jim to tolerate my existence, also known as the day Amelia graduated with her degree in financing. We decided to get married before she began her new career at C. W. Financial, the same place I happened to be employed. Being in different departments, we rarely saw each other at the work place, but we always made time to eat lunch together. She rose through the company quickly. Sometimes she would deliberately crash her computer. We tried to be discreet, but I'm sure her secretary knew. Three years later, we were blessed with our only child, Margaret. We named her after Amelia's grandmother, for she was the one that inspired Amelia to follow her heart. Our love never faded.