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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Was It a Big Mistake?

Yes, I do realize it's obnoxious to speak about yourself in the third person. But, it's how I've decided to deal with some parts of my story. Parts that feel as if they are from another lifetime. Though you don't have to have read it all to read this part, in case you want to, it started when I moved to a place I'd only been before for a few hours the day after I turned 22 HERE and then moved on to being flooded out by a hurricane less than two months later HERE. Ten days later, I met someone I had an instant connection with. Apparently, based on comments, it might be a little bit too much to handle if you are reading this before breakfast, but you can check that out HERE.

He walked her back downstairs as the sun was beginning to rise. At her car, they turned and faced each other. He leaned down so their foreheads were touching, his hands on the sides of her neck.


"I can't believe I found you," he whispered. "I hate that I have to go out in the field today. I'll call you when I get back. Ten days."


They kissed and lingered as long as possible, but she finally had to leave.


As she drove off base, alone, she had the biggest smile on her face. It was like a fairy tale. The set-up, the gorgeous guy, the instant connection. And then the night they had just spent together....


But, as she drove, the smile faded and the color drained from her face.


She didn't really know him. He didn't know her. He was going to be unreachable for the next ten days.


She wondered if she'd been played. He had the best excuse for not calling her soon. What if while he was out in the field, he thought about it and decided that he didn't want this to be anything more?


The only thing she could think to do was to try not to think about it at all. At least she knew that he wasn't lying about leaving that day, since Tonya's husband was leaving, too.


But, while she was out and about anyway, she decided to go to the store and get a phone and an answering machine. She had given him the phone number to her place, which was currently unlivable, due to the hurricane.Her phone and answering machine had been destroyed. She wasn't even sure exactly where she would be living when he would get back, so she gave him her home number.


He might not be the only one trying to reach her; that phone and answering machine were completely practical to buy right this second. And of course she needed to go set them up right then, too. Just in case.


She would like to remind you that this story is taking place in 1999, when cell phones were not common.


Pushing him out of her mind seemed like the logical thing to do.


But, she couldn't do it.


One minute, she would be swept up thinking of the romance of it all.


The next, she would be convinced that she would never hear from him again.


She tried to convince herself that she wouldn't care if she didn't hear from him again. That she could chalk it up to an incredible life experience, a memory she could have of a time when her life was like something out of a romance novel, if even for just a night.


He wasn't going to call.


It would be okay.


She would be okay.


As the ten days slowly began to pass, she kept her head held high and pretended not to care. Even when Tonya would mention wishing the days would pass faster so that her husband would be home.


Every day, she went by her place under the pretense of checking on the progress of the repairs from the hurricane damage. But, it was that message light that really had her attention.


On the tenth day, she and Tonya made plans to meet back at the school at 5 in order to get their cheerleaders ready for the game. Even though she tried to hide how anxious she was feeling, Tonya must have known because she said, "I don't think the guys will be back until later tonight."


Thankful for the distraction of the night's game and knowing that she shouldn't expect to hear anything from him until later that night or even the next day, she ran by her place quickly after school.


She held her breath as she pressed play on her answering machine and then let out a shriek when she heard his voice. His voice telling her that he missed her, that she was all he could think about when he was gone, that he wished he was talking to her and not her machine, and that he wanted to see her that night. And then he left his number.


Unable to play it cool for any longer than it took her to take a few deep breaths, she called him. It seemed their first night together wasn't just some sort of fluke. They really did share some sort of instant connection.


She had to disappoint him- and herself- and tell him that she couldn't see him that night, that she had to be there to coach the cheerleaders with Tonya. After all, if he was back, so was Tonya's husband, and yet her friend wasn't going to skip out of the game to spend time with her husband. So, it wouldn't be fair for her to skip out, either.


But, oh, how she wanted to. Middle school cheerleading? That's not important. At all. And compared to this, it was completely pointless. But, they agreed to meet the next night.


She hung up the phone, feeling both disappointed and excited.


At the game, Tonya passed on the information from her husband that X had called her the second they got back to the shop. He didn't even go back to his barracks to drop off his things or shower first.  And that he had talked about her all the time out in the field.


"I think it was love at first sight for him," Tonya laughed. And then, after carefully watching her friend's reaction, added, "For you, too."

Labels:

59 Comments:

Blogger Danielle said...

Oh my GOODNESS!!!!!! I'm LOVING this story! Haha, it's so terrible that you're ending it right here though! How'd the date go? How'd the relationship go? Did you end up marrying this guy?!

I'll be as patient as I can, as long as you promise you'll get to the end of your story soon!

Oh, and you should seriously write a book. Seriously.

September 28, 2010 at 12:11 AM  
Blogger Mimi N said...

