Atlas hands

The sky is the limit

The sun rays beamed through my eyes lids, lifting me from my sleep. The smell of freshly made coffee stung my nostrils.

"Love," that sweet voice hummed, "Good morning my love!"

My instincts flashed a smile as I opened my eyes wide to find those big brown eyes staring me in the face. Her freckles remained in the same spots around her nose, her hair frizzy from the night, the natural smell of her smooth skin. I took it all in.

"It is a good morning indeed," I laughed as she hovered over me.

"Don't forget, we have lunch today with your mom and we have to get our calendars mapped out for this month."

I nodded and pursed my lips. She quickly pecked my lips and rolled off the bed, heading out the bedroom door.

I lay there another moment in bliss. I truly was in love. This was who I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. This is who I wanted to grow old with.

I crawled out of bed and shuffled around the apartment getting ready for the day. I wore a casual outfit and continued my same routine.

The same routine where Delia and I worked around each other. Shifting sides as one. This was my routine. Our routine.

Delia cooked our usual breakfast, eggs coffee, and half a bagel. For the longest time I was content with this. In fact I was proud that everyday we knew exactly where each other would be and we could manage to work around and with each other. Now I don't think about it much. I just let it happen and try. It to dwell on the fact that I yearn for something more.

I push hear thoughts away, the thoughts of wanting more in life. How greedy us humans are. How could I possibly want more than I have? I have a beautiful girlfriend that I hope to share a future with, a living family, a college degree, a nice car, opportunity after opportunity, yet something is missing.

Everything has always worked out smoothly for the most part. Like a movie, but less cheesy. Instead of asking questions I push the thought aside and eat my toast.

We went shopping for a while that day. Going into each pointless store walking out with a gift for this person and a toy for so and so's kid. Delia always was a shopaholic. I didn't mind though, as long as she was happy. Though we only went out to shop once a month or I'd be broke.

You see I just graduated college. I should have a lot of debt like most students right? Wrong, I paid it off with the money my Grandfather left me in his will. He specifically told me to use it on education or travel.

When we saw my mother she was extremely exaggerated. Bright colors painted on her face and clothes meant for 6 year olds.

Her and dad were in this weird kick where they were acting younger or "more hip". Dad bought a motorcycle with matching leather jackets. Mom joined a few dancing clubs and dad began working out again.

Let me remind you, my parents are in their mid 50's. Not old, but not young. Id just wish they'd join some boring book club and brag about their son (me, duh) instead of have me worried sick everyday.

I lay there in my bed with Delia wrapped around my right side. Life was good. Life is great!

But if life is good then why did I feel so empty. I yearned for something I didn't know. Which was a new experience for me. Everything has always been really simple and straightforward. My mom has always told me I am someone who likes order and simplicity. If that were true then I wouldn't be pondering this at 4am.

I sighed and rolled to my side, shaking Delia off of me. I wasn't in the mood for cuddling. I wanted to shut myself out front he works and not think for a while.

I heard her sit up.

"Did I do something?"

I turned my body towards her.

"No, why would you ask?"

"You've been sitting here all night sighing and staring at the ceiling."

She sounded annoyed.

"No, no. I'm just, thinking."

"About?"

"Delia just go back to bed. I'm sorry I kept you up."

"How do you expect me to sleep when I know there is something on your mind and you dont feel comfortable sharing it with me? Relationships don't work well that way."

"Delia," I paused.

"It's me isn't it?"

"No! Not at all!"

"Just tell me."

I sighed, "I don't know how to explain it really. I just feel like something is missing. Like there is something I need to do to feel complete, but I don't know what. I think maybe I need a trip or maybe try something new..."

She cut me off, "In what way something new?"

She raised an eyebrow like she had an idea but wasn't quiet sure.

"Not that, a new experience. Yeah, that's what I need. I need some adventure! Think about it, I've been coping with a control freak Mom that trashing anything new."

She laid back and huffed.

"I'm all ear, but no threesomes."

I chuckled. I would've never suggested that and she knew it. She just had to say something perverted.

I slept well after that. Spooning Delia and dreaming about all the possibilities. I could go to Europe or India! I could take a cruise to India just to try their authentic food. I could climb a mountain or go zip lining!

The sky was the limit.