S T R U M

W A F F L E S

Everyone was in their own conversations about how kickass the show was, and they were all lively and in their spirits 

   we were all seated at two separate booths

      At palace diner,

It was a nice spot that had a retro feel with its very own jukebox and light blue seats.

Tracy, who was Jackson's, one of the guitarists, cousin was there with us at 2 a.m.

Sipping on a cup of lemonade

sitting across from Reggie.

and I couldn't stop looking at the way she looked at him.

Because it made me feel mad, and insecure,

And alone.

Tracy was beautiful, she was a tall brunette with

clear skin,

     And the prettiest blue eyes.

She Made me wonder if that was what Lucy looked like,

Reggie's first heartbreak.

But then I felt his arm wrap around me and the tickle of his breath on my ear,

"Let's go outside for a little bit."

My stomach dropped at the thought of being alone with him,

Thinking he would bring up what happened before the show.

But I followed his cologne as he held my hand guiding me to the exit.

It was cold and my arms made their way around my torso as he lit a smoke In Front of me.

I turned the other way as he did so,

  Waiting silently as the cars zoomed by and the night sky twinkled.

"I think I'm going to head home Reg, it's getting late," I made up an excuse wanting to get as far away from him at that moment as possible.

"Shit, wait Ada, I'm sorry."

He said while putting out the smoke and running up to me.

"They want to sign us, L.A. Records."

I turned around immediately jumping on him,

Wrapping my arms around him

Remembering every detail of that moment.

"I knew it, I knew from the first day I heard you sing."

He held me as I laughed feeling delirious.

"They want us to debut in California and from there start touring."

"That's amazing," I giggled.

I closed my eyes feeling his skin against my cheek

"They want us out there as soon as possible."

I let his words sink in for a few moments before letting my legs slip from his embrace.

"When is as soon as possible Reggie?"

"In a month."

"That's great, that's amazing for you guys," I said as my vision blurred and my eyes began to sting.

I blinked.

And blinked again before I could see his face clearly.

"I'm happy for you," I said smiling even though I knew nothing was going to be the same.

"I know sweetheart."

I sniffled unable to keep it in followed by a short laugh.

Then a tear escaped.

And another one.

"It's so cold," I said through my tears unable to stop laughing.

He hugged me tightly resting his chin on top of my head.

"I'm not going."

my hands left his neck as I pushed away from him, " yes you are Reg,"

He looked at me for what seemed like ages before he uttered those words that I would never forget.

"I think I love you Adalise, I know I do. I can't leave now. They can go without me.... I'm not leaving you."

He said as his hands found his way to my cheeks caressing them as he spoke almost like he was trying to convince himself too.

"No Reggie, if you love me you'd go and sing at sold out shows, and get invited to Ellen, because you know that the girl you love will always be waiting for you."

Stray tears left his eyes as he tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear

While he still held both sides of my face

and

Kissed me.

And it felt like all the good things in the world and all the happy moments that I could muster in one feeling.

It felt like everything would be fine and

I was happy.

He was gentle and sweet,

As we held each other sharing our warmth.

"My waffles are getting cold."

He smiled
and his cheeks and nose and lips were the

Color

Of a beautiful rose.

"And I love you too Reg."

And he kissed me once more.

~~~

GOALS FOR 2017: BOYS NAMED DAKOTA