Fiction+Story-+Things+Left+Unsaid

Julia Yu 10/29/08 -PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS THE SECOND PART OF MY FICTION PIECE. FOR PART 1 PLEASE GO TO "FICTION STORY- BITTERSWEET."

__ //Things Left Unsaid//__
 Atlanta rubbed her panda like eyes from writing an architecture essay yesterday night. She knew she was supposed to wake up and get ready for her presentation at school. The presentation was scheduled to be at 1:00 o-clock, but she was just too exhausted. Every muscle and bone in her body ached in fury. Her eyes felt sore and were reluctant to open. She pulled her smooth stain covers over her head and sighed deeply, letting a breath escape and created a small fog. She dragged herself up unwillingly and pulled her belt from her soft robe tighter to keep herself warm against the cold autumn wind. She glided across her cold marble tiled floors with half open eyes. She slid open her wheat colored closets and grabbed her “A” embroidered hangers that held her long grey cashmere cardigan in place. She shuffled her hands into the back of the closet to get her faded “J” brand jeans. She rampaged through her other warm wood closet and fetched out a pair of suede brown boots from “J.crew.” Atlanta slipped on her warm and soft cardigan after buttoning on a simple white shirt. She allowed the coldness run through her bare legs from the jeans. She rushed to the bathroom and grabbed her white toothbrush and “Colgate” toothpaste. She brushed her pearly whites furiously and tied her chocolate hair into a sleek ponytail. She reached for the tall martini glass on the sink that kept her lip glosses in a one neat place. She randomly took a “Luves Saint Laurent” lip gloss in a pale pink petal hue. She stood at the door balancing on one foot to put on her knee high brown boots. Before opening the door she quickly ran to retrieve her white briefcase incrusted with silver hooks that held the smooth straps fitted perfectly to a lady’s hand laying about on her soft cream colored loveseat. The smooth Italian leather was detailed in fine zippers and a lock was added for the feminine touch. It was quite sturdy. It helped Atlanta organize her papers and files. She ran down the five flights of stairs and her doorman opened the door for her. She walked to the nearby “Starbucks,” which she went every morning. The things around it were a memorized map for Atlanta. Next to it was a bookstore café. She spent many hours in with a book in hand and a cup of coffee. There was also a bakery that was famous for their scrumptious Tiramisus. Across from it was an Italian restaurant. Trees and vibrant tulips in red, pink, purple, and yellow hues surrounded the corners and the sweet aroma always filled the atmosphere with the fresh scent. She ordered a Caramel Frappuccino with light whipped cream piled high above the well blended mixture. She hailed a cab and told the driver to drop her off at the elegant university, which was coated in the clearest white marble. It was indulged in fine stone columns that had Queen Elizabeth’s face craved on it. It looked more like a museum then a university. When they got there she got out and headed for the gold doors at the entrance of the school. She took a deep breath and slowly walked up to the second floor. She turned the cool metal knob that ran shivers down her spine to enter her architecture professor’s room. “Ms. Mui, umm I’m ready for the presentation.” Ms.Mui waved her slightly wrinkled hand over motioning Atlanta to come over. She handed her “Macbook Air laptop” to Atlanta. Atlanta inserted her purple “Kingston” flash drive into one of the empty slots behind the luminous screen. Atlanta’s strong and calm voice convinced Ms. Mui that her dream house would be so unique and irregular compared to any other house. At the end of the presentation Ms. Mui nodded her head allowing a strand of her black hair fall across her eyes and congratulated her. She explained to Atlanta, “You know, Atlanta I have an architecture project on hold. There’s a family in New York who wants me to help them redecorate their house, but I have other projects on hand. So, do you want to take this project?” She looked at Atlanta’s slight frown and added, “Of course you can take some time to decide if you want to do this.” //Remembering New York was a faint and blurred memory that had to found from back form the back of my head, where it laid hidden and untouched for years. Being in New York again will not be easy. Will handling New York, Ben, and Asia be something even possible? What will happen in New York? Everything that is in New York is longer with me and my heart.