Her leather-heeled boots clicked on the skirts of the harbor, and the moonlight that nestled above the bosom of the water, shimmered across her overalls like the waves that crashed upon the shoals. Her palms, tucked behind her like a green girl, taunted me to her side when they curled and stretched out repeatedly.
Her silver curls brushed in the wind like the leaves that rustled in the bough of trees. She paced herself as I tailed behind her, continuing to taunt me to her side with a smirk that peered over her shoulder. In my apprehension, I stretched out my arm, and attempted to place my hand in hers. A giggle bubbled from her gut, and she swiftly gripped my hand when my finger-tips had only grazed hers.
"my that's cute! Blushing with eagerness are we? Why are you so shy? Would you be accompanied by shame if the townsfolk were to assume our status as being betrothed", she said while giggling with ecstacy.
I scoffed at the thought, "why would I shoulder a sense of shame? Is it not you that would blush with eagerness? Why oppose such an idea? Are you suggesting your lack of experience can handle me! "
She gasped, " how could you say such a thing? "
She tugged me towards her side and lightly slapped my chest. She then nested her head upon my shoulder and her gaping mouth melted into a genuine smile that stretched from ear to ear. Pouting and cupping herself upon my arm, I let her be my guide to the meadows, continuing to tread the cobble stone streets as if we were betrothed.
When we reached the ball of the heath, I released her from my arm and ran up the incline towards the tree that had arched over.
She chased after me, attempting to ensnare me with her embrace again, but like the bleeding woman, her need had been stanched when her hand kissed the border of my garb. I then fell upon my back, and left my outstretched limbs sprawled upon the blades of grass like an infant. It was a blissful indulgence I dare say. It was a blissful indulgence to be Cradled in the meadows!
However...
She made haste, and graced my sanctuary with her presence within a moments passing. She began pouting as if she had been cheated, as if there would be a better outcome if I stated that we were to race. I merely chuckled and raised my head toward the stars that painted the night sky.
She then knelt down and began picking the tulips that sprouted from the base of the tree. The true tenderness in her nature was reflected in how she handled the tulips, caressing each one before clipping them from where they nested. She then wrapped the bundle in a pearl white sheet, forming a lovely bouquet. On all fours, she then creeped over to my side, and her head hovered above mine while her hair draped over. Blocking my view of the stars in arrogance she said, "Though I may be uncertain, I believe that is a smile denting forth from your cloth wrapped visage. "
I brushed off her remark, but she proceeded to pry open the door of conversation by unwrapping the rags that I had used to protect myself. It is a boundary that should not be overstepped, but I permitted it due to the fact that she had removed her rags as well. Her gaze glittered over me and with the same affection found in the tulips, she caressed my jaw before untying the garments that had cloaked my face.
"Ahhh! You are smiling!", she said.
"In such an instance I would celebrate, however, I have a favor to ask instead", a cheeky grin cracked from her.
"Shut your eyes for me".
Her words were like honey and her demeanor was like that of a rose --pretty at first glance but guarded by thorns, so instead of following through with such instruction, I remained weary.
"Why so hesitant? Expecting a kiss are we? Trust me. My intentions are not cut from such cloth"
Her intentions were muddled with sincerity, but if she stated that her words held truth, then it would be safe to trust her. So, I shut my eyes and let her be my guide. She then pressed her fingers into my cheeks, signaling for me to open my mouth. She then dropped something in, spherical in shape, creamy at the touch and sweet at it's center.
Chocolate! It was genuine chocolate!
She then whispered, "Happy birthday my dear Atlas"
A sense of shock rippled through me. For it was astonishing for my own mother to let the thought slip her by, but have someone who behaved as a harlot, show her sincerity. Dews of sadness began to swell and with my lips quivering like that of a child on the verge of tears I said, "Thank you! Thank you so much!"
I nested in her arms and let myself be sheltered by the leaves of the willow tree. I was showered by the moonlight and let myself be cradled in the meadows.