All the pieces of the puzzle were falling into place. The next one was critical. Randy nervously tapped his fingers on the empty seat next to him, buildings flashed by the window, as the train hurtled into Potsdamer Platz station. He needed to find a place for their rendezvous. Something magical that would feed the romantic mood of their reunion. The intensity of the tapping increased the more he thought about it. A castle was what they needed, but there were no castles in Phoenix. Nothing with the exterior of one, but inside, there had to be and he was sure of this. He had not seen Debra in 26 years. His fingers stopped tapping. He was over taken by the thought ‘I’m going to be with my Debra’. He felt thrilled at the possibility of her being in his life again.

Debra had been his college sweet heart. His long lost love. They had fallen in love during their first year of college and dated for about two years but like many first loves. They went their separate ways, each in search of their dreams, alone. She was living in Phoenix, Arizona with her daughter, separated from her husband. Working for a small law firm specializing in medial mal-practice, she was a certified paralegal.

By society standards, he was successful. His occupation in the computer industry allowed him a flexible schedule and work location. For the last twelve years he had been working and living in Germany. He had a six year of son who split time between him and his mother. The internet was his link to work and friends back home in America.

Getting off the train, he darted between a maze of people and headed straight to an internet café. Upon entering, he went straight to automated machine and bought a sixty minute block of internet time. Finding a corner booth far removed from the other people, he sat down and signed on. Having never been to Phoenix, the only thing he associated with it was the desert, he needed more information than that so he ‘Googled’ it. Phoenix is a concrete paradise located in the Arizona desert with a beautiful skyline, sport stadiums, multi-million dollar homes with palm tree lined boulevards spreading for miles in all directions. There are jagged rock formations protruding towards the heavens, and then lakes appear from nowhere in the middle of all the sand that extends as far as the eye can see. Not much of this seemed pertinent in his housing search but it may come in handy down the road.

Knowing the endless options the internet offered in his housing search he decided on craigslist. He navigated to the user login screen and entered his name and password. Clicking multiple buttons he arrived at the Phoenix housing wanted section, where he typed in a detailed description of the magical place they were looking for and hit send.

The responses to his ad came streaming in. He forwarded the best ones to Debra. Having lived in Phoenix for twenty-six years she knew it well. “What do think of this one?” He wrote. "Do you have bullet proof vests for us to wear when we leave the apartment?" She wrote back with few smiley faces at the end of her email. “Is this location any better?” as he continued sending the responses to her. "I don't want my car covered with custom graffiti when we leave." He could hear her laughing as she typed the response. Like an artist she trove through the possibilities looking for a response that cried out to her. Nothing seemed right, so finally, she started looking through the furnished homes ads and saw a condo that was perfect except for one thing. It read, “Monthly Rental Only” and they only needed it for two weeks. She stared at the phone, scribbled with the pen and rubbed her thumb nail and index nail on one another while she tried to decide what to do.

