At the time I met Juliet, I wouldn't be able to predict the direction our relationship took. What started as a modest friendship between two college bachelors, evolved into a reciprocal love, linking a pair of kindred spirits. After months of getting to know each other's interests, we indulged ourselves in the carnal act of love, merging into one single self. "The little death," as many get to know it. How I desire to go back to such brighter days. As I write down these memories, I encounter myself with a lump in the throat knowing where this chronicle is headed.
From what I recall, the signs began to manifest in February of last year; or rather, how it is that I started this maddening descent to the surreal. It was a cold drive home on the main road, even without snow the air alone was freezing the tips of our noses. Nevertheless our time seemed to shorten thanks to our energetic conversation. We had just left a band performance in the downtown plaza. Was it rock or blues? I don't seem to recall. What I remember is the bright-eyed expression Juliet had while they were singing their tunes, as well as her amazement she expressed during our way home. I on the other hand was happy for her, even with my cold blue toes. She was the one eagerly waiting for those guys to come to town, I was a mere casual compared to her. When I couldn't contribute anything of value to that conversation, which was almost half the trip, I made up with jokes about whatever we were talking about. She giggled in response, despite how terrible they were. As the conversation started to die down, I parked in front of our home.
Juliet and I entered the house at lightspeed, wasting no time on the wintry outside. We were welcomed by a pleasant atmosphere, courtesy of our electric heater. As I bent to turn off the machine, Juliet wrapped her arms around my shoulders and started kissing my neck, each kiss getting near my right cheek. I knew how this would turn out, this was her way to ask if I wanted to. After setting the knob to the minimum power, I turned to see her to give her a long kiss. We were still going to need it for a little longer. Without a care in the world, we dropped our heavy coats on the lounge coach as we aimed for our bedroom. Our hands steadily toured the stretch of our bodies, looking for where to get rid of our clothes. We started with our tops, working our way to the bottoms, all while covering each other's faces with tender kisses. That day, it turned out to be a hassle thanks to the countless layers of clothing we were carrying on us. As we struggled to tear down the barriers between the two of us, an idea was creeping from the depths of my mind. I was trying to enjoy the moment, but the doubt was forming in my brain.
Should I say it or should I not?
I debated myself. In the end, my courage outweighed my cowardice.
When we dug into the thermal underwear layer, I had to open my damn mouth.
"Jules?" I whispered.
"What is it?" she replied, but she didn't seem interested.
"Wait, stop," I said with more volume as I caressed her short red hair. "Please."
"Are you all right Henry? D-Did I do something wrong?" she asked as she backed away.
"What? No! Not at all. It's just... There is something I wanted to ask you."
"Oh, Henry," Juliet sighted as she spoke. "I love you, but this isn't the right time. We can barely keep up with the rent, and your parents aren't exactly open for a new memb..."
"Wait, that's not what I meant! It's about... what we were gonna do."
