How long is Forever?

“Hello?” She said with that positive pep in her voice. “You’re nervous for your date aren’t you?” 

“Oh my gosh Bells, I have been second guessing everything! And I can feel my heart pounding out of my chest.” I took another deep breath as I paced back and forth in the kitchen. 

“Hun, everything is going to be fine. He seems like a really nice guy, and you are an amazing person. There is nothing to worry about.” I could hear her flicking her lighter in the background. Bella was a light smoker, usually when she is in the bath to make it more relaxing. “If you honest to god need and out, just text me and i’ll call you for a fake emergency. I’ll say my vagina got caught in the drain. 

I laughed so hard at such an excuse. “Yeah because Coyote would fall for that.” 

“There is that laugh I adore so much!” She exhaled into the phone, I could almost smell it. “Now look at yourself in the mirror, give yourself two compliments and then go on that date like you own it.” 

“Okay thanks Bells, love you.” 

“Love you to.”

We both hung up the phone. I did exactly what she told me to do. I looked myself in the mirror and i gave myself two compliments. Without giving myself anymore time, I quickly grabbed the picnic basket and marched out the door. 

I got to the park and searched for Coyote. I hard started to panic thinking I was stood up. Then I saw his handsome face from across the park. He was dressed well for a movie at the park. A white button up shirt with khaki pants. He had almost looked to perfect in that outfit. He finally spotted me as I started waving to get his attention. A big smile had spread across his face as we started walking towards each other. The basket had started to slip out of my hands from my sweaty palms. I stumbled trying to clutch the basket before crackers and cheese went all over the ground. “Oh whoa!” I heard him say. “You’re not going out on me are you?” He said with a gentle laugh. 

“No way.” Was all I could say. Looking him in the eyes after catching me, I had suddenly lost the words of what to say. “Sorry i’m just a little nervous.” 

“Well why don’t we go find a good spot before all of the good spots are taken.” 

“Deal.” 

We walked together towards the inflatable big screen that was sitting by the band dome where high school bands played every year for competition. We found a good spot that wasn’t to far and wasn’t to close to the screen. It was just right. Coyote grabbed the basket from me as I laid the blanket down for us to settle onto. 

“So exactly what movie is playing tonight?” He asked. 

“Well usually I don’t bring guys to romance movies but because the notebook is my absolute favorite love story, I feel like I have to share with somebody.” I grabbed the watermelon I had cut up out of the basket.

“Seems fair. So you’re into romance movies?” He asked like he was genuinely curious about it. 

“I thrive off of romance movies. Since I was a teenager, I have loved romance movies.” We both popped a juicy bite of watermelon into our mouths. “I always dream someday that I a man would give me a kiss in the rain that would make me fall into his arms like I was suddenly on air.” 

“Thats fair.” He popped another bite of watermelon into his mouth. “I don’t think i’ve ever had a chance to kiss a girl in the rain.” He winked at me. 

I suddenly felt my heart racing again. I took deep breaths without trying to make it obvious. “Would you like uh, something to drink?” I pulled out two wine glasses and a bottle of white wine.

“Oh um, I uh....” Coyote then got up and walked away towards the food trucks.

I had suddenly felt like I had just done something wrong. Tears started to well up in my eyes. I had never planned a first date and the pressure was suddenly starting to drown me. I took a few more deep breaths and wiped away the tears that escaped my eyes. When I looked up Coyote was sitting down again, next to me. 

“Well Hi.” I said. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to just walk away like that.”He said with sad eyes. 

“No its okay. But why did you walk away. I don’t stink do I?” 

“No, no.” He laughed, “Its not that at all. I just can’t drink wine.”

“Oh, do you not like white wine. I could go get something different.”

“No, its okay. I mean, I can’t have it period.” He scooted closer to me. “But its nothing you did wrong, I promsie.” 

“Okay. Well, its a good think I brought some ginger ale then.” I packed the bottle of wine deep down into the basket and pulled out some ginger ale along with the crackers and cheese. 

“Good morning dorkus!” Bella barged through my bedroom door interrupting my moment with the sun. 

“What is that?” She had a white box big enough to carry with both of her hands. 

“Donuts duh!” She plopped herself on my bed and lifted up the lid, “I figured why not celebrate a good nights date with a morning of donuts. All dozen of them!” 

