FIVE HOURS FROM PARADISE

A LOVE STORY

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There may be a time in your life when something happens to you that touches your heart like nothing else has ever done before. This would be something so wonderful, that it makes you feel beautiful inside and out. It would be something so romantic, that it affects every part of your mind and body.

It was like the most romantic of romance novels, a once in a lifetime experience. It could never be duplicated as much as she wanted to re-live it over and over again. Many years have passed since then and she can still recall every look, every touch, every detail of the most romantic moment in her life. Those few moments in a lifetime, and a perfect stranger that would live in her memory forever.

She had just completed seven wonderful days of vacation in Hawaii. One of her friends had vacationed in Hawaii years before, and this trip had certainly lived up to the descriptions given to her, of the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean against the majestic green of Diamond Head, the tall dazzling waterfalls and brilliantly colored rainbows that appeared daily stretched across miles and miles of sea. This trip was the culmination of a painful and confusing time in her life. She hoped that the change in scenery would help renew her spirit. Susan, her best friend for 10 years, happily accepted the invitation to keep her company on this trip while she sorted out the rest of her life. The week went by quickly, filled with long walks on the beach, sightseeing, snorkeling and basking in the glorious Hawaiian sunshine.

Packing for the return trip, she felt much more at ease with herself. Her spirits were lifted. She only felt sad at leaving the peace of mind she had found there. Now she had to face the cold New England weather awaiting her return. She braced herself for the long flight home as she stepped over the threshold and onto the huge jet that would bring her to Los Angeles, the first layover, five hours later. She didn't know that the memory of those five hours would remain in her heart and mind for many years to come.

He was the last passenger to board the plane. She watched as he made his way towards her down the long narrow aisle. Somehow she anticipated that he would occupy the empty seat beside her, the minute she saw him, even though other seats remained unoccupied. He stopped at her row just as she had imagined, and placed a small bag in the overhead compartment. His briefcase went under the seat in front of the empty seat beside her. He was tall with light brown wavy hair, a little longer than she generally found attractive in a man. His eyes were dark, they drew her in like a magnet. She thought he might be about the same age as she was in his early 30's. He had high cheekbones and a shadow of a beard on his tan face. His lips were full and looked very soft. She was fascinated with his looks. He wore tight black jeans with a matching jeans jacket. There was a black felt hat on his head. He wore black boots on his feet. Around his neck were three different lengths of sterling silver chains. He had a silver bracelet and a black leather band with silver studs on one wrist, a watch on the other. His clothes and his features suited him very well. She stared at him with great interest. Then his eyes met hers. He tipped his hat and said, " Hello Ladies." as he lowered himself into the seat beside her. She was so captivated, she had forgotten about her friend Susan on her other side. Together they returned his greeting.

There was silence for awhile as the huge plane moved onto the runway and lifted itself effortlessly into the afternoon sky, leaving paradise in it's wake. She turned to Susan. Breaking the silence, she joked about the lack of leg room and the airplane being more suited for sardines than for people. She heard him laugh beside her and turned her attention back to him, his smile charming her. He agreed with her about the cramped conditions on the plane, then asked her about their vacation. She told him how much they had enjoyed it. He revealed that he was in Hawaii on one of many frequent visits for business reasons. After a brief discussion about her vacation, he settled in and relaxed a bit. She tried to strike up another conversation with Susan, but her mind kept wandering to her right where he studied some papers. When Susan said she was going to close her eyes and nap for awhile, she turned her full attention back to the stranger, and began a conversation about the sights in Hawaii.

Fifteen minutes into the flight, they were served a light snack. She ordered a coke, and asked him if he would like her peanuts. He smiled and thanked her as he took them. When the empty cups were collected, the lights went down, and most of the passengers settled in to rest. She had a small pillow and adjusted it comfortably behind her neck, hoping to sleep despite the cramped space, and her thoughts about the man beside her. Moments later she opened her eyes and looked at her watch. It was then that she realized she had fallen asleep. She also realized that her pillow had slipped down and she had been resting her head, mostly on the shoulder of the man beside her.

" I must have fallen asleep, " she said, " I didn't realize I was using you for a pillow."

He laughed softly. "That's all right, you can use my shoulder for a pillow anytime." He said.

She replied. " Well if I share your shoulder, I quess you can feel free use the other half of my pillow."

"I might take you up on that later. " He winked, as he teased her back.