Finally, she called the owner and explained the situation. My boyfriend from college whom I have not seen in twenty-six years is flying into town for fourteen days and we would like rent your condo. It could be our castle, that special place where our love is reunited. The only problem is your ad says “Monthly Rental Only”. The owner told her in an excited tone to come over to the condo the next morning, Tuesday, and discuss whether an agreement could be worked out between them. Hanging up Debra felt relief that the search was hopefully coming to an end. By bedtime she was nervous and sleep didn’t come easily as she was worried about not getting the condo. Her alarm, a sound she dreaded woke her at 7 am. Morning is not her time of day as she shuffled to the shower. The warm water relaxed her as she leaned on the shower wall thinking about the meeting. But when she ran out of hot water, she knew she was running behind schedule. Dressing quickly she hurried to the kitchen to make her daughter breakfast. Her daughter was eating slowly so Debra prodded her to hurry up. She finished eating, they cleaned up the kitchen, finally got in the car and headed to her daughters school. Dropping her in front of the school with a kiss and an ‘I love you’, she headed to the condo. All the time she was rehearsing what she would say to convince the owner to rent her the condo. It was ten a.m. on this hot sunny day when she turned left off West Fillmore Street into the gated community. Pulling up to the secure entrance she found the guard house empty. The security gate keypad was mounted within arm’s reach of the car. Rolling down her window, she punched in the code the owner had given her, slowly the gate swung open, allowing her to enter. Putting the car into drive she proceeded cautiously through the entrance. It was lined with colorful hibiscus plants and tall flowing palm trees. After searching for a few minutes she found the assigned parking location for the condo and parked in-between a black 911 Porsche and a red Ferrari. She got out of her black Dodge Avenger and stretched her five foot seven inch frame. Her long, straight dark brown hair that glistened in the sun was draped over her shoulders. It was freshly cut with bangs that just touched her eyelids giving her a younger look. Wearing big black sunglasses that had come back into fashion from the sixties she looked very vogue. In college, her symmetrical face, high cheek bones, rose colored lips that pouted just a little bit and sparkling teeth had won her an unsolicited award. Best Smile in the dorm. It was a radiant smile, the kind that made you smile back. She took a few minutes to look around and appreciate the architecture of the condos finished in beige stucco; some were three stories with the garage located on the street level. The complex had about fifteen units that formed a complete rectangle with a shared courtyard, water fountain and benches enclosed in the middle. Looking at her watch, she gasped, I’m late.

She walked quickly up to a decorative white wooden door, accented by a stained glass window, and rang the doorbell. The owner opened it and welcomed her into a small entryway. She was thin, athletic, blond haired and attractive with a gregarious disposition. She said, “Hi, I’m Melissa and you must be Debra,” as she extended her hand in a friendly manner. Debra took her hand. It was warm and soft. She could feel the tender touch and the motherly look in her light blue eyes. These eyes ran a gaze up and down Debra, and then winked in an approving manner. All of her anxiety, in that moment, was replaced with assurance. Melissa made her feel comfortable, as if she could share all her secrets with her and everything would be okay. “I’m pleased to meet you Melissa.” They walked up one flight of stairs to the main level where they talked about the condo and Melissa explained she only lived in the condo part time and rented it in her absence so it didn’t sit empty. “Come Debra; let me give you a tour of the place.” As they walked around the condo, Debra felt at home and thought this was ‘the place’ where they should reunite. She imaged him sitting next to her below the vaulted ceilings, surrounded by warm colors and the aura of love. Melissa said, “Where are you from Debra?” “Battle Creek, Michigan.” She said with surprised voice “Michigan, I'm from Michigan too. Is that where you met Randy?” “Yes, I met him in college. We both attended Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan.” “I'll bet you're going tell me it was love at first sight between the two of you.” “I wouldn't call it love at first sight. I think interest at first sight would be a better description.”

With a quizzical look Melissa said, “Have you seen him at all in the last 26 years? You know people change a lot. You may not even recognize him.”

She smiled and said, “I thought of that too. We exchanged hundreds of emails and in one of the first I asked Randy if he had picture of him and his son Niclas together. I really wanted just a picture of him but I thought this was a discrete way of asking for it. I’d seen so many pictures on facebook, linkedIn and other internet sites of good looking guys from my class that were now fat, bald and dare I say a bit disgusting to look at.”

“I know what you mean. I’ve seen a few old classmates that look that way. So did he send you a picture?”

“Yes, and I have to say I’m quite pleased with the way he aged. He’s not bald, not fat and in fact he is very fit with a full head of hair. I think if we crossed paths walking down a street I would recognize him even without the picture.” “Great, did he ask you for a picture?”

“I had already planned for that. I had a friend of mine take some pictures of me that I sent in my email requesting his picture. This way neither one of us would be wasting time and energy on a memory of someone who no longer existed.”

“And, his response?”

“He said and I quote, ‘You are a breathtakingly beautiful woman. Your radiant smile, dark hair, dark eyes and a slightly exotic look are irresistible. Any man would be proud to have a stunning woman like you on his arm. You are still the head turner you were in college.’ This is quite the compliment from the man I remember,” replied Debra with pleased look on her face.

Melissa was laughing slightly, “So neither one of you is going to be shocked by the vision of the other and turn around to run like hell,”

“No, this is going to be grand reunion of two lost lovers.” “Well, whatever it was there must have been something between the two of you.”

