Little Moments

by Madison Street

  Tom stands tall. “She is here because I asked her to come. I think she will do a great job in making you push yourself harder and regain that confidence back.”

  He looks away from me. “I don’t want her here.”

  Tom stands his ground. “Well, it’s not your decision. Now Melanie, stand over here at the end and you can coach Roman.”

  Roman refuses. “There is no way I’m doing this with her here.” He gazes deep into my eyes. “I don’t want you here. Please leave. Now.”

  I shake my head. “Nope, I’m staying. Now, stop being a baby and listen to Tom.”

  His voice growls, “I am not being a baby! All you’re doing is making me angry. Please leave.”

  I take a peek at Tom. “Tom, could you please give us a minute alone?”

  He sighs and takes a few steps back. “Sure, I’ll give you a few minutes.”

  He exits the room, leaving Roman and I alone to hash things out. I start first.

  “Look, I don’t understand what your problem is, but people are here to help you. Stop being a dick and just accept it. You need help. You cannot do this on your own.”

  He growls back, “I know I need help, but I don’t want your help. All you are is a distraction. Besides, don’t you have better things to do than to be here?”

  I scoff. “A distraction? And do what things? Today’s my day off and I’m here. So what is it then?”

  He grunts, “You won’t understand.”

  Closing my eyes, I let out a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for the pep talk. “Yes, you’re right. I don’t completely understand what you’re going through, but you are sabotaging yourself. You have people here that care for you and genuinely want to see you improve. I know that losing your career fucked up your life big time, but sooner or later, you’re going to have to move on. You’re still so young. I’m sure there are other passions you have that you could pursue. Please stop playing the victim. You are a hero! For once, act like one. Be strong, courageous, and confident. Stop wallowing in your own defeat, because all it’s doing is stalling your recovery. Nothing will change unless you make it happen. Nothing will get better unless you strive for it to change. Don’t you see? You’re the key to making your life worth living again. You could have died! And now, you’re just throwing away your second chance. Don’t do that. Don’t mess it up. If you do, you’ll regret it.”

  He stares with a look of dismay as I talk. My eyes look up and descend upon the scar on his face. It’s no longer red but it’s visibly noticeable, covering the distance between the corner of his eye and his lower cheek. Reaching up to touch it softly, he flinches as I lay my hand on it.

  Looking deep into his big brown eyes, my heart begins to beat harder in my chest. My fingers brush the side of his face, feeling the crevices of his tight skin. Goosebumps travel all over my arms, causing the hairs to stand up.

  He glances away from me, looking toward the ground. His mouth opens slowly as he whispers low, “Melanie I…I’m scared.”

  Lifting his chin with my free hand, I force him to look at me. As we stare at each other, I give him a warm smile and whisper softly, “Roman, you have to start believing in yourself. You need to dig deep inside and see yourself as everyone else sees you.”

  With my hand still on his face, caressing his cheek, he steps closer and wraps his hand around mine. “And how do you see me?”

  With a little tenderness, I whisper, “You are remarkable.”

  A huge smile beams across his face as I see a sparkle flash in his eyes. “You said my name.”

  I slide my hand off his face, but he continues to keep hold it of it. “What do you mean I said your name?”

  He chuckles. “That was the first time you’ve said my name out loud.”

  Astonished by his remark, I protest, “No it’s not. I’m sure I’ve said it before, especially when you were admitted in the ICU.”

  He shakes his head no. “No, never. In all the time you came to my room, you never said it.”

  I’m stunned by his statement. “I…I never realized. I don’t know what to say. I’m speechless.”

  His hand presses against mine as his look intensifies. “Now that I’ve heard your beautiful voice say it, I don’t ever want you to stop saying my name.”

  At that exact moment, Tom walks through the door, startling us from our trance as I unlock my hand from Roman’s. Tom walks toward us with a gleam of hope. “So, all ready to start up again or you two still battling it out?”

  Before I can answer, Roman chimes in, “No, I’m ready.”

  Tom claps and walks up to Roman, steadying him at the bar. “Now, you still want her to leave?”

  As I step away, giving them room, Roman smirks at me. “She stays.”

