While Dolphins Dance
       
       
             Lily was walking on the beach at sunset, wishing for things to be different. She had wished for the same thing for so long , she had really given up hope. But, she couldn't help wishing, even if her hope was gone.
        Where exactly had her life turned so wrong? She wasn't sure, but she thought she could narrow it down.
             She thought back to four years earlier, to Victor.
        He had been her best friend for years. Through high school, and after. They were the best of friends. Eventually, it grew into something else.  But he left for school, when he came back, she was involved with someone else, his name was Allan. But their love was too strong and she ended the relationship. Their bond became even greater, at least, that what he had led her to believe. The summer they spent together was still amazing to her. When she thought of it, her heart would race. The love they would make, The feel of his skin, The way he looked at her. Everything she ever dreamed love was -  came true.
             Victor was the only man she had ever let see into her soul. She was so deeply in love with him, she couldn't see anything else. But then, all too quickly the summer was over. When he went back to school, weeks went by before she heard from him. When she did., he invited her up for a weekend. She went without hesitation. He introduced her to his friends, and his Frat house, and finally to his girlfriend, Laura.
            They weren't "together " anymore but they were still good friends. She hadn't known about her before, Victor had not  mentioned it. But honestly, Lily was so in love, she didn't really worry. They had a wonderful weekend. Went to many places, he showed her all over campus. They made love, over and over. She could never get enough of him. When it was time to leave, he said he was getting his own place and moving out of the dorm. He said he would call.
        He never did.
             Two months went by, she hadn't heard a word.
        She went to her doctor for her usual check up. They took the usual tests, but this time, there was a problem.
            She had taken a pregnancy test, which came out positive, and  a pap test which showed signs of cancer. So there she was, alone and pregnant, and with cervical cancer. The doctor had told her  not to have the child because of the health risks, he couldn't even guarantee the child would make it full term. If She decided to have the child, there was still her health at risk. Because nothing could be done while she was pregnant. She pondered this situation for days.
             Her sister had come to visit and had seen Victor in  a local store the day before, she wasted no time telling Lily all about it. Lily didn't say a word. She was in shock, with everything going on, the last thing she wanted to deal with was Victor.
             Victor called the next day and asked if they could get together. She calmly , and with no emotion at all, said yes. They met at a local restaurant, and had coffee. They did the usual chit chat about their lives.
        He drove her home and finally asked her what it was she wanted to tell him, because he knew her well enough to know that she wanted to tell him something.
             So she told him that Allan, wanted to get back together with her, and she was considering it, even though it wasn't true.
            He said that was very nice, he also was considering going back with Laura. They could just be friends and get on with their  separate lives. Lily agreed.
            But Victor could see there was something else. So He persisted. Finally she told him about being pregnant and the cancer, and what her options were. He was aghast, at the thought of it all. He didn't know what to say, he asked her what she wanted... She didn't know.
             He asked her to marry him, he was the father. He said that he loved her. She turned him down. Said she would handle it. He said he would call. They didn't ever see each other again.
            A few days went by, between the stress and her health, she miscarried the baby. She had never felt so empty in her life. But atleast the decisions were over. She had surgery and scheduled chemotherapy. The problem was taken care of. A few days later Victor called. She told him, she was no longer his concern, she had taken care of everything. She didn't go in to details, she didn't care what he thought. He said he would come back and be with her, she said no. That was the last she had heard from him.
             She had decided somewhere inside herself, since, Victor was the only man who had ever really known her, and apparently, he didn't love her, there must be something wrong with her. Maybe she didn't deserve love. Then, she decided she didn't want it. If this was what love was, She wanted no part of it. She would never give her heart to anyone else ever again. Walking on the beach, watching the sunset and the dolphins dance in the diamond waters. She vowed this to herself. She kept to her word.
             She spent months going out, partying having nothing but fun. Living for just the moment. Seeing lots of different guys, never serious about anyone. Then she met a guy, Jamie, who was as down on love as she was. Being the helping soul she was she tried to make him feel better. They became friends , and then they became more. He had a wild side, a side Lily had never explored before, she liked the danger and the excitement. The sex was great, but the love was never there. It was all fun and games. Lily knew that. She thought Jamie knew it too. But one day, He said "I love you." He was so serious and so sad, she said, " I love you too."
        She didn't mean it. But, what the hell, it's not like no one had ever said it to her without meaning it.