“There must have been and now we want to know if it is still there after all these years apart.” With a questioning voice Melissa said, “Why do you want to rent my condo since you live in Phoenix?” “We need a place alone and my daughter and her babysitter will be staying at my place.” “I see, kind of a secret rendezvous,” she said winking at her. Debra was feeling very comfortable with her and decided to tell her “Our Story.”

“As I said on the phone, I have not seen Randy in twenty-six years, and this opportunity may never happen again. He meant so much to me all those years ago and he just walked out of my life without any explanation. This reunion could finally answer all the questions that have loomed over me since he left me without any closure. Most importantly, this reunion has the potential to change the paths of both our lives forever.”

Raising her eyebrows Melissa said, “Not to be nosey, but what do mean he just walked out of your life without any explanation?”

“It’s a long story”, Debra said, “I’m hoping to get answers to this and other questions I’ve had for years but the past isn’t as important as the future I want to explore with him.” Melissa gave her a smile.

She knew Melissa would be one of the special people in this journey that would add another piece to the puzzle. This woman, like all women, was touched by the story and was eager to help reunite two people who clearly needed to be together. Melissa said, “I recently met up with one of my high school sweethearts.” Debra's heart jumped and she said, “Really?” “Yes, but we didn't have that old spark. After only a couple of hours we knew it was mistake to meet again.” “I'm sorry to hear that.” “No need to be. I took a risk and it didn't work but don't let my experience deter you.” She knew then that Melissa definitely had a soft spot for “Our Story.” She asked Debra “Are you nervous about meeting him again?” “Yes and no” Debra said with butterflies in her stomach. She smiled and said, “Are you nervous about having sex with Randy again?” It was a strange question to Debra, but this simple question seemed to make them even more comfortable with each other. Debra said, “I'm very nervous about the prospect of having sex with him. It has been so long since I have seen him yet alone made love to him.” She assured her that it would be wonderful, “it's like riding a bicycle.” Debra said, “I'm definitely ready to 'ride' that particular bicycle again,” but her stomach was filled with worry. Melissa explained that the condo association rules stated they were only allowed to rent in one month intervals. Then she looked at Debra and noticed the blood drain from Debra's face and saw it go pale as sadness washed over it with the thought of not seeing Randy again. She winked at Debra and said, "But since I know the president of the condo association, I'm sure we can work something out.”

She was like everyone who crossed their path on this reunion; she thought ‘our love’ story was beautiful, and she wanted to help out anyway she could. After all, aren't we all in search of love and finding the ‘true love of our life?’ Randy and Debra felt this “Love” that everyone is searching for. They were consumed with the thought of meeting again. The emotional risk of such a meeting was beyond measure. For them it was worth it, they needed to know, was it their destiny, to be together forever. Finding the perfect place to stay proved to Debra what he had been saying all along, “Our fourteen days together was meant to be.”

Chapter 2 Planning

They had discussed their first meeting through email hundreds of times, every aspect in minute detail. From what she would wear, where they would meet and what would happen in those first seconds when they touched. To make their rendezvous more intriguing they had agreed she would not turn around to look at him until after they had made love.

This was essential to the symbolic meaning of their meeting. “Debra was to wear a white dress to signify the clean start to their relationship. Highlighted with a red hat, red high heeled shoes and red lip gloss. Red would signify the fire between them. He would walk up behind her, wrap his arms around her and whisper, “I love you, Debra Lynn” in her ear. His hands would caress her body so he could get reacquainted with it. He would kiss the back of her neck; they would sit down in their own little world and feel the love between them. Other people would be around, but for them all that mattered was they were together again. Kissing, touching, feeling, and then she would take them to a place where they would make love.” Every time they talked about the meeting it became more passionate, with the hunger for each other growing, and the thought of him being a part of her again became the driving force. The time for the long awaited reunion was close, and soon they would be able to feel and experience everything they had been dreaming about. The day of his arrival was more nerve racking for her than it was for him. She felt so unsure, yet she couldn’t be more sure of anything in her entire life.

