Down The Aisle

It's A Sunny Saturday Afternoon... Getting out of a Bajaj, I reach the complex where my nearest supermarket is located. My mission is very clear: Cheese. Snacks. Drinks. Coffee. The heat outside is bearable but I long for the chilled atmosphere that is promised inside thanks to air conditioning. This shouldn't take long and I'm inspired by the Movie Marathon selection waiting for me at home. Rushing into the supermarket, I gladly meet the coolness and go straight to the dairy section to pick a block of cheese but find a dead fly lying right there next to the cheddar... Squeamishly, I tell the Supervisor about the fly and put aside the idea of buying cheese. As I walk by the health foods section, I wonder whether to get some healthy goodies in place of the cheese and decide aloud on Crispy Crunchies instead, leaving the healthy goodies for next week. All of a sudden, I hear a familiar male voice from down the aisle saying, "Next week seems a little far". Gerard. My body freezes based on the ridiculous schoolgirl-type crush I have quickly developed on this fine gentleman. How much did he hear - and how long did he see me for? Was it since I walked in? Did he see me making a face at the cheese area? I hope not. I also hope I wasn't walking funny in all my haste. I try to compose myself. "Do you happen to be a sweet angel sent from above to help make sure I choose the right thing today?" Goodness, what kind of words just came out of my mouth? He chuckles and walks towards me and we tour through the healthy section together. To think we first met right here, just a few weeks ago, helping each other to choose some spring onions... We arrive at the aisle where all the snacks are while I take in his oak-like musky scent. Gerard casually replies, "Actually, I'm also here for the Crispy Crunchies, " as he grabs a bag of those and tosses them into his shopping trolley where I see an assortment of shaving creams. "I might not be that sweet of an angel after all...but you, on the other hand... " All the noise and buzzing around us goes quietly still as we stare into each other's eyes, albeit briefly. "Good seeing you, Ashley" he adds, walking away as he leans on his rolling trolley. I naturally raise my voice towards him to say, "Likewise. Enjoy your Crunchies!" Once I see him respond with a courteous smile and turn the aisle corner, I grab my favourite Crispy Crunchies flavour and quickly make an exit towards the counter, even though two items on my list are not yet bought. Ah, I've got enough snacks to last me a movie or two and I really just want to get out of here and avoid re-bumping into this Gerard! Also, why is it that on the rare day that I don't feel like doing my hair properly... Kabam! I bump into him? Wish he saw my hair yesterday. After paying for my items, I call a Zuba ride while hurriedly walking off, and settle on an outside bench within the complex compound. Finally, the Zuba arrives. Suddenly, Gerard steps out of the mall doors with a small shopping bag and now I have to wave at the man (so annoying!). He waves back. As I'm about to get up to get into my Zuba ride which, to my relief, just parked, the compound gates are hurriedly closed as the Mall seems to be under sudden caution...I hear gunshots from a distance! Suddenly there's an air of panic. Everyone in the compound stands where they are. Parents grab their kids. It feels like we're all trapped suddenly. Gerard looks towards me again. This time we are looking at each other with a different energy and silent communication. Are you okay? What next? Slight Panic. Help. I've got you. Don't panic. Other people run into the shops nearest to them. I, on the other hand, freeze feeling numb. For a moment, I feel blurry. Fear creeps in as I stand out in the open not knowing what's about to happen next. I start to breathe quickly as I try to think fast. I look towards the supermarket guard who wants to shut the supermarket door but Gerard stops him and says something to him while pointing at me. The guard hesitates then brusquely calls me and motions for me to run in. Thank goodness for my sneakers, as I immediately sprint towards the entrance and get in there in a flash. I find Gerard right there waiting for me. I thank the guard and Gerard. That rhymes! “Gerard, thank you! It was so scary out there in the open, I--“ "It's okay. Glad you're in. Let's go over there where the other customers are at." Everything is just happening so fast. I'm just relieved that I'm not out there in the open any more. I can finally catch my breath. After about an hour, everyone is quite calm and doing their own thing and even a little chatty. I stroll around with Gerard while holding a pack of gum from his shopping bag. Gerard drinks from a milk carton as I chew on the piece of gum. "Did you at least grab a fruit?“ he asks. I look at him wondering if he says that with judgment. "Nah. Look, if we get out of here safely, I'll start having fruits and veggies and shopping healthily from TOMORROW. As a Detox. But right now I'm just gonna devour all the junk food I desire. Besides, I'd rather have no regrets in case we don't make it!