The Woman I call Love

I can still reminisce so vividly, the day I had encountered Claire Johnson for the very first time. The day was April the 15th, 2022. The setting was at my aunt Vicky’s house; practically, out in the middle of nowhere. My aunt was a firm believer in the Lord, as well as loved people unconditionally with an open heart.

We had about thirty family members over for dinner that day, including my father Dan, and a mysterious guest from aunt Vicky’s church that she had kept reminding of every five minutes or so. I had no idea who she was talking about, nor had I any inclinations in what was about to unfold before my eyes.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, the most captivating woman I had ever laid eyes on walked directly into the kitchen with authority and grace. Her natural glow was the first thing I had noticed, followed by her enchanting and gentle green eyes. Her medium length blonde hair, perfectly symmetrical face, radiant skin, and a smile that was a remedy to my soul.

I had to look twice; non-conspicuously speaking, of course! Just to make sure I had not been dreaming of any sort, or witnessing the presence of an angel face to face in that moment. “Hello, my name is Clair Johnson, nice to meet you!” Her hand extended reaching for mine. “My name is David Miles, pleased in meeting you.” Our eyes locked with each other in way I cannot describe simply with words.

It was as though, she had made me believe, I was known and seen for once in my life. I felt a deep connection with Claire within our conversation taken place. Neither of us had wanted to make it obvious (as I later found out) for the family to see that the two of us were intrigued with one another.

We hadn’t the opportunity in speaking with one another throughout the day. Briefly, I was beginning to think I never would, given how family was always around watching without watching, if that makes sense? A game of Ultimate frisbee, lead by my father and aunt was taking place.

I had always played a copious amount of sports growing up, never ultimate frisbee though. My right knee was bothering me somewhat, in a very rather obnoxious way that evening. I unfortunately tore the meniscus in my knee during senior year in high school playing football against our rivals the Davis Pirates.

Surgery was never an option for me personally, our local doctor was a bit of a quack! He had a personal vendetta against my mother Tonya a few years back. At the time, our beloved dog Charlie (God rest his is soul) had gotten loose from our backyard gate, all the while chasing doctor Klassen’s tuxedo cat into his front yard garden.

Ms. Jenkins his wife had died recently from pancreatic cancer, the garden was something she loved. She was passionate about gardening, harvesting vegetables and planting flowers. The garden was symbolic, the only living thing he had left from his deceased wife. The garden had been destroyed and Charlie was to blame.

Ever since that day Doctor Klassen had a bitter attitude towards momma and I, and of course Charlie. I did as well, hence the refusal of having surgery performed being done to my knee. “David, are you wanting to join the game?” Aunt Vicky had asked. “Yeah, c’mon David!” My father clamorously insisting.

Claire was in line getting picked by aunt Vicky’s team. She briefly turned around, gazing her attention towards me. I could tell that she was biting her lip her ever so slightly. She wasn’t being sneaky about it either, Claire knew what she was doing. Let’s just say it was working. She had my undivided attention.

My eyes glimpsed the backside of her body. Without getting overly descriptive, I was pleased in what I was seeing. Claire’s body had me indescribably rendered speechless. “Lord, keep my thoughts pure in this moment!” I prayed internally. “Nah, I’m not really in the mood for frisbee tonight you guys.”

Steadily rocking myself on the patio swing from afar, observing the intense game of frisbee being played, all the while finding myself lost in deep thought and eagerness in knowing more about whom this mysterious woman was and what she was all about.

The game was over and another was taking form. “I am sitting this one out” aunt Vicky hollered, while making her way towards me. “David, are you doing okay sweetie!” Vicky asked. “I am doing okay just not really feeling physically active today.” I replied.

Sitting in silence, hearing the birds from afar singing their tunes, the laughter from my family being echoed in the air, the sunshine piercing through the thick marshmallow clouds, a slight cool breeze brushing against my brown skin. “What a beautiful day.” I thought. My eyes all the while fixated on Claire Johnson.

“Aunt Vicky, what do you know about Claire?” I asked without sounding desperate. She smiled me at me, “She has been attending our church for the last couple of months. I know that she is originally from a place called Yakima. At the moment she is currently enrolled at the Christian Aid Center for her treatment from being a past drug user.

Clair is a very intelligent woman who has a genuine heart for the Lord, David.” Just looking at her, I would have never suspected Clair to have been in a treatment center for being a former drug user. I hadn’t cared though, I knew each of us personally had our past, full of hurt wounds and traumatic experiences that we carried.

Dinner was homemade Mexican enchiladas, with sides of salads, fruits, bread, rice, beans, and entertainment from my cousin Jackson, performing his skillful magic tricks with a deck of cards. Claire was laughing, smiling, conversing with the family at the table. There were moments are eyes had locked.

Claire had moved closer in proximity to where I had been sitting. Jackson had been showing his most impressive card tricks to her. With how close she was to me I could feel the warmth from her body radiating onto my body. The sensation sent goosebump’s like a shockwave, germinating throughout my entire body.

Claire’s aroma was intoxicating in the most delightful and pleasant manner. A combination of rose, lavender and hint of sandalwood and sweat. I found Clair to be sexy in every sense. I just had to know everything possible about her. “Lord, if she is single, if she is available, make it known to me!” I prayed on the inside.

The night was wrapping up and coming to a final conclusion. My father, aunt Vicky, Clair, and myself were the only ones left from our get together. Father was conversing with Clair in one area of the living room, while Vicky, and I were communicating in the opposite direction.

Attempting to use my peripheral vision as best as one could in that moment, I could see Clair doing the exact same thing! The two of us noticing each other from opposite directions of the living room, while maintaining every effort in keeping eye contact with the person we were communicating with.

A minute had went by, and I watched Clair walkout the front living room door. My heart had literally dropped to my stomach. My opportunity had been foiled, perhaps, God had other plans for me. Seconds later, she had walked back into the living room. Maybe, God was making plans? This time she faced towards me and said, “I know you rode with your father down here, but may I give you a ride back into town?

Your dad was telling me that we actually live pretty close to one another. Seeing that your father looks extremely exhausted for the night, I figured I would offer you a ride back home. The three of them looking directly at me for a response to the question being posited. I made sure to answer without sounding overly excited!

“Yes! You giving me a ride would be perfectly acceptable, not to mention very much appreciated from my family and I.” Okay, sounds good with me. I am just going to clear out the car a bit and get it situated for you. No rush! Take your time I’ll be waiting out there for you.”

My heart was getting premature ventricular contractions. My stomach had butterflies floating around. My mind overwhelmed, with the reality, that I was going to have the privilege in getting to know this woman. Not to mention the ride back home would be nearly fifteen minutes, give or take.

“Bye dad! Bye Vicky!” “The two of you drive safely!” Aunt Vicky said. “Text me when you get home safely son.” Father insisted. The night had gotten a bit chilly, I opened the passenger door and could feel the warm heart embracing my body like a lost long blanket. “I leaned under, Hi!”

I said. She smiled back at me, “Hello there. I thought you had backed out.” She responded.

“Never!, I have been eagerly waiting all day just to have this moment with you. I want to know everything about you Claire Johnson.” I said. Biting her bottom lip, she replied, “I would love that. I believe that you and I are meeting for a divine purpose.” “Are you warm enough?” She asked. “Perfect” I responded.

“I had no idea that aunt Vicky was having you over today? I was shocked in seeing you. I have never in my lifetime seen something as lovely as you.” Claire was blushing at this point. “Thank you! You are not so bad looking yourself!” She responded. “Tell me about yourself Clair.” I asked...