  Melanie

  FOR THE NEXT few sessions, I continue to watch as Roman progresses with Tom. I’ve seen a change in him and it’s starting to reflect in his attitude. His confidence level has greatly increased and his temper has gotten more under control. With each new session that rolls on by, his body is starting to regain its strength. It’s not happening overnight, but I’m noticing subtle changes.

  His legs are lifting higher off the ground, his core is strengthening, and his balance is steadier. Tom hasn’t needed me to assist anymore. He just prefers that I stand by and watch, but deep down, I know I’m there for Roman. Every single time he sees me he greets me with a smile. That smile of his melts my heart and causes my breathing to become erratic. I can’t help but feel drawn to him. It’s this force that keeps pulling me toward him and I’m not going to fight it.

  Today, I decide to sit outside in the waiting area while Roman and Tom work in the back. I figure I’ll give them a little privacy this time around. Besides, Roman does need to concentrate and I wouldn’t want to be his distraction.

  Sitting at the waiting area, I grab a book out of my bag and begin reading the next chapter. Engrossed in the material, I lose track of time and don’t even notice Roman staring at me until he clears his throat.

  Startled from my book, I yelp. “Goodness, you scared me.”

  He wheels himself toward me. “What are you reading?”

  I hand him the novel. “It’s my favorite book. I’ve read it so many times, I’ve lost count.”

  He glances at the cover and back at me. “Pride and Prejudice?” He shrugs. “Never heard of it.”

  I scoff. “What? How have you never heard of this book? Jane Austen? Emma? Sense and Sensibility? Mr. Darcy? Anything ring a bell?”

  He gives an apologizing look. “Sorry, drawing a blank.”

  I snatch the book out of his hand. “I can’t believe this. You do not have the right to hold this until you read at least one book of hers.”

  “How about you read it to me?”

  I chuckle. “You want me to read to you? What are you, three years old?”

  He pleads, “Come on, you know I hate reading. Why can’t you read it?”

  “Well, I guess I could, but I’ll have to start from the beginning so you can understand what’s going on.”

  He raises his palm. “Wait, what’s it about anyway?”

  “It’s the story of a poor farmer’s daughter and the new neighbor that moves in next door. The daughter sees the handsome Mr. Darcy as a rich snob and loathes him. But, in the end, she realizes that her prejudice has caused her to be blind to truly seeing what an amazing man he is. It’s such a beautiful love story and god, I have the hots for Mr. Darcy. I mean like bad.”

  He laughs. “You have the hots for a fictional character?”

  I scoff. “Don’t judge. It happens. Trust me.”

  He nods. “So, my competition is a book. Duly noted.”

  Stunned by his statement, I glance away, embarrassed. My cheeks immediately heat as I feel my cheeks blush and rise in temperature. Shit, I must be beet red.

  The soft brush of his fingers glides along the bottom of my chin as he lifts it, begging me to look in his eyes. His face is warm and comforting.


  Clearing his throat, he swallows loud. “Melanie, I…I want to tell you some—”

  Just as he’s about to say the words, Mrs. Zeppieri waltzes in the door and greets me with welcoming arms. “Hi Melanie, great to see you again!”

  She pulls me into a hug and presses a kiss on my cheek.

  “I’m happy to see you too Mrs. Zeppieri. Did you finish Christmas shopping?”

  She snickers. “How many times do I have to tell you? Please call me Maggie. And yes, I’m finally finished. Oh, you’re still coming on Saturday, right?”

  Shit, Christmas dinner. I completely forgot about it and now that she mentions it, I’m hesitant about attending. I’m not sure how I feel about Roman at this point and being around him might not be a good idea right now.

  Roman glances at Maggie. “Wait, what’s going on?”

  “I invited Melanie to Christmas Eve dinner on Saturday.”

  His face fills with astonishment. “When was this?”

  She shrugs. “Oh, a few weeks ago.”

  I interrupt, “Look, Mrs. Zepp—I mean Maggie, I’m not sure I’ll be able to make it.”

  She refuses to hear it. “Please dear, I would love if you could come by. It doesn’t have to be an all night event for you. Even an hour or two would be fine. Vin and I would love to see you there.”

