01-13-08
Almost a Woman
The lake tasted of worms and I felt something slimy sliver across my left leg. I'd never been afraid of snakes before and I sure wasn't going to start now. It felt too incredibly scandalous to be naked so I doggy paddled backwards not wanting to miss his de-clothing ritual: one button, two buttons, look to see if anyone is watching, coast clear, 3 more buttons. "Come on" I yelled, "You're not getting any younger." That stung him. He secretly hated that he was 18 years older than me and yet would have it no other way. I wasn't his first summer fling and I wouldn't be his last.
The sun was setting behind the Green Mountains of Vermont. Like a sleepy orange beach ball it began to turn in for the evening, to rest up for another full day tomorrow. There was no rest for Michael and me; being in love keeps you awake. For days we couldn't sleep, we were too interested in what our hearts were saying to each other. The night before we'd spent 12 tender hours staring at the limitless Vermont sky. Nestled under an ancient Cedar tree, a bottle of Strawberry crush and a half smoked joint, we sang songs that we had written for each other the night before. We read poetry, we discussed philosophy. We didn't worry about tomorrow or bills or reputation or babies or aging parents or health. From the sky, Orion and Cassiopeia smiled down on us, they were in on our affair. Cassie winked at me, assuring me that our secret was safe with her and warning me that if I didn't follow my heart, it would go off on its own. It would leave me behind and never look back. So follow my heart I did and now I was naked, swimming in a secret lake, watching a man that I had fallen in love with years ago in a dream take off his final piece of clothing, slowly and quietly, teasing me with every move. He dove in and his long, slender arms wrapped themselves around my adolescent body and we kissed, pretending the summer had just begun.
That was 12 years ago and I remember it like it was yesterday. I was just on the brink of womanhood, only an inch away from youth. My freedom and fear danced together seamlessly. I wasn't wishing I was younger or dying to be older. I was almost a woman and I knew it.
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Writing Menu
 09-24-08
Almost Embarrassing
07-14-08
Almost Saving Face
06-14-08
Almost Missionary: Rated X for Sex
03-19-08
Almost Evil
02-12-08
A SIMPLE PHONE CALL
02-03-08
About
01-13-08
Almost a Woman
11-13-07
Almost Everyone
08-13-07
Almost Mrs. Webb or Bridal Brain
06-11-07
Almost Ready
03-12-07
Almost Fired
12-01-06
Almost Gay
10-12-06
Is It Hot Yet? by Angela Kurian and Shannon Noel
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