The Narrator's Journal

Have you ever felt a connection so strong, it defied all logic and reason? A connection that came upon you in an unexpected and inexplicable way? It is a truly baffling and overwhelming feeling to suddenly be so intricately tied to another person, to feel almost as part of their soul. It's as if you are two halves desperately seeking to be made whole, unaware of that longing and completely unprepared for when you finally meet.

It is this very phenomenon that brings you here today, to this particular story. A planned meeting, a chance moment in time, an unexpected connection.

"I must not kiss that boy," she muttered to herself as she walked down the street. She was on her way to meet a friend who she both adored and incidentally, although irrelevantly, found incredibly attractive. They had a unique connection that one only finds with certain friends, one that doesn't necessarily transcend beyond a very close friendship (though neither of them know this yet). She was totally fine with all of this of course. But... she just couldn't help wanting to kiss him. Nothing more, just a kiss.

"No. I must not kiss that boy."

It is a rare and wonderous opportunity to be an outside observer into the lives of others, who have unknowingly become the stars in their own story. Now I'm sure, dear reader, you find yourself wondering just why she mustn't kiss that boy. The fact of the matter is... well, it's all rather complicated. Let's observe some more, and maybe you'll see just what I mean.

"I must not kiss that boy. Well, I must not kiss him first. Or at least, not initiate or make a move. But, if he kisses me I'm not going to stop him. At least not right away. I mean, I can only be in control of myself and what I do. What he chooses to do is entirely up to him and, really, who am I to say what he should or shouldn't do. I must not kiss that boy... but that boy can sure as hell kiss me."

See what I mean. Complicated. It becomes even more complicated when you realize that this young lady is not looking for a relationship or even a "friend with benefits", as they say. In fact, she is quite content with keeping her friendship with the young man in question completely platonic – minus a kiss or two apparently.

I imagine, reader, that you are rolling your eyes at the convoluted drama that must clearly be the work of a teenage mind. I imagine it would surprise you then to learn that this very typical teenage dilemma comes not from the mind of a teenage girl, but in fact is the ramblings of an adult woman about an adult man who are both in their twenties. How's that for a bit of a plot twist?

She arrives at her destination just as his car pulls around the corner. He stops at the curb and she climbs in, a smile on her face as she greets the boy she must not kiss. I won't go into the details of their adventure, for it is long and honestly not that entertaining. I will, however, kindly provide you with the minor details relevant to our star's dilemma as I'm sure you are quite curious to know if she ever does indeed kiss the boy.

They spend many hours together, nearly half the day, something neither of them is accustomed to doing with people in general and a fact that surprises them both when they realize just how much time they've spent together on this day.

She hasn't stopped smiling since she got in the car. Her face hurts but she can't help herself.

He is completely comfortable around her, honest and sweet. Even if he's trying to be down on himself, he can't seem to help smiling at her.

She's a "touchy-feely" sort of person, but he doesn't seem to mind. In fact, as she plays with his hair and runs her fingers through it, it's obvious he enjoys it.

He shares with her things he wouldn't normally share with people, things he's done, secret places, special moments.

She sits back, completely relaxed, and revels in the feeling of being a little wild and nearly free for the first time ever. In truth, it was the best night she's had in a long time.

They end the night huddled close, talking about things they deem "cringeworthy" from their lives, listening to music, and just enjoying each other's company. Then, he takes her home.

Suffice to say, she did not kiss the boy. Nor did he kiss her. They parted ways with a simple, yet lengthy hug. It was clear she didn't want to let go and, from what I could see, neither did he.