We drove.
And then we drove some more. Love seemed like two yellow lines on an infinite road to happiness. To a place where being settled and comfortable seemed just one too many mile markers away. Being in a long distance relationship is tough. He says we shouldn’t focus on the fact that it’s tough, because it really doesn’t help the situation.
I know he’s right, but it doesn’t lessen the blow when I make coffee for one in the morning. I desire to hear his laugh, run my hands through his hair, and see into the depths of his ocean-blue eyes.
Couples often take for granted the fact that they are in each other’s presence. It seems that we have learned this lesson the hard way, and must settle for a more stable relationship with the highway. All of that gas money could buy me a new pair of Christian Louboutins for fall. But don’t worry… I’m not bitter. The moment he reaches out his arms and I can slide into the perfect nook in his chest is priceless. I mutter, “I go in there” as I point to the familiar spot and wait for his embrace. Weekends are a Technicolor dream full of bliss and dread as we both foolishly run from Sunday evenings and a return to our respective homes.
Suddenly the word “goodbye” has become the thorniest entity in our garden of love. Instead we resort to the cliché, but promising “see you later.”
Most of the time, one of us has to drive the entire distance to our partner. Our weekly trek from Nashville to Atlanta can make even the most extensive iTunes library seem redundant. However, I admire our tenacity and level of commitment. This past weekend we met in the middle. I suppose its poetic. After work we met halfway for a night, just so we could share coffee in the morning.
When it was time to wake from our dream, he brushed my tears aside, and said “It won’t be long. I love you.” I can still feel the warm sensation of his lips on my forehead. I drove away knowing we would both drive to the moon and back for the other person, even if we knew Sunday evening was chasing us.
My other half and I are realizing that sometimes you just have to meet in the middle. Love can be about compromise and sacrifice. In any case, I know I’m so lucky to have such an amazing man. He makes my life brighter every day, he lights up my soul, awakens my heart, and inspires so many smiles. So … we drove. And I suppose we’ll continue to drive. For now, at least…
-Lauren Rollins
(Source: memoir.jasonotoole.com)
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