She didn't think of herself as much of a flirt, especially with a total stranger, but somehow flirting came easily. She regained her senses, re-adjusted her pillow and laid her head down, not on his shoulder as he'd offered , but not far away. Sleep did not come as easily this time as thoughts of him filled her brain. She warned herself to stop thinking about him, and get the sleep she needed. Slowly she drifted off to sleep. She became aware, as she woke up again, that his arm was touching hers on the armrest between them. She looked up and found he was already looking at her. He smiled as their eyes met. She enjoyed the touch of his smile as much as the touch of his arm beside hers. He asked her if she would be more comfortable with the armrest up, but the more reasonable of the conflicting feelings inside her told her that the armrest should remain where it was, safely between them. "I'm ok." She said, declining his offer.

He reached forward to get his briefcase from under the seat in front of him. He placed it on his lap. She watched as he opened it and took out a small cassette player. He returned the briefcase, put on the headset and settled back. He closed his eyes, allowing her to stare at him easily. She could hear the music softly in her own ears. She thought. How fascinating and handsome he is. He must have sensed her eyes on him, or was he reading her thoughts... He opened his eyes. Quickly she looked away as if some one or some thing had caught her attention beyond him. From the corner of her eye, she saw him close his eyes again and brought her attention straight back to his handsome face. He had a smile on his lips. Suddenly he opened his eyes and looked directly into hers. Caught again; this time she didn't look away. His eyes held hers for what seemed an eternity, as time stood still. Catching her breath, she smiled at him and knew inside that he felt the same attraction for her. Not a word was spoken. They lay there beside each other in their seats, his head back, headset on, her head against her pillow .Their eyes were looking intently in to each other. Their lips locked into a smile. After a while, she closed her eyes contentedly and fell asleep.

When she woke up a short time later, she became immediately aware of his closeness..... He was using the other half of her pillow.

Strange feelings stirred inside her. She couldn't help feeling attracted to him. She felt him move beside her. A shudder went through her as she felt the warmth of his hand, touching her own, his fingers slowly closing over hers . Confusing thoughts raced through her mind. His touch was magnetic, but what should she do? She thought of moving her hand, but something inside her would not allow her to do so. She gently squeezed his fingers instead. They looked to each other again and smiled.

"Hmmm...... I must have gotten the wrong seat." The voice and laughter beside her brought her back to reality. Susan sat up beside her. An understanding look came between them. "Eat your heart out." She teased back. Susan smiled then turned away and went back to sleep.

Looking back to the stranger beside her, she noticed that he had lifted the armrest between them. He lifted his arm. Surprising herself, she sank easily into the warm space between his chest and shoulders. His arm closed around her. She gave in to the arguments in her mind and enjoyed the warmth of his body against her and rested there.

Some time later he stirred. Thinking him uncomfortable she sat up to allow him his freedom. He reached to her instead, putting his hands on her shoulders. He turned her body towards him so that she faced him across his lap. He took the pillow and put it under her head against his chest supporting her there with his arm. She saw the now familiar smile on his lips as he placed his other arm around her side, put his hand on her back and pulled her firmly to him. There were no words or protests to her position against him. She liked it there and felt she could remain there forever. He was staring at her face as she was so close to his own. Her body tingled. She was sure that many silent questions were in his mind. Just as there was in hers.

She watched him as he brought his fingers to his lips. He kissed them and placed them onto hers. Her heart skipped a beat as excitement filled her. She savored the feel of his fingers on her lips as he traced their outline. She placed a soft kiss on his fingertips. He brought them back to his own lips and held them there, receiving her kiss as she had his. He caressed her cheek. His hand then slowly ventured to the side of her face, tracing the shape of her ear. It found its way down to the back of her neck, where he spread his fingers and gently drew them through her hair at the back of her head. He held her firmly there, looking into her eyes. She thought she would melt as the excitement between them intensified. His hand moved back to her cheek then slowly down the front of her neck to the top of her chest. She looked towards his hand as it rested there, then up to his face, as seconds passed. He sensed her thoughts, smiled, then moved his hands back to her cheek. She was grateful that the moment would not be spoiled. He lifted her body higher so that her face would meet his. Bending towards her he placed his soft lips over her own. For a long moment they enjoyed the sweet taste of each others kiss. She felt disappointed when that magic moment ended as their lips parted. It felt like she had never been kissed before that very moment, like she was under a spell. She didn't want it to end.

