2024 Yakamoz

Birthdays For Everyone 1826 Lorenzo
Birthdays For Everyone 1826 by Lorenzo

Yakamoz

By Jade Rivette

    “Where are you?” I spoke into the phone with anticipation dripping from my voice. I didn’t even let him answer before I hung up. There he is, beside the airport Burger King. Looking so out of place. Everyone else is moving so quickly, places to be, planes to catch. His deep blue eyes are scanning everyone’s faces, looking for me. From across the room I am still affected by his vibrant eyes. I always get so lost in them. I have never seen eyes so bold, features so gorgeous. He wasn’t boastful about his beauty… maybe this is because he isn’t aware of how breathtaking he is. Looking at him, I think of art, I think of statues of Greek Gods. Someone who seems to be unreal. Sometimes I’m sure I’ve been stuck in a dream, since the day I met him. His auburn hair is slightly textured which helps it lay perfectly over his forehead, stopping just above his thick eyebrows. Certainly, the fullest, most lovely eyelashes I’ve ever seen flutter as he blinks and continues to search for my face. He thinks his nose is too small, I find it perfectly sized between his always blushed cheeks. His lips… his full lips were just begging for my kiss. My pace quickens.

    Finally he sees me. His face softens, a radiant smile appears. The pink on his cheeks is spreading to his whole face while he shuffles from one foot to another. I start walking even faster. I’m dodging people walking past me, in all directions, while not breaking eye contact. I reach out for him before I’m even close enough to hug, still closer than we’ve ever been. I feel a warmth all around me when we hug. I’m holding him so tight I worry I might break him. I can feel his heartbeat, or maybe it’s mine. I think this feeling is peace, although I’m not familiar with it. Love, acceptance, unconditional, respect, devotion, home. Yes, that’s what it is, I feel as if I’m home.

One Week Later
    As I’m walking towards the passport check line with my ticket in one hand and my suitcase in the other, I can feel his eyes on my back. I keep asking myself if I really need to go. I look back at him one more time and see tears running down his soft cheeks and before I can even consider turning around, he is lost in a sea of people.

As the plane begins to take off I am overwhelmed with grief. I am losing so much of him, his touch, his smell, his kiss waking me up. Flying back to Michigan, I feel more like I am leaving home than I did when I was on my way here.

Jade Rivette