Oh, this is awesome! I can't wait to read more. Great post. Um, can you update the story like 3-4 times a day? LOL I don't think I can wait. =)

~Mimi

September 28, 2010 at 12:39 AM  
Blogger Stasha said...

Dangit Woman! You are getting REALLY good with the cliffhangers! I wanna read more!!!

September 28, 2010 at 2:24 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

yummy! a love story.

September 28, 2010 at 4:36 AM  
Blogger Steph said...

Totally loving this story!

And the 3rd person makes total sense to me...it probably seems like another person and a lifetime ago to you.

What's that Clay Walker song..."It Was Mama 'Fore She was Mama"???

xoxox

September 28, 2010 at 5:56 AM  
Blogger Jessica said...

Danielle just put the thought into my head that this might not have a happy ending... I have totally expected it to have a happy ending this whole time!

This better have a happy ending!

;-)

September 28, 2010 at 5:57 AM  
Blogger Oka said...

Really, you put cheer-leading and your friend before some guy you barely knew? Are you crazy?? (jk)

I do think you could write a book with this.

September 28, 2010 at 6:14 AM  
Blogger The Mommyologist said...

Steamy, steamy, my friend!!! I went back and read the other story too...not sure how I missed that one!

September 28, 2010 at 7:33 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Girl I am a hopeless romantic, so this story is right up my alley! Good stuff! :-)

September 28, 2010 at 8:01 AM  
Blogger Joann Mannix said...

You've got the touch, my friend.

You're great at creating drama and then just leaving the story right at the edge of a cliff.

I can't wait to see what happens next.

I have not met up with our friend yet. It's a crazy week for me, but soon. I can't wait. I'm glad you had a great time.

September 28, 2010 at 8:21 AM  
Blogger Di said...

Love it - great story Shell - really! And the fact that its all true makes it even better!

September 28, 2010 at 8:29 AM  
Blogger Kmama said...

I want more, more, more!! When is the next one?

Isn't love at first sight so magical?

September 28, 2010 at 8:38 AM  
Blogger Evonne said...

I'm loving this so far and I can't wait to read more when you're ready.

I think writing in the 3rd person can be much easier.

September 28, 2010 at 9:16 AM  
Blogger Kim of Mo Betta said...

love. it.

September 28, 2010 at 9:51 AM  
Blogger Jenn said...

Great story. You're a very gifted writer.

September 28, 2010 at 9:55 AM  
Blogger The Double Dipped Life said...

You are such a great writer, and this is a fantastic story! Keep it going please!

September 28, 2010 at 10:22 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

What a GREAT story. I feel like I'm reading a book so I kinda like the
3rd person talk :)

September 28, 2010 at 10:29 AM  
Blogger Rebecca said...

I too love this story...what is it about the voyeurism of blogs that keeps us reading? A glimpse into someone else's life of trials and tribulations...gotta love it!

September 28, 2010 at 10:42 AM  
Blogger An Imperfect Momma said...

Oh my goodness! How sweet!!! I am loving this story...okay. What else happened (thats right aint even gonna pretend that I can wait patiently)

September 28, 2010 at 10:46 AM  
Blogger Natalie said...

I love it.. And I def. believe love at first can happen. I even wrote it about the night I met my husband. I can remember the first phone call from him the next day & getting the giggles when I saw his number appear.

September 28, 2010 at 10:50 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Awwww!

I don't want it to end...

September 28, 2010 at 10:55 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Awwww!

I don't want it to end...

September 28, 2010 at 10:55 AM  
Blogger Leah Rubin said...

Wow, cool story. I found you via SITS, but I'll have to subscribe to keep up with your story, you sly dog, you!

Come visit me, too-- I'm making fresh coffee now!

L.

September 28, 2010 at 10:55 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Awwww!

I don't want it to end...

September 28, 2010 at 10:56 AM  
Blogger Eternal Lizdom said...

I gotta tell yu- I am soooo loving this story!!!

September 28, 2010 at 11:02 AM  
Blogger Go Mommy said...

Okay that was like reading a book that I didn't want to put down!!! More please!

September 28, 2010 at 11:07 AM  
Blogger Momma0f3~1662~ said...

Awesome story...can't wait to hear more!

September 28, 2010 at 11:48 AM  
Blogger Tammy said...

I can hear the excitement in your voice right there...:) Isn't if funny how it can be so real again when writing it? How was the conference? I heard you met some of our fellow bloggers...and saw a pic of ya! :) You're so cute!

September 28, 2010 at 11:58 AM  
Blogger Jenny said...

This story is getting juicier and juicier girl!!! Can't wait for more!!!

When can I find you at Barnes and Noble??!!!