He, however, true to his form, made the day even more stressful for her, since he was always good at that. She got up at five am and worked on a very important court case for few hours. Then she drove her daughter to school in the usual way but after that nothing was normal. She drove through rush hour traffic and all the road rage that accompanies it to pick up the babysitter up at the airport and then they went grocery shopping. It had been a hectic morning for her when she got home and it was only eleven thirty. She checked her email to see if there were any messages from him. She was so thrilled when she saw his name in the inbox; she clicked to open it immediately.

My Debra, “My 'rational mind' is in functioning mode and it is wondering why I'm flying half way around the world to see you again.” Love, Randy This email brought tears to her eyes as anger rushed through her veins. She was furious, but she had seen this behavior before from him; hence, the breakup years ago. She thought, how could he do this to me today? I’ve just picked up the babysitter and bought $600 worth of groceries and I have to read this. So much work has gone into his visit that he was unaware of. Shopping, decorating and arranging things for the two weeks we would be spending alone in the condo. As if being along with someone in a rented condo for fourteen days you hadn't seen in twenty-six years wasn't enough stress, he had to throw another monkey wrench in there. When he has true love on his doorstep, he closes the door in the face of it. He tells himself that leaving is the easier solution. She knew this was not out of character for him. Why now? Why on earth would he do this? She read his email again and decided to call him to make sure he wasn't backing out. She dialed the phone and with every ring the anger was growing in her. He final answered phone but before he could speak she said with searing hostility, “What is wrong with you? How could you do this to me?” “Good morning to you to,” he said in the most casual voice. “I just read your email. Are you still coming?” she said holding back the tears. “I'm sorry I emailed you about what my 'rational mind' was thinking. I'm leaving for the airport as soon I hang up. I love you,” he said with a sincere voice. A sense of relief ran through her body and in a voice as calm as she could manage said, “I'm so happy you are coming and you didn't let your 'rational mind' get the best of you. I love you. We are going to have a great time.” After that conversation, she felt restored but still she had some reservations on whether she would be seeing him later that day. After all this was Randy and you never know precisely which one would be there at any given time?

Chapter 2.5 Randy going to airport

Talking with her had reassured him that everything would work out. He started gathering his bags next to the door so he wouldn’t forget anything. His father had always been amazed at what his youngest son would forget. Last year when Randy had visited his father in Michigan he lost his wallet at the Detroit airport because he left it sitting next to the pay phone. Upon hear this, his father just shook his head, smiled and said, “Something’s never change.” So before leaving he made one last walk through to verify he hadn’t forgotten anything. Satisfied he was leaving nothing behind, it was time.

It was time to find out if lost love can really be recaptured. In Berlin Germany it was cold, windy and snowing as his six foot frame stepped out his apartment onto Karl Marx Allee into the elements. He was wearing a wool hat over his un-kept straight brown hair that just covered his ears. Under his father’s leather Navy World War II fighter jacket that he wore was a lean muscular body. A bag in each of his long veined hands and a large duffel bag filled with gifts for her over his shoulder. His face and bare hands felt the cold wind as walked down the street that was void of other people and cars. He could see his breath when he looked up at the ornate street lights. Then he noticed, his were the only footsteps in the snow as he made his way to Karl Marx Strasse U-Bahn station on the U7 line. He was covered with snow as he entered the warm station and was surprised to find he was the only person there. While brushing off the snow he felt the cold leaving his body. While waiting for the train he had time to think. Realizing this was the type of adventure that is often dismissed in life. It was an opportunity to change his life. He was going to meet his long lost love. What could go wrong? It would be warm and sunny in Phoenix and if things with Debra didn't work out, he had told his friends in Colorado he would rent a car and drive up to visit them. He was sure Debra knew, that he would have an alternative plan, it was his standard operating mode. He was startled by the clanking of the U7 train arriving. It only had a few riders and for the next 45 minutes he thought about her. Lost in thought he almost missed Jacob-Kaiser-Platz station where he transferred to bus 443 that took about 5 minutes to get to the Berlin Tegal Airport. The airport was crowded, people were running around everywhere due to weather delays and this brought back some fears regarding his trip.

