If Only...

TWO PEAS IN A POD

I genuinely believe that people surprise themselves everyday. For some, it might be concerning their talent and what they're capable of, while for others it could be the boundaries of their patience-or anger, perhaps. But through every dawning, I believe that they learn more about themselves everyday.

I for one, am an abnormal exception.

Nearly every influential person in my life had made it clear to me: Stella, Lily, Ms. Faulkner, Aynsely, the shoe store saleswoman; even Adam. But I didn't listen. I have continued to grow more and more stubborn every day to the point that now, the only one I listen to, is myself. And it had taken my own epiphany to realize that I'm completely in love with the man standing before me.

"Oh, my God...." I whisper, as the intensity of the realization, the gravity of the situation hits me. My headspace is overwhelmed with emotions and thoughts and through all that, I am raging angry at myself for taking so long, but I know that none of that matters. None of it matters anymore.

"What?" Danny asks, studying my face with worry. I cannot stop smiling.

"I...."

But I catch myself just in time. I can't tell him yet. It'll be a while before I do.

"How do you feel about blueberry pie?"

Danny frowns deeper, and leans away further to palm my face with concern.

"Are you alright?"

"Oh, perfectly, hon." I grin, and then lean in to press my lips to his. He releases my face immediately, his muscles going limp and I smile. I pull away, when I'm made aware of more pressing matters and I skip away to the door with yet another smile.

A whole new set of problems present themselves now, and I crack the door just a tad to get a peek. The hallway seems clear, but I can hear distant, muffled voices.

"Danny, we need to move now."

Before someone sees us coming out together. This would definitely have to be on the low now that I've finally realized it.

"Danny."

I whisper and look over my shoulder to see him standing a step behind me and staring at me like he's just lost something vital.

"Did you just kiss me?" He scowls and says it like it's a dirty word.

"Yes." I whisper, hiding a smile.

It's as sudden for me as it is for you, sweetheart.

"And I'm gonna do it again." I grin, before pulling his lips down to mine again. Danny is more responsive this time. He doesn't just stand there like a statue, but actually pouts marginally for me. Nothing further.

I pull away when I need air, but don't lose myself to the incredible feeling just yet.

"Okay, come on. We've been gone too long."

I breathe excitedly and grab his hand to lead him out the door and into the kitchen without being seen.

It feels like we're back being kids again--not because of the fact that we were finally kissing, but because we were doing it in secret.

Fortunately, Aynsely has the real kids kept busy in her room, and the rest of the group is still seated in the living room and it doesn't look like they have moved in a while. Aynsely comes up behind us, like on cue.

"Hey! Where have you kids been?"

I am not lying to his mother.

"You know . . . Heaven and back." I can almost hear Danny's smile as I watch over the chicken sizzling in the pan. He's found his sense of humor. Good.