THE REUNION
It is that time of year when summer is ending and fall starts to make its approach. The weather is constantly fluctuating and you know it is now just a matter of time before the dreaded winter arrives. For the time being, it is beautiful, the leaves on the trees are changing colors, there is a wonderful cooling and refreshing breeze. Loving every moment of the days when it is in the mid to upper 60's or even a brisk sunny temperature in the mid to low 50's. Yet, at the same time, dreading those days that with be heavily overcast, in the 40's or even worse the nights when it is in the 30's or colder and we get hit by a sudden Northeaster Blizzard that blankets the city.
Seasonal depression is something that is unfortunately common and comes with the change of the seasons. For some that are used to the seasonal changes, being in a different climate that does not have real seasonal changes can also be affected.
I find that the state of my depression can really be noticeable when the days and more importantly the hours of sunlight get perceptibly shorter. But, that is part of the cycle of the seasons. It is also synonymous with life. We all go through emotional and physical ups and down, hitting what seems to be a blessed peak hoping it will never cease its wondrous climb while hoping to avoid, the inevitability of the valleys. As the saying goes, "what goes up must 'eventually' come down".
It is a law of life, as well as the law of gravity. It would be nice if things would always be a plateau of happiness and contentment with only the occasional valleys to circumvent and overcome. But alas that is too much to hope for. The best one can do is to take full advantage of the upward climb and focus as little as possible on the downturn.
But, all of this rambling is just a way for my mind to go to an area of avoidance. It has been so long since I have been in a serious relationship that my body is craving something it needs so much and the urge and need so desperate it is almost painful. What my body and mind crave is obviously the company, touch and feel of a woman's company; her gentle caress, scent, and sound of her soft silky voice telling me how much she misses me, and what I mean to her. For me to lay my lips on hers and feel their silky smoothness, to feel them part as our tongues search each other's mouth as our fingers grasp at whatever they can of the other person. Be it an article of their clothing, or a part of their exposed flesh. And then the ultimate exhilaration when the clothes are off and their bodies intertwine.
To once again experience the fulfillment of the act of love when their bodies react and explode with such pent up energy that they collapse in to each other's arms. Or just to cuddle together on the couch, her arm resting on my thigh as my arm is around her shoulders. She would cuddle close, lay her head on my shoulder, and use her fingertips to gently move against the top of my thigh as my fingertips simultaneously gently rub the tip of her nipple. It would not be long before her lips brush against the side of my neck causing me to thicken in my pants for her.
You see, I am back in my old college town for a weekend long 10-year reunion. I had decided to fly in a day early so I would not feel rushed. Before I booked my flight, months in advance, I mentioned to my ex that I would be going to the reunion and wondered if she would be as well. Her response, at that time, was that she did not know and hadn't really decided. She did say though that it was good to know that I am going, and that if she goes it would be really great to see each other again, and even spend time together.
By booking so well in advance I was able to still get the group discount rate at the hotel where the reunion was being held and therefore take advantage of the saving and spoil myself by getting a suite. Along with the actual invitation was an initial schedule for the reunion. For some reason my eyes focused on the first event that was to be held the night before the actual reunion started for the early birds. It was a Halloween party to be held in the lobby of the hotel. While a costume was not mandatory, it was highly recommended.
While I recently left her some emails and voice-mail messages I didn't hear anything back from my ex pertaining to her plans to attend or not attend the reunion. I left her one final message when I arrived and gave her my hotel information just in case she was coming in. Even if she wasn't, I felt it could not hurt for her to have another way to get a hold of me.
It was heartbreaking for me, and surely just as painful for her when we had to split up. I understand that life goes on and people have to go their separate ways at times. But we were and to be honest still are and will always be really close and the best of friends. For the last 2 years or so her work, as well as her personal life has kept her so busy that we have been talking less and less. But at the same time that just makes the times we would talk all the more meaningful, valuable and touching....
When the time finally arrived, I headed to the airport. My flight was scheduled to leave early morning the day before the reunion and the day of the Halloween party. Prior to leaving while packing I found an old mask in my closet along with something that looks like it could pass for a cape of some kind and decide that will be my costume. If anyone asks what/who I am supposed to be I will just say, "Super Geek".
My time at the airport, as well as the flight was uneventful and I arrive at the hotel by late afternoon. Thinking I will be able to walk around - before needing to get ready for the Halloween party- and rehash old memories, I shower and start to get my clothes prepared for when I need to get dressed. Suddenly feeling really tired I look at the clock and realize there is still plenty of time before the Halloween party is to start, and I would actually need to get dressed for it. Wearing only the towel, I decide to postpone my exploration of town and to instead lie down for a bit.
For some inexplicable reason, while I am lying on the bed, the subconscious fears of my ex possibly being at the reunion come to the forefront. This, of course though, causes my mind to go wild. A part of me fears yet also at the same time looks forward to that possibility and that she, my one and only true love, will be there.
Don't get me wrong. My fear is not the typical "fear". It is actually a combination of nerves and apprehension. My fear is that when I do see her I will not be able to control myself from reacting to the sight of her. And that all the memories, love and passion we shared would take over my rationale thoughts and actions.
I set the alarm to go off in an hour and then close my eyes remembering the relaxation techniques she taught me to help me deal with my anxiety. For me, the process starts by picturing a relaxing, comforting, calm place. While holding that picture in my mind, I take a deep breathe in, feeling my stomach and chest rise as my diaphragm expands allowing more oxygen in to my lungs. The feel of my stomach tightening as I slowly exhale reminds me of how tight and toned her stomach was.