September 28, 2010 at 12:13 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

More, more, more, please! I'm loving this story! Is this guy DH or what??

September 28, 2010 at 12:19 PM  
Blogger kris said...

Ooooh . . . steaminess with my morning coffee!

Love that!

September 28, 2010 at 12:22 PM  
Blogger shortmama said...

Such a sweet story!

September 28, 2010 at 12:32 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Aww, I love it!! What a great story! I can't wait to read more. Shell, this is a fantastic series!

September 28, 2010 at 12:48 PM  
Blogger SPEAKING FROM THE CRIB said...

can't wait for the juicy bits to come

September 28, 2010 at 1:00 PM  
Blogger Babes Mami said...

Great story! Love it!!

September 28, 2010 at 1:25 PM  
Blogger Mom vs. the boys said...

Love it! I want more! you need to write a novel!

September 28, 2010 at 1:39 PM  
Blogger mypixieblog said...

Eeeeeeek! I loveeeee this :) Reading this reminds me of all the times I've ever had butterflies... and how excited I am to experience that all again. But I do NOT miss those days pre-cell phone. All those nights spent waiting by the phone? Thank you for sharing this story and PLEASE write more soon!

September 28, 2010 at 2:35 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

This story is so fun...you have a knack! :) Even better that it's true, but you have a very engaging way of telling your story...I love it! :)

September 28, 2010 at 2:48 PM  
Blogger Ian said...

Digging the story dude! That and tell the story however you want. Makes it easier to publish

September 28, 2010 at 3:35 PM  
Blogger kel said...

More please!!!!

September 28, 2010 at 3:42 PM  
Blogger Erin said...

WOW! I have goosebumps...forget about the novel, this should be a movie!

September 28, 2010 at 3:54 PM  
Blogger Tracie Nall said...

Awww last week was the steamy part-this week is definitely the anticipation and sweet part. What will part three be??

(no need to fear early reading for me, I don't even get up before breakfast, much less read anything!)

September 28, 2010 at 5:04 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Girl, you realize this is every girls dream to live this? :) I can't wait for more. When are you posting the next part??

September 28, 2010 at 5:12 PM  
Blogger Jennifer said...

Great story. I was hoping this was the end, but I see you are keeping us hanging on.

September 28, 2010 at 5:21 PM  
Blogger Heather said...

Sigh... Just beautful. Do you get all weepy just writing it. I would.

September 28, 2010 at 5:52 PM  
Blogger Joy@TPMG said...

What a great story-even better that it is a true story! I could feel those butterflies of first love in the pit of my stomach just reading. It is like something out of a romance novel.

September 28, 2010 at 8:30 PM  
Blogger natalee said...

more more more!!!!!!!! hugs

September 28, 2010 at 9:14 PM  
Blogger Tiffany said...

Noooo!! This was getting really good, you capture the reader with your words! You should write books, seriously! Can't wait for more.
love ya!

September 28, 2010 at 9:21 PM  
Blogger Venassa said...

I'm know I'm getting repetitive but I LOVE your writing.

September 28, 2010 at 10:02 PM  
Blogger Emmy said...

Glad you didn't leave us hanging too long. Still a great story

September 28, 2010 at 11:29 PM  
Blogger MommaKiss said...

you can tell a hot tale, ladycakes. Hot.

September 29, 2010 at 12:53 AM  
Blogger Kir said...

I love this story even more because it's REAL...it's you and him..and the way you found each other....
wow, I'm swaying with the romanticism of it. *AAWWWW*

September 29, 2010 at 1:19 PM  
Blogger Amanda said...

UM! I need to know too!!! Did you marry him?!

September 29, 2010 at 2:32 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

How fun! You ARE a wonderful story teller. Can't wait to read more.

September 29, 2010 at 2:58 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

You left out the really juicy stuff!

September 29, 2010 at 3:07 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Can I ask you a nosy question? I totally understand if you don't want to answer. But does it bother your husband when you write posts like this? I know it didn't end well and I'm sure he knows you're more then happy where you are. But in my experience men tend to be insecure about stuff like that. Maybe your husbands just better? I've just been wondering that for a little while.

September 29, 2010 at 3:17 PM  
Blogger Heligirl said...

Oh Shell this story is amazing. I keep coming back to learn more. I'm at the edge of my seat. What a great idea to share this story is pieces to keep us coming back. :)

September 30, 2010 at 11:41 PM  
Blogger  said...

I'm so enthralled. I haven't done anything else this morning! I can't stop reading. :)

October 27, 2010 at 11:49 AM  
Blogger Darlene said...

Well, I had planned to do some blogging of my own tonight, but I can't write anything as enthralling as this. And, I need to get on to the next installment!

November 22, 2010 at 5:44 PM  

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