"Just Once"

Never before conceived; never desired and never done. Not by her. 

And she felt inexperienced. She was new to this. 

There weren’t many areas in her life where that could be claimed. She’d done pretty much everything that held her interest. She'd done a lot.

Whose idea had it been?

"Just once."

Spending only twenty-four hours with someone you’d “met” but not really “met” yet really needed to meet. Someone whom you felt you knew but didn’t because you'd never laid eyes on them before which is important in knowing, isn't it? 

The clock's pace seemed more rapid than normal, exceptionally so. What felt like only minutes, even seconds was hours. They sensed immediacy in every moment as time quickly ticked.

She said she’d always hated them, goodbyes. Possibly him too, yet he seemed okay and that’s exactly what she needed. 

They chose a quiet park for a last walk and the air felt wonderful; so fresh and exhilarating. What caused the goose bumps on their flesh; the slight chill or proximity of the other? Something passed between them, constantly; feeling equal parts magnetic and electric with an unimaginable, almost painful intensity. 

Arms encircling each other tightly, they alternated radiant hugs and shared heartbeats with long thorough gazes. Both trying to memorize and imprint every line, angle, lash, tooth, iris, freckle, bone, curve, muscle. Heartbeat. 

When their departure was imminent, her eyes brimmed and a solitary drop spilled. He quickly caught it with his lips just as it passed her cheekbone.

Agreeing to only one glance back and a wave, they smiled the biggest smiles they could knowing they’d both be okay. With that, they separated walking backwards for a few moments noticing no one else on the street. Spinning, she blew him a kiss and never turned around again. 

This never happened. And yet, maybe it did, only in their entirely separate minds. It couldn’t have happened any other way. 

Trifecta Writing Challenge: 33 to 333 words
NEW (adjective)

1: having recently come into existence

2 a (1) : having been seen, used, or known for a short time (2) : unfamiliar 

     b : being other than the former or old

3: having been in a relationship or condition but a short time <new to the job> <a new wife>