June 04, 2005 - 9:27 AM

My contribution to:

My God, it's him!

"Oh, goodness, I didn't mean to startle you!" he said as he crouched down on the grass to her low level. "I'm so sorry. Um, anyway, hi. I'm Clayton Aiken. I live across the street?"

Those eyes. Green eyes. That hair... "Hu– hi," she forced out.

"I, uh, wasn't sure if anyone lived here," he said with a little chuckle. "I think this is the first time I've ever seen anyone out here. I mean, except for the car in the driveway, I was beginning to think this place was vacant!"

Say something! "Yes. Yes, this is my place."

"Well, okay. We've got that established," he smiled. "I thought...well, I moved in a while ago, but since this is the first time I've seen you, I thought it'd be a good idea to introduce myself." He stood up then reached for a small paper bag on the ground. "I, uh, have this lemon tree in the back yard, and there's way too much fruit growing on it for just me to use. I thought maybe you'd like some."

Her legs wouldn't move, leaving her still kneeling on the grass. She did manage to reach up as he handed her the stuffed and fragrant little bag. With her vocal cords still tensed in terror, her silence stretched just a little too long.

"Well, uh. It was nice meeting you. Enjoy the lemons."

"Thank you..."

"Clayton. Aiken. Just call me Clay. I didn't catch your name?"

"Mine? It's..." Oh my, what was my name again? He's just so beautiful - and he's actually talking to me? Why would he want to talk to me? Wait, he's still talking to me! "It's...Mary. Mary...Pittsfield."

His long legs crouched once more to her level. A kind smile washed over his face. Sweet as syrup, and soft as a feather, he replied.

"It's nice to meet you, Mary...Mary Pittsfield. Have a nice day."

Still stunned silent, she watched him stand up and start walking away. She could do nothing but stare at the curves of his body as he moved across the yard. He was nearly to the curb when she heard a voice call out. Amazingly, it was her own voice.

“L– Lemonade?”

He stopped and looked back at her.

Don't chicken out now! “I can make lemonade.”

“That's all right. You're busy with your flowers. I don't want to keep you from finishing up your gardening.”

She got to standing as quickly as she could, brushing her hands against her pant legs. “Really, I...I don't mind.”

“It's okay. I don't want to disturb you any more than I have.”

The way her shoulders slumped, Clay knew he disappointed her. He was quiet a moment in thought. “How about...how about I let you finish your gardening, and I'll come back in, say an hour? It's...2:30 right now.”

She was again stunned silent. After a very pregnant pause, her vocal cords relaxed enough to reply. “Sure. Great. I have ice.”

Clay's bright smile nearly made her legs buckle. “Great. See you in a little while.”

Mary lowered herself to the grass again as she watched him make his way back into his house. She turned around and grabbed for the little trowel again, and just about had it in the soil when she suddenly cringed.

“I have ice?!?”

(GO TO PART 3!)

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