There was a long line at the Delta Airlines flight check-in, followed by longer lines at the security checkpoints before he was able to sit down in the terminal waiting area for flight 664 to Philadelphia. He paused, the tension released from his body and everything became clear. He wanted her sitting next to him so he could hold her, kiss her, and make love to her. His heart told him that she would give him a happiness that had been missing for too long. The fun they would have together filled every part of him. He was ready for this new adventure; there was no looking back or doubts now. He had defeated all the demons inside himself. On Delta flight 664 he couldn’t sleep. He knew he needed to sleep to be rested and ready for her. But on the plane he got nervous and couldn’t push the fear aside. He spent hours in darkness with his eyes staring at nothing while the plane flew through the night to Philadelphia with yet another plane ride to Phoenix. It made sleeping almost impossible.

When his plane arrived in Philadelphia he brusquely pushed other passengers to get his overhead bag and found his way to the front of the plane. He needed to call her from the airport so he could hear her voice, he wanted her. Once he got her on the phone he relaxed and reassured her he was coming. She was ecstatic to hear his voice; he really was coming to be with her. But then he said, “It is starting to snow in Philadelphia, a blizzard is coming, they have already delayed flights in New York and I hope I won’t be stranded here.” She told him, “I’ve been on the Internet checking your flight status all day and know about the weather delay. This doesn’t worry me; I know fate will assure your timely arrival.”

Finally he heard the announcement of Delta flight 662 would begin boarding in 10 minutes. Everyone knew time was of the essence so boarding went smoothly and quicker than usual. They pushed away from the gate in a snow storm as there chance for leaving diminished with every passing second. Their plane was seventh in the queue for de-icing and the pilot had just announced if they didn’t get in the air soon their flight would be canceled. When they were second in the queue the pilot made it clear in his announcement that he wanted to get home to his family and would push to get his plane a takeoff slot. Finally the plane was being de-iced and there was lots rumbling on the plane by the passengers to hurry up. The snow was coming down so hard he couldn’t even see the end of the wing. Pulling out of the de-icing the plane stopped. No announcement, nothing, the pilot had been keeping them posted but now nothing. Randy was nervous sitting in the plane but knew in his heart, like Debra, that fate would assure his timely arrival. Then the plane lurched forward, jet engines roared and pilot announced they had been cleared for takeoff. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. It was turbulent take off, visibility was limited but once they got above the storm it was smooth going. Randy took out his journal and wrote about the adventure so far. Finished writing he looked out the window towards his destination and smiled. Then he leaned back and rested while he dreamed about being in her arms again. With his Debra, the Debra he had missed so much.

He awoke to the pilot announcing they would be arriving early in Phoenix. Twenty minutes later they had touched down and his heart was pounding. He got off the plane as quickly as possible and decided in that instant that getting to her was critical. The luggage could wait. Pushing and shoving his way through the other passengers he rushed to their meeting place. The Starbucks located in the international terminal.

Chapter 3 The arrival day in Phoenix

While he was flying to Phoenix, the day was nonstop for her. After talking with him on the phone, she went shopping for all the things they would need for their fourteen days alone in the condo. The back seat and trunk were filled with bags of food, decorations, and cleaning supplies as she headed to the condo to meet her friends. One of them was an interior designer and they were going to help her give it a complete makeover: cleaning, decorating and special touches that would have only have symbolic meaning to Randy and her. She pulled into the garage and as she was getting out of the car she heard a honk. Her friends had just arrived. Hugs and greetings were exchanged before they helped her carry bag after bag into the condo. There was much to do and not a lot of time so they got started immediately with the food storage, next would be the cleaning and then the decorating. Talking, laughing and gossiping a bit as they worked. It was being transformed into what she had envisioned. Before it was finished, she had to go to work but her friends assured her, she wouldn’t be disappointed when she brought him back to the condo later that day.

