Sweet Knight

She was neon orange... She was a sign made up of electric twine... fused and melted together... from all the love she had to give... the love she rarely lived... ... ... but ... ... ... it built inside her ... burning brighter than the "Cold Beer Here" sign blazing just behind.

"Sweetheart, what are you doing in here?"

"Drowning a deep seeded fear."

"Mind if I sit?"

"I'd mind if you didn't."

"Can I fix it?"

"You shouldn't."

"I see."

"Have you ever noticed some people you think are the bee's knees are as seasonal as the trees."

"Of course. Grey Goose and Cranberry Juice?"

"Please."

"So what's your aim for the rest of tonight?

"Hoping a plane across the pond to skinny dip in the French Riviera by twilight?"

"Discuss the difference in Marxism theories?"

"Amongst other -isms would be a delight."

"Your hair would get messed up by mile high pressure."

"I'm sure I won't complain. I've been in dire need of some protein and vitamin sea."

"Can I bring along waders?"

"Fishing is a must."

"You're full of more lust and life than my wife."

"That never gets old."

"Thought that would cheer you up."

"Laughter can fill even the fullest cup. You didn't have to fix me, but your words did just the trick. How do you know such magic without a wand or a stick?"

"Ha, the wand is there. It's just put away. But, you're not a hard code to crack. You live in your fantasy realm of pop culture and youthism, sarcasm and schtick. Come on and I'll take you back."

"Back!?! No, I don't want to. No, No, No! You're an hourglass of sand, a Cinderella shoe, why must you take me back and cause my electricity to run blue?"

"The bar is about to close. Would you rather I said On... Come on I'll take you on?"

"Why, yes! I do believe come on will get me to be gone."

"You're a trip, I must admit."

"It's a curse."

It was dark when he helped her out the door. Though in a few hours the sun would appear once more. He walked slowly, leisurely, and with no direction in mind. She walked quietly, giggly, and with a cigarette in hand. His hands were in his pockets and he glanced at her from time to time. She had her flask in her other hand trying to walk a straight line.

"Remind me what you still see."

"The sun rays had a warming effect. It made an icy, misty steam. We walked through the brush to cast our lines in the middle of the muddy watered stream. We had tired eyes but smile lines. It was cold but it was well spent time. Ha, we never had much extra of that. The water swirled around and flowed down past our waists as we cast and recast for the perfect catch. It was peaceful and quiet the way only mother nature can offer. I could have cast all day to keep those fleeting moments from ending but alas all good things have their inevitable ending."

"Tender is the Morning alive within your mind. I'm glad that I could give you that beautiful moment in time."

"Some days I'm less glad than others. You gave me a memory, not an eternity."

"I'm sorry sweetheart."

"Don't be. We all do what we feel is right."

"Hindsight?"

"Still would have been what was right. You know that and now I know that. I can make it home from here."

"Your place is nowhere near." He leaned in to put his warm breath upon her neck. To kiss her sweetly but with passion. He leaned in to again be her distraction.

But she pulled away. An incredibly difficult to accomplish reaction. "There's a calm, cool air and outstretching sunrays. I have the fact that you would, to keep me warm, so I'll be fine until I get home. If you stay out longer this will grow stronger, she'll wonder where you are, and there's no need to go that far."

"You are my sweet heart."

"You are my sweet knight."