  Eyeballing her and Roman, I admit defeat and confirm that I’ll be there. She pulls me into another hug, this time squeezing as tight as she can. Roman smiles in the background as she squeezes.

  She writes the address on a slip of paper and hands it to me. “Here is the address. You can swing by anytime. We’ll be home all day. Okay?”

  I nod. “Yes, ma’am. I will be there.”

  “Excellent!”

  ******

  “Gia, I don’t think I can handle this. I am a nervous wreck.” I’m spilling my guts out to her over the phone as my legs profusely shake during the cab ride.

  Her loud voice blasts through the cell phone, “Just relax! Breathe Melanie. You are stressing way too much over this.”

  “What am I supposed to do there? I hardly know these people.”

  “That’s not true and you know that. Stop second-guessing yourself. Just remember everything I told you. Or did you forget already?”

  Thinking back to our conversation last night, I remember she told me to just be myself and have fun, to be honest and respectful, but not boring either. And also to remember to bring some wine.

  Clutching the wine bottle in my hand, my lungs inhale and exhale as I try to calm my nerves. As the cab driver approaches the destination, the pounding heart in my chest beats stronger each minute. Snowflakes fall from the grey sky so elegantly, powdering the streets and sidewalks. Children play in the snow, making snow angels on top of parked cars.

  The driver slows the cab to a halt, pulling alongside the curb in the quaint Italian neighborhood. I peek out the window and my eyes land upon a three-story house with a lovely porch. The home’s siding is coated with a light pastel green paint and white trim. Christmas lights span across the roof where Santa Claus and his reindeer are parked by the chimney.

  Smiling at the view, I whisper into the phone. “I’m here Gia and the house is so adorable. It has a porch. I love porches! Great reading spot.”

  Her laugh echoes. “You see? You can read to Roman on the porch then.”

  I stare at the house as nerves shoot all over my body. “No, I can’t do that. Oh god, I’m so nervous, I think I’m going to be sick.”

  “I knew I should have given you my Prozac.”

  Shaking my head at her response, I say goodbye and wish her a merry Christmas. Just before I hang up, she begs me to call her as soon as I get home to give her all the details. Paying the cab driver his fee, I hoist the wine bottle and grab my purse.

  Stepping onto the sidewalk, I’m extra cautious not to slip or slide on the newly fallen snow. I make my way toward the steps and see the small wooden ramp positioned on the outside corner.

  Taking one step at a time, my breathing escalates as the front door gets closer and closer. Swallowing hard, I flex my hands, releasing the stress and tension. Relax. Forcing myself to be brave and just suck it up, my finger presses against the doorbell and a second later, the chime rings throughout the house.

  Tightening my grip around the wine bottle, I close my eyes for a quick moment of meditation and breathe slowly. The faint sound of approaching footsteps sounds from the other side of the door. Opening my eyes, I plaster a smile on my face, ready to take charge and enjoy my time with Roman and his family. The locks on the door click and unlock, and as the door is pulled open, Maggie’s eyes beam with joy.

  “You made it! Welcome. Please come in.”

  Stepping aside, she welcomes me inside and pulls me into a hug. After our embrace, she shuts the door behind me and offers to take my coat.

  I hand her the wine bottle. “Here, I brought this. I hope you like it.”

  As she inspects the bottle, a slight ounce of hesitation irks me. Ah hell, she hates it. But then a smile curves along her face and she thanks me for the wonderful gift.

  Leading me inside, we step through the foyer. “Come dear. Let’s go to the living room and get warmed up. Vin has the fireplace going.”

  Just as we enter the living room, she calls upstairs to tell Roman’s uncle that I’ve arrived. Glancing around the living room, I take in the splendor of the modern yet classical décor. The hardwood floors reflect the light from the Christmas tree. The crackling fire heats up the room, sending a burst of warmth through my body. A brown leather sectional fills the space along with a glass coffee table in the center of the room.

  Footsteps barrel down the stairs and seconds later Uncle Vinny comes waltzing into the living room, waving at me. “Hello Melanie, thank you for coming.”