            He asked her to marry him, for a long time she said no, he had a bad temper, which frightened her sometimes, but it was better than being alone. Finally after 2 years, she agreed to marry him. It didn't take long for the real abuse to start.
            He would beat her and call her names, for no reason. Well, he always had a reason, but none that made any sense to Lily. She was sent to the hospital , time and time again. The pain and the scars would never go away. After, over a year of it she left, never looking back...but always wondering why. Why had she  lived that way? What was she thinking? How could she be sure she would never do it again?
             So that was where her life had been, but how to change it back, She didn't know. She wanted to be strong again, the way she used to be. She wanted to believe in love and happiness. She walked to the edge of the water, letting the waves wash over her feet. She listened to the seagulls cry, flying over head.
        She took a deep breath and sat on the edge of the water. Soaking in the sun and the colors of the sky.
        This was where she would begin. This is where she would find herself . She was ready to live. She was ready to love. It had been a long time, but she felt like she was Lily again. She sat there until the sun was long gone, and the sky turned from pink to purple, into a velvet sky of diamonds. There was a cool breeze coming from the water, it gave her a chill. She got up from her spot and wiped off the sand. Turned to go to her car, but as she turned, she saw a figure in the corner of her eye. It was a familiar shape, she turned quickly to focus on the face. There standing behind her , about 10 feet in the dim light she could see , was Victor. 
             He was just standing there, watching her. She didn't know how long he had been there. He didn't say a word. He just stood there.
             Lily  started walking toward him without breaking eye contact, she got  two feet away. Stood there for just a moment, making sure it was him. He looked at her, never taking his eyes away from hers. Then, without even being aware of what she did, slapped him square in the face.
             It took him off guard, and she herself stepped back not knowing the repercussions of her action. He looked at her, and felt his face.
             "Hello, Lily." Victor said.
             "Victor, what are you doing here?" Lily said.
             "I came to find you. I was hoping you were here. This always was your favorite place." Victor said, hoping to make her understand.
             "Well, you found me. What do you want?" Lily said.
        She was still in shock . There was no preparation, for the flood of feelings she was getting. She had no warning. She hadn't felt anything in such a long time, she was trying to maintain composer.
             "Lily, I just want to talk. That's all, catch up . See how you are. I've missed you. You've been on my mind alot lately. I don't know why. I just felt like seeing you again. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you."  Victor could see she was upset. He hadn't planned on this reaction.
            Lily was starting to realize she was out of control. It had been so long. She didn't want to make it harder. Victor was not to blame for the decisions in her life yet, she was wanting him to pay for them. She tried to listen to the words he was saying, but images were flashing in front of her so fast, she couldn't keep up.
             "Victor, I'm sorry. I ...didn't mean to hit you. I don't know why I did.. I'm sorry. You're not upsetting me, really. It's just a surprise seeing you here after all this time. How are you?" She said regaining the  strength to carry on a normal conversation.
             "Missing you, Lily. Can we go somewhere?" Victor said feeling a little better.  He looked at her, She had changed, but not on the outside. She was still as  beautiful as ever. Long blonde hair,  just like he remembered, a tan that would never fade -  as much as she liked the beach. Her eyes were still as blue as they had ever been, but they were sad and scared. She didn't stand the same way as she used to, she was more guarded. He had missed her.
             "Victor, I am just not ready to deal with you.
        What do you want?" Lily felt like her heart was breaking all over again. She didn't want to admit it but , even after all this time, she still loved him.
            "Lily, Look, I know I came out of the blue. But there are things we need to straighten out. I care about you. I just want a little time, couldn't you give me just a little time?" Victor said.
             "Time?, I suppose I can give you that. Where do you want to go?" Lily said, she just wanted to get this over.
             "How about the Beach Bar, we can sit by the beach, and  enjoy the view of the water." Victor said, he still knew her weaknesses, that bothered her.
             "Fine. I'll meet you there." Lily left quickly, she didn't look back. She was afraid it was a dream, she was afraid it was real. She was afraid she would change her mind and just go home.
              She took the long way to the Beach Bar. She needed time to think. What did he want? Straighten what out? Why was she going to put herself through this again? She knew she had to listen, if she didn't she would always wonder. But she decided she wasn't going to get sucked into his games this time. This time she would be strong. She could be strong. If the last 4 years taught her anything, it was that she could survive.... anything.
              Lily got out of her car and walked to the beach bar, it was a small place by the water, it had a beautiful patio that went out almost to the water.