// Atlanta flinched and replied, “I need some time to think about it but thank you for offering.” Atlanta picked up some linguini with garlic and Vodka sauce and headed back up to her apartment. She sat on her soft armchair pigging out with the pasta, careful not to dirty the snow white sofa. She reached for her glass of red wine to wash down the hot pasta that burned the roof of her tongue. The wine was a strong and dry like texture which she favored very much. She closed her eyes and thought about New York. She remembered the last time she saw her friends and her awkward relationship that roamed around the atmosphere with Ben. She ruffled her curly hazel hair and raised her eyebrows in frustration. //Should I go? What would happen after seeing Asia and Ben again? You never know what’s going to happen. But, this is a perfect opportunity to see where my position is in architecture. You know what, I’m going! The project will be completed and the owners will be “wowed.”// Atlanta finished up her pasta that now cooled down and gulped down the rest of her red wine, which felt like it was sloshing in her half full stomach. She reached for her black I-phone in the side pocket of her briefcase and scrolled down to her contact list. She came to a stop when she saw her mom’s name. She dialed her mom’s number and told her mom she was going to New York in three days. She went and opened an internet explorer to go her favorite airline, “Delta” to order a first class ticket to New York City. Actually she was excited, she kind of missed New York. All the bars, clubs, restaurants, shopping sites, buildings, friends, and Central Park left her unforgettable memories. It was her home all her life. It was a part of her that can’t be torn away. Everything she knew came from the city. Her friends’ laughter still lingers in her atmosphere. Hopefully things didn’t change too much. She went through her closet and pulled out a Louis Vuitton duffel bag. She folded some t-shirts from “Abercrombie and Fitch” “Theory” and “J.crew.” She took some of her favorite jeans from “J.” She also took a couple of shirts from “Barneys.” She grabbed some cardigans and sweatshirts in attempt to keeping herself warm against New York’s chilly winds that swept by every morning. Atlanta reached to the edge of her closet to get her “Burberry” trench coat and came to a stop. Her white wedding gown that was four years old was still here untouched and in a plastic wrapping. She stood on the hard and cold floor where her closet was for a minute and packed the dress along with her clothes though she did not know why she did. //Why am I doing this? This dress doesn’t even mean anything to me. Yet, it feels like it is with me everywhere. There’s no reason to take it with me anyway.// She sat on the edge of her cream colored bed and thought back to the past. Thinking back to Asia, Ben, Cecily and Ron was really funny and disheartening. Her pain still existed hidden and muffled beneath her thoughts. The pain would charge and attack her every now and then. She remembered how they would all have so much fun talking and laughing at random things. Until, what happened with Asia and Ben broke them apart. She felt her stomach rumble in a low “Grrrr”, despite the pasta. She picked up her phone and ordered a tossed salad with a cheesecake from “Lenny’s.” When her food came she walked over to her cupboard in the bright and spacey kitchen and reached for a bottle of champagne. She ate her food and had a couple glasses of champagne. The champagne’s tingly taste that sparkled in her mouth gave a whoosh of excitement down her throat and through her body. After all it is time to celebrate isn’t it? Cheers to New York! Atlanta checked her I-phone to see what time it was. It read to 10:00 pm. Her flight was at 10:30 pm. She walked over to a store at the corner of the terminal, captivated by the beautiful sketch books, displayed on the polished window sills. She walked in and spotted one with a lighthouse in a snow white color blending into the endless sand, seashells and the beautiful shore line. This scene was quite familiar. It was Nantucket, a favorite summer trip for Atlanta. It was a three hundred page book of lightweight sketch sheets. She headed to the counter and saw her favorite “Staedtle Mars Lumograph” pencils. She picked up three in HB format. She saw a wrinkled old lady at the counter with sun coated glasses. She smiled politely and handed her the materials. The old women took them and handed her a brown bag. She looked at her phone and ran to the gateway. She entered the plane quickly. When she got settled down at her soft blue plaid seat she ordered a “Mimosa” and took out her shopping bag. She laid down the materials onto her eating tray and found a note stuck onto a box of color pencils. It said, “Keep inspiring and drawing.” Atlanta murmured softly, “The wrinkled old lady.” Atlanta had a small smile on the corner of her lips and looked out