  I return his gesture with a smile. “Thank you for inviting me.”

  Taking a seat on the sofa, I glance around for Roman but don’t see him. Maggie notices my curiosity and giggles. “He’s in his room still getting ready. He didn’t want any help. He’ll be out in a minute.”

  Embarrassed, my cheeks heat and immediately flush. “Oh I just wanted—”

  She nods. “I understand. So, tell me, how’s work in the ICU going?”

  “Well, it’s hard work, I’ll tell you that. Lately, it’s been a little calm, not too many patients. Some of the patients we had have been transferred out of ICU so it’s always rewarding to know that I’ve helped someone recover.”

  The two of them listen with open ears as I describe life as a nurse. Their eyes shine with awe and approval. The sound of a swinging door distracts me from my story as I peek toward the hallway. The rolling sounds of Roman’s wheelchair grows louder as he makes his way into the living room. My eyes follow him as he wheels inside looking deviously handsome in a red polo collared shirt, jeans, and a pair of black Nike sneakers.

  I rise off of the sofa, standing still as he approaches. Not sure how to greet him, I extend my hand, signaling for a handshake. He chuckles and gestures at Uncle Vinny to help him. Uncle Vinny stands next to the wheelchair, grabbing Roman’s arms to lift him off the seat as Roman struggles to stand. I watch with admiration as Roman steadies his balance and Uncle Vinny releases his hold.

  The pounding in my chest beats faster as butterflies flutter and glide across my stomach. My eyes get lost in his as I stare deep into his soul. I smirk, noticing his new haircut, loving his choice of style. His hand reaches out, entwining our fingers together. His body leans into mine as his arm wraps around me. The scent of him infuses my nostrils as his body heat radiates, warming mine to a calming temperature. As our bodies press, I sense his beating heart pound against my chest. We embrace each other, not caring who’s in the living room with us. To me, we are all alone.

  Letting go, his eyes scan up and down as his lips curve into a smirk. He leans in closer to whisper, “You look beautiful.”

  My cheeks flush instantly at his reaction
. I’m only wearing a black dress, nothing fancy. Swallowing hard, I muster up a quiet “thank you” and step away, not wanting to get any more riled up. He senses my embarrassment and slowly retreats back into his seat, not taking his eyes off of me.

  I’ve been here five minutes and I’m already about to melt from his intense gaze. Damn, I need a drink right now or I’m going to lose it.

  Clearing my throat, I speak up and glance at Maggie. “How bout that wine?”

  Roman

  THE GORGEOUS WOMAN standing in front of me knocks the air out of my lungs just by looking at me. Her beauty is strikingly extraordinary. She’s so gorgeous, and what’s even better is that she doesn’t even realize it. She doesn’t need the makeup or the sexy clothing; all she needs is that natural look of wonder in her eyes. It’s the eyes that send chills all over my body. When I’m around her, I have to try so hard to control myself, and more often than not, I find myself struggling to remain in control.

  I’ve always felt that pull toward her, ever since that day in the bakery over ten years ago. It drew me in and never let go. Even after all these years, she’s still the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen. Yes, her body is perfectly shaped and slender, but the best part of her is her heart. Her genuine sense of wanting to help others is what made me fall for her. Her personality is the best quality she has. It’s what makes her beautiful in my eyes, because without that personality, I would not be here, staring into her eyes. I’d probably be in some mental hospital somewhere after being locked up for psychiatric help.

  Five days ago I was at the lowest point in my life. My career as a firefighter was over. I couldn’t walk and my face is permanently disfigured. After that, I basically said ‘fuck it’ and didn’t give a shit anymore. Who cared what happened in physical therapy? I was sure it wouldn’t amount to anything anyway. I’d never get back into the same shape that I was before the collapse. I wasn’t the same man anymore. That man died in the fire and the man who lived was just a shadow wallowing in despair.

  Everything changed the day she came to see me during my therapy session. Life had fucked me over and I didn’t give a rat’s ass about myself, but seeing her there, watching me fail infuriated me. I didn’t want to falter in front of her. I wanted to be good enough. I wanted to matter.