The Parting

This is a story that is coming to me and I have to write it down. I don't know where it will go or how it will end.  I welcome your feedback.

His eyes were closed. He didn't want to see her face. He couldn't bear to see the hurt. "I love you." he mumbled through tight lips. The tears began to flow from her eyes. She knew she'd never see him again. It seemed obvious. They held each other and savored every moment. They memorized the feel of each other's body as they pressed against one another. The love was genuine. Well, as genuine as the love of 20 year old kids can be. Still, the prospect of the impending separation loomed over them ominously. Jack was going off to war.

Jack was 4 months older than Charlotte but they have been serious about each other since Jack went off to basic training over a year ago. Charlotte was a receptionist at the chiropractor's office Jack used after an injury he got once when roller blading. At first, Jack enjoyed seeing the petite red head with the green eyes simply because she was beautiful. Still, the more he visited the chiropractor, the more he flirted with her, he hoped she was as interested in him as he was in her.

Charlotte certainly noticed the tall, muscular boy the moment he walked in the office. She memorized every bit of information he put on the forms. While she always smiled when he walked into the room, she was very reserved around him. She had a wall between them. A jock had hurt her before. She wasn't going to let that happen again.

"I love you too, Jack." Charlotte whispered. She was so afraid. She had finally opened her heart to love and it was being ripped from her. She felt her heart was being torn from her body.

Jack never wanted to hurt Charlotte. In spite of the stereotypes about athletic types, Jack was a very caring, compassionate young man and he was able to get around the wall Charlotte had. He didn't take her by storm. The wall melted in love. Around Charlotte, he was a gentleman. He praised her in private and in public. He also sent flowers to her office from time to time. Most of all, he was genuinely interested in her day when they got together. Sometimes her mind would be crazy and she felt as if she was being pulled in 100 different directions. Nevertheless, Jack would calmly listen to her ramblings and smile. He was her rock.

"Char, I want you to remember something. Remember the time we sat under the stars and we pointed out the constellations?" She nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks. "We picked Orion as our spot in the stars. Whenever you look at Orion, know that I will be too. That is our meeting place. That and letters and emails is how we will be with one another."

They embraced again. Their lips met in a loving, desirous kiss. Each was gathering the strength for the moment they had to part. It was coming too soon. Charlotte was trying to communicate with Jack subliminally. Wishing her emotions could be willed into him so he would understand and accept what she feels, who she is.

Jack broke the bond first. Pulling away and wiping tears from his eyes. "I love you and will write as often as I can." She stood there not believing it was all happening. "I love you, too." she mouthed since no sound came from her throat. "We will be fine. We've talked about this. You are the only one for me. We'll get through this." Then he turned to leave. He would not look back. His heart was broken enough. He didn't want his last glimpse of Charlotte to be one of sorrow. He preferred to see her as he knew her to be: vibrant, beautiful, vivacious. My Charlotte, he thought.

Charlotte, watched Jack walk away wishing he would turn one last time but she knew he wouldn't. They hadn't dated that long but she knew him well enough. Damn him! "Jack, you better come back to me," she whispered.