What Love Survived

Between Heartbeats and Fear

Waiting for Katie to arrive at the agreed-upon location, I was nervous, a little scared, and anxious. I arrived early so I would not be late, and she would think I had stood her up. I hate being late. Twenty minutes later, my angel arrived, she took my breath away. My brain momentarily stops processing, leading to an instinctive 'jaw-dropping' reaction. I quickly regained my composure and told her how stunning she looked.

We took a four-minute walk to get to the restaurant. We had Italian. I picked this place because of all the research I did on the internet, all the Google reviews said the service and food were amazing. When we walked in at Piccola Cucina Uptown, I immediately knew my girl was impressed by the look on her face. I was jumping up for joy internally.

It was a cozy, rustic-chic and intimate Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere. It has a split-level design featuring warm lighting, wood accents with an open kitchen, bar and outdoor terrace. We were seated within minutes of entering the restaurant.

Just sitting across the table from Katie felt like I was in a dream. She told me the places she has visited since she moved to the "Big Apple." I will make it my mission to make sure she has crossed out every single place on her list.

The waiter came over and took our drink order. When he came back a few moments later, he placed our drinks on the table, and asked if we were ready to order. "I said yes." Katie immediately took a sip of her ginger ale. I could not help watching as her lips touched the rim of the glass, my own breath catching in my throat as I felt a sudden, electric surge of jealousy towards the very object she was holding.

Our order was taken by the waiter and very soon after our dinner arrived. She picked up her fork, pricked a ravioli and placed it in her mouth. She had a little spaghetti sauce in the corner of her mouth. When she licked her lips, all I wanted to do was to reach across the table and kiss her. Instead, I reached out with my napkin and wiped off the residue that was left.

During all my indecent thoughts I found out a few things about Katie. She has siblings, she is the middle child and the only girl. She liked ginger ale and Ravioli, and does not drink alcohol. Last night was the first time she had gone dancing. I got to know exactly which building she worked in. She is so easy to get along with. The way her lips move when she speaks just makes me want to run my thumb over her bottom lip.

I had planned to take her to see a movie after dinner. After dinner, we walked outside and took a cab and headed to Regal Time Square. Alec, suggested this movie to me. I did not do my research on it, so I am hoping we both like it, and she has not seen it. We arrived at Regal Time Square thirty minutes later. I made sure to tell her, she could not look to see what movie we were going to watch. After the opening credits, she saw the name of the movie.

I leaned over and whispered into her ear, "Have you seen it before?" The smell of her perfume was intoxicating, a mix of lavender and old books that made it hard to focus. "No," came her response. The movie started, and we sat in comfortable silence, sneaking glances at each other now and then.

During the kissing scenes, I noticed how visibly uncomfortable Katie was, especially with the hot tub encounter. I cringed. I wanted to say something to her but was too embarrassed. Looking at her, all I could think about was kissing her lips. I had a warm feeling spreading through my body, butterflies in my stomach and a strong magnetic pull towards her. I wanted to wrap my arm around her neck, have her head resting on my shoulder and stay in that position for the remainder of the movie. I will definitely be bringing her back to watch this movie when we have been dating for a while.

Thank goodness, the movie is over. I couldn't believe all the romantic scenes. This was not the best choice of movie for a first date. She was going to think I was a perv. I am going to kill Alec when I see him. When we stepped out of the theater, I quickly apologized for the bad taste in the movie selection. She did not seem upset, just embarrassed. She put her head down and was staring at her feet for what felt like a whole minute. She finally said, "It was a good movie, but not for a first date." "I told her you can pick the next movie."

In spite of the mishap with the movie, the date went well. I definitely did not want it to end. Our next stop was Time Square Plaza, at The Red Steps. It was a two-minute walk away from where we were. This spot was popular with young adults, tourists and locals to hang out and enjoy live entertainment, street performers, food vendors with cuisines from around the world, including classic New York street staples like hot dogs and pretzels.

We even got a picture to commemorate our first date. It was taken by a couple just passing by and seeing us. I wanted to put my arm around her for the picture, but remembered the movie we just watched, and decided against it. My heart was fluttering all evening just by being close to her. Being with Katie felt like I had known her forever. I was comfortable around her yet nervous at the same time. I have never felt this way before. I can be myself around her. This photo immediately became my lock screen and wallpaper.

After enjoying a wonderful evening of festivities, good conversation, great company, pizza, ginger ale, and ice-cream, it was time to call it a night. We walked three minutes to the taxi depo hand in hand. I reached for the door of the cab, opened it, then looked at Katie. I engulfed her in a hug, her face was pressed into my chest. I gave her a kiss on top of her head, and said I had the best time. I cannot wait to see you again. "The feeling is mutual," she responded.

I pulled away. I was feeling warmth, coupled with anxiety about the fleeting nature of the moment. It was time for my angel to go home. I wanted to escort her home, but she refused. I am ready to give out my address. I totally understood where she was coming from. I offered to pay for the cab, and she also refused that. This girl is unbelievable. I pressed and she agreed. I was relieved. I wanted to make sure my girl made it home safe.

I watched as the cab drove away feeling happiness, excitement and longing. Replaying the moment we just had, her head on my chest, inhaling her scent, and the lingering fragrance she left on my shirt. I sent her a quick text. "I had a great time and text me when you get home." She sent me back a smiley Emoji.

On the cab ride back to my apartment I could not remove the permanent smile I had on my face. I looked at my phone and saw the picture that we had taken together. I took my index finger and traced over her face and lips. I was so captivated by this beauty. When the cab pulled up outside my apartment, I received a text from Katie. "I am home, thank you again for a lovely evening, the text read.

