The Parting: A Night of Fun

Bob spoke with his dad via Facetime.  Bob had an iPad and his father had an iPhone.  Bob always liked the fact that his dad was not afraid of technology.  He enjoyed using it to his advantage and, though he sometimes had to ask how to use something, he liked jumping in and getting his feet wet. 

They spoke for a about 45 minutes about various topics such as, sports, the weather, current events and the economy.  They walked around their homes as they spoke.  Whenever they spoke, Matthew asked about Samantha.  Bob typically said she was good and mentioned something about her life.  When he asked this time, Bob was silent for a moment.  A twinge of guilt swept over him.  Matthew instantly believed the worst.  He asked, “Did you break up?”

“No it isn’t that.”

“Are you having problems?”

“I guess you could say that.”

“Well, I know the two of you can work it out.  You are both sharp people.  I know I’ve told you how I feel about her.  She has a good heart and I see in her a person who will take care of you.  I know sometimes it can be hard in relationships.  At the beginning you are on your best behavior but then as time goes on you start to relax.  That’s when little things can start to bug you.” 

“Yes, dad, I know.”

“You just need to remember to focus on why you loved that person in the first place.  That person is still in there.  They didn’t go away unless you drove them away.  Samantha is a good girl.  She is special.”

In spite of starting to lose focus on his dad’s remarks, Bob was reminded of why he loved Charlotte.  This brought him back into the conversation.  He didn’t really know why he liked Charlotte.  He was just attracted to her but he had a relationship with Samantha and truly did appreciate her.  Could it be that he was going to lose what was in front of him for something that was on the periphery?  He had Samantha if he wanted her.  He was still afraid to even consider Charlotte due to Jack’s threat. 

Bob ended the call saying he had to get ready for a date that night.  For as long as they had dated, Samantha and Bob never went to the movies.  This evening was the first time.  Bob picked her up and the two of them drove to the theater.  It started snowing as they went to the box office and continued snowing during the movie.  The couple held hands during the movie and Samantha leaned her head on Bob’s shoulder.  He normally wasn’t very affectionate.  On this night, he leaned down and softly kissed her on the cheek or the top of her head a few times.  A feeling of warm security swept over Samantha.  Her heart smiled. 

As they exited the theater, they walked into a world that was made anew.  Big, fluffy flakes were falling and there was almost 2 inches of snow on the ground and cars.  The two of them walked to the car arm in arm.  As they got to Bob’s car, Samantha scooped two handfuls of snow and quickly made a snowball and threw it at Bob.  He was a little surprised and said with an angry voice but with a smile on his face, “Oh no you didn’t!” 

He quickly formed a snowball of his own and threw it at Samantha.  So began an epic snowball fight in the movie theater parking lot that eventually involved 4 other couples and 3 families.  People were running between cars, hiding behind them and each other.  Alliances formed within couples and families but it seemed inevitable there were turncoats.  Laughter filled the air. 

Finally, with cold, red fingers Bob and Samantha said goodbye to old friends and people they just met and drove back to Samantha’s apartment where she made hot chocolate with marshmallows.  The two of them sat on the couch in front of the tv.  They watched mindlessly for a while when Bob put his arm around Samantha and kissed her on the side of her head.  She turned to look at him.  He had a look of desire in his eyes.  She had never seen this look before. 

Previously, Bob veiled his eyes as a means to fight temptation.  Now he let the hunger take him and he showed it in his eyes.  He wanted her.  Their lips met and electricity flowed through them. 

Samantha felt loved.  She felt happy.  She felt complete.  Bob was a wonderful man.  Her life had never been better.