Puzzle Pieces

Jessica is a freshman in high school. Sometimes she decided to sit on the porch to do her homework or read a magazine. Growing up in a house with thirteen people, the front porch was the only area in or around the house she would get any privacy. Even though she stayed on a busy street, it was peaceful.

One day, her neighborhood friend, Rocko passed by with a friend of his. Jessica noticed Rocko and tried to ignore him. He was an interesting character.

She heard his friend say, "Who is that?!" Rocko said, "Oh! That's Jessica. Let me introduce you!" They both headed up her stairs. The whole time Jessica is acting like she is reading a magazine.

Rocko is so happy to introduce his friend. He says, "Hi Jessica! This is my friend Julio. He is from out-of-town." She responded, "Hi Rocko. Hi Julio, nice to meet you."

They all end up talking for awhile, but Jessica noticed Julio was quiet. With him being new to the area, she understood. She wasn't too hard on him.

Julio had a sister that stayed around the corner from Jessica. He would come out here every summer to visit his family.

The next summer, Jessica was sitting on the porch, and finally saw him walking by alone. She called him on the porch. He went up and they started talking and talked for hours.

Whenever they saw each other, Jessica would be on her porch and Julio would walk by, see her, and stop. The conversations and laughter were so easy going. She never felt so comfortable.

Jessica and Julio were almost three years apart. Being a young man, he was more advanced than she was. She was not even into boys yet. He liked her, but never let it be known.

They never thought about exchanging numbers or anything. Only running into each other, it started becoming natural for Jessica to see Julio during the summer. This happened for three summers.

Then, it would be over thirty years before they saw each other again.

Not wanting to, Jessica had to do her front yard. She decided not to. Immediately, she sat on her bed and thought about it. After about five minutes, she decided she had to get it done.

After she started the front yard, about ten minutes passed before someone stopped in front of her house in the middle of the street. It startled her, but she could not show it. His music was loud and when he got out of the car, she felt a gentle type of manly vibe. She did not know what to expect.

Jessica does not say it is her when someone asks, but it was something about this man. He asks, "Is Jessica here?" She had a weed eater in her hand and ready to use it on him. Confidently, she responds, "I am Jessica." Staring at one another he said, "I am Julio."

She hugged him so tight! He smelled so good, had a ton of muscles, tall, dark, and extremely handsome. She did not want to let go. He let go and looked at her and said, "Wow! I saw you when I passed by and turned around. I didn't know if that was you or your mom."

Out of the blue, she said, "I love you." She did not say it like she missed her friend. She said it like she never fell out of love with him.

He was in complete shock, but couldn't deny how he felt. He said, "I love you too." They exchanged numbers and she hugged him again before he drove off.

They spoke on the phone and arranged a date. They met at an Italian restaurant in the marina.

They parked next to one another, got out of the car, and walked around the marina first. They had to catch up and get to know each other all over again. They were so excited!

After their walk, they went to the restaurant. The atmosphere was perfect!

The waiter came and told them the specials, gave them menus, and asked if they wanted a drink or anything while their food was being prepared.

They both said, "A glass of Merlot please." Looking at each other, they could not believe they wanted the same thing. They never had a drink together before. This was special.

The waiter came with the glasses of Merlot. After thirty years, they were finally able to have a drink and make a toast!

Julio said, "I am so thankful that we connected again." Jessica said, "And, I am thankful our love is stronger than ever."