Stairs

Can't Sleep

I couldn't sleep that night. I was too busy thinking about the 4 months I'd have to spend by myself while Neil was away. He was leaving on an national tournament with his soccer team. The thought of having to wake up early the next morning and driving him to the airport didn't help the situation. I must've been tossing and turning for at least an hour. I eventually got so restless that I decided to slip out to the kitchen. I quitely tip-toed past Neil who was still out cold, and down the stairs to the first floor of our house. Stumbling around in the dark, I managed to find the stove top light and the refrigerator. I gripped the handle and tugged it gingerly, so not to make too much noise. I poured myself a small glass and stood leaning against the smooth granite countertop. Deciding I'd be here a while, I turned the on the kitchen radio that hung just below the wooden cabinet to my left. As I looked down at my hands noticing the black polish on my nails was starting to chip. Whilst fiddling with my hands, my mind started to trail off.

I still remember the day I met Neil. It was our fist day of college. I was running around campus like a headless chicken trying to find my room. My near anxiety attack was brought to a hault when I found myself on the ground with a sore left side, the contents of the box I'd been holding spread out on the concrete. I looked over my shoulder to see a guy wearing a helmet and blue roller skates.

"Oh my god! I'm so sorry!" He said trying to get back on his feet.

I looked around confused, my focus on trying to pick up my belongings. He stretchewd his hand out to me, offering to help me up.

"I'm so sorry" he said again. " I wasn't looking where I was going and I-I hope I didn't hurt you. Are you hurt?" he asked, looking genuinely concerned. I looked up to him and we both froze, lost for words. He had dark brown hair peaking out from under his helmet that brushed his upper eyelids. And his eyes. Wow his eyes. They were like unlike any I'd ever seen before. They were as blue as the carribean sea. But the color wasn't what captured my attention. But the way you could get lost in them. Looking into his eyes was like being able to see all of the stars and galaxies in one place. I was brought back to reality when he touched my shoulder.

"Huh?" I said jumping. He must've seen I was startled because he quickly pulled his hand back away.

"Are you okay? Did I hurt you?" he asked.

"I'm fine I'm fine I said trying to brush it off.

"I'm Neil" he said smiling. Man his smile made him look like he just stepped out if Hollywood. His teeth were whiter than snow and perfectly straight. But the rest of him looked like New York. He wore a black and red flannel that hung loosely over his black t-shirt, matched with black skinny jeans and converse. I'd almost expect to run into him at a record shop.

"I'm Cher" I replied.

"Well Cher, how about I buy you a coffee. You know, for your trouble" Neil asked nervously.

"That sounds nice" I said smirking.

My reminiscing was brought to a halt when I felt two hands grab my waist.