Tommy stood nervously by the gate his eyes roaming the crowd for the petite pink clad girl.
"Tommy! Over here!"
Tommy spun around looking for the voice. He found it. His mouth broke out into a big smile, and he ran to where Kim stood on top of a plastic blue chair. She smiled down warmly from her perch, and Tommy immediately brought his arms up and picked her up off the chair.
He held her close trying to take in all the different smells at once.
"I missed you so much, Kimberly", Tommy admitted. He ran his fingers through the soft mass of brown hair.
"I missed you more", Kim teased pulling away from him slightly so she could look at him better.
The airport was busy and loud but the couple heard nothing. Tommy stared deeply into the warm brown eyes. How he'd every let her go...
"Tommy...", Kim started uncertainly. She didn't want to say what she knew she had to. "I just want to apologize for the letter. I never-"
Tommy brought up his hand to her lips to quiet her. "It's already forgotten Kimberly, I promise."
A relieved smile brightened the already beautiful face, and Kim nuzzled her face into Tommy's flannel shirt.
Tommy wrapped his arms around her tighter and closed his eyes to concentrate on the moment.
"Come on, Kimberly", Tommy whispered, "Let's go home, OK?"
She leaned back and once more she smiled. 'Home' A word she hadn't heard for two years. Ever since she left for Florida two whole years ago. Now, the two were adults. 20 years old. They knew they're life was only beginning, though. What a wonderful start.
She picked up her baggage, but Tommy quickly took it from her with a mischievous grin. He winked at her and took her hand with his free one. She grasped it tightly and let old memories sweep over her like a light wind...
They soon found themselves in Tommy's car the comfortable silence over them. Tommy dare sneak a glance at Kim and found her staring out the window excitingly. He smiled slightly. It felt so good to have her back. He too, while watching the road in front of him, let old memories settle in his head.
Out of little thought, Tommy pulled the car over to the side of the road and leaned over to a confused Kimberly and wrapped his strong arms around her planting a firm kiss on her lips, just to show how much he truly loved her.
He broke away seconds later and maneuvered back onto the road. Kimberly was still slightly dazed and Tommy chuckled to himself as, out of the corner of his eye he caught Kimberly slowly bring a delicate hand up to her mouth where the taste of Tommy's lips remained.
The car was silent for the next few moments as both adults taking in their own sweet memories of the past. Tommy wanted to say something and he turned and opened his mouth to speak, but Kimberly was in a trance from the unexpected kiss. Her mouth was in a thin upward position and she was obviously playing such like memories from years ago.
Tommy finally broke the silence. "Kimberly? Watcha thinkin about?" He asked innocently enough. He knew that, she knew that he knew what she was thinking about.
"This" She answered a familiar sparkle in her eyes as she leaned forward and lightly brushed her lips against the Tommy's stubby cheek.
Tommy looked at the road and then at her. He kept one hand on the wheel and crept the other one along the seat and took hold of Kim's hand and squeezed it tightly. She lifted his hand to her face and laid it against her cheek and closed her eyes feeling the smoothness of his hand against her own smooth complexion.
Tommy glanced over at her and found her eyes still closed. He stroked her cheek lightly with his thumb and he could see Kim smile.
His own smile made his face feel as if it would burst, and he turned his eyes back to the road before they both were killed.
He saw a small park up ahead an he pulled into the small parking lot. Kimberly recognized the park immediately.
"Our first date!" She cried.
Tommy nodded and Kimberly squealed and jumped out of the car taking in the fresh air. Tommy got out and came to stand by her.
He draped his arm around her shoulder and stared at the pond where they'd shared their first kiss.
"Tommy..." Kim spoke.
Tommy looked down at her, waiting for her to continue.
"I know you've already forgotten about it, or so you say...but I feel terrible about the letter I sent you!"
Tommy let out an overly loud sigh. "Kimberly. I have long since forgiven you for the letter. It was a mistake. Everybody makes mistakes!"
It was Kimberly's turn to sigh. Only it was light, feathery, contented sigh. She was already forgiven.
Kimberly followed as Tommy pulled her gently toward the edge of the pond. There with water slapping up against the edge of the bank, the couple stared out over the water into the sunset.
Tommy still had his arm around her and he squeezed her shoulder affectionately. Kimberly wound her own arm around his middle and leaned into his comforting body. Everything was going to be ok now. It really was.