2031
She wasn't sure how much time passed. It was a quiet kiss, not explosive or full of pent up sexual tension being released. No. It was tender, cautious. Exploratory. Two people carefully, fearfully, opening locked souls just a sliver, cracking open sealed hearts, feeling the first stirrings of fresh air.
And she felt butterflies in her stomach, bouncing about with excitement and fear. A hesitant hunger; the hint of possibility; the terrifying risk. Never in her life had she felt this way. She had never had what others had called 'crushes'. The term hadn't ever meant anything to her. She had never been scared of her desires. Why would she? She risked nothing. She'd had the reality and nothing seemed like it could ever measure up after that. Or when she was more introspective, she realized maybe she didn't want it to. Regan's death had left a vast empty crater. There were only so many holes she could take.
Yet somehow, here she was, their lips pressed together, bodies close. But even as she luxuriated in the moment, a thread of fear remained, souring the moment.
Eventually the kiss ended, both of them gasping for breath as their lips parted. And with each second, that fear grew. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that." she whispered, wondering if she had ruined things. Jill let go, touched her cheek gently with tender kindness.
The woman seemed to have transformed, somehow. There was a warmth in her eyes, a strength and sense of tranquility she had not seen before. As if she were the solid one inviting Jacinda to lean on her. Her voice was calm and firm. "Shh....It's alright. We both needed it, I think."
And that was that, her words soothing away any remaining sense of fear. And now, somehow, Jacinda could process what had happened. She felt the peace of the night, of their kiss, seep into her heart.
Hand in hand they walked back to the car, letting the quiet of the night sing to them, the black vaulted sky rain down star dust on their heads, the blazing icy blue of the moon bathe them in warmth and tranquility.
The drive was quiet and soon they were in their hotel, trading shy glances with each other. Soon, Jacinda was snuggled deep in her blankets, her heart pounding as images and feelings of the day replayed themselves over and over again. She could lose herself in the memory if she was not careful. She heard Jill stirring as well. She tried to speak and found her voice gone. A stubborn streak pushed her. "Good night, Jill. Thank you."
The movement ceased. Her voice- somehow Jacinda heard a smile in it- came from six feet away. "Anytime, Jacinda. You sleep well."
And Jacinda felt her thoughts slowly quiet themselves, that gentle river rolling by peacefully, carrying her along. And gradually she drifted off into sleep.