Upon arriving at work, she hustled to her desk and worked desperately to finish all her projects so they would not interfere with the next fourteen days she had planned with him. She was overwhelmed with this thought, “This man has the ability to evoke feelings in me that I have not felt in years and he is finally coming home to me.” They had written words to each other, describing what it would be like to be together again. Together again after twenty-six years apart, with feelings for each other they had never imagined. Were these the feelings they had held on to for all the years or new ones building on top of the old ones? They didn’t know but they needed to find out. His flight had left Berlin on time and was due to arrive in Phoenix soon.

Finished working she rushed home to daughter. She was worried about leaving her eleven year old daughter at the apartment even though her daughter would be with her favorite babysitter that Debra trusted completely for the next two weeks. They had never been separated for so long but she was consumed with being with him. Her daughter was already playing games with her favorite baby sitter and seemed excited about being with her. Debra and her daughter walked hand in hand to the door and gave each other a good-bye hug and kiss while the guilt of leaving her daughter stung deep in her heart. She started the car and waved good-bye as she backed out the driveway.

While driving to the airport, she was changing into a Roman style strapless white dress, because her daughter would have asked too many questions about why she was wearing it when she left the apartment. Once her dress was on she had to do her makeup and of course because she was running late. She was always running late. Gripping the steering wheel she weaved through the I-17 traffic. Rush hour was over so there would be no delays in getting to the airport. She was scared. What if everything didn’t go as planned? What if there was no lost love between them? It had all been fabricated in their minds through the web of emails and telephone calls. She needed to think about something else. The muffled voice on the radio sounded familiar.

With her right hand she reached over and turned up the volume. The ‘The Howard Stern Show’. Listening to it relaxed her. It was her favorite SIRUS station, in fact it was the only reason she paid for SIRUS radio. She had religiously listened to him since the early 90’s and knew all about him, Fred and Robin being fired numerous times because of their unique style in presenting their show. It was the only talk show she listened to because she appreciated how honest they were about themselves, relationships and sex. It was a portal into a world she wanted to experience but had never allowed herself to enter. Howard was always describing how he felt trapped in a body and life he didn’t want but still he couldn’t get out. His whole staff talked about how their past had left so many scars and she could identify with Sal because he was stuck in a bad marriage without the courage or strength to leave.

She smiled to herself and thought, finding Randy gave me the strength to leave a bad situation and feel comfortable with myself. The big sign across the freeway announcing the exit for the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport one mile ahead brought back some of her nervous energy. Navigating the car to the far right line, she took the exit. Going down the ramp she knew she was leaving this life and starting a new one. Her world was about to change. Checking the clock, time was not on her side. Luckily, right around the corner, the VIP parking lot would provide a solution to this problem. She kept looking but the VIP parking lot had been turned into an employee parking lot. Desperate to be on time, she was left with no choice but to park there and take the risk of being towed. She knew everything else had aligned in the universe to make this reunion happen, she would not get towed. She was finally going to see her love from her past. He had flown half way around the world to be with her, alone with her. She found a spot close to the terminal B entrance and parked. Pulled down the visor, opened the mirror, checked her makeup and fixed her hair. This ritual finished, she got of the car and rushed into the terminal. She walked quickly, people moved out of her way, the clothing shops seemed to be calling her name but there was only one thing on her mind. Getting to the Starbuck's in the International terminal where they were going to meet. The whole time she was thinking, “This is the moment I have been waiting for. It has been twenty-six years since I have seen my love, and now I will have the answers to all my questions and feelings about him answered. These questions have always been such an unknown part in my life. Throughout the years we have been apart, I have thought of him at different times, some years more than others.

When I heard these songs being played: 'Brown Eyed Girl', 'Build Me up Buttercup', 'She's a Beauty' and 'Against all Odds'. They always brought him back to me, if only for a few minutes.” It seemed like she had been walking for an eternity and still she couldn’t see Starbucks. The urgency to get there increased with every step. She needed wings to fly because walking as fast as she could wasn’t enough. He had said don’t worry if you are running a little late but she knew better. She needed to be on time or she would hear more than she wanted to from him. Then, she could see Starbucks and her fears were no longer about being late. She was overcome with the angst of seeing him again. She didn't know his flight had arrived early in Phoenix and he was already on his way to Starbucks.

