After lunch, Dana and I shared the bill and I drove us to the park. We laid under the leaves of the weeping willow trees on the edge of the small lake. Hidden from the gazes of passersby we talked and laughed and played, then we were serious.

She was reclining on my chest, one arm wrapped around my waist as I stroked her arm, my eyes closed, enjoying the peace and serenity of the moment, when i felt her lips press against mine.

Gently, hesitantly I deepend the kiss as I felt her body soften against mine. It was a slow, leisurely kiss as we enjoyed the feel, the scent, the responses of the other. Our tongues danced together as our lips melded, a dance of compassion, warmth, peace, dare I say it even...love.

And then she pulled back, smiled, traced my lips with her fingers, and settled back down against my chest.

I grinned widely as I rubbed her back through her shirt. In minutes we were asleep.

                                                                                   We awoke just before five and I drove Dana back to her house, dropping her off at the door. She kissed me on the cheek, wished me agood night, and told me she'd see me at school the next day as she closed the door and locked it. I watched the door for a few minutes then hopped in my car and drove home where my brother and aunt were waiting with questions in their eyes...

and my sketches in their hands.