First Snowfall

              

First Snowfall

by

 Ellie Mack

 It was the first snowfall of the year.   Alex gyrated on the dance floor, moving rhythmically, naturally, to the tempo.  It helped ease the strain the last few weeks had given her and offered a brief respite before going into finals week.  When the first set finished, she moved to the bar, ordering a Long Island. 

She sat sipping her drink, taking in her surroundings for the first time since arriving with her friends. She spotted two of the girls across the room flirting with some cute guys.  She searched for Paula, but didn’t find her roommate .  A man had moved close to her, practically touching her as he ordered  for himself and another round for her. 

“That chemistry test get to you too?  It was a bear for me.”  He tossed out there before taking a sip of his beer.

“She graciously accepted her drink, twirling the straw. “Thanks. It was tough, and I spent a lot of time studying. So very glad that it's  over.  Now to gear up for the comp final.”

They conversed about the class, about other classes they had and tests and term papers due. “What’s your major?”  He asked draining his bottle.

“Microbiology. Yours?”  Alex took a sip and realized she didn’t even know his name.  She’d sat in class with him for a full semester.  He sat just to her left, and smiled at her every day of class. 

“Computer Science”  He turned, looking back towards the dance floor then nervously asked her.  “Hey, you want to get out of here? Take a walk with me?”

“Sure,  it’s a bit stuffy in here anyway.  Just let me text my friends,  ummmm. “  She chewed her lip nervously trying to cover that she didn’t know his name. “I’m having a lapse,  I’m sorry what is your name?”   

“Dave” 

She blushed.  “ I knew that, was just temporarily forgetful.”  She typed it into her text.  “Sorry about that.  You still want me to walk with you?”

He made a light hearted chuckle.  “Of course.  Might give me an opportunity so you’ll not forget my name again.”  He took her hand squeezing it lightly as he led her towards the door. 

They stepped out into the chilled night air, snowflakes instantly covering their heads and shoulders.

She gasped, “Snow!” 

He looked down, it had already covered the ground about two inches. “Guess it’s a good thing we’re leaving now. “ 

“Wow!  I didn’t think it was supposed to snow. “  She twirled in the falling flakes, grinning from ear to ear. 

Dave reached for her hand, as they walked at a relaxed pace back to the campus housing.  “What dorm are you in?”

“I’m in Landon house, second floor.  What about you?”  He seemed so quiet, and reserved.  Alex wondered if he would even try to kiss her.  She wanted him to kiss her, she wanted his arms wrapped around her.  She had only had two dates since arriving on campus fourteen weeks ago, and both were disastrous. She’d glanced at Dave many times in class wondering if he had a girlfriend.

“I’m in McClain quarter, right by Landon.”  He grinned at her. “Just right across the courtyard from you.”

She blushed thinking about all the times she had stared out the window into the courtyard, watching the guys play football.  Watching them play soccer, or just tossing a Frisbee.  She had watched Dave with his friends on more than one occasion. 

As they started up the hill at the edge of campus Alex lost her footing.  The snow packed just enough to make it slick and prevent good traction.  She slid, pulling Dave down with her.  He landed on top of her  with a thud. 

“Oh I’m sorry!  Didn’t mean to fall on you.”   He tried to get up and slipped again.”

She giggled, “Actually my fault.  If I hadn’t pulled you down with me, you’d still be fine.”

Dave grinned.  “Well, as long as I have you pinned here, there’s something I’ve been wanting to do all semester.”  He bent his mouth over hers and kissed her softly. His lips barely making contact with  hers, then pressing firmer until she opened slightly to him.

All the inner fireworks were going off for her.  She hoped that he felt it too. “Mmmm.  I’ve never been kissed so thoroughly. “

They gazed into each other’s eyes for a few moments before she pulled his head back down to hers. 

He groaned, pressing into her.

She giggled, breaking the kiss.  “Race you back to the car. “  She wriggled out from under him and took off at a sprint, laughing. 

He groaned again, as he raced after her.  He caught her just before she reached the car,  grabbing her coat and spinning her.  Both slid together until he had her pinned against the car door.  He pressed into her kissing her deeply.  “Happy Anniversary darling.“  He kissed her deeper, could barely tear away from her.   “Let’s go home baby.  I love re-enacting our first date, but damn you make me hot.” 

His mouth claimed hers as she mewled into him. 

Every year, they re-enacted their first date.  It hadn’t even really been a date.  This was the first year since then that it had been snowing.  Alex beamed as she climbed into the car gazing out the window.  The first snowfall would always be her favorite.   She leaned over and kissed his cheek as he started the car. “Happy Anniversary Honey.”