A dozen of beautifully colored donuts were neatly sitting in the box. Some frosted blue with sprinkles, others frosted pink with sprinkles, some covered in chocolate. I couldn’t decided which donut to start with first. I would say a man should know this is the way to my heart, but Bella knows for sure that this is the way to my heart. 

“To make these donuts even better, I got another morning favorite!” She ran to the kitchen and came back with a gallon of orange juice and two glasses. She poured us both a glass. 

I sunk my teeth into a pink, sprinkled donut. The sugary goodness had made my eyes roll into the back of my head. I chugged some orange juice to wash down the donut. 

“So how was the date last night?” Bella asked sinking her teeth into a frosted blue donut. 

“It was pretty awesome. The little mexican joint he wanted to take me too ended being a taco truck.”

“Ew, thats lame.”

“You would think, but not only were the street taco’s delicious, but the view of where it was at was even better.” I took another bite of donut, “The mountains sat in the background, the weather was perfect. We even walked these trails that led to a beautiful memorial bench that sat next to the water. I would totally go back if I could.”

“Awh Annie you really like this guy don’t you?” She had a gleam in her eye as she looked at me. 

“I think I do honestly.” I felt myself blushing as I took another bite of donut, “and you will not believe how the night ended.” 

“Tell me now! I can’t take the suspense!” Bella exaggerated.

“He kissed me on the cheek!” 

“No way! On the first date!” 

“Yeah,” I felt my cheek again just thinking about how gentle the kiss was, “but what if it meant nothing. He said he had just gotten out of a relationship so what if it was just a simple goodnight kiss on the cheek and nothing more.” 

“Sweetheart, guys don’t just kiss girls on the cheek for nothing. He gave you a kiss on the cheek because he likes you!” She took a swig of orange juice. “Did he ask you out on another date.”

“No he didn’t.” I thought about Coyote again and wondered if maybe I should ask him out on the second date. Maybe that is why he didn’t ask me out. He wanted me to ask him out instead. Luckily enough I knew a perfect place to take him on the first date. 

After Bella and I finished stuffing our faces with donuts and orange juice. She left to go home to her dogs. I jumped out of bed and made a phone call. As the phone rang, I was nervous he wouldn’t pick up at all. Until the fourth ring. 

“Hello?” His voice was deep over the phone. 

“Hey, Coyote!” I started to lose my breath, “Its me Annie.”

“Hey Annie! I am so happy you called me.”

“Oh good. Well I was wondering if maybe you wanted to go out with me tomorrow night. There is a movie playing at the park on a big screen and I have always loved going to those. So I thought maybe you could join me.” I was pacing back and forth in my living room scared that he was going to reject me. I knew there was no reason he would reject me, but my anxiety on my shoulders were telling me otherwise. 

“Yeah, I would love to!” I think I actually heard a smile on his end of the phone, “Should I bring anything with me?”

“No! Just bring yourself, leave the rest up to me.” 

“Okay well then I will see you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow Coyote.” We both hung up the phone. “AH!”

“I’m in the bedroom.” I was laying out three options that I thought would work.

The first outfit that was white skinny jeans with a pink lace blouse that showed my shoulders. The second outfit was a dark grey pencil skirt with a white tank top that would look excellent with a pink blazer. And the third outfit was light blue skinny jeans with a plain light cotton, black v-neck. That shirt went with a lot of things I own.  

“I have three options picked out so far, but this is a hard decision.”

“Where is he taking you?” Bella brought into two champagne glasses followed by a bottle of champagne. Our ritual before a date was to drink a little bit of booze so we weren’t so nervous or uptight with our dates. 

“He said he knew this really good mexican joint.” I took a big swig of my champagne. It was crispy going down my throat. I took another swig to relax myself faster before this date. “I want to look nice but I don’t want to be over dressed.” 

“So wear this one.” She pointed at outfit number three, “This says you obviously but it also says that you are not trying to hard. How did you even meet this guy anyways.” 

“Balboa park.” I told Bella every detail of how we met and the what had happened the next day. How he was adorable struggling to get mustard onto his hot dog and how he waddled like the ducks that had walked by us.

