Do you remember the fire? Do you remember the way the butterflies used to stir in your stomach when you kissed someone for the first time? Do you remember the anticipation you felt waiting for a second? A third? A fourth? It was so new and it was flawless. A flower here and a hidden poem there, it was folded in that way where it formed a square and you tucked one corner in so it was fully contained within itself. You stay up all night talking on the phone and you can hear the smile when you talk. Your thoughts were on one person all the time. It made it hard to focus on school or work or sleep or anything you needed to focus on but it didn't bother you in the least. You'd hold hands and cuddle in public places and people would look at you and complain to their friends. It was like you were the only people on the planet and you wouldn't have it any other way.
A year passes...
You know everything about them. You know what makes them happy and you still do those little things that surprise them. This time it's not a flower, it's tickets to go see his favorite band or it's that dress she's been talking about for weeks now. It's being in sync and it's knowing about the little hints that are dropped and picking up on them every time. You're gonna get them the best Christmas present ever this year. You still smile when you speak but now it's usually just quick conversations when you're on break. They are only minutes in length but you know you'd miss them if they didn't occur. You go to the movies every Friday night, you don't even have to ask anymore. You've seen all the blockbusters and you still share your drinks.
A year passes...
The keys have just been cut for your new apartment and you laugh about how you're going to be mr. and mrs. soon. He makes you dinner after a long day and rubs your feet when you've been on them all day. She lets you watch that silly game with your friends even though she would love nothing more than to cuddle up with you and watch a rerun of King of Queens. You fall asleep every night together and on some nights you lay in bed and stay up talking till morning. You squabble about who's gonna do the dishes you left in the sink but it usually ends with a kiss on the cheek and a promise to do them the next two nights.
A year passes...
The apartment has been traded in for a small starter home. You take pictures by the sign that says "sold" and you both look happier than anyone actually could be. You spend Saturdays mowing the lawn and washing the car. You invite another couple over to play cards and possibly go out for the evening. You call it an early night when you realize that tomorrow is the day you're gonna go shopping to re-model the bathroom. The 9-5 life has made you pretty predictable but that's ok. You wake up, go to work, come home, eat, watch some tv and then kiss once or twice and go to sleep. A few nights a week there's a little extra romance...if you know what I mean. Movie night is every other friday now
A year passes...
It's still the same. It's the same house and the same lawn. You painted the basement but it's the same furniture. It's the same routine, it's the same 9-5. You eat steak at least once a week and it's usually on Tuesdays. Sometimes you wake up and spend a few minutes looking at the one you love sleep and it makes you smile but then the alarm sounds and the day needs to start. What a difference a few years has made. It's not the same. It's not the same fire. The butterflies flew away a couple years ago there may be some left but they must be hibernating for the time being. You don't have to wait for a kiss cuz you know one's gonna happen before you leave for work, one when you get home and one before you go to bed, maybe a few extra on some nights.
A year passes...
Same house, new roof and new car. Life is in full force. There are deadlines to be met and meetings to attend. You find yourself working late on most nights. He gets home and usually leaves you a plate to re-heat. When you get home you usually say hello as you're flipping through the mail. He's taken all the flyers from the electronics store again and they're in their usual place on top of the toilet. You toss your keys and take off your coat and he's watching tv and half asleep. You kiss him on the cheek and he wakes up to tell you that the water heater got fixed and the news pleases you. She goes to eat her food and you get up off the couch and meet her in the kitchen. She is standing while she scarfs down the spaghetti you made. Your eyes meet for the first time in what seems like months.
A minute passes...
It's a little out of character lately but he walks up to her and she puts the plate down. He puts his hands on her sides and pulls her close to him. She rubs her hands up and down the sides of his shoulders. She laughs a little because it's been a while since she's been touched that way. It's so loving and the look in his eyes is one of pure happiness, it's a look they both share. She touches his face and he kisses the palm of her hand. They hug each other and he holds her like it's the first time ever. They kiss for a couple minutes and then they pull apart. The whole exchange lasts for no more than five minutes but it's impact is felt for the rest of the week. She goes back to flipping through the mail and he starts working on his latest assignment but the smiles don't leave their faces. The fire's not the same and those feelings aren't the same but in that little moment the butterflies stirred. This Friday is going to be the first movie night in almost 2 months...you can't wait.
*If you have someone in your life go tell them you love them RIGHT NOW!!! or call them or text them or IM them or leave a lame myspace comment. It could be totally out of the blue but I guarantee you it'll be great for them. If you dont have someone go call your mom and tell her you love her. Have a good one!*
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