Chapter 4 February 25, 2010 The Airport

When his flight had arrived ten minutes early in Phoenix he thought, My luggage isn’t important. Seeing her is the only reason I’m here. I can pick up my luggage later. So instead of going to the baggage area he headed straight to Starbuck's to meet her. It was ten pm when he got there, closing time. Inside there was a single Starbucks employee cleaning up and in a panicked voice he had asked, “Was there woman with a red hat, white dress and red high heels looking for man in here.” The employee had not seen a woman fitting that description. He thought, ‘Where is she?’ He looked around, he didn't want her to see him but at the same time he needed to find her. He wanted to call her, but he didn’t have a cell phone, so he went searching for pay phone. Gone are the days when pay phones are everywhere, mainly because everyone in the world has a cell phone.

Not far from Starbucks he found a pay phone and called her but there was no answer, only the answering machine so he left a message, “Where are you? I was just at Starbucks and nobody had seen you. Where are you?” He kept looking around but she was nowhere to be seen. Frustration and doubt were swelling up inside him. He thought, ‘Where is she? Why isn’t she answering her phone? I’m here from half way around the world and all she had to do was drive to the airport and pick me up.’ He still didn’t see her. So he called again, still no answer. He tried to stay calm by thinking she must have a reason for being late but there was a storm building inside of him as he kept saying to himself over and over again, "Where is she?" He thought, Maybe she isn’t wearing the outfit we talked about. Without the red hat, white dress and red heels there is good chance I didn’t recognize her. I’ve only seen the digital pictures she sent me so wearing the clothes we agreed upon is critical. He looked everywhere for her and at the same time tried to stay hidden. Her not seeing him was a very critical element in the detailed plans they had made. He dialed her phone again, still no answer. Then finally, he a caught glimpse of a woman wearing a white dress, walking swiftly with red high heeled shoes but she wasn’t wearing a red hat so he was about to call again.

Then, he noticed a red hat in the ladies hand. ‘Why isn't she wearing the hat?’ was all he could think of. He hid himself in the pay phone area hoping she wouldn’t see him. He moved from behind the pay phone and slowly got behind her. He had to feel her again; he had to touch the woman he had spent so many weekends alone with, the woman he played and laughed with. He remembered, how after making love they would both be exhausted, they would kiss and fall asleep together, he would still be inside of her. He had to have her again.

The white dress flowed from her body, red high heel shoes that gave the appearance she was rising from the floor. Her small tempting mouth was framed with red lip stick that contrasted starkly with her dark hair and dark eyes. She was attractive and her figure was pleasing with rich full breasts. Her legs moving swiftly, her body called to him, ‘Touch me, make me feel like I need to feel, make me feel like I did so long ago.’

He walked with an air of confidence behind her in the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on February 25, 2010 at 10:30 pm. He was a tall athletic man. His features were chiseled, a slim face with a sharp chin. His hands sculpted like marble. He smelled her, remembering subtle things he had thought forgotten, but they had just been lying dormant waiting to be reawakened. She was oblivious to his presence; all she could think about was arriving at the meeting point on time. It was here, at this location, she would finally be reunited with him. Her mind was filled with thoughts of being with him, in his arms, his voice whispering in her ear and sending chills down her spine. His scent that would intoxicate her like nothing she had experienced since she was last with him.

Then, his arms pulled her back against his chest like a sledgehammer crashing into concrete. It was the feeling she had missed, the feeling of him, his vitality, and his love rushing into her body, their energy, once again unified. She didn't jump. She felt peace come over her combined with a physical desire she had left for dead.

“You’re late,” he said sternly. After twenty-six years apart, those are the first words she heard him speak. She definitely knew it was her Randy with those words. He had not greeted her and that was how it was supposed to be. They had never been apart; this was not a reunion, but a love they felt for each other, which fell out of time, it had never been interrupted. She smiled thinking how strange it would have been if he had said, “Hello Debra Lynn. How are you?” You did not greet the person you love with those words.