“You really like this guy don’t you?” She chugged the rest of her champagne and poured another glass. 

“I think I do. I don’t know, i’m hoping I find out more about how I feel on this date.” I chugged one more glass of champagne and got ready for my date with Coyote.

It was five minuted before it was time for him to pick me up. Even after drinking that champagne, I still felt really nervous and thought I was sweating. I casually lifted my arm to smell my arm pit but there was no smell. Coyote pulled up in a black for escape. He got out of the car, and opened the door for me. “Hi.” he said with a big smile on his face, “You look wonderful.” 

When I had put my outfit on, I had put on a little make up and curled my hair to make the look come together. I was always told that I looked beautiful natural but I had always thought a little bit of make up made me look better. 

“Thank you. So do you.” He did look good. He was wearing fresh blue jeans with a light blue, plaid, pearl snap. 

I got in the car with butterflies fluttering inside me. I was so nervous, I wanted to get out of the car and run back inside. I don’t know if it was because I hadn’t been on a date since my ex boyfriend, or if it was because I am starting to like somebody again. I tried to take deep breaths without Coyote noticing. “Are you okay?” He asked. Oh crap! He noticed my breathing. 

“Yeah i’m fine.” I said still taking deep breaths. 

“Are you sure? I can hear your breathing.”

“I’m sorry. I’m just really nervous. I haven’t been out on a date in a long time. I feel new to this field all over again.” 

“Oh.” He fell silent. Oh god, I hope I didn’t just make him change his mind. “Well don’t worry Annie, I promise to do my best into making this the besy first date ever.” and we took off the mexican joint. When we pulled up, I was almost impressed with the scene. It was a mexican food truck that sat outside the city. Lights were strung all around the tree’s and above the tables, and to make the scene better, the weather was warm with a slight breeze. We sat down at a table after we had gotten our food. I ordered pork roast taco’s and he had ordered a fiesta burrito. 

“I know this isn’t a fancy restaurant or anything but since I saw you order from the food truck at the park, I thought, why not introduce you to another food truck with a more beautiful scene.”

“Coyote, I love it. I didn’t even know was out here.” I took a bite of my taco, “I honestly, this food is way better!” 

“Good! I come out here sometimes when I need to clear my head. There’s actually a trail back there that I walk when its nice out.” 

“We should totally walk the trails when we are done eating.” 

As we ate our delicious food, we sat and talked about how much La Jolla was an okay place to live. When we were done, we got up and threw away our trash. Then we headed for the trails. “So you never really went into detail about your ex earlier in the car.” He said. 

“Oh, i’m not sure you want to hear about that boring story.” Within these trails, green leaves hung from branches for miles. The ocean laid steady in the background with a light pink sunset just barely peaking over the water creating a beautiful painting. 

“Of course I do. Tell you what, I will tell you about my boring break up if you tell me about yours.” 

I couldn’t help but giggle. Since out date started Coyote has proved to be nothing but a little comforting. 

“Okay fine. His name was Jared. We were together for four years. We lived in a little apartment in LA. I thought things were going amazingly well, until I mentioned how I wanted to get married at some point. When he heard that word marriage, he avoided me for a few days and told me that it wasn’t going to work.”

“But you had only mentioned it, its not like you were forcing the commitment right now.”

“Exactly. But he thought otherwise. I thought he was that type of guy but after the break up I had found out that he was cheating on me with some girl he met in one of his classes.”

“Oh Annie, i’m so sorry.”Coyote gave me a reassuring look. 

“Its okay. I am slowly learning that life is truly so much better without him. I am not bending to his will, and I feel like I can breath again.” 

There was a trail that led down to a small shore. We walked down there and sat on the concrete bench that was dedicated to a woman named “Babe” written in gold, on a black plaque. 

“This was my moms friend.” Coyote said pointing at the plaque.

“Really?” I looked at the picture they had put beside the plaque. “She looks pretty.” 

“My mom worshipped her, and still does now.”

“So you never told me about your break up.” 

Coyote shifted in his spot looking at the sparkling water that echoed with small waves. 

“Her name was Jessica. She was actually my brother Bud’s ex first way back in college. But we kind of reunited when my mom painted her portrait. I guess she just wasn’t happy. She said my lifestyle was dragging her down because I don’t have everything in order yet. She was ready to take off, and i’m still ten steps behind everybody. So she left me a note in my tiny house saying how she needed more and we just never talked again.”

