Unknown Stars

I didn't know where he was taking me and I didn't know why he was taking me there. I had been dating here and there. Sure to never get too close. But him, he was different. He had me from the beginning, but of course I wasn't about to admit that to him. And now, now he was taking me somewhere blindfolded. Amazingly I trusted him enough to do this. He was a kind man who wouldn’t hurt a fly even if it were stabbing him in the heart as many of his ex's had. All I could do was sit, and take everything in to try to figure out where he was taking me. 1

There were no passing cars, potholes in the road, and the distinct smell of chicken houses being cleaned out. 'It's the country' I thought to myself. Wherever we were headed it had nothing to do with other people that was for sure.  His old 82' beat up Chevy, who he decided to name ol’ Mic, road rough, but I would never let on how much I loved being in it with him. What I always wanted. A man who knew how to get dirt on his hands, tough on the outside, heart of gold inside, and ears that actually listened. I never assumed that maybe this time I wouldn't get hurt. It was just something I had come to expect from the long line of disappointments and heartbreaks.2

Disrupted in my thoughts, the truck slowly stopped, and I heard what sounded like cornhusks being ran over. ‘Are we in a field?’ I asked myself as he bent over to slowly kiss me on the forehead… ‘This can’t be happening. How did he know? Who told him?’3

The smell of cotton flooded my nose and suddenly I felt the goose-bumps rise over my flesh the way they do when you feel like someone is watching you. I heard rustling noises, kind of like a tarp or sleeping bag being placed in the back of the truck, and I prayed he brought a blanket for the chilly air sure to hit when I stepped out of the truck. I smelt the burning of matches and wondered how many candles he managed to get for this surprise romantic kidnap. I decided that I was not going to think anymore and just wait, I started singing “the Georgia rain on the Jasper County clay, couldn’t wash away what I felt for you that day, just you and me down an old dirt road, nothing in our way, except for” 4

“What are you singing?” he asked as he opened the door and took my hand in his. 5

“Nothing” I muttered, as he slowly kissed my lips. 6

“What are we doing here?”7

“Well someone whispered in my ear how much you loved the stars so I thought I would bring you to them.” He stated as he placed a warm coat or throw over my shoulders.8

Taking me by the hands he led me in a silent dance only his humming of “ The Georgia Rain” and his breath in my ear filled my senses. I had never been so close to a man before. Not without him wanting something from me. My happiness had never been the sole reason for anything involving a man and me. And I was shocked how differently it felt than in my dreams.9

Holding on to my hand as if I were going to fly away if he let go, he reached behind my head to undo the silk tie he had used as the blindfold for this kidnap.10

So softly that it was almost inaudible “open your eyes” was whispered into my ear. I opened my eyes to a world created by a man whom had already stolen my heart, but had taken my breath. Ol’ Mic’s bed was lined with candles of all sizes and shapes, all white, and along the hood all red candles. It was the most amazing thing I had seen in my 21 years, and most likely the last. Tears started to form unwillingly, as I tried to not let him see how much it really meant to me. Taking me slowly by the hand he led me to the tailgate, where the rose petals came into focus as well as the picnic basket, pillows, sleeping bags, and blankets. I was speechless. I had no words for what he had done for me; thank you wouldn’t have been enough. He kissed the tears from my eyes as “your welcome” was spoken but not heard. 11

We ate amazing spaghetti, which just so happened to be my favorite, and laughed like we were teenagers again. Another dance later, and I found myself laying under the stars, in rose petals and soft touches. The dream of a lifetime. 12