the rectangular window that showed the giant towering buildings. Maybe there’s hope after all. Atlanta hailed a famous New York yellow taxi after the eight hour flight. When she got up her body ached and slowed her from walking. Her neck was stiff from the seated position and her legs were still asleep. The busy city never changed. It was still the city that never slept filled with noise from the tires on the cars that sounded like “Srcreech.” The sky has clouded up by the giant buildings and offices. The streets were filled with people flowing in and out of buildings. The hussy bustle was still clearly here, in New York City. She told the driver to bring her to that very “Starbucks” where Asia’s fight began. She pushed open the black and green doors, which waved a scent of strong “Pikeroast” coffee. The coffee smelled very strong and bitter but was blended with a tint of sugar, flowing out slightly. Just the coffee scent made Atlanta awake and alert. Her eyes slowly searched the oddly familiar wood color tables. She saw herself sitting there and remembered how Asia’s slap shattered her life and that hot oven toasted coffee was dripping off her. Her skin was a fire red color, burning her skin mercilessly. The memory of the pain still stings her skin. She sighed and went to the counter. She ordered a tall “Vanilla Latte” and sat down back on that table in the far left next to the window where all the drama broke out. Everybody outside the glass had their eyes fixed on “Black-Berries” and “I-Phones,” except this one guy with a smooth grey coat and dark wash jeans. She looked at him closely and realized it was Ben. His stunning chestnut eyes were shimmering against the golden sun and his pale thin lips were lifted lightly up his face into a smile. His auburn hair was smooth and glistening against the sun’s rays. Everything was so familiar and yet so different. Then and there she had panic attack. Her heart thumped ferociously and loudly. //What would happen? What will I do? Oh god, what will he say? Will he even recognize me? Should I say hi or pretend not to know him at all?// Atlanta picked up her fuzzy brown “Juicy Couture” tote and wanted to head out, but she saw Ben walking into “Starbucks.” She quickly got up and abandoned her “Vanilla Latte.” She rushed out hoping he did not see her and brushed by him as he was walking in. Ben ordered a cup of “Mocha” and sat down where Atlanta sat. Ben sat down and noticed a cup of “Vanilla Latte” sitting on the edge of the yellowish wood table. It made him travel back in time to four years ago and how Atlanta left mysteriously. //Atlanta’s favorite was “Vanilla latte.” Why did she leave? What really happened that made her departure in such a way without even a proper good bye? Hopefully, she will come back to New York and maybe stay.// Atlanta hastily rushed back to her mom’s apartment. //Nobody will see me anymore! How long will I have to keep this up? Will New York be like this? Will my beloved city become a nightmare?// She went to the metal incrusted elevator and was swooshed up to the seventh floor. She walked into her penthouse for the first time in years and called out, Audrey, where are you?” Audrey quickly ran over from her bedroom to the living room and gave Atlanta a warm hug. Audrey looked pretty much the same in her black hair with a few gray ones here and there and her soft brown eyes along with her thin rosy lips. She just aged a bit, with a light line of wrinkles deeply formed on the top of her forehead. Atlanta asked her where her mom was. Her voice was motherly and strong. Audrey replied, “She’s at “Barneys” saying how she has a big surprise for you.” Atlanta sighed thinking about her mom’s “surprise.” Hopefully, her mom’s surprise was a good thing. Atlanta sat crossed legged on one of the tall blue kitchen stools across from the bar as she was waiting for her mom. In the meantime she unpacked her clothes and took a shower. The shower calmed her nerves down and washed away her fatigue from the plane. She jumped up hearing her mom’s high heels clinking along the ice like marble tiles. She ran over and hugged her mom tightly embracing their moment. “Mom, I’m back, I missed you so much!” She breathed in her mom’s familiar light trail of cool ocean breeze perfume that was like a daily routine to her. Hearing her voice again was a simple comfort and reminder that she was actually back here in New York with her family. Her mom in response replied, “It is so great that you’re back. There is a surprise for you. I invited everybody, your friends to have a party for you today at our house.” Atlanta stammered, “What, why did you do that?” She clasped her hand over her forehead and exclaimed, “I’m not ready to see them yet.” //Doing this is not as easy as it seems or may appear. Facing my friends will be harder then ever. They are probably so different now. They would be all so distanced away from me.