Once Was Blind...But Now I See

[Inkubus]

Steven

I race out the door in a text book attempt to outrun my emotions. I pause for a second as I think about the last 72 hours and the fact that this woman has gotten to me more than any of the socialites that are pawned off on me or any woman has ever. I reel as I fight an internal struggle within myself. The office building is dark an empty and I pause as I see Joann leaving. I've been argueing with myself long enough for her to catch up. Thankfully my heart intervenes and engages my mouth as I look into her eyes and say..."Jo...Im not sure what just happened or why, but you deserve the truth. Im not used to dealing with people so smart, and independant, and giving and that care for more than their profit margin. I have lived my whole life getting by on my looks, and my name. None of that means anything with you and I like that. You radiate a strength and independance I've never seen and you are without a doubt the most beautiful woman I have ever been graced to meet. I have had a crush on you since the moment I met you and I vowed not to let it interfere with this project. Im not sure what happened or why exactly we kissed, but the only thing I regret about that kiss is 1) that its over and 2) that it might have cost us the chance to truly get to know each other. "

 

[MtnAngelWV]

"I'm glad you waited for me Steven. I need to apologize. I shouldn't have been so abrupt with you. It's just that I have a hard time trusting men. I have been hurt too many times. Don't get me wrong. I am not judging you personally, it's just that well..." I pause for a moment trying to find the right words, not wanting to hurt him, though I am unsure exactly why I feel that way.

"I'm flattered by your 'confession.' I must admit that you have been a prevailing figure in my thoughts as of late." If I were able to see myself in the mirror, I am sure that I would be crimson upon revealing these innermost thoughts.

"I have an idea. Whaddya say you escort me the two blocks to my apartment and we order some Chinese takeout? Maybe I can better explain my feelings on a full stomach." Without a word he takes me by the arm and starts to walk away.

"Uhmmm," I say pointing in the opposite direction. "My apartment is actually back that way."

"Well, my car is over this way." he says

"If you don't mind I prefer to walk. The night air is so refreshing and I need the exercise since I have been sitting all day."

 

[Inkubus]

Steven

Im elated but nervous. I walk arm and arm with this woman who holds me in awe. In truth it is she who leads me. and I let her know that. "Tell you what, you lead..teach me what a night out for Joann is and Ill tell you all you want to hear about Steve." I walk on happily but I pause to hold her hand and look into her eyes "Thank you for giving me a chance..I know we hardly know each other, but I would regret if we did not at least try to know each other"

 

[MtnAngelWV]

I pull the walking cane from my purse and extend it fully. Normally I would not use it when I have an escort but I decide that if he truly wants to know my habits I shall show them to him.

"Close your eyes, Steven. Let your other senses guide you along our path." As we exit the business district and enter the more residential neighborhood I can sense the familiarity. I pause and Steven is taken by surprise I think that we have stopped. "Can you smell that? An aroma of apples with just a hint of cinnamon. Mrs. Martin is baking one of her famous apple pies." He answers that he can detect the aroma. "Tell me what else you smell or hear?"

 

[Inkubus]

Steven

I close my eyes and gently hold her arm as I let her lead. I smell the City around me an chuckle as she asks what I smell or hear. I decide to be honest. "Other than my heart pounding in my chest I cant hear much. I try to relax and tell her" I smell coffe from the coffe shop down the street.I smell Italian food from the restaurant down the block and I ...smell the sweet mixture of your scent, Im not sure if its perfume or shampoo or just my imagination, but you have this neat scent its like..." I hear a car speeding by and it startles me out of my reverie. "I hear not nearly enough .."

 

[MtnAngelWV]

"It is an assault of the senses sometimes when you live in a large city. But once you get used to the loud noises and powerful odors you can appreciate the nuances of the other scents and sights." I tell him when I feel him tense at the sound of the speeding vehicle.

Finally we reach my walk-up apartment and I fish around in my hip sack for the keys. When I pluck them out I feel Steven's hand on mine as he takes the keys and unlock the door. I do not feel that he does this because he finds me handicapped. I know that he performs this act out of courtesy.

 

[Inkubus]

Steven

Its ironic that I feel safe, I feel in awe standing by a woman who cant see, but who can see so much more than I. I ask what she would like to order, I ponder if Ferrens would deliver a bottle of wine at this hour. I realize that Im nervous, for the first time in years Im nervous around a woman. I look deeply into her eyes, I am lost in them.