        It had round picnic tables with umbrellas. There sitting
        at one of them was Victor. He waved to her to join him, she did.
              "I thought you'd changed your mind. What took you so long?" Victor said, worried.
             " I took the long way. I had to clear my head. I didn't mean to keep you waiting. " She said not looking at him.
             "Oh, I understand. We have alot to talk about.
        I heard you got married. " Victor said not knowing where to start.
             "Yea, I got married. But then I got divorced. It's a long story and I don't feel like telling it right now."
        Lily said, she was trying to stay in control.
             "That's okay. I wasn't asking to hear the story. I was just wondering that's all. Lily are you okay? You seem so.... I don't know... angry." He didn't understand.
             There was a pause in the conversation she didn't know what to say. She just looked at him, she was still in shock at the sight of his face. She had dreamt of seeing him again. Hoping they could work it all out. That he would explain everything that happened.
        Because she didn't understand it. She spent nights
        in the past trying to figure it out. But here he was sitting there, asking her why she was angry.
             "Victor, it's been a long time, alot has happened in my life, I'm sure in yours too. You can't expect to pick up where we left off. I don't work that way. You don't either." Lily was trying to make it clear. This  whole thing was going to be on her terms.
             "Lily, I don't expect anything. Hell, I don't even know where to start." Victor said, he had so much to say, he wanted to get it right, because he may not have another chance.
             "Well, telling me why you were looking for me would be a good start." Lily looked at him, resting her head in the palm of her hand. She was poised, ready to listen.
             "Well, like I said. I've missed you. You've been on my mind alot lately. I've missed talking to you, you were always a good friend. You always knew the best parts of me. Maybe I just needed to talk to you because you are probably the only person in the world..that really knew me. I wanted to see  if you were okay. "
        Victor said looking at her wondering if she  understood.
             "Oh, so you need a friend? I'm it, right? Victor we decided a long time ago, we would always be friends, even if we were nothing else. For me, that still goes.
        I can still be your friend." Lily said wondering what had sent him looking for a friend after all this time.
          "Well, that's not exactly what I had in mind, but if that's all I'll get...I'll take it. Lily, mostly I had to see you because for the last month I simply couldn't get you out of my head. Really..that's all. The memories were getting to me. So I thought maybe you needed me too. I know it sounds silly. But that's what I thought.
        Am I wrong? "Victor looked at her.
             "Victor, if I told you that I never thought about you , you know I would be lying. In the last month, I've thought about you alot.  There have been times I wished you were here just so I could talk to you. Things in my life haven't exactly been great, lately. But I'm working on it. But I don't need you . I don't need anybody, I can live my life just fine." Lily said wondering if she were lying to him  and to herself.
             "Lily, why did you go back to Allan? I've always wanted to know. I really thought we had something special." Victor finally asked the question he had thought about for years.
             "What? I didn't go back to Allan. What are you talking about?" Lily said amazed at the question
             "The last time we saw each other, you  told me you were considering going back to Allan, remember? I remember, it broke my heart."
             "Victor, I said that because I didn't want you to feel obligated to me, you had moved on with your life, you had Laura, and I didn't want your pity. With everything that was going on in my life I was just letting you go without a fight. I never went back to Allan. I never even considered it. I loved you then, and  you left me. But I had my pride."
             "Your pride? I asked you to marry me. You turned me down. I never went back to Laura, I said that because you said you were going back to Allan. You said it was none of my concern. The baby or you."
             "You only asked me because I was pregnant. You were doing what you thought you were suppose to, I knew that. I wasn't about to corner you into a marriage you didn't want." Lily said.
             The conversation was getting intense, they looked around and noticed people were starting to watch them. Victor looked around and back at her, and said
            "Let's go for a walk on the beach, Lily. I need to stretch my legs. " They got up and walked down toward the rocks at the end of the beach.
            "Lily, I didn't ask you to marry me because you were pregnant, I asked you because I loved you, Because I wanted to spend the rest of my life loving you, taking care of you. I wanted you, and the baby. Why didn't you let me help.?" He stopped her and turned her toward him. He wanted to see her face, maybe then he could make her  understand.
             "Lily, please hear me..this is important. I loved you and I loved our baby. Whatever you did, I will understand. But I have to know. Do I have a child out there somewhere? You have to tell me what happened." Victor was holding her by the arm. Lily stepped back and made him let go. She looked at him, surprised at what he might be thinking, what he may have thought all these years.