// Atlanta’s mom said, “Sorry, all the invitations and everything is made already. I bought you a dress at “Barneys” why don’t you just get ready?” Atlanta muttered, “Ughh, now what?” She stomped off to her room on the other side of the house and tried to calm herself down. She breathed in and out five times. //Since there’s no turning around now, I’ll just have to deal with it.// //Hopefully, things would somehow turn out okay, though the possibilities of that are like the chance of wining a lottery.// Her mom’s steady knock startled her as she walked over to open the door. Her mom handed her a shopping bag from “Barneys” and gave her a weak smile. Atlanta lifted out a garment bag carefully. Inside the bag there was a long white strapless gown. At the end tips there were some small flakes of shimmer and the outline had a fluffy rim. The back of the dress had a royal blue bow in stain with a trail that falls all the way down to the end of the dress. She hid a smile, noticing her mom’s excellent taste. Along with the shopping bag there was a box with “Jennifer Behr” printed on it. Atlanta reached for her chocolate brown hair to make a loose French twist. She pulled down her slightly lighter side bangs down her face. She rolled her “Jennifer Behr” double row crystal scallop headband into place. She slid into the crisp cool texture from her dress. The cold complexions from the dress made her flinched and shiver slightly. She applied a light layer of “Mark” lip-gloss in a pale pink hue. She glided to her white vanity desk and picked up a dramatic necklace form “Van Cleef and Arpels.” The piece had two delicate butterflies. One solid creature coiled around the collarbone and another at dropping down the chest. The necklace shimmed from its incrusted diamonds along the outline of the beautiful creatures. Along with the pendent she also came upon Silver Pave Tip Cable Bracelet from “David Yurman.” The cuff was made out of sterling silver with a tip of the masculine taste. Finally she picked up a pair of earrings from “Tiffany and Co.” The design was subtle, just silver traces wrapped around in a circular motion. She was ready. Surprisingly it only took twenty minutes. //That was quick! Hopefully the party would be just as quick and un-painful.// //Seeing Ben and Asia any longer would be very painful and rather unbearable. It would be too unbearable to see Ben and Asia making love in my house.// She closed the door behind her and found the white and cold handrail that was a part of the Greek styled staircase. Her white “J.crew” sandals bellowed out a slight clinking sound while she was descending down the endless flight of stairs. Her “Carmen Satin Peep Toes” shoes in a warm blush color showed some resemblance from the color of her cheeks. Her enormous almond eyes concentrated on her shoes, not looking up at anybody or anything, yet. When she reached to the bottom she heard a familiar voice. It was light and harp like. One word flashed into her mind, Cecily. She followed the voice and came to the kitchen. Cecily’s long and slender purple halter dress dragged and demanded Atlanta’s attention. A moment latter she called Cecily. Cecily turned around from talking to Audrey. Cecily extended her arms into a hug position and waited for Atlanta to come over. Atlanta walked in slow motion and looked into Cecily’s coax blue eyes and smiled warmly. She kissed her and Cecily smiled that “Cecily smile” and Atlanta knew she was the same old Cecily. Nothing had change, Cecily would still be there for her no matte what. There was nothing more to say. They could say it all through their smiles. They headed into the living room where all the other guests where. Atlanta’s long and slim fingers reached for a tall flute filled with sparkling champagne on the way. As they walked closer and closer to the brightly lit living room she heard Ben’s voice. His voice was strong and calming. Though strong, it was not harsh. It was like melody softly flowing out. Hearing his voice brought a small tingle down her body and was somewhat familiar but yet distanced. It was comforting to hear this voice again. She walked in and to her surprise she had a smile slightly on her lips. Her dark eyes searched the room for his face and finally found it. The first reaction was a slight gleam of excitement, but then her smile disappeared seeing Ben’s arm around Asia’s waist and Asia’s arms were wrapped tightly around Ben’s neck. Their passion was like a tree and a branch. They were entwined within each other, inseparable. To break them apart the result would be death for the both of them. The pain shocked her emotionally and physically. Her heart was like being stuck into a freshly sharpened dagger allowing blood to slowly drip down till there’s no more left. //I guess they went by fine without me. But that’s was the whole reason of my departure anyway, right. It was intended that Ben and Asia would remain a couple and everything would be pleasant for them.