“ I respond. "Whatever you say, Kid." I get really agitated and blurt out, "That's pretty condescending, and I'm not a kid! Are you indicating that I'm childish or is it because you think I make poor choices?! Or do you see me a certain way simply because I'm a woman? What is it with some of you male species that think you have the right to judge, anyway? Seriously. The audacity..." I now notice Gerard's gaze lowering towards my breasts. Ha! This guy has the nerve! Staring at my perky chest from left to right... "I'm right here, Gerard! Are you even listening?!“ I ask, frustrated with the whole situation in general. "Yeah," he says. "Turn around." Fuming, and too mad to add anything else on top of what I've already said, I turn around. I see myself in a slim mirror. Apart from my blue skinny jeans and favourite sneakers, I now notice the white print on my black sweater top across my chest written: 80's Kid. Boy, do I feel silly. I turn back around. I sigh heavily. "Sorry." "Its okay. You seem a little stressed. But try not to be so quick to think the worst of me... " says Gerard, sounding understanding with a hint of agitation. Understandably. Anxiety fills the room as we hear unidentifiable noises from outside. Gerard is seated on the floor with his back to the wall, closing his eyes. I feel sorry for him. Why did I snap at him like that? All he's done is been nice to me. You need to control your temper, Ashley. And stop making him pay for past relationship errors that he had nothing to do with. He's not them. At all. I go sit next to Gerard. He opens his eyes. I put my arm against his arm where his mauve shirt sleeve is rolled up. "You know, my skin is like Hot Cocoa and your skin is like a Latte." He smiles. Then he chuckles. "You're funny," he says. Turning serious, I catch his attention and say, "I apologize for snapping at you earlier. That was unfair and had nothing to do with you. I'm really sorry." Gerard pauses thoughtfully. "I just don't like it when people think the worst of me, without giving me a chance." I nod at him in an understanding way. I can see the frustration behind his expression. I really feel remorseful at this point. "Thanks for apologizing." he winds up with a smile. "Do you forgive me?“ I ask. I usually would've left it there, but I just need to know. "I do." he says firmly. Then with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, he asks, "Do you believe in second chances?“ "I do" I say, really drawn into this conversation. "Then, now we're married." is what he says, looking at me from the side of his eye. Realizing what just happened, I laugh out loud goofily until people from the next aisle peep in to see what might be wrong. Goodness, am I the only one here left with a healthy sense of humor? The guard walks to our area and asks us to stay calm. Apparently, the police are out there now. So we all sit in silence for like fifteen minutes. Still facing forward, seated beside me, Gerard softly links a few of his fingers with my fingers into a grasp so that we're holding hands. Feels so good. A comfortable silence. After closing his eyes again, he turns to glance at me in a tired-looking way before resting his head on my shoulder. But really, how can this guy have such a gorgeous demeanor, is that even allowed? Look at those deeply attractive eyes that draw you in to want to know the rest of the story.... The police shouldn't be out there looking for offenders, they should come in and arrest This Guy for being ridiculously hot. Absolutely guilty. Another guard comes in and asks us to move to another area in the supermarket so that they can monitor things better, whatever that means. The group of us that are seated in one area all get up and stroll towards the other area, where another guard is standing. Gerard and I walk in between aisles to get there so that we're somehow all alone. I look at the side of his face. If he's a little scared, he's doing his best not to show it. I like this guy. Right then, I feel the urge to say something. This is not like me at all! As we keep walking, I muster up whatever courage I have and just go with it. What do I have to lose, after all? If anything happens, I won't have to wish I said something. No, enough of that life... Time to grab The Bull by the horns! Not that Gerard is a bull... "Is something on your mind?" his voice jolts me back to reality. You! I wanted to say, 'You're on my mind, Gerard' but I didn't. I take a deep breath and sigh. I stop walking and soon after, so does Gerard. Footsteps behind him, I watch him turn around to face me. “What is it?“ he asks. I speak as I walk closer towards him, "It's not really my style, but with everything going on, I'd rather just say it out loud, right now. I just want you to know... You're HOT. Not in the I want to do something to you way, but in the You're nice to look at way. I also like how kind you are. I do find you a little annoying for reasons I'm yet to establish, but yeah... You're hot." He smiles...a wholesome smile this time that reads from his eyes. By now he's just a footstep away. He moves closer to me. Stares straight into my eyes... It's like he sees right through me. Sends a shiver down my spine. I don't like to be revealed to anyone in such depth, what is this?! Stop it, stop it... In what feels like slow motion, Gerard's face comes close to mine in an earnestly calling approach. He kisses the side of