“Awh Coyote, i’m so sorry!” I slid a little closer to him. I restrained myself from wrapping my arm around his. 

“Honestly, it was probably for the best. Its hard for people to understand why i’m so behind in finances and living situation.” I exhaled a sad breath. The kind of breath that I used to exhale when I would think about Jared or evern talk about him. “But there is always a new horizon, and I plan on running towards it.”

He looked at me with a smile. A smile that didn’t make you feel bad for him, but a smile that made you want to go in for a kiss. The butterflies had come back and every fiber of my being wanted to kiss him. I scooted away from him and looked out onto the water. We sat and watched as the sun had fully went down. We hiked back up onto the trails and back to his car. When we got to my apartment, he walked me up to my door. 

“I had a really fun time with you Annie.” He said. His hands were in his pocket like he was a little boy again. 

“I did to. We should really do it again soon.” I was still fighting back the urge to kiss him on his lips that just were inviting me to do so. 

“I’ll tell you what. Next weekend, there is this movie thing that they host every year at the park. I would really love it if you joined me.” 

“Okay, I will.” I smiled trying not to blush, “Goodnight Coyote.” 

“Goodnight Annie.” What happened next took me by such surprise that I lost my breath. He kissed me on the cheek and then left. 

On the verge of starting a small business. Making keychains is exactly one of the products I love making! 😍 Glitter is my best friend as well! You want your letter, message me! 😉

Walking into the coffee shop this morning, I was annoyed by how many people were crowded in here on a sunday. After waiting about twenty minutes I had finally got ahold of my iced coffee with extra cream and left. I headed to the library to pick out a book that I could take with me to balboa park this time. I would rather read then watch couples commit such display of PDA. Once I got there, I found a shady spot under a tree. I spread my blanket out, and began reading my book while sipping on my delicious coffee. As much as I wanted to know if Coyote was going to be here again, I was to engaged in the romance novel that I wished was my life. Romano and Elaine are lovers at the beach enjoying the sunny day. Romano picks Elaine up in the water and spins her in circles. He then looks into the depths of her eyes falling in love with her every second. Then he kisses her with such passion that made her melt into his arms. 

Goosebumps had risen on my arms as I kept reading on about the romantic life of Romano and Elaine. I had then felt a tap on my shoulder, “Hey, Annie right?” It was actually Coyote. I looked up at him actually shocked that he would be at the park today. He was still as handsome as he was yesterday. “Uh yeah, hi!” I closed my book motioning him to sit down, “please sit down.” 

“Are you sure? I don’t want to impose.” He said. 

“No please, I was actually wanting to take a break from the romance story that isn’t even reality.” 

He chuckled at my very dry joke. I admired that. Not a lot of people laugh at my horrible jokes or remarks that I mean to be funny. 

“Its nice to see you here this time without mustard on you.” I laughed remembering how cute it was watching him clean off mustard yesterday. 

“Yeah mustard and I have a love-hate relationship.” He looked at me like he had looked at me yesterday.”So what are you doing here on a sunday?”

“I have been cooping myself up in my apartment for the last few weeks and I figured a little bit of fresh air would do me good.” 

“Well at least you have an apartment.” He smiled, “I live in a tiny home.”

“Really?” I then started thinking about how awful that would have to be. I was never the person to live in such small spaces. “As in hardly any room to move around tiny house?” 

“Oh yeah, its so tiny I can fit a personal pan pizza only in there.” We both laughed again. “I like to make jokes sometimes to my family that if we all piled into the house we would run out of oxygen. Lucky for me though, my family either lives right outside or I can go over to their place instead.” 

“Thats kind of awesome. I could never live in a tiny house but I also wonder how people who do, can live like that.”

“Well for starters, I have very minimal stuff. The one main thing thats important to me is my guitar but thats about it. I have a few books but I have read them so much I have grown bored of them.”

“Thats why libraries are a wonderful thing.” I flashed my book at him. 

“Would you like to go on a walk?” He asks. 

I tried to look confused at first like I wasn’t dying to go on a walk with him. “Sure.” I said trying to sound casual. I started to put my stuff in my bag. 