// Before she could carry on with her thoughts Cecily’s mom interrupted her. They exchanged a few words and that’s when Ben looked up at her with his light coffee colored eyes. Atlanta looked at his neatly ironed crisp black suit and turned around. She was afraid to look at his deep brown eyes and realize it was too hard to give him up or that he no longer knew her anymore. A crystal droplet of tear fell down her smooth face. She roughly wiped it away with the back of her hand and forced another smile to everybody. The party only stabbed her heart deeper as Asia pulls Ben and whispers into his ears. It was like she was invisible to them. They laugh and talk every minute. //Why do they torture me like this?// //I thought handling this would be manageable but no it is not. It was trusted that I was strong enough to handle this but it was over looked. Maybe not returning to New York would have saved what is left of my heart.// Atlanta laid on her comfortable king sized bed thinking about tomorrow. She scheduled a meeting with the family who wanted to redecorate their house. //Hopefully after this project I can just go back to France. Staying here any longer would be just a suicide attempt. Every minute in New York City it is spent with either in pain or sorrow.// The next morning she dressed in a stone color trench coat and brown leather boots and headed out to meet the owners at “Butter” to discuss the project. When she arrived the tall waiter brought her to a long and rectangular table. After she was seated she ordered a martini and waited for them. Then suddenly a voice took her by surprise. A high pitched voice that belonged to Ben’s mom spoke, “Atlanta why are you’re here?” Atlanta replied, “I’m waiting for some people who wanted to redecorate their house.” She spoke again, “That should be us. I called Mel Mui to help us decorate our town house and she sent you. But it was never to my knowledge that you knew architecture or performed it. Anyway, this would make our project a lot easier with you here.” Atlanta tired to smile, covering her pain to herself. Now she would have to face Ben everyday. She tried to concentrate on what Ben’s mom had to say about the decorations but she just couldn’t. //How can it be bared to work with Ben and be with him everyday for this project. I should have never accepted Ms. Miu’s offer to complete this project for her. Now look what a mess has been made.// The next morning she headed out to Ben’s house to sketch out a rough draft. She dressed causally, in an “Oxford” sweatshirt and dark blue skinny jeans paired with “J.crew” flats. The “Isabella” flat in deep indigo was perfect for walking. Her slim fingers found the rounded doorbell and pushed it two times. Ben opened the door a second later. He was in a white t-shirt and a pair of black shorts. He looked at her with surprise and smiled. Staring into his eyes now wasn’t like it what it was four years ago. It was more distanced and unfamiliar. Atlanta told him that she was their interior designer by accident and told him she was going to work on their house for them. She started by asking him, “Is there something in particular you would want your room to have?” Ben shook his head and told her, “I trust you. You will make my room into a masterpiece.” She smiled weakly and got the requirements from his parents about the designs. His mom wanted something irregular and different with a dash of antique feel. Atlanta sat on Ben’s muddy brown sofa thinking hard how to make this house feel like home with out being over the top. Then a thought stroked, she could use tiles that formed a map of the globe for Ben’s room. He loves traveling, it will be perfect. So it’s kind of like he would be all over the world without having to step out of his room. When she looked up form her paper and noticed Ben’s intense stare at her. She tried to ignore it and continued on with her thoughts. The next morning, Atlanta came up with a draft for the house. Ben’s room would be made out the special map tiles and his walls would be decorated with his favorite art pieces, perhaps some abstract pieces. His window would be a large single piece of glass across the wall and the ceiling would be made with a special glass so Ben could see the sky but nobody else would be able to see him. He could watch the stars at night, look out to the airplanes that pass by, and have the sun’s soft warm light shine against his skin. As for the furniture he could pick out his own pieces from