            "Victor, I'll answer any questions you have. You have a right to know. I'm sorry, I just couldn't talk about it back then, it was too fresh. I couldn't even say it out loud. No, Victor you don't have a child. Atleast not from me. I would never do that. If I had had the baby I would have told you. But I didn't."  Lily said, starting to cry a little, it all still hurt. With him there beside her it seemed to hurt worse.
            "What happened Lily?" Victor said wanting her to finish.
             "I had a miscarriage a few days after you left. The doctors said it wasn't unusual. They did the surgery. It
        was all over by the time you called. So that's why I said I was no concern of yours anymore. It all just didn't matter anymore. You never came back and you never called so..that was that." Lily said.
            "So that's what happened. Why didn't you let me help, Lily. Why did you have to do it all alone.? " Victor asked. He didn't know  what else to say. She had gone through it without his help, and he didn't understand why.
             "Victor, you were gone. You never called back. I didn't know how to find you, even if I had thought you wanted me . I thought you were back with Laura, you had told me you were... " She looked at him with such confusion in her eyes. She didn't understand , was everything just a big misunderstanding.
            "Oh, my God. Lily. You thought I wanted Laura, and I thought you wanted Allan. Our pride kept us apart. We didn't trust our love enough. We didn't trust it at all."
        Victor said. Everything he had ever thought was wrong. She had loved him. They weren't a mistake. Their love had been real. They just never believed in it.
            "Victor, why are you here..now.....why after all this time?" Lily asked him, again.
           "Lily, "Victor took her hands and held them tightly. He looked at her,  slowly, his hands traveled up her arms  and her shoulders to her face, her whole body relaxed at the feel of his touch. He caressed the sides of her face.
            "My sweet Lily, I came to tell you, finally. What I should have told you then. It was something, I had always regretted not doing, so I decided to come and find you and tell you now. Because I need to say it."
            "Victor, please you don't have to say anything. It's not important anymore. That was a different time, we
        were different...." Lily tried to stop him. She didn't want to know.
             "Lily, I love you. I have always loved you. I think I will love you until the day I die. I've tried to forget you. I've tried to put you out of my mind. But you were always there, in my heart. That's what I came to say. That's why I found you. It wasn't for you. It was for me."
            "I'm not the same girl..I've changed. I've done things....seen things....You don't even know me anymore." Suddenly she was ashamed of herself. She wasn't the same young girl he left. She didn't feel worthy of him.
          "I don't care what you've done or what you've seen.
        I love you. There's nothing that could ever change that. You are still the woman I fell in love with, even if you can't see her.. I can. Watching you watch the sunset, the sky and the water. Your soul is still my soul, Lily. You can still make the dolphins dance whenever you're near them." Victor said looking in her eyes, seeing for the first time a glint of light.
            "They dance on their own Victor, it has nothing to do with me. Don't you see?" She said
            " Right now all I see is the woman I love, We can make it this time Lily. I know we can. If you want to try. I won't give up this time. I'll stay. I won't ever leave. Believe me when I tell you I love you. Because it is the only truth in my life."
             Lily didn't say a word she leaned up to kiss him. The kiss was so warm and tender, she had forgotten what it was like. The passion welled up inside her. She melted to his embrace. It became overwhelming  and they sank to the beach, lying in the sand kissing each other, touching each other. She wanted to make love to him, then and there. But she stopped herself. She pulled away, from the kiss but held him in her arms.
        She looked at him , as he watched her face, she touched his cheek and said,
             "I believe you."
             "Lily,  this time we'll do it right."
        Victor took her into his arms and kissed her  with a passion he hadn't felt in years.  His faith was restored.
        Everything he thought had been lost to him, was back.
             " Do you know how many times I dreamt of this?
        I used to lie awake at night and dream of you coming back, and saving me from the hell I was living in. You were my hope, my dream, and here you are...real.
        I had given up hope but the dream was always there."
        Lily said, partly to him and mostly to herself.
            "That's over now Lily, you don't have to dream anymore. I'm back, and I love you. I want you."
            "I want you too, I want to feel your body next to mine. I want to taste your skin. I want to make love...but...  not here, not now." She said sitting up.
            "Why?" Victor asked,  he wanted to understand.
           "I have to think. I can't just go into this again without thinking. I'm not going to do that again.
