Unspoken Emotions

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

CHAPTER 1

Jonathan Wyatt had greatly anticipated this balmy August evening ever since receiving the invitation to attend his ten year high school reunion in the mail more than four months ago. Traveling back to his hometown, after such a lengthy absence, to reunite with his former classmates left him feeling as excited and as nervous as anyone would be about attending their high school’s reunion. Compounding this nervousness was the hope-filled possibility of seeing his high school crush once again.

When he pulled into the Bellevue Hotel’s parking lot in his 4Runner, he felt that, since moving away ten years prior, nothing about the city where he was born and raised had changed at all, except for the quality of his ride. All of the familiar landmarks were still intact, the residents still moved at a relaxed pace and the city seemed to retreat into a state of slumber somewhere around 10 p.m.

Jonathan spent the previous day in his hometown of Radnor, PA, a city just outside of Philadelphia, playing catch-up with his parents and sister, who still lived in the area, and a few friends from the old neighborhood. Since he hadn’t been home in a long while, he didn’t want to miss the opportunity to see those who were closest to him.

Walking through the hotel’s lobby, he could feel the bass from Kid N Play’s Gittin’ Funky vibrating in his chest as it reverberated through the speakers. With anticipation fueling his footsteps, Jonathan rounded the lobby’s corner and spotted the black and white marquee that indicated the room where his reunion was taking place. Upon reaching his destination, Jonathan observed the large, maroon and grey banner that hung on the atrium’s wall above where his former classmate sat. It read Welcome, Carver High School Class of ‘88 and in the bottom right corner of the sign stood a silhouette of a panther, the school’s mascot.

The left corner of Jonathan’s mouth lifted in a slight smile as he thought back to his high school days and how much fun he had way back then.

Carver’s senior class president, Lillian Michaelson, greeted him with a warm smile when their eyes met.

Hello, Jonathan. How are you? she asked, standing up from the name tag table to embrace him.

He returned her hug and warm smile. I’m fine. How have you been?

Lillian rounded the long table draped in a white cloth and decorated with streamers and confetti in their school’s colors to return to her seat and check his name off of the list.

With her hands clasped, she let out a quiet sigh. Nothing’s really changed. I married Kenny after high school. Now he’s a private contractor and I work as a marketing exec for an insurance agency near Wilkes-Barre. It’s just like high school for Ken and me, except with jobs. What are you doing with yourself these days? she asked while looking up and into Jonathan’s mesmerizing eyes once again.

Jonathan’s eyebrows hiked as he tilted his head. So, you decided to stay close to home, huh? He smiled as she nodded. I’m a freelance photographer, working out of Manhattan. Listen, he said, while clipping the plastic tag to his jacket’s lapel. I hate to cut this short, he stated apologetically, but, have you seen Anthony or R.J.? I haven’t seen those guys since we left Columbia.

She shook her head slightly. No, I haven’t.

She accepted his extended right hand. Cool. It was nice seeing you again. Take care, and tell Kenny I said hi.

Okay, I will. And you take care of yourself, she said to his retreating back.

While heading down the short hallway to the right of the registration table where Lillian sat, the high-pitched sound of the little child’s voice at the intro of Slick Rick’s Children’s Story faded in as Gittin’ Funky faded out. Jonathan nodded his head to the beat while walking down the carpeted corridor.

Not more than a few minutes passed after Jonathan crossed the grand ballroom’s threshold before he heard his name being called from the opposite side of the room. He recognized it as the voice of his old friend, Tim Ortiz.

Jonathan looked over his shoulder to spot Tim’s exact location. After making eye contact with him, he raised his index finger, signaling for Tim to wait for him to finish talking to Mr. Cranston, his Audio/Video instructor and Devin, his former neighbor and classmate.

He made brief work of catching up with these once familiar acquaintances. Before parting ways, Jonathan extended his hand to the elder first, followed by Devin.

It was good seeing you guys again. Take it easy. As he backed up and into the crowd, Jonathan continued, Mr. Cranston, you have my number. Give me a call when you’re free. I’d gladly come back to talk to your students. Devin, I’ll hit you up before I head back home.

Both men nodded as Jonathan turned to find his friend. Devin patted the older gentleman’s shoulder before turning to mix and mingle with the crowd once again as well.

Scanning the throng of people for several seconds allowed Jonathan to locate Tim, who stood with some of his former Varsity football teammates near the table that held a wide variety of finger foods and a large, illuminated drink fountain. He walked over to his friend and they greeted one another with dap and a shoulder hug.

Officially introducing Jonathan to his former teammates, Tim went around the circle, providing names. Bear, Luke, Beast, Givens… This is my boy, Jon-Jon. Jon-Jon, these are my boys. Tim beamed with a bright smile, his left arm resting on Beast’s shoulder and his right draped over Jonathan’s shoulder.