That night I could not sleep. I kept on thinking about her. When I look into her eyes, everything else around us fades away, I could get lost in them forever. Her smile is so infectious. I could not help but feel like the luckiest man in the restaurant just being next to her. I wanted to tuck the strains that fell to her cheek behind her ears and tell her how breathtaking she was. She was so pretty and she did not even know it.

Sunday morning I woke up super excited. I was going to see my girl again. We were going to spend the day at Central Park and the petting zoo and take her to places in the park she had not been before. I took the train and met her at our designated spot. Katie arrived ten minutes later, I did not have to wait long.

When I saw her my heart was beating so fast. She wore a beautiful light green sundress, knee-length. She looked so pretty. Her dress provided a laid-back chic look, combining comfort with style. The beautiful necklace she was wearing, drew my eyes to the curves of her neckline, making it impossible for me to look away.

A fifteen-minute walk to Central Park and walked right into the petting zoo section of the park. Just watching her feed the animals evoked a profound sense of peace, warmth, and deep affection for this girl.

Next stop, Bethesda Terrace. It is the most iconic and well-known feature in Central Park. It has two levels, an Arcade and a fountain. The scenery, architecture and its naturalistic design make this place a destination for relaxing and people-watching. She saw The Angel of the Waters. It is a statue overlooking the Lake. It is said that the statue references the Gospel of John, when the angel heals the sick by stirring the pool of Bethesda.

One of the last things on the list today is to climb Belvedere Castle. It is a miniature Victorian -style with a unique view of the Delacorte Theater, Turtle Pond, The Great Lawn and the Ramble, and is the official weather station in Central Park. The word Belvedere means "beautiful view" in Italian. It offers panoramic views of the park, and observation decks. Admission is free.

After leaving our last attraction, we took a cab back to the train station. I helped her out of the cab, placed a gentle kiss on her hand, hugged her and another kiss on top of her head. These intimate gestures that we shared made my heart race and the rest of the world melt away and left me breathless.

Katie left on the train and I went to meet Alec. The rest of the evening was a blur. All my thoughts were on Katie. I went to sleep dreaming about her. I wake up with her on my mind. I need to be with her everyday. I just cannot get enough of her.

Today is Monday. I got to see my girl this morning. My heart leaped with excitement as soon as I laid my eyes on her. She was a vision to behold. Katie's eyes are like deep, sparkling emeralds kissed by the dawn, her long curls cascade down her back like a waterfall of rich, velvet ribbons, her high cheek bones with softer, fuller cheeks. She has these full, natural-looking lips that look almost painted, with the bottom one a little bigger than the top.

I texted her, wanting to know what time she would be at the park so I could have lunch with her. 1:00 pm is what she texted back. I was at the park on time with lunch in hand. I had the biggest smile on my face, my body was reacting to seeing her, getting that warm fuzzy feeling inside. I met her friends and they seemed nice. We walked away to an empty bench where we sat and ate.

After handing her a bagel sandwich, she took a bite and mayo got on the left side of her cheek. Our hands collided in a gentle, unexpected touch as we both reached for the napkin. Our fingertips brushed, a fleeting, electric contact that seemed to stop time, leaving a buzzing, phantom warmth that I could still feel long after our hands parted.

We looked into each other's eyes, and we had a connection that was magical, like the rest of the world had faded away, leaving just the two of us. We stayed like this for a while before a gentle smile broke the spell. We finished our lunch, and soon it was time for me to head back to work. I got up and gave my girl a hug and kissed the top of her head. I really liked doing that. The warm feeling I get, it's like a spark that makes my whole day brighter.

I walked away feeling fully alive. A smile on my face. We had a connection. I know she felt it too. My day passed quickly knowing I would see Katie soon. I was speaking with my boss, when our eyes met. I began smiling like a school boy. My boss turned to find Katie smiling back at me.

"Is this your girlfriend?"

The words came out before my brain could process it. "Yes," came my response.

"I would love to have dinner with her tonight. Would it be OK if she waited for me in the office?"

"I don't see why not."

"Thank You, Sir."

I walked away, and my mouth had a brain of its own. I blurted out, "I missed you." Then I hugged her right outside my work, and placed a gentle kiss on her head. I am not one to act so impulsively. But here I was walking with emotions on my sleeve.

"If you wait for me, we can have dinner together," I told her. She agreed. I escorted her into the building and took her to the office, where I pulled out a chair for her. I told her to sit here and wait for me. I was so overwhelmed with the emotion that was going through me because she was here, at my work, waiting for me.

Since Alec works at a nearby bistro, I quickly texted him to put me on the reservation log. He texted me back five minutes later with a thumbs-up emoji. After work, I quickly went to the locker room to get changed. I went to the office, grabbed my girl's hand and left. The moment I touched her hand, a jolt of electricity ran through my heart. Her hands felt delicate, soft, and velvety smooth.

Chez Nick was a block away, so we did not have far to walk. We arrived, and the host found my reservation under Daniels, and we were seated shortly thereafter. We had a delicious meal, and wonderful conversation. Every minute spent in the presence of this beauty is a precious gift I never want to end. "Let's go for a walk after dinner," I suggested to her. After our delectable meal, I paid the check, and we left the bistro, hand in hand.

I looked into her beautiful emerald eyes and told her I did not want this evening to end. I want to kiss her and tell her to be my girlfriend. But she received a text, and she looked afraid, shaken, rigid, she was trembling. I did not know what to make of it. Before I could say anything she said, "I have to go," and ran off.

I ran after her feeling frightened. Everything was a blur, a chaotic nightmare. I was shouting, but the words wouldn't come . My phone felt heavy, useless, as I fumbled to reach her, panic choking off my breath. The words finally came out. Katie, stop! I called. I begged her to please stop. But she kept on running into a crowd of people and that's when I lost her.