the places he wants. His parents would have a large walk in closet and the tiles would form a picture of the ocean in Cape Cod. The window will be like Ben’s and the walls would be filled with famous antique painting they like. The living room would be a covered with an Oriental rug form Persia and the sofa would be in an L shape perfect for their many guests in parties they would host. The walls would be evenly spaced out with pictures and paintings of the family. There would a bar supplied with wine, champagne, martinis, and beer to supply their guests’ needs sitting the edge of the room. The tables would be a fine selection of pine tables. The kitchen would be stocked up with all the appliances and the tiles will be warm wood tiles imported form India that creates a mood of home in the Kitchen. There would also an enormous rectangular window over the sink so they can see the sun set or rise as they cook. The bathrooms would be covered in soft blue tiles. The tub would be spacey with the many functions of massaging and cleaning. There would be an antique frame for the mirror and there would be a window stretched form one end to the other made with the glass where you could see people but they could not see you. The rugs would be selected from a fine selection of “Martha Stewart.” The library would be filled with wooden bookcases that extended in a circular motion surrounding the room like a cylinder except for the door. There would be soft and colorful beanbags and sofas fit for reading. The bookcases would be towering the room and would be filled with every book you could ever imagine. //There, the design is finished! When they approve of it I will head back for France.// She told Ben’s parents about the designs and they loved it and told her this is what they wanted exactly. Before Atlanta left Ben timidly asked, “Are you still staying here?” Atlanta looked away form his beautiful eyes and told him, “I will most likely return to Paris. I really like it there.” She his her pain from her voice, trying to stop it from shaking. She left silently and wiped her tears away as she opened the glass door and a gush of wind blew her hair in the distance. This was the last time to see him ever again! //I have to be strong and leave. His fairy tale has no room for me. It has always been Asia and him and always will be. The extra is me, not Asia. Their story is not intended for me to budge in and ruin their happy ending. This world is not all about me, it would not be right to do whatever pleases me.// After Atlanta left Ben continued standing there in the same position he was in when Atlanta was still in the room. He just couldn’t bring himself to move. //Is being with Asia really meant for me? Four years ago Atlanta slip away from me, not wanting to hurt Asia. But it is clear that our chemistry no longer exists. Pretending to love Asia can’t be kept up forever! I love Atlanta and now that she is back it is perfect for me to tell Asia that we shouldn’t continue on and talk to Atlanta about our relationship four years ago and now.// Ben raised his eyebrows in fury and thought about his plan. On the other hand, Atlanta showed no intention to stay in New York. She packed her duffel bag with her clothes and ordered a plane ticket to Paris for tomorrow. When night fell Atlanta rolled around unable to sleep. She tossed and turned from side to side, on her stomach, and even sitting up, but she was unsuccessful. Her mind was clouded with too many thoughts. //What am I doing? I’m going through this mess again. I made my mind about leaving and yet there is still hesitation. Why? Why me? Why should one person suffer the pain all alone like a child being pushed out the door in the cold and harsh rain? No matter how hard the child screams no one knows or cares. Why do they leave me our here to whiter away alone?// Atlanta shut her eyes tightly and forced her thoughts to go away. She was going to leave no matter what! In the morning Atlanta took her brown duffel bag and tried to hail the yellow cab and planned it to be the last time she would ever ride one in New York. But then out of nowhere Ben popped up. His eyes were tinted with sorrow and hope at the same time. He smiled at Atlanta but had his intense eyes locked into Atlanta’s almond eyes and walked over to her. He spoke softly and gently, “Atlanta, this was meant to be told to you a long time ago before your hasty departure to Paris. Asia is not meant for me. There was never love for her like love for you. Stay here?” His voice tempted Atlanta but she took his hand and spoke with her tears rolling down her pink cheeks delicately, “We never started, Asia needs you and you love her. Asia was your life and always will be, and only her no one else. I was not meant to have any part in your happy ending.” //Why must despair and misery always be with me? Why do I have to leave and never see him again? But I know it is absolutely necessarily for my departure. There’s no choice for me.