“Here i’ll help you with this.” He grabbed my blanket and folded it nice for me. 

“Thank you.” I said. I could feel my face starting to blush hoping he wouldn’t notice. 

We walked through the park together admiring the beautiful orange tree’s that hang over. A few ducks had waddled passed us to get to the pond. I almost dropped to the ground laughing as Coyote started to waddle with them. People were swiveling their heads to look at us but I didn’t care. We stopped at a trolly that was making snow cones. “What flavor do you like?” He asked me.

“Thats tough, I can’t decided between bubble gum or cotton candy.” 

“Are you kidding. Cotton candy all the way. If you get bubble gum, then you will solely regret making that decision because it will then taste like cough syrup.” he said chuckling at me. 

“Okay fine. Cotton candy it is but only because I think you might be right.”

We both laughed as we shoveled the flavored shaved ice into our mouths. He showed me his pink tongue as I showed him mine. It was time that I had to go home even though I wanted this day to go on forever. It felt nice actually having a good time. “I guess I should be heading back home. I have to get myself mentally prepared for work tomorrow.”

“I know that feeling. I work at a school and its a little much sometimes.” We threw our finished treat into the trash. He looked at me again with that look. I wanted to turn and hide my face so he didn’t see it turning red again. “Listen, I hope this isn’t to forward but would you like to go out sometime?” 

I froze in my spot where I was standing. I did not prepare myself for this question. I didn’t even think he was going to be at the park today when I came. What do I say? Do I say yes. Say yes Annie! Go out with the man. Its just one date. Its not like he is asking you to sleep with him! “Yeah, I would like that a lot.” 

“Well how about this friday. I know this really cool mexican joint that I think you’ll like judging by the fact that you bought taco’s yesterday.” 

“Sure. I can’t wait. I will see you friday Coyote.” I smiled waving him goodbye as I walked away. 

It was a warm sunny day here in La Jolla, California. This morning I had sworn to myself that I was going to stay in bed today and not face the world. I forced myself to get out from under my covers. I had been sulking in my emotions for too long. Sure i’m heart broken that my boyfriend broke up with me, but how much longer could I be depressed about it. I figured, hiding from the world is not going to make this any better. I don’t regret coming out into the world. I walked over to the balboa park and strolled through to look at everything. You could tell it was a Saturday by the way everybody was out and about. Couples sitting on the bench hardly coming up for air. Families with their dogs and children playing catch with a frisbee. I walked over to a taco stand that had made my stomach growl just looking at it. “I’ll have two shredded chicken taco’s, hold the pico please.” I said. I hadn’t ate a solid meal in weeks since my boyfriend dumped me but taco’s sounded mouth watering right now. The cook and I swapped items. I gave him the money I owed while he handed me my taco’s. 

As I was leaving the line, I had seen a man struggling over at the hot dog stand. “Oh man!” I heard him say aggressively loud. I snagged a few napkins from the taco stand and took them over to her. He had spilled some mustard on his jeans. “Here you go.” I said, “This stand never has napkins so I thought I would help you out.” I handed him the napkins. 

“Thank you.” He said wiping the thick yellow substance that clung to his jeans, “Their mustard always comes out at me when I get a hot dog here. You would think I would be prepared every time but i’m not.” 

“How often do you eat from this specific hot dog stand.” 

“At least once a week.” He acted as if he was embarrassed to admit that. 

“Well I can’t blame you. These hot dogs are pretty amazing.” I couldn’t help but scan his body when he wasn’t looking. He was a fine looking man. His ginger hair glistened in the sunlight, while his eyes were a bright green that made you want to admire them for a long time. “I’m Annie by the way.”

“Coyote.” 

We both shook hands. The warmth of his hands and his skin touching mine had sent a shock through my body. 

“Well Coyote, I should get going. It was really nice to meet you. Be prepared for the attack of the mustard next time.” I said laughing. 

“I will, thank you.” 

He kept his eyes locked on me. That made me try so hard to hide a smile that stretched across my face. It was weird when I had suddenly felt butterflies in my stomach. I haven’t felt that feeling in a long time. I slowly looked back wondering if he was still standing in the same spot. He was gone.