        Do you understand?" She wanted him to wait, to be patient. She had no trust, she was afraid of her own judgment, she had made so many mistakes. She didn't want this to be another one. She wanted him so badly, but she knew she had to wait.
            "Okay, Lily . We'll wait. "
             They got up from the sand and brushed each other off. They looked at each other. They were both tired, it had been a very long night. They kissed and held each other all the way back to their cars.
           "Are you going home?" Lily asked him.
           "No I'm going to stay in a motel. I don't live here.
        I work in Naples. It's a long drive this time of night."
        Victor said. Not even realizing they hadn't talked about their lives now, today.
            "Wow, that is a ways. You came all this way just to find me?" Lily said.
            "Yes, Lily, just to find you." He kissed her.
             "You can sleep on my couch if you'd like. I'll make breakfast in the morning. Do you have to get right back first thing in the morning?" She wanted to know how long he would stay this time. She could feel her fears closing in on her.
             "No, I have a few days off. I am looking for a job closer, Clearwater. I told you, I wouldn't leave you again. You can believe that, Lily." He could see it all in her eyes.
             "I know. But it will take time." She said she kissed him again, and held him for a few minutes.
        "Are you coming to my house?" She asked again.
              "I'm not sure that's a good idea, Lily. You said you wanted to take it slow, remember? I'm not sure I can be trusted alone with you..... Really." Victor said. Wondering if she felt the same way.
            "Oh, come on..you're a big boy. You can handle it." She said with a smile. "You said I could trust you right?"
            "Yes, of course you can....but.. Okay... I guess... But lock your door. "  Victor got in his car and followed her to her house. It was a small duplex. The furniture was nice. She had a long couch. A small kitchen set. Nothing that he remembered seeing before. Everything was different.
             Then he saw the wicker chair in the corner. She had had that wicker chair for over 6 years, that he knew of. Seeing it made him feel at home. She showed him where everything was. She showed him the bathroom, and the bedroom, in  It was a Wrought iron  bed with shear drapes, that hung from the post frames. It suited her, he thought.
            They said their goodnights. He went to the couch and she went to her room and shut the door.
        Victor lay on the couch thinking. Thinking of Lily lying in bed, sleeping. How he missed watching her sleep.
        He tried to take his mind off of her, thinking about finding a job closer to her. He wouldn't leave her again. So his mind drifted back to her sleeping.
        He decided he would just go watch her, just for a little while.
            He opened her bedroom door, and whispered her name, "Lily."  There was no answer, so he walked in. The moon was shining through the sheer curtains and he could see her sleeping under the pale sheets. She looked so beautiful lying there. She was wearing a soft silk negligée,  he could see it in the light. He was grateful, she had something on. This was going to be difficult enough. He went around to the other side of the bed and slowly got in. He stayed above the cover, he sat up in the bed looking at her.
        Watching her breathe,  She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. Her face looked like an angel's face. He sat and watched her for a long time.
        After a while he started to fall asleep, he scooted down on the bed and rested his head on the pillow next to hers. He touched her shoulder, it was so soft. He kissed it carefully. He brushed her hair from her face. Fixed the covers over her. He was trying so hard to contain himself. He closed his eyes for just a moment.
        When he opened them again, she was looking at him. She didn't say a word. She stretched out her arms and  reached for him, and he came to her, she began to kiss him, softly at first, and then with a passion she had long since forgotten. Her hands were busy trying to get the covers from her.
        He was trying to get in, with barely a thought he had taken his pants off, and climbed under the covers.
            They looked at each other. Neither said a word.
        They kissed and held each other. He took his hands and caressed her face, her shoulders and arms. He touched every inch, felt the skin. She was burning with passion and lust. His touch was driving her mad.
        He kissed her neck and slowly down to her breasts which he savored. There he caressed her so softly and so full of love, his hands moved to her hips and her pelvis , the desire was too much for her. She used her hands and started caressing him. His chest, his arms She ran her fingers through his hair and down his back, she caressed his butt, and brought her hands around to his front. There she held him and caressed him as he did her, He stopped her, without  a word and moved his lips from her breast  downto, and around her stomach, and then to her hips, slowly and carefully he kissed around the bones of her hips, first one side, and then the other. He took his hands and moved her legs, holding first the left in his hands, and then the right, and kissed them slowly and carefully every inch, all the way to her toes and back up again. He tasted her briefly, he knew every inch was his.She knew she would do anything for him. Her body ached with desire she couldn't take it anymore. She moved so he could take her...She wanted him inside her. She needed him. He looked at her , she looked at him. And there, in the moon light  of the night, he took her. It was ecstasy. The gates of heaven almost opened. After so long, They were finally one again. The love had only grown more intense. The passion more unbearable. It was all consuming, they made love until the sun started to rise. After, they rested, always holding each other,  and then, when the sun shone  through the window, they made love again.