my right cheek. The way a father would kiss a daughter. What was that??? I didn't even have time to calculate the after feelings before Gerard walks to the other corner to eye the guards who now huddle us up to stay in one corner. Gerard assures a mother figure in the group who looks worried, patting her hand and telling her things will be okay. This is not the right timing, but what was that kiss on the cheek... What does that even mean?! Should I ask him? No, it doesn't seem like the right time. It never is... Right, Ashley? I never noticed how tall he was, until he stood that close to me. Taller than me, but reachable enough to kiss his lips without having to tip-toe or wear heels. Why was I thinking about kissing his lips - Ashley, stop it! You're under distress and thinking weird. But he's so huggable. I just wanted to pull him in close, like he fits into my body so well. Subtle abs and everything. That comfy chest, defined waist and those broad shoulders...Mmmh! I could see myself holding him for a very long time... Oh my gosh, he just caught me staring at him. Let me pretend it was intentional and keep staring... Then stare away into the drink aisle direction... As if I'm lost in thoughts far far away.... But I'm not. I'm thinking about you. The guard announces that he's about to open the door as we hear the supermarket supervisor on the loudspeaker: Good news! The coast is clear, the culprits are in the hands of the police, the area is safe, you are all safe to go. Dear customers, please just leave without your items, take complimentary water and kindly leave the premises. Any claims, you can call us tomorrow morning and we'll sort you out via delivery or refund. We regret any inconveniences... Where is Gerard? Wait, I don't see him. Where did he go?! I turn around. Gerard. Right in front of me again. I pull him close and I hold him for a while. With my arms around his back, I feel his toned sides and how he suddenly relaxes around me. I rest my head on his chest and he tightens his grip. I lift my head and... kiss him on the lips. My eyes are half lidded. That was sweet. I remove myself from his grasp before things get any sweeter. "I would like to see you again." I say, after taking a step back. He looks a little stunned. So am I, to be honest. A moment of silence. Before I know it, we're in each other's embrace, passionately kissing, oblivious to everyone and everything around us, unsubjected to time or circumstance. His succulent lips around mine, mine diving into his, his warm tongue salivating as I kiss him assertively, drinking his tastiness, drunk in the moment. "Get a room, guys" murmer two passing customers. We softly break the kiss as I feel his manhood throb against my tummy. Warmth fills my inner core as I am instantly turned on. "Okay" he gasps with a deeper tone of voice I had never heard. "We can do this properly. Call you. Get to know you. Over dinner. How does that sound?" "Greaaat..." I whisper dreamily. As if I had the energy to speak. This guy was fiiine. "Thank you for being a gentleman." I say to him with sincere appreciation. I feel so lightheaded. In my mind I'm already picturing myself riding his generous manhood as he lays on a soft white fluffy rug beside a fireplace and slaps my buttcheeks, begging for more...Warmth travels through me again and I'm officially aroused. Too flustered for words. He eyes my phone. "May I?“ he asks. I hand him my unlocked phone and he presses his digits. I flash him and he saves my digits on his phone as well. "Let me know when you get home?“ he asktells me (yep, I just made up a word). I nod yes. I have no capacity to speak or think at this point. Gerard hugs me with deep affection. I can feel it in a way that speaks volumes. I squeeze him back. We let go, grab our waters and leave the supermarket... "Bye, Kid." He smiles before opening the car door I'm getting into and making sure I'm securely leaving the premises. The Zuba driver begins to reverse as we exit the parking space. "Bye..." I smile for so many reasons. For stepping out of my comfort zone, for being true to myself and being more assertive for once. And a little wild! For taking a plunge. And not even giving a fudge about what anyone else thinks. Just grabbing the moment and the opportunity and being in it. I smile again, because...Gerard. Later in the evening... Taking a warm shower in my bathroom, the events of the day rush through my mind. What a crazy day! I let the warm water that becomes comfortably hotter, trickle down my well toned body as I feel at ease back in my own cozy home. I close my eyes, rinse my shampooed hair and stay there till I'm all rinsed up from head to toe and satisfied. Stepping out, I grab a warm towel and dry myself with it and wrap it around me as I head into my bedroom, drying my hair with a smaller towel. I sit on the edge of my bed and enjoy the softness of the thick luscious duvet that covers it. Oiling my sensual body with Rose Geranium body oil, I feel soothed and the scent I adore is now all over my body. I apply some conditioning moisturizers into my hair, do my hair in large twists, oil my scalp with almond oil and wear my flowery satin nightcap, ready for a quick movie before bed. Just then, my phone buzzes. I walk up to my dresser table and look at the phone screen. A beautiful smile forms on my face and I catch it in the mirror. Well, well, well... If it isn't Mr. Gerard. Leaving it to ring three more times, I pick up the phone and answer the call. I listen... "Hello?