The Cabin Part 3

I laughed at Bradley on how proud he was of his brilliant creation of soup and hot chocolate. Oh, please do not let me forget the marshmallows. We sat in front of the wonderful fire and enjoyed our nourishment that was greatly needed.

It seemed like an hour had gone by and we were still in front of the fire; talking about everything that came to mind. Mainly, it was me. I can talk forever and whether you want it or not, you will get my opinion. That is what I loved about Bradley. He would let me talk and actually cared about what I was saying and even offered profound advice when it was warranted.

I noticed that a somber mood had settled in him. I could tell his thoughts were beginning to drift. I leaned in and kissed him on the check and told him I was going to take a shower. He just nodded and I left him in front of the fire.

I went upstairs and turned the water on. It was cooler up in the bathroom. I had the water so hot that steam was forming in the room. It was like being lost in the fog and wondering what was going on in front of you. Really, I believe it to be the feelings I was having about Bradley and me and wondering why his mood changed so quickly.

I let the water fall over my head and fall to the rest of my body. It put me in a trance and before I knew it, I was deep in thought and remembering back to when Bradley and I met.

We had met online. We talked openly and freely about everything and anything. He was so refreshing from most I had talked to online. There was an honesty and a deepness that I had never felt before with someone online. Over time our friendship built into a wonderful and special gift.

One day we planned to meet in person at my apartment. We had planned everything. Even though we had never met in person, he wanted to fulfill one of my fantasies. And he did just that.I would describe the experience, but it was something special between him and I. All I will say is that it was an amazing experience and it matched the amazing person that he is.

The one thing that really stands out in my memory is what transpired after the sexual fantasy. He didn't just get up afterwards, throw his clothes on and leave. He held me in his arms and we talked about what had happened between us. We connected that day emotionally and spiritually. I knew that we would always be friends and nothing would ever change that.

After I had finished with my shower, I grabbed my night gown and fuzzy robe and put it on. I went down stairs to find Bradley gone. The blanket was not in front of the fireplace any more. I looked around the cabin and then I knew where he was. I walked out onto the front porch and he was standing there, leaning on the railing and looking out into the night.

He was fully dressed and had the blanket wrapped around him for extra warmth. I noticed his gym bag was beside him. I was puzzled by this. I placed my hand on his shoulder and asked what was going on.

He opened his blanket and pulled me inside, close to his warm body. I was looking up to his face but he would not look me in the eye. I finally asked, "Bradley, what is wrong sweetheart? Did I do something wrong?"

He responded back in a tone I had never heard before. He quietly said,"Tammy you are a wonderful lady. You are very sensual, sexy, free hearted and the most caring person I know. You amaze me with your strength and yet you are so tender. When you call someone your friend, you mean exactly that. You leave me speechless after we have been together."

I pulled him in closer and reach up to turn his face towards mine. When I did, his beautiful hazel eyes were deepened with a sadness I had never seen. When he looked me in the eyes, a tear rolled down his cheek. My eyes began to water and I began to tell him how I felt about him.

"Bradley, you say all these things about me, but in all honesty, you are all of those things and more. You are a strength that never falters. You are passionate and loving. You have a creativeness in you that has developed and should be pursued."

Before I knew it, I was crying because I knew where this was headed. I lowered my head, only to meet his strong hand that raised it back up.

He said with his voice cracking, "Tammy, if things were different, our lives would be as one. I have had a few life altering experiences and I have had to make a few hard decisions. Tammy, tonight is goodbye."

I cried even harder and he held me so tightly. I never wanted him to let go, but I knew he had to do this and I understood completely.

He whispered, "Tonight was a memory that I wanted to create for you to remember how special you are to me. I wanted you to know that you will always have a special place in my heart and no one can ever take that away from me."

He leaned in and kissed me so hard. He took the blanket and wrapped it fully around me and grabbed his gym bag. I watched him walk down the steps to his car, he got in, and drove out of my life that day. He never looked back as he left.

When his tail lights were gone, I went inside and locked the door. I turned all the lights off and wandered my way upstairs. I wanted to lay in the bed and cry some more but I couldn't. He always treated me with respect, care and concern. He left an impression on my life and most importantly in my heart.