Episode 31

They drove up to a deserted sandy beach (owned by Tom, of course).  The moon was full and illuminated the silvery water with its luminescence.  The warm breeze blew Kelsey’s hair back, the red shimmering in the pale light.  Tom gazed at her as they walked, an adoring look on his handsome face.  “Kelsey, you really are wonderful.  I hope you know that.”  She blushed, however the darkness hid the rosy spread across her delicate features.  Tom slowed his graceful walk and Kelsey matched his pace until both were standing still, gazing melodramatically into each other’s eyes.  He reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, then let his hand linger on the soft skin of her cheek.  Kelsey’s heart sped up and she realized that this was it.  He was going to kiss her!  At first, excitement was the dominant emotion.  She was ready for this.  But then reality set in.  This was going to be the most clichéd first kiss ever invented!  Tom closed his eyes and Kelsey’s widened in horror.  On a beach??? A beach of all places???? What if the sharks were watching?  He pulled her close and started to lean in.  Kelsey leaned back.  And seriously, in the light of a full moon? What is this, a cheesy romance novel??  Her thoughts continued in this panic cycle.  Tom leaned forward, his lips almost to hers.  Kelsey leaned back just slightly too far and found herself slipping in the powdery sand.  Losing her balance, she flailed frantically at Tom and managed to latch onto one muscular arm as she fell.  However, this only succeeded in sending her momentum forward and ended with her sprawled in the sand, humiliated.

“Kelsey??” concerned tinged with disappointment coloured Tom’s voice.  “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.  And hungry. Are you hungry?  We should go to McDonald’s.  Let’s go.” Realizing

 she was babbling, Kelsey leapt to her feet and grabbed Tom’s hand, leading him back to the car.  The ride was far too short and way too quiet.  Looking up from her study of her hands, Kelsey realized that they were in the McDonald’s parking lot.  “Why are we at McDonald’s?” Kelsey asked in bewilderment.  Poor Tom responded, confused,

“Because you asked to come here?”

“Right.” Kelsey quickly agreed and opened the car door.  As she walked around the vehicle, Tom met her and, before she could react, placed one hand on her chin and lifted her face up to meet his.  His lips, soft as a baby’s bottom, grazed hers in a tender kiss that literally sent shivers down Kelsey’s spine.  He smiled as she melted into his arms.