“ he sounds relaxed and... different on the phone. I like his phone voice. Sexy, natural and warm. "Hey," I answer. "How are you doing, Ashley?" "I'm goood, thank you. How's it going with you?“ "All is well, Ashley. You never rang to let me know if you got home safe, so I figured hours later you could still be on your way, but... Just thought I'd check to make sure you're alright." “Aaawwh. That's so sweet of you, Gerry - May I call you that?“ "You may," says a pensive Mr. Gerard. "Well, Gerry, I completely forgot to get back to you, it's just... It's been a long day." "Hey, I totally understand," he says. "Thank you for caring. So thoughtful of you to check in." Silence. "Gerald?“ I check to see if he's still on the line. I hear him let out a deep breath. "You're welcome, Ashley." Another awkward silence passes for two seconds. "I think it's best we call it a night, get some rest, hey?" he states. I think... Is that a question or a suggestion? Or is he telling me... I'm not sure I get it. Let me just go with the flow. "Yeah..." I answer. "Yeah," he says, almost sounding like he wished I spoke otherwise. "I had a good time with you today. Took away all those feelings of danger!“ I chuckle softly. He laughs, and I can feel him smile. "You became my new danger," he says sounding really earnest. Probably some truth in that statement. "Yeah," I say. "Yeah" he says in surrendering agreement. Still holding the phone to my ear, I walk to my bed and get into it, switching off the lampshade beside me. Forget the movie! This is movie enough for me. "Goodnight, Gerard" I tell him. Though what I really mean is, Is there something you want to tell me?... A long second of silence. "Ashley." "Yes?“ "Dream of me." "I will." "Alright. Goodnight." "Goodnight, Gerald. Sweet dreams." "You too..." "Okay, bye really really now!" I hear him smile again before he says, "Bye." The call ends and I keep my phone cupped in my hands like a rescued dove as I stare at the selfie of my cool self wearing shades and glossy lipstick that I have saved as my phone's screensaver. A little vain, perhaps. I just admire myself to a degree that I personally find healthy. I sometimes find the line between my self-love and the gates of vanity to be pretty thin though, to be honest. "Hey you..." I affectionately tell myself before I stare into the darkness to plunge into my thoughts. Something tells me that this movie...has only just begun. With a warm fuzzy feeling, I smile and snuggle into the cozy bedsheets, resting my head on the pillow. Wondering what will actually happen in my dreams, I dare to close my eyes and slowly but surely...fall asleep. Two weeks pass by... It's cold outside along Brent Avenue as I jog with my neighbor, Rasha. I'm barely feeling my legs as we take the last turn before we head in the direction of our homes. Definitely skipping indoors tomorrow... Rasha knudges me with her elbow, "C'mon, you can do it! Don't jog-walk... Run!“ Out of breath and stopping to bend and hold my legs, I shake my head and motion for her to just go on without me. "Just... go on... I'm done!“ Rasha laughs, "Well, you've pushed further today, I'll give you that. C'mon, I'll walk with you...." I get close to home and Rasha who got there before me does her routine stretches in her yard. I give her a thumbs up and a wave to politely imply I'm not gonna be a part of that. Rasha acknowledges my signs and keeps stretching as I fumble for the key and open my front door. I can't wait to have a cool shower but I make sure I pace my steps first and do mini stretches around the house. Finally, I have a quick shower, change and get into my tank top and shorts before I prepare a healthy cereal bowl and sit on the sofa, prepared for my online meeting in the next 15 minutes. I switch on the telly to watch a bit of my new favourite series, Bluuprint, as a way of getting myself prepared for the day. Working from home has its perks. Minutes into the meeting, I zone out and wonder... What happened to Gerard? He went completely quiet on me. Never even followed up on that dinner. Ah well. I guess another one bites the dust... "Ash, any updates?“ my supervisor calls in from my laptop screen. I get my head back into the meeting, and half an hour later, one task in my schedule is done. I go to the fridge to grab an apple as I mentally throw around some concepts before my next brainstorming session with our Creative Director. Being a copywriter requires me to use a lot of my mind and more of my creativity. I look at my phone to check the time and realize I have a missed call from Gerard. Not sure whether to feel glad or irritated. I'll deal with that later, I tell myself, as I go about the rest of my day. Evening comes and I call Gerard. "Hey, Gerard, was caught up with work and missed your call. What's up?“ “Hey, Ashley. I know it's been a moment." Darn right, is what I'm thinking. "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt your work," he continues. "I had a few things to organize in my mind and just wanted to know if you'd be willing to have dinner with me at The Rizz tomorrow?