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By Irongirl Submitted by Irongirl Date: 2004 Jun 05 Comment on this Work [[2004.06.05.21.04.30622]] |
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Then there was Yanco. He wasn't used to this, tackling these races alone. Where were the familiar faces of Melissa and Ruben? Was there an inner strength he could find inside himself to not only complete, but also compete, well down here in Brazil at the Ironman race? Is it possible to feel alone in a group of strangers all with the same goals? If he thought about her hard enough, could he make the relationship materialize to its former brilliance? Or was that just the glare reflected off another object of radiance up the road? And there she was, Danielle, embarking on another Ironman alone. She was injured and not really into the event. She wanted to learn about people on a deeper level during this trip instead of compete. The boy in the orange shirt caught her eye in the LA airport. If luck would have it, she'd start there. And they stepped aboard the plane as the next 12 days unfolded. Luck would have it; they ended up at the same hotel as neighbors. "Want to go find some provisions for the week?" he asked her. And her stomach got butterflies. It had been years since she'd felt those about meeting someone. "Yup!" she replied as they started to walk up the deserted street in some cold and windy rain. Her hair was matted against her head but she felt beautiful because his smile constantly warmed her. He grazed her back with his hand as he asked if she'd want to try an Acai fruit drink. Flutter. They bought some basics at the local supermercado and headed back along the cracked sidewalk that passed a tall white church. Night separated them only to reunite them the next morning anew. Good energy pulsing through their veins. His eyes warm and welcoming. His bottom lip pouty and inviting. They strolled home after dinner side by side, talking about their lives parallel. Her toenail polish chipped...his missed opportunity to have a minty fresh smile, yet they walked along as an old couple do at dusk enjoying the presence of the other. How safe I feel in a strange land because you are near me. Could have been home. Once again parted by night. All she could think of was the peace she felt as a combination of their spirits. Yanco was confused. If he stopped remembering Melissa, he found himself enjoying the every moment of their time together. Not yet ready to let the past go, the memories pushed their way into his mind every evening. Putting a sudden halt to his attention toward Danielle. But there was to be a finish line kiss. And in it, the hope of a new beginning. 7am and a frenzied crowd flings themselves into the ocean to start the long day that is Ironman... She searched for him everywhere during the race. Hoping he was doing well. Passing briefly on the run lifted her spirits and got her going again when all she wanted to do was stop. But he awaited her at the end. All the pain, hurt and emotion couldn't end that pursuit. She came across the line and he was nowhere. She wanted to start crying. She had held it all in for 14 hours. This was not the conclusion she had hoped for with him. And then a voice yelled her name. He was there. She was standing there, so tired and unable to deduct if it was OK for the kiss. But he took her arm and led her to the medical tent. He stopped and looked at her. Asked if she was alright. She hugged his strong frame and cried. Thankful he was there to take care of her. Thankful he was the man she had suspected all along. It meant more than a kiss. It meant that she felt alright showing a small bit of herself, not as strong as she would have liked. And maybe in that brief moment, he felt endeared to her. Butterflies..... |