             They slept, holding each other. They hadn't spoken a word. They just enjoyed being together. After they woke, Lily was the first to speak.
            " I've missed you. It's been so nice to be with you again. Even if it's just for a little while. I'd forgotten how good we were together." He was lying next to her, she had her head on his chest. She turned her head to look at his face. He stroked her hair and smiled, and kissed her forehead.
             "Really?  I've never forgotten. I used to dream of our lovemaking. I remembered all of it. It's better now, if that's possible. You are amazing, do you know that?"
        Victor couldn't get enough of the feel of her skin, just looking at her made him want her again.
            "We're amazing....we should get up soon. Start the day. It's coming eventually." Lily didn't want to move she was so comfortable, she didn't want to leave his arms.
            "In a few minutes...let's stay here for just a little while longer. Okay?" He said, he didn't want to let her go.
            "Okay, just a few more minutes." She was glad.
        They lay there in bed watching the sunrise in the sky.
        Lily started kissing his chest, and running her hands up and down his front. She loved the taste of his skin.
            "Um, Lily you better stop that, or we'll never get out of this bed." Victor said kissing the back of her neck.
            "I'm in no hurry ..are you?" She looked at him with a smile in her eyes, that would melt snow.
            "No, I "m  not." He grabbed her and put her  on top of him . They were face to face, he looked in her eyes, kissed her face piece by piece. He had his hands wrapped around the small of her back. Tickled her, and softly bit her neck. She jumped a bit and started to giggle. She got up on her knees and started to tickle his ribs, he grabbed a pillow and so insued the pillow fight. Laughing and giggling like children. It was nice being together again. It felt so right, almost like the last 4 years had never happened. They tired themselves out. They lay on the bed sprawled all over, regaining their breath.
            "Okay, time for a shower. "  Lily said putting on a rope. She looked at him , she had a thought but didn't say anything.
            "Sounds good. May I join you?  I'll wash your back for you.... I'll even behave." He said with a wink.
           "Oh, well, if you're going to behave....forget it." She laughed picked up a pillow and quickly tossed it at him and ran to the bathroom. He ran after her, and joined her in the shower.
             Eventually, they were dressed and sat  in the living room. They were on the couch she had her legs across his lap.
            "When do you have to leave?" She asked, she had been afraid to ask until now.
            "Well, I don't have to be back to work until next week. But I'm not sure I'm going. " He looked at her, brushing the hair from her face.
            " Oh, why? " She asked.
             "Well, let's just take it a day at a time, okay? Are you in a hurry for me to leave?" He asked her.
             "No, of course not. I love having you here. I just
        didn't know what you had in mind that's all." She said, getting up  from the couch, she went to the kitchen  to fix coffee. She came back to the living room, and sat on the wicker chair.
             "Lily, what's wrong?" Victor got up from the couch, and walked to where she was sitting, sat down on the floor. He took her hand in his and looked at her.
            "Victor, I have been through so much. I don't hope, I don't wish.I deal in reality now, I have to know what's going on. I don't know with you. I love having you here. I'll enjoy every minute of it, while it lasts. But I can't surround my self with you, it wouldn't be smart, it wouldn't be safe."  She didn't even look at him, she didn't want to hurt him, she didn't want to see.
             "Safe?  Lily , I'm not going to hurt you . I'm not going to 'take over your life' I just want to be with you." He didn't understand her fear.
            "I know, I know. Look like you said, let's just take it a day at a time. Okay, I can do that. I want to do that. Let's just enjoy each other okay..have fun." She said getting up and going to the kitchen. He sat there looking at the doorway she walked through. A few minutes later she came back with two cups of coffee.
        Handed him one, and sat back on the couch.
        Victor watched her, every move. He didn't understand what she was running from. Suddenly there was a wall between them , he didn't see it go up, and he didn't know what it was. But he was determined to tear it down.
             "Lily, I don't know what you think. This isn't just  "a good time" to me. I want you in my life, everyday.
        But you don't seem to be ready, that's okay, I can wait. I just want to know what's going on with you." He walked over to her and sat on the couch beside her, he lifted her legs back onto his lap,  he touched her chin and focused her face on his.