Bear was a large man who stood six feet tall and easily weighed 350 pounds. Luke was even taller but on the slender side, standing at 6’ 6 and he wore a burnt orange, collarless dress shirt with pleated black dress slacks. Beast stood at 6’ 3 and was of a caramel complexion with bushy eyebrows and hints of acne marks on his cheeks. He wore what appeared to be a permanent scowl on his face. His upper body was massive and mostly muscles, apparent even through the steel gray dress shirt he wore. Givens was the shortest of the group, standing at 5’ 11" with a stocky build, dressed simply in a dark blue suit with a pale blue dress shirt and blue and white striped tie.

Jonathan extended his left fist to dap each of the men. What’s up? Hey, man.

The four men dapped him up and gave him a slight tilt of the head as they spoke, one after the other. What’s up?

After overcoming the initial shock of not having seen each other in more than eight years, and noting all the subtle and no-so-subtle changes that time had wrought, with Tim having moved away to attend the University of Georgia on an athletic scholarship and Jonathan moving to New York, Jonathan was more than happy to catch up with his friend and brother.

He turned towards Tim. How’s everything been with you?

Excited grin still intact, Tim responded, Fine, man. What about you? Hey, listen... Why don’t we grab a table so we can catch up on old times? while extending his right arm towards an empty table, to their left, a few feet away. Turning to his group of football friends, Tim offered, I’ll catch up with you guys later.

Tim’s friends nodded their agreement before turning to walk away and back towards the crowd.

The two old friends sat down and talked for a few minutes, then Jonathan leaned back in his chair with his fist up to his mouth to pick with his friend.

Man, look at you. You’re looking sharp in your Sunday suit!

Both of them erupted in laughter.

Well, you know how I do, he boasted, brushing imaginary lint off his shoulders.

Tim’s wide, athletic frame was neatly clad in a navy blue, double-breasted seersucker suit with a crisp white shirt, abstract blue and red tie and matching handkerchief. On his feet was a pair of cognac-colored, bike toe Stacy Adams loafers. Deciding against allowing his natural curls to grow, he opted to wear his hair in a neatly lined up Caesar haircut instead. On his left ring finger, he proudly showcased a gold and diamond wedding band along with an onyx ring on his right ring finger and a gold lion pinky ring, indicative of the zodiac sign under which he was born. Jonathan laughed to himself at seeing his total jock friend with well manicured nails.

Jonathan wasn’t dressed sloppily either. He wore a superbly tailored light grey, single-breasted suit, which tastefully accentuated his muscular build and caramel complexion with a blue and white striped dress shirt, blue and grey, paisley-print tie and matching pocket square. He donned the beginnings of dreadlocks neatly twisted atop his head with a crisp shape up and wore a pair of square-framed glasses accenting his chiseled features. In his left ear was a two-carat diamond stud that he gifted to himself on his 25th birthday. On his left wrist, he wore a classic, silver Baume & Mercier watch, specifically reserved for special occasions such as this and on his right wrist was a sterling silver Cuban link bracelet with the letters JIW engraved on the faceplate.

When Tim noticed Jonathan looking at his finger, he smiled. "So, the player extraordinaire has finally settled down and started a family, I see. Who’s the lucky lady?" Jonathan asked, internally reflecting on how much of a ladies’ man Tim was while they were in school.

Oh, man! he wiggled his ring finger and smiled. "You have to meet my wife, Kelly. She is the best and she’s a broker at the same law firm where I work. Here, he offered. Check out our little princess, Kinya." He removed his wallet from his suit jacket’s pocket to proudly show off a picture of his daughter.

Jonathan nodded his head in reflection, recalling that Tim was the captain of their school’s unrivaled and undefeated debate team. His pursuit of a career in the legal profession was only logical. He also marveled at how clearly in love with his wife Tim appeared to be, just by the way his face lit up at the mention of her and the pride that shone when talking about his daughter.

Tim’s daughter appeared to be no more than three years old and was clearly fond of being in front of a camera. She was an adorable and chubby little girl in her red and white polka dot sundress with white sandals. Her hair was worn in loose, sandy brown curls and she had the biggest smile on her face, as if she was having the time of her life while playing outside in the grass.

Man, she’s a little cutie. I’m sure you’re going to have to invest in a couple of shotguns and a shovel in a few years when the boys start looking her way, Jonathan commented on a chuckle as he passed the picture back to his old friend.

Tim rolled his eyes skyward. Don’t remind me. With a light chuckle, Tim had to ask, So, Jon-Jon… Are you still flying solo or has some lucky lady come and stolen your heart?

