I had seen it before-that certain look in the eyes of two people who are in love with each other. It is a gaze between two people followed up with a smile. And, nothing need be said. Nothing. Because words sometimes don't belong. There are things that cannot be explained in words. Yet a warm glance sent halfway across a room of crowded people defies all commonsense conversation. It is understood only by the one for whom it is intended, and by the one who sent it. It is a look that seems to give real meaning to life, and the people who share it seem to radiate in happiness.
I think true love lasts beyond the years. And those who say they have seen theirs disappear perhaps never had it in the first place.
I knew it now, watching her come off the plane, scanning the crowd a bit apprehensively. She dragged her carry on just a bit, not knowing where to look-nor for whom to look. I had not told her of my plans, but I was nearly certain she would figure out that it would not be me picking her up.
I had donned a baseball cap, a ponytail sticking roughly out the back, and shoved my hands into an ordinary denim jacket. Flicking up my black sunglasses now and then for a better view of her expressions, she caught my glance. Caught in the act, I only shrugged and looked around. She knew we were both looking for the same person. And he was late.
The flight had been right on time. And in the bustle of people departing with bags and being joined by loved ones, in the midst of hugs, kisses, and excited conversation, she looked somewhat out of place.
We both scanned the same crowds, even past the closest gates, looking for something, anything- a nervous, but excited man looking for the love of his life.
What would he look like?
It was Bob who tapped me on the shoulder. "Am I late?" he asked, strolling up behind me, making me jump. My heart was thumping wildly, and I wondered for a moment why he was here instead of there by her.
"I would have figured you'd be here," he said, with a wink. "Always one step ahead of us all."
I smiled, but my thoughts were anxious. "Go to her," I thought to myself. My thoughts trembled with nervousness in my head.
"Are you ready?" I finally asked.
"I've been waiting my whole life for this moment," he said.
Then I saw that glance. That one glance between two loved ones, with a longing that went along with being separated for so long.