            "Nothing, really. .. Let's just see how it goes okay?
        Just today and then ...tomorrow..One step at a time?
        Can you do that?...for me?" She looked into his eyes. He could see she was afraid. Of what he didn't know.
        He loved her ..whatever she wanted  would be hers, if he could give it to her.
           "Okay, Lily, one step at a time.... I love you, you know. I will always love you. Whatever you want, it's yours."
        He decided to make his own decisions without telling her, he would find a new job, closer to her. He would be here to watch her sleep, and to wake beside her every morning, he would prove to her, that this was real. It was meant to be, even if it was only one piece at a time.
            "Okay, ..good.. Are you hungry...Would you like breakfast? I did promise to cook." Lily said starting to move from the couch. Victor grabbed her before she could move and put her on his lap.
           "Yea, I'm hungry...but not for food.... how about another shower?" Victor said with a smile....
         

        Days went by, Victor stayed with Lily. The only time they were apart was when he went on interviews or when she went to work. He just seemed to move in. She liked having him there. It wasn't strange at all, it was like he had always been there.  They picked up some of his things in Naples and brought them to her house. He showed her the beach he would watch sunsets at, thinking of her.  She showed him the stories she had written, about her life. They talked about, Allan and Laura and Jamie. The years they had spent apart. Their hopes and dreams of the future. They made mad and passionate love. They were together and they were happy.
            Then came the time for him to leave to go back to work. She came home, expecting to see his bags packed, but they weren't.
            "Victor, I thought you had to go to work tomorrow?"
        She asked him as she looked  in the bedroom for his bag.
            "I do. Lily, we have to talk.." He said sitting her down on the couch.
           "Okay..about what?" She asked so frightened that she was sure he could see it.
             "About my leaving and going  away. I know it doesn't seems like a long way but...."
           "Oh yes, it seems like a long way..but.. it's okay.. "
           "Lily, I let my pride get in the way once before.. I won't do it again. Come with  me." He  looked at her so intensely.
          "Victor, I want to be with you. But you said on my terms. Stay with me...Please.. I want you here. don't ask me  to give up everything that makes me feel safe."
             Victor looked at her, the memories of his life before flashed in his mind. The memories of her life....the stories she had told him, the pain, the fear  of being apart.He took her  from the couch and said.
             "Lily, come with me.."
            "Where?"
            "Just come with me, don't say anything"
        They turned , she followed him to his car. He drove to the beach down to the pier, where you could see the ocean. They walked to the end of the pier, arm in arm.
        The sun was starting to set. The dolphins were dancing in the waves . He sat her on a bench by the edge.
        Took a ring from his pocket.
          He got down on one knee, and took her hand in his,
           "Lily, be my wife." he said.
             "Victor."
            "I have loved you forever, I will love you for always.
        Please say you'll be mine. You'll be safe in my arms, where ever that may be."
            "Are you sure?" Lily said with a doubt in her mind.
           "Yes, Lily, I've always been sure. Whatever we decide, we decide together, Okay? Say yes,.."
           "....Yes." She took the ring and put it on her finger. He got up  and held her so tightly they could have been one. They  walked  down the pier and turned to walk down the beach to the rocks by The Beach Bar, Neither said a word, they just knew where they were going. The sun was set and the sky was changing colors. They sat by the rocks on the soft sands and watched the changing sky.
           Lily looked at her ring, it was beautiful. A solitaire diamond, almost as brilliant as the diamonds that cover the skies at night. She looked at Victor and touched his cheek.
           "When did you buy this?" She asked him.
            "What? The ring? I bought that, the day before I saw you, 4 years ago. "
           "Victor!" She said in shock. She couldn't believe it.
           "Lily, I told you , I loved you then, and I love you now.
        I didn't have faith in us then, I do now.  I've always known you were the one, now maybe you can believe  it too.  All we have to do..  is believe, Lily."
            "I love you Victor." She looked at him and smiled.
        She turned her eyes to the sea, and there, off the shore while the sky changed from pink to purple to the velvet sky full of diamonds, they held each other, until there was no one left. The moon was high,they sank to the sands s and made love under the stars of night, listening to the dolphins dance in the waves of the water.
           "See, I told you, Lily , you make the dolphins
        dance."                                                
        " We.. make them dance... We make them dance."
         
         

                                    The End