The Wait’s Over

      Waiting is one of the first stories in my short story collection, High Stakes. It’s now here for your reading pleasure. I hope you enjoy.

                                            Waiting

      Do I hold on too tightly? Ashley thinks so. All I know is that from the moment I saw her, I wanted her.

      I still remember the first time I laid eyes on her. I was walking by Florida Atlantic University’s library and, as I passed the study hall, I caught a glimpse of a beautiful blonde with the most serious look on her face. She was leaning over a textbook, lost in thought. I paused long enough for her to notice me. When she looked up, I froze. Then, she smiled. That smile has haunted me to this day.
      I walked past her, afraid to say anything. I felt like such a wimp.
      Later that night, I couldn’t help replaying our encounter in my head over and over again. I should have said something. I should have told her anything that came to mind. It couldn’t have been worse than running off the way I did.
      I couldn’t sleep that night. I swore I’d find her and at least introduce myself.
      I spent my lunch hours in that exact spot every day for a week. Between classes, I’d pass by the study hall. If anyone needed something from another class, I’d volunteer to get it with the hope of finding the blonde with the unforgettable smile.
      When it was time to hit the books, I camped out in the study hall. I even declined when my roommate asked me to hit one of the local bars with him on Friday night. Knowing my plans, he told me, “She’d better be worth the wait.”
      One week later, my patience paid off. She returned to the same spot, and I finally introduced myself. I haven’t left her side since.
      We dated for six months before I proposed. The wedding was scheduled for the summer following graduation, but the accident postponed everything.
                                                            ~ * ~
      Ashley has these great quirks. These little imperfections that make her perfect. She misplaces things—keys, money, her purse. I usually find them and return them to our dresser for her. It upsets her from time to time. I don’t know why. It’s just my way of showing that I still love her.
      She’ll fall asleep on the couch most nights. Sometimes reading a book or a magazine. It’s one of the little habits that make her endearing. I’ll take her glasses off and remove the book from her lap and set them down on the coffee table for her.
      Once, I picked her up and tucked her into bed but that really scared her. I guess she didn’t remember moving from the couch and it spooked her. I don’t like to see her upset so I promised I wouldn’t do that again.
                                                              ~ * ~
      Ashley doesn’t smile like before. It’s rare now. Ever since the accident.
      After the crash, she would cry and cry. I hated watching her like that. It was a month before it stopped.
      She still blames herself but I urge her not to. A tire blew out at the wrong time and at the wrong place, that’s all. I keep telling her that but she doesn’t hear me.
      It’s been a while now. I don’t see her smile like before. I guess it’s difficult.
      I try not to upset her. I know she still feels responsible. Ever since the funeral, I keep trying to tell her that it wasn’t her fault. That I still love her. That it’s going to be all right. I know she can’t hear me but I do it anyway. I’m waiting for the day that she’ll hear me and see me again.
      What can I say? She’s worth the wait.

 For more stories, check out the collection, High Stakes, now only $0.99. Click here for the link to the ebook.