A New Story: The Smile Says It All

Bethany hopped back in the car and immediately turned to face Marcus.  He looked up at her and their eyes met.  She was silent for a moment, letting the quiet build tension in the jeep.  The she smiled and loudly exclaimed, “Ooooo Marcus has a girlfriend!”   

John had been looking at Marcus in the rear view mirror but started laughing as he turned to his friend.  Chuckling, he added, “Dude, what were you thinking?  Girls are trouble.”

 

Bethany hit John in the shoulder saying, “Shut up or you’ll see what trouble is.”

Marcus sheepishly smiled but said nothing.  His spirit was soaring.  He was on such a high he felt he would never return to earth.  He had held hands with Julie.  That would have sustained him for days.  Then, miracle of all miracles, she kissed him.  Oh, could the world look any brighter?  His friends could say all they wanted.  She kissed him! 

 

John continued looking at his friend who simply grinned back at him.  Finally, he asked, “Well?”

 

“Well what?”

 

“You have nothing to say?”

 

Marcus couldn’t stop smiling.  Finally, Bethany turned and began putting on her seat belt, “The smile says it all.” 

 

There was little conversation as John drove to Bethany’s home.  The guys unloaded her things from the back of the jeep and brought them into the apartment.  After John took a bathroom break, the guys were on their way.  Marcus was still all smiles.  Finally, he said, “It was a good day.”

 

“Yes it was.”

 

“The weather was great, except for the rain on the way home, and the hike was good and the company was excellent.”

 

“You mean me, right?”

 

“Of course not, dufus.”

 

“That hurts.”

 

“Thanks for inviting us, buddy.”

 

“Don’t mention it.  Julie’s a nice person.  She’s pretty too.”

 

“I noticed.”

 

“I know you did.”

 

Sunday afternoon, Marcus went to purchase a card for Julie.  He wanted the card to say how he felt but was having trouble picking one.  He knew the card with the sad looking dog wasn’t the one.  He also knew enough to stay away from birthday, anniversary, graduation and sympathy cards.  Fortunately, the clerk was helpful he got one he felt was nice. 

 

Marcus arrived at work early on Monday morning, planning to leave the card on Julie’s computer keyboard.  As he walked down the hallway, no office lights were on.  He peeked into Julie’s cubicle.  No one was there and he didn’t hear any activity in the area.  He stepped in and placed it on the keyboard then went to his office to get the day started.