"You are so beautiful." He whispered. He pulled her close, in her ear she heard him say, "SO Beautiful". She couldn't speak. They held each other. She could hear and feel the pounding of their hearts. His words thrilled her. She could feel his excitement. Her own body tingled as passion filled her for the man who held her so closely. He kissed her again. Her heart and her stomach leaped with his kiss. It was at that moment, that she realized that the plane had also intensified that feeling.... it was lowering altitude.

Like Cinderella at midnight, she hated that it had to end. Soon they would be going their separate ways. Los Angeles was his home, and he would be leaving her there. He also felt the change in altitude. She could see the disappointment in his face. Five hours had gone by so quickly. The other passengers were beginning to stir. They were only slightly aware of all that was going on around them. Neither made the first attempt to move. They stared at each other delaying the inevitable as long as possible.

He kissed her once more. "This was the most enjoyable flight I've ever had." He told her. She agreed. He repeated, "You are so beautiful." She found an answer this time. "You make me feel beautiful." She told him. He hugged her again until reality hit them once more. The fasten seatbelt sign came on.

Just a few more minutes with him, she thought. I just don't want this to end. He must have read her mind. He held her chin in his hand and looked at her. She knew he felt the same. He brushed her lips sweetly with his.

" We'll have to get over this ". He said. She knew he was right, but she didn't want to get over it yet. He pulled her towards him and held her for a few quiet moments. The stewardess came by and asked that the armrest be put down and seatbelts fastened. Reluctantly and against their will, they parted. The intensity receded, but the warmth remained glowing in them both.

Recovering, she teased him. " Do you do this often? "

He laughed, and shook his head. "No. Do you? "

"No, but I'd like to kidnap you and take you home with me." She told him.

A serious look came across his face. He said. " It's strange, we live on opposite sides of the country, we meet, share a wonderful moment, together, then part, forever. "

" This has been so special, I will never forget it." She told him.

"Neither will I , I have stared at your beautiful face for five hours, I could never forget it." He replied.

"I cannot forget your face either, If we meet again someday, I know we will remember each other." I said.

"Maybe we will meet again someday." He said.

She thought a minute and said. " I don't even know your name." There was a long silence as he looked into her eyes, not knowing what to say. " We aren't going to tell each other our names. Are We? " she said. " No he replied, "Do we need to"?

"No". They agreed that the memories they would have of each other would be enough. He leaned to her across the armrest and kissed her forehead. She felt a tear in her eyes. He put his arms around her then pulled her towards him across the armrest, and held her there. They both wanted time to stand still, but just as the clock struck midnight for Cinderella, the plane began its final approach. They sat back in their seats again, wishing they were still in each others arms. There she was beside him, their seat belts fastened, and their eyes were fastened to each other. They kissed again and again as the plane came closer to the ground. Their hearts pounded against each other as the plane pounded against the runway, and taxied to the gate.

Passengers began exiting steadily off the plane. Eventually they became aware that it was time to go. The spell broken, they joined Susan who had been standing beside them barely noticed, and reluctantly made their way off the plane .

In the narrow hallway between the plane and the rest of their lives, she turned to look at him to make sure he was real, and to feel the magic of their excitement once again. Slowing their pace, Susan and the few remaining passengers behind them, passed them by. Susan touched her arm in understanding as she moved along and into the terminal to wait. He put his arm on hers, and stopped her there in the jet way. He put down his bag, and his briefcase, placed both hands on her shoulders and turned her towards him. She wanted to speak, but couldn't. A few tears slowly made their way down her cheek. She wanted him to ask her to stay, but she knew he couldn't and she wouldn't.

"Have a wonderful life". It was barely a whisper. "You too." He said, then pulled her toward him. " I won't forget you. " He told her. He held her tightly as his lips pressed against her for one last kiss goodbye.

Reluctantly, he pulled away, bent to pick up his bag and briefcase, and walked slowly and silently beside her towards the entrance of the terminal. She slowed her step just before the entrance to the terminal, then stopped. She wished she could turn back the clock for awhile. He continued to walk on a few moments, then turned towards her to smile and wave goodbye. She lifted her arm to wave, then brushed away the tears from her cheeks. He turned from her and disappeared into the terminal. She stood there alone on the jet way caught her breath and watched a beautiful stranger walk out of her life....

Many years have passed since then. Her life has changed in so many ways and she is happy. She thinks of him, from time to time, and wonders if he remembers still.