Shorties: Number 45

Norman remembered the touch.  He couldn’t tell his buddy now.  He’d never hear the end of it.  Still, it was a moment between the two of them that remained with him.  What was it about Jessica that was different? 

 

She came from a family of means but never was one to flaunt it.  Jess gave glimpses of childhood difficulties.  Perhaps that is why, in spite of her physical beauty, she was humble.  All the pretty girls where Norman grew up were snobbish.  Consequently, Norman was standoffish when they first met.  He thought Jessica was too nice.  Pretty girls who were nice were simply teasing. 

 

All along, Norman hoped Jess was genuine.  How he hoped the foretastes he thought he saw were true.  It turned out she was 24 carat gold.  Like pure gold is soft, so was Jessica.  Norman saw her heart and recognized kindness and beauty.  Little by little, they bared their hearts to one another and loved deepened between them.  The two loved one another for the duration of their college years. 

 

When the time came for college to end, Norman was torn.  He wanted to ask for her hand in marriage but knew she had plans to pursue a graduate degree.  In spite of the intertwining of their hearts, their roads were different.  Consequently, the night they said goodbye, Jessica knew. 

 

She knew the love they shared.  She lived it with him.  Still, both understood life was pulling them in different directions.  As much as Norman loved Jessica, he couldn’t ask her to give up her dreams even if it was to be with him.  For all the desire Jessica had to pursue a post graduate degree, she wanted to marry Norman. 

 

Until it was time to say final goodbyes, Jessica hoped Norman would say something to indicate he wanted a life together.  It never came.  They hugged tightly and kissed passionately before Norman turned to leave.  Jessica held his arm for a moment as tears flowed.  She searched his eyes for answers.  All she saw was pain.  She understood and loved him even more. 

 

In the last moment before they parted forever, she said with her eyes she understood.  Her hand told him it was ok.  It killed her but it would be ok.  It wasn’t until now talking with his friend, Norman fully understood.  Jessica was the perfect woman for him but he let her go.  Armed with the knowledge of her sacrifice, he knew if he ever got a second chance, it would not be squandered.