Chapter 9: Rolf

The streets of Seattle were still full of cars. Although the sun had already set, the streets were still bright with the combination of lights on in buildings, as well as vehicle and streetlights. Despite the bustle of activity, I was blind to everything happening around me as my thoughts went back to Rain.

Last night, I had let my anger get the best of me. Rain was one of those rare people who could truly have deep friendships with the opposite sex.

Even so, it was hard for me to comprehend how Rain had all of these “close friends” who happened to be male. I’d never had a platonic female friend that was equivalent to Rain’s relationship with Lukas. Of course, I wasn’t as social as Rain.

I felt intensely protective of her.

I twisted my mouth, recognizing my feelings for what they were, petty jealousy, as I drove through the busy streets of Seattle.

I had to tell Rain how I felt about her. How much she had changed my life from that very first moment I saw her dancing in the rain. How much I enjoyed being with her. How much I loved the way she laughed, even when I wasn’t trying to be funny. How she ... I don’t know ... restored my faith in humanity...? Was that too strong? I don’t think so. Rain definitely restored my faith in life and love.

I knew I had found something real. She was the greatest thing that happened to me. My only concern was about the future.

I had to tell her I loved her and wanted a full relationship with her. A happy, healthy relationship hinges on good communication. I needed to address the elephant in the room.

My mother’s sage advice about relationships came to my mind: “If you don’t rock the boat by talking about the important things in your relationship, one day she may suddenly say, ‘I’m out of here.’ And it will hit you like a brickbat because you didn’t see it coming.”

I felt drained from the long day at the seminar, and the adrenaline leaving my body. I opened the front door, and walked into my house.

“Rain?” I said quietly.

The living room was dark. I stopped and listened, hoping for some clue as to where she was. Dead silence.

“Rain, where are you?” I called out. All the lights were out. I was disappointed that she didn’t run to me and offered me her greeting of light kisses peppered all over my face that I so enjoyed.

I patted the wall for the light switch, and flipped it on. I’m not sure what I expected with the lights on, but nothing seemed different.