“ Without thinking, I calmy respond to his invitation, "Sounds nice, though tomorrow might be tricky for me. How about Friday?“ “Friday it is. What time works for you?“ “6pm." "Then it's a date! If you allow me, I'll pick you up." Hmmm. Pick me up... Ah, what the heck! "Sure. I'll send you my address." I sense a happy emotion coming from the other end of the call. In some contagious way, I catch a bit of that joy. "Alright, then. Have a pleasant night and see you at your doorstep on Friday." concludes Gerard. Hanging up, I now realize what I've done. So now he'll know where I live and have access to my home. This man, who is just about a stranger. A stranger who I kissed... All of a sudden I remember why I liked Gerard. How I felt about him. A part of me wanted to switch that off as a way of avoiding disappointment but... I couldn't. I can't...switch that off. He's...not someone I can easily shake off. That's for sure. I grab the remote, jump onto the couch and unwind in front of the telly. Friday... I'm admiring how I look in this gorgeous black dress that compliments my physique so well. Yaaasss! You are looking hot, girl! Mm-Mmmh... Classy, subtle and sexy. 5.30pm. The doorbell rings. Ding-dong! All of a sudden I feel that sense of reality kick in. All this while, it just felt like a bit of a daze... but now, this is real. Now, he's behind the door. I grab my clutch bag and walk down the stairs. Facing the door, I breathe in and out. Opening that door could take things towards a variety of possible outcomes. The question is, which outcome will prevail? Ding-dong! I turn the key and open the doorknob. Slowly, I swing the door open to reveal.... The most handsome looking Prince I have ever seen. He literally takes my breath away. Looking charmingly dapper in a black blazer, off-white shirt and dark grey trousers. If this is not eye candy, I don't know what is. He observes the curves in my dress. "You look....and are... absolutely beautiful, Ashley." "Thank you. You look pretty amazing yourself, Gerard." He pleasantly offers me his arm, which I place my hand over, as we climb down the steps towards his sturdy black vehicle. He opens the car door as I pause and take another deep breath... before I enter and take a seat. He closes the door behind me as I appreciate the fresh scent inside. He gets in and takes another look at me and smiles while he starts the car. We literally drive off into the sunset. Nervously excited, I'm looking forward to the rest of tonight. At The Rizz.. As I sip on my glass of Gingerozella, I admire the ambience in the outer patio of The Rizz. The dark night sky complimented by the tiny lightbulbs on the walls that give the space an alluring dimmed brightness, bringing a sweet contrast that I can appreciate. The creative architecture of this simple yet striking building, invites a unique feel. The chef in the distance frying up some sizzling appetizers for his appreciative diners to see. The pleasant aroma... I remember once having a quick cappuccino, seated at the indoor corner of The Rizz looking out to this area, one sunny afternoon, but never had I experienced this place like this before...let alone during the night. Feeling completely new to The Rizz, I absorb every beautiful detail around me. This is nice. Classy, subtle and sexy. Just like myself... Gerard comes back from the gents and takes a seat opposite me, while clearing his breath and adjusting his blazer, "I hope no one stole you while I was gone?“ I chuckle. He looks really... gorgeous. And that cheeky smile, my goodness. But tonight, what I really need to find out is more about who he is inside. I've actually never dated any of my crushes. Crushing, for me, usually comes and goes, phasing out just as quickly as it phases in, and I pay no mind to it, knowing it will surely pass. A pass time of sorts. A sport. I tend to find the superficial details fun to toy around with in fantasyland, but I never ever take it beyond there. See, I'm more of a... content-based person. The inner details, makings and actions of a human being. That's what matters to me. A man's character. His behavior. His choices, his way of thinking... and loving. As much as I continuously work on my own self, I want the person in front of me to be someone who is willing to grow and evolve.. with me. In every way and dimension. That's what I find deeply attractive. A man who is together like that, is mine to explore. I'm yet to encounter a mutual connection that sparks up something that lasts but now, after these strange encounters I've had with this man, under very unusual circumstances, and even stranger outcomes, I desire to know and look past his looks to see... who Gerard really is. "Earth calling to Ashley..." Gerard calls in a weird tone of voice. At least now we know he shouldn't make a career out of acting. I smile, "You know... I'd really like us to... talk tonight. To put down all the armour and just... talk. Get to know each other..." I reach over the table and hold his hands in mine while I stare into his eyes. I really mean it. Really really mean it. I sense a bit of nervousness on his end. "What's up?“ I probe gently. What he was about to tell me was going to shift the mood of the whole evening.