They had known each other forever, or so it seemed. John and Will had gone to high school, college, then law school together, best friends and confidantes. They enjoyed each other, they liked each other, and, most importantly, they respected each other. Throughout high school and college, they shared their visions of a perfect world, discussed what careers would put them with people, helping people, doing something to change the ways of life. They felt strongly that they needed to make a difference. They had a friendly competition throughout University, vying for top honors and grades, submitting grants to the same organizations and foundations, looking for the one thing that they could work at and help others.
Just before graduation, they both received letters from an important corporation. Both had submitted drafts to this company, now both were accepted. They put aside their dreams of helping humanity, and went out into the world of corporate law, ready to make their marks. The only problem was that Will was sent to the headquarters in the South and John was assigned to a Northern post.
If it had been acceptable, both men would have cried on that last day before heading into their futures. They had been inseparable for over 10 years, used to sharing every nuance of their life and thoughts. Now, they would be separated by over 1200 miles. They promised to stay in touch, to visit as often as possible and to keep their friendship alive.
They kept the vow. Will settled in a lovely town in Georgia. The dreams of helping the average person were put on hold as Will worked for his company, making deals and amazing everyone with his skills in the corporate world. As the rising star in his company, Will was considered a "catch". He was tall and dark, confident and intelligent, yet extremely accessible. He was a social asset in any setting and he was invited to every party, every picnic, all events, big and small. He kept noticing a lovely blonde, petite and perfect. With subtle questions, he found out everything he could about her. Her name was Amanda. She was single, a few years younger, and also a corporate lawyer. She had had one serious relationship since joining the firm and it had ended badly. She was not a player, preferring to remain alone. Will found her captivating. To him, she was the epitome of womanhood. She was warm and lovely. She was soft and smelled terrific. He found her smallness to be very attractive. He liked the pastelness of her, all pink and gold and glowing. Her voice had a southern lilt that made his heart thrum. He could listen to her all day, just talking about absolutely nothing. He worked his way near her at gatherings, but found his usually witty tongue silent. Will would stand there in silence, just watching her and wishing he could find the words to charm her.
Amanda noticed Will too. She found his looks comforting, somehow. He was tall and well-built, but not in the "I work out every day" style. He seemed comfortable with himself. He ate real foods, joined any games, enjoyed himself without hesitation. He was well-liked. And he was quiet, not constantly expressing his opinions. She liked that a lot. Most men felt they needed to share every thought passing through his mind and she liked the fact that Will seemed happy to just listen and learn. He didn't seem bent on impressing her with his knowledge, he just enjoyed being with her.
She also noticed that he seemed to be everywhere. The executives at the company were a small clique, entertaining each other and partying together. Amanda and Will found themselves together several times a week. He was always nearby, quietly watching and smiling. Amanda tried to give him a sign that she was interested, but she was out of practice. The days passed, each of them longing for the other, but not sure how to make that interest known.
Finally, someone in control of these things, made the decision for them. They were assigned to a merger deal that required many hours spent together. Will was still hard-pressed to chat around Amanda, but she felt that was a saving grace. He did his work skillfully, his quiet competence impressing her. When talking about the case, he was eloquent, but offered very little chatter about his own thoughts and feelings. They were easy with each other, enjoying the work time, and, after awhile, they enjoyed some social time too. Work sessions ran late and they would go to dinner together. Sometimes, they worked on the weekend, and finished the day with a drink. They felt comfortable, happy to be spending time with each other. Then, the inner feelings began to surface and both could feel the sexual tension building. Neither wanted to ruin the perfect balance they had struck. Things might never have changed if Amanda hadn't gotten sick.
She was so sick. Just 'stay in bed and wear a flannel nightgown and not eat and not drink and take handfuls of pills and don't talk to me and leave me alone' sick. She was miserable. Everytime she stood up, she swayed and had to grab the wall. She actually thought dying might be an improvement. She felt incredibly sorry for herself as she looked out her window and saw the beautiful blue sky and knew the world was going on without her, while she was stuck at home, alone and so very sick.
Then her doorbell rang. Amanda was tempted not to answer, but she was on her way for more pills anyway. So she haltingly went to the door and peeked through the hole. It was Will. He was standing there patiently, waiting, a smile on his face, a package in his hands. Sighing, Amanda opened the door.
Will took one look at her pale, drawn face and was so glad he had come. He followed her inside, placing his package on the table. He noticed her swaying gait and immediately scooped her up in his arms and carried her back to the bedroom. He carefully put her in the chair and stripped her rumpled bed and remade it with fresh sheets. He opened the windows, letting the cool spring breeze into the sickroom. He gave her a very dignified sponge bath, never peeking, and making her change into something cooler and more comfortable. When she was settled in bed, he took his package into the kitchen and returned with delicious foods, tidbits, easily eaten and digested. He offered her a large glass of cold, fresh orange juice and brought her pills to her. Amanda felt incredibly pampered and cared for...and safe. He sat beside her and listened to her sad tale and covered her lightly when she finally fell asleep.
Will took sick days from work and stayed at Amanda's, quietly nursing her back to health. He seemed to know what to do for her long before she asked. Her house was clean, her bed was always fresh, her meals matched her appetite. Soon, the dizziness began to pass. She could stand without swaying, walk without clutching the walls. Yet, Will stayed. He slept on the couch, never making an improper move, never seeming to think about himself.
At night, though, he would lie in the living room and think of Amanda and knew he was made to cherish her, to protect her. Her mind intrigued him, she was so smart and quick. Her heart was kind and loving, her soul appealing. He thought about her pink and white body, so soft and perfect. Her softly accented voice made mush of him, although he tried not to show her. She was everything he had ever wanted.
Of course, all of this was shared with John, who listened intently and marveled at the perfect woman his friend had found. John kept his counsel, just listening and agreeing. He wished his friend the best in life, and Amanda seemed to have been made for him.
