The Pause

Inevitably, soon it would be upon us. Its arrival was imminent. As I assessed the situation, preparing for its appearance, I simultaneously continued to spew inane words from my mouth, and feigned interest in the inane words being spewed from hers. It was lurking nearby. It could pounce upon us at any moment. At the end of the next joke. Following the unconvincing laugh. Prior to the changeover to the next random, mundane topic of conversation. I could smell its presence. I could sense its whereabouts. As I adjusted myself to prepare for its arrival, I wondered if her adjustments were in like kind, or to position her for a defensive maneuver. Still, I was not sure. Then it was here. Silence beyond compare. Eyes looking into hers, and then away. Catching her eyes looking into mine, and then away. Just as sure as I was about its arrival, I was equally sure of its soon departure. But in what manner would it leave us? Through the start of the next boring topic? Through simultaneous, confused laughter? By her announcing it is time to go? Or, … by our first kiss? Oh, how I hate and yet, live for … the pause.