While Tim had been the certified player between the two of them during their high school days, he was glad to have met and eventually married Kelly. She was the only woman who challenged him to become a better man and want to settle down to raise a family. Although he and Kelly faced their fair share of challenges during their seven years (and counting) of marriage, Tim had to admit that he wouldn’t trade his wife or their union for anything in this world. He had no regrets concerning marrying his college sweetheart, eight months after meeting her during their sophomore year.

Jonathan released a little laugh. Nah, man. I haven’t found the one yet, he admitted and absently scratched the back of his head.

Little did Tim know, after seven years of singleness, Jonathan wasn’t even remotely close to any woman. No one understood his drive or busy schedule as a photographer. Jonathan had gone out on many dates, and tried a serious relationship, over the years but couldn’t seem to find a woman who would feed his desire to settle down and start a family.

The guys talked for what seemed like hours, about everything including life, sports and politics, when Tim’s train of thought was suddenly interrupted by the presence of Jonathan’s high school crush, who stood mere feet from where they sat.

When Nadia Phillips walked in, a hush fell over the room. All of the men stopped what they were doing or saying to obtain a better look at this beauty. Oblivious to the attention she garnered, she spoke to several of her old friends and a few teachers who stood near the door.

After parting from her conversations, she browsed the expansive ballroom for other familiar faces when her gaze fell on Jonathan and Tim, who appeared to be deep in conversation near the center of the room.

Nadia smiled as she heard Sheena Easton’s The Lover in Me penetrate her subconscious, instantly reminding her of the many nights she spent wearing grooves in her copy of this tape during their senior year, either pining after Jonathan or wallowing in despair after one of many blow-ups between her and her ex-boyfriend, T.J.

Feeling a jolt of adrenaline and nervousness surge through her body, she decided to converse with Jonathan and Tim. Initially, she made eye contact with Tim, who greeted her with a warm smile as she drew near the table.

Jonathan was still talking at that moment and was curious to know what had stolen Tim’s attention and caused him to smile so brightly in the middle of their conversation.

Tim nodded his head slightly while looking over Jonathan’s shoulder, which prompted him to turn to his right to see what the distraction was.

Jonathan’s breath caught in his throat when he locked eyes with Nadia. She appeared to be heading straight for their table, which caused his nerves to go beyond the edge.

When she reached the table, moments later, both men rose out of courtesy. At the last second, Jonathan was able to find his voice and was the first to speak.

Good evening, Nadia, he said, bending slightly to kiss her right cheek. How have you been?

Tim leaned in to hug her.

Hello, Nadia, he said, while pulling out the chair that sat between him and Jonathan.

Responding in her soft, almost whispery voice, she said, Hey, Tim. Thanks. She turned to Jonathan. Pretty good. And you? She bent slightly to sit elegantly in the seat offered to her.

Before taking her seat, Nadia almost lost herself within the depths of Jonathan’s round, honey-colored eyes as he watched her for several long moments before looking away.

If he had to compare Nadia’s beauty to anyone else, Jonathan thought Nadia reminded him of a more exotic version of the BET VJ, Ananda Lewis. Of course, to him, Ananda held nothing on Nadia, the long-awaited love of his life.

Nadia was able to get a good look at this handsome man who sat mere inches to her right. She looked away quickly, not wanting him to notice how nervous she was about seeing him again after so long.

In an attempt to hide his own nervous excitement at seeing Nadia again, Jonathan shrugged his shoulders and chuckled. Pretty good. Just trying to survive, you know? Then he glanced in the direction of the dance floor just steps away from them in the middle of the room.

The floor began to fill up when the intro to Al B. Sure’s Nite and Day was mixed in just as the second verse of the previous song was set to begin.

I hear you, she said while flashing that same warm smile she possessed and that he loved so much.

As they exchanged a little small talk, Tim noticed the electricity transferring between Jonathan and Nadia and didn’t want to be caught in the crossfire of the sparks that were so obviously flying between these two.

His eyes slanted as he smiled at them. Seeing them together merely confirmed many of his conversations with Jonathan about Nadia throughout and shortly after high school. He could see that Jonathan’s feelings for Nadia hadn’t changed one bit and was hopeful that his friend would finally go after the woman of his dreams.

Tim quietly cleared his throat while sliding his chair away from the table and standing.

Well, I’ll leave the two of you alone. It was nice seeing you again, Nadia, with a slight nod of his head.

You too, she said with a smile.

Jonathan, here’s my card. Call me. Maybe we can get together some time.

He took the card from Tim’s hand and slid it into his jacket’s inside pocket.

Alright, man. I definitely will.

Tim extended his right hand to Jonathan. Later, man, he said and pulled him into a hug then walked back to the huddle of his former teammates.