She said, “But your plane just landed, you told me not to rush, you were supposed to get your luggage first.” He interrupted, “You’re not wearing the hat.” “So the verbal sparring begins even before I hear the words ‘I love you’ after twenty six years. ‘I love you’ should have been the first words I heard. And to answer your question I was going to put it on when I got to Starbucks.” He squeezed her from behind, “I love you!” She pushed her back into his chest and said “That’s more like it.”

Tension defused, his chest to her back, and his hands tight around her waist, the energy from her body came into his, so he pulled her closer. He didn't know exactly what their first contact would bring, but this was not what he had expected. She surged into him, like water breaching a damn and filling a lake that had been empty for many years. It was beautiful. A feeling of peace, excitement, and happiness overcame him all in one touch. At this moment, she said, “I feel the love I've been searching for since you left me so long ago. Filling me with warmth, desires and completeness like never before. Something I’ve always read and hear about but never experienced myself. Finally, I'm feeling the love that I've waited too long for, and I'm never going to let go this time.” They walked through the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport; he was holding her close as she tried to push even closer. They didn't want the feeling that rushed through their bodies to disappear ever again, so they stayed as close as they could to each other. They were touching, kissing, and feeling while he directed her every movement. The whole time he was doing this, he continued to tell her not to turn around. Yes, it was clear, he was back in full form, her arrogant man had returned. She felt him, his energy, his self-assurance, and it was then that she began to laugh. All his actions and words proved to her that ‘her Randy’ had returned.

She could not believe they were together. Laughing, “I have not seen you in twenty-six years and your first words are ‘You’re Late’, when you were supposed to whisper ‘I love you Debra Lynn’ in my ear. You arrogant bastard!” They quickened their pace as the urgency to make love increased. He carried his big black heavy bag with one arm and the other wrapped around her. She told him it looked like a hostage situation, but none of bystanders in the airport looked concerned. Part of their plan, as they had discussed endlessly before this day, was to find somewhere in the airport where they could make love. He had challenged her, saying she would be too afraid to make love with him in such a public venue. She took up that challenge with a vengeance and had selected a place removed from the main terminal that she thought would work. When they arrived at that location, there were policemen sitting in the soft lounge chairs where people went to read, relax and do business. So they decided there had to be a better spot in an otherwise empty airport. He was still holding her from behind as they walked through the terminal lined with small businesses selling food, expensive clothing and vacation gifts looking for a semi private location to make love. At first, she was embarrassed by their kissing, touching and exposing so much emotion in public that she kept pushing his hands out from under her dress and telling him to stop it, but soon she didn’t care. The longer he held on to her, the more she knew why she had never forgotten him. People were staring at them with smiles and eyes filled with envy or with frowns and eyes filled with anger as they went down the escalator. It seemed like she saw a policeman every time she looked up and the risk and thrill factor of this escapade increased dramatically. The thought of a policeman catching them in the act was exhilarating for her.

Their quest to find somewhere to make love continued, they passed newspaper stands, food courts and little hidden nooks but nothing fit their needs until they finally saw a family bathroom. It would be private with only one stall and they could lock the door to eliminate some of her fears. They tried the door but it was locked. This made them laugh; this could only happen to them, finding an occupied bathroom in an otherwise empty airport. They waited outside and never heard anything inside and after what seemed like hours they surmised it must be locked for another reason so their search continued. She was rotating her upper body trying to get a glimpse of him. He said, “Don’t turn around to look at me, we agreed.” “I'm not looking,” was all she said. The look on her face was that of a young child getting caught sneaking a cookie from the cookie jar. She had sworn she hadn’t seen his face, but she wanted too. She only saw the blue and white Hawaiian style shirt he was wearing. That shirt was nothing she would have ever pictured him wearing let alone buying. In fact, as she gave it more thought, he never wore a shirt, so maybe, that was a shirt he would own. What she did know, was she could smell him, and she remembered his scent. It had always consumed her. She would keep his old t-shirts that were filled with his scent when he visited her at college so she could curl up with them at night when he wasn't there. She would even take his clothes home with her from college so no matter how far apart they were she was never separated from his scent. He was with her now, and that was all that mattered as they looked for a place to make love.

Next Chapter: Randy's Sandbox