// Ben wiped her tears with his hand. Atlanta took his hand and returned it to his pocket. She whispered, “Goodbye.” The pain struck her and struck her hard. She didn’t want to say goodbye but it was the right thing to do. Finally the cab came and she went in. She fought her thoughts to turn around fearing she would give in to him. During the silent ride she bid goodbye to everything in her beloved city and to Ben silently. This was going to be it. She wiped her crystal tears and forced a smile. //Is this what I want? After this, there would be no turning back. But he loves me and I love him too, why is it that we can’t be together? Why do we have to leave each other?// The pain stabbed like she was being cut into little pieces, slowly taking her away, slowly torturing her till she dies and it would still be there. //But I don’t want to loose this chance. When I grow old I want to bravely say there are no regrets in my life. I’m going to do this no matter what. I am Atlanta and my life is going to be lived to the maximum!// She excitedly told the driver to drive her back and drop her off at “Barneys.” She ran in into the store and straight to their fitting room. She pulled out that wedding gown she bought four years ago with Ben and Cecily. She admires the beautiful design and thought no more. The cold complexion was arguing with her warm body heat. The collision shook her but she had to hurry. She slipped into to cool dress as quickly as possible and left her duffel bag at the room. The satin fabric glided along her bare legs. She ran like she never ran before back to her apartment barefoot. The sun reflected on the pale pink sequins that were decorated diagonally across the dress and shimmered like diamonds. There was Ben still standing there. Atlanta screamed, “Ben.” Her eyes were wet with her tears and the sparkle in it was obvious. They were like the bright stars in the moonless harsh night. Ben looked across the street hearing a musical chime like voice calling his name. His eyes slowly turned around and stared in disbelief. It was Atlanta. Atlanta smiled. Her smile was effortless and warm. It was like sunshine against the winter winds. She looked directly into Ben’s deeply passionate eyes across the street and mouthed, “I’m back!” Atlanta laughed softly her one and only “Atlanta laugh” knowing she was staying here in New York City. //I thought going back to Paris would be only choice, but no! It is here in New York where I had belonged and always will belong!// When Atlanta stopped laughing they stared at each other eyes and allowed it to talk for them instead. Clearly their passion was on fire. Their fire battled the cold winds, harsh winters, and merciless storms. But, even the last of their sparks made it. Now it is a gleaming, raging, and powerful passion, set to last.

Reflection:

Endurance and  Patience

I’m always moving Fast and steady, like a boat moving against Venice canals Gliding onto your smooth white lined surface Whether it’s Atlanta’s high end Prada shoes Or the warm and rich Starbucks’ Pike Roast Coffee scent I try with all my might To keep my dark midnight ink Running parallel on your skin Through excitement we capture the vivid sceneries Through frustration we magnified the heated anger Through sorrow we emphasized remorse and regret So many emotions to freeze from time But you and I Do not fail her Her fresh ideas running through While I turn them into words And you bring it to life Though at times It’s hard to hide my impatience and fatigue My ink turns messy And smudges against your pale embrace Sometimes, so much I don’t want to keep moving I lay flat on my stomach and calm down Sometimes you see me flying away So swift and fast you don’t feel my tip brushing against you Other times I am furious That I rewrite the same things over and over Or just that I realized I brought so many mistakes to life Angry that I created such shame on your beauty While some memories are very pleasant Bringing the delicate details of Atlanta’s jewelry to spotlight is a joy Or showing how Atlanta’s pain stings her uncontrollably Though it is not something worth celebrating I do embrace it For bitter There is sweet There are times where I just humor myself I flirt with the eraser Purposely spelling words wrong So her edge brushes against you And the trails of my remains Then I let out the lightest bellow of laughter The journey was long The expedition was tiring The adventure was frustrating And the exploration was rewarding Despite hardships You and I Had matured Along with Atlanta We changed And Endured Marking history Forever

