I finally got the courage to meet him. All the nights of sending calm innuendos and sweet messages all led up to that night at around 3 am when the light of the computer and an awaiting message woke me up. Who would have thought it would end up being the sweetest Christmas present I would ever receive?
PhotoFinish: Are you up?
BlackKat: I am now. That scared the crap out of me Chris. What's up?
PhotoFinish: I'm sorry. I was just thinking, about you, but also about next week?
BlackKat: What's next week?
PhotoFinish: Uh, Christmas?
BlackKat: Oh sorry!! I've been so swamped at work that I haven't even thought about it. Plus, I've spent Christmas alone for the last 3 years, so it's not exactly the most fun of holidays for me.
PhotoFinish: I know, you told me. That's actually what I was thinking about. I want to see you.
BlackKat: You already have ;)
PhotoFinish: No really, I want to see you. Soon.
BlackKat: You live like 200 miles away. It's not like you can drive from Austin to Dallas in a minute.
PhotoFinish: I wouldn't let that stop me. I want to be the one behind the camera taking those pictures you send me ;) and no one should be alone on Christmas kitty Kat.
BlackKat: Well, don't you have plans?
PhotoFinish: I was going to go to Florida with my family, but they decided to go skiing instead, and let's just say I'm not one of those people that consciously gets CLOSER to the cold.
BlackKat: LOL! Well, I'm down if you are. I don't know if it's just the fact that there is computer between us, but I've never really met anyone like you before.I think we SHOULD get to know eachother. And maybe a holiday will do that. But just so you know, I'm not much of a Christmas person.
PhotoFinish: Oh you'll be a CHRIStmas person before long.
BlackKat: Very clever.
PhotoFinish: Haha, this Wednesday I get off work early because it's Christmas eve. It'll only take me about 3 hours to get to you, if you're okay with that. I could, stay for a couple days?
BlackKat: You know what? Okay. It's a date. A very nervous date, but a date nonetheless. Goodnight PhotoFinish.
PhotoFinish: Don't be nervous. G'night pretty kitty ;)
That, was the exact conversation. (I should know. I copied and pasted it into my online journal). The week came and went, but when it got to Wednesday, it felt like the day that would never end. At around 6pm (he would be there at 9ish) I hopped into the shower, afraid to leave my phone for even a second. He could make the trip from Dallas to Austin in less than 3 hours if he tried. What would he think when he saw me in person? What should I say? Do I shake hands or hug? So many thoughts raced through my brain. They were like the hot water droplets coursing down my neck and chest. I did everything I could to relax, shaved my legs (and everything else), colored my hair and when I got out of the shower I looked at my soaked frame in the mirror. I get it... I'm cute, in the unconcenventional way. My hair was jet black. It's really long with short layers, a stark contrast from my pale skin. Medium sized breasts with dark pointed nipples and almost momma like hips. He'll like me, clothed or not.
I picked out a tight pair of black skinny jeans, and a long red and black turtleneck, dark green shadow and liner... that's about as festive as I get. I didn't wear any shoes, because this was my house after all, but I liked how I looked. Dark, mysterious, I looked good. I was staring at my nails counting the heart beats when my phone buzzed and I jumped. A message.
"I'm not far now. Maybe 30 minutes or so. I'll call you when I get closer. - Chris."
My heart jumped in my throat. It's dark out, and maybe this isn't the best idea. The dramatic wind outside was telling me that a storm was coming, a bad omen maybe? I needed to calm down. I opened my freezer door and grabbed a bottle of eggnog, chuckling at the ironic drink. I don't even like Christmas, I thought to myself. I needed to chill out. BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ! Not a message this time. My hands trembled as I pressed the little green button.
"He- hello?"
No answer.
"Are you there?"
"Katerina." He breathed the word. "Your voice is beautiful." It never occurred to me he hadn't heard it before.
"Hi Chris," I barely whispered but tried to be normal. "Uh, um, how far are you?" Very smooth Kat. Very smooth.
"Actually I'm kind of lost... I'm on I-20 East passing 287. Did I miss my exit?"
"No, no, you're going the right way. Just keep on coming until you get to the light, exit there and turn left at the second light, then left again into the apartments on the left. I'm in 1267. It's the very first set of buildings I'll just meet you out--" A tap at the door startled me. "Crap, hey someone's at my door. Stay on the line."
"Okay but hurry, I have no idea where I'm going."
I undid the latch wondering who could be here. I realy hoped whoever was at the door didn't ruin my plans. The wind blew open the door and the phone fell from my hand. Staring back at me was a medium built really good looking guy, short cropped brown hair, grown out just a little, (hair I had seen on a web cam many times before), wearing a beige T shirt, dark jeans and converse. His eyes were gleaming hazel and he was smiling at me. In his left hand, a phone, pressed up to his ear. In his right, a red long stemmed rose. His name was Chris.
"So I lied. Sue me." I had no words. I wasn't ready. "Merry Christmas Eve," he said as he handed me the rose.
"Oh my God hi! Merry Christmas eve to you too!" I didn't know what else to do so I hugged him around his neck and gave him a kiss on the cheek. His hand slipped around my back and hugged me tight as well. His face lingered in my hair, taking me in, an act he had no right to fulfill, yet felt so fitting, like he had done it before. I was afraid to let the mood get awkward so I spoke up right away.