Near where Jonathan and Nadia sat, several of their classmates had formed a circle on the dance floor and were talking and laughing loudly while challenging one another to a dance-off.

Jonathan turned slightly to face Nadia. Would you like to go outside and talk away from all of this noise?

Nadia nodded.

Jonathan stood from his seat and held out his right hand to help Nadia from her seat and to the door.

He pushed their chairs under the table just as the DJ’s voice came through the speakers.

Alright. Where are all of my ladies? This one’s for you, and the DJ began nodding his head to the synthesizer and percussion intro of New Edition’s If It Isn’t Love.

Jonathan stepped to the side to allow Nadia to cross the threshold into the hallway. Just as Ralph Tresvant sang about his girl being with another guy, Jonathan locked eyes with Nadia in an intense gaze. He raised his eyebrows as a half smile lifted the right corner of his mouth.

Nadia quickly turned her head and pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. She felt a rush of emotions stirring within her belly, causing her heart to flutter.

He felt as if this song so eloquently and thoroughly expressed the depths of his feelings for Nadia during their high school years and even today. And, from the unmistakable look he saw in her eyes, Jonathan would venture to say that she felt the same way.

As he led her outside, he noticed that she hadn’t changed much except for having grown to her present 5’ 10". She had the same silky, jet-black hair that, while in high school, she kept in a wide variety of styles. On this night, it was styled in a collection of curls at the top of her head with a few tendrils dangling at her temples. She was dressed in a black, floor-length dress with spaghetti straps and a criss-cross design tastefully revealing her back. She wore a three carat, V-shaped diamond necklace and matching earrings. On her feet was a pair of black, sling-back shoes with three-inch heels that made her long legs look stunning.

During their leisurely stroll along the sidewalk beyond the front entrance, they talked about everything from careers to sports. The warm and faint, late-summer breeze tickled Nadia’s arms while cicadas sang in the distance. Several stellar constellations illuminated the dark blue sky, making this a picturesque backdrop for an unexpected reunion.

Jonathan listened intently to Nadia and became even more enamored by her when he discovered that she, too, loved the 76ers, didn’t eat red meat and was an avid lover of Stevie Wonder’s music.

Breaking the brief silence that fell between them, Jonathan asked, Are you still in Radnor with your family? as they turned the corner to the right of the building.

She quickly shook her head. I had to get away from here. I moved to Manhattan for college. Now, I can’t imagine leaving, she stated with a smile.

Jonathan interrupted her with an amused gleam in his eyes. Oh, yeah? What part of the city?

Lenox Hill.

His jaw dropped and eyes rounded. Stop playing! I’m on the west side, in Washington Heights.

Nadia nodded and laughed to herself while casually mentioning, Someone told me you went to Columbia. Why didn’t you look me up? she asked with raised eyebrows while cutting her eyes at him.

Yeah, I was there for photography. Stating this instantly reminded Jonathan of the brief relationship between Quiona and himself that ended with his discovery of her cheating on him with a guy he thought was his friend. He shook himself inwardly at the path his thoughts had taken and continued. You know, New York is a big city and state and… he eyed her pointedly. We weren’t cool back then so… I didn’t know that that was where you had decided to go after all. Besides, if I had looked you up, you probably wouldn’t have given me the time of day. He ended that last statement with a sheepish smile before looking away.

She extended her left arm in front of Jonathan to stop him from walking any further after this admission. Nadia turned to fully face him, as a look of nervousness and relief crossed her face.

I noticed you back then but, I was too shy to ever say anything, she admitted, eyebrows raised almost as high as they could go. You were on the basketball team and most of the players only dated airhead cheerleaders. Plus… she hesitantly began as several emotions crossed her face. I was with T.J. for a while. So… She shrugged her shoulders slightly as her voice trailed off.

Jonathan’s jaw almost fell to the ground at this revelation before gathering up enough nerve to share his deep-seated feelings. He absently scratched the back of his head and chuckled to himself at this unexpected dose of irony.

I’ve been attracted to you since ‘Mouthy’ McCormack’s chemistry class. I was too afraid that you wouldn’t want to go out with me so I spared myself the embarrassment.

Nadia laughed while scrunching her nose. Why would you think something like that?

He hunched his shoulder. "I don’t know. I always thought that you only dated guys that had the nicest ride or the biggest bank account. Besides, I was too intimidated to just walk up to you and ask you out and when I finally did gather up enough nerve to talk to you, you were already with T. J.," he admitted.

Nadia held her head down and pinched the bridge of her nose while laughing to herself.

Even though my ex from high school isn’t a testament of this, I don’t go for the superficial things, like looks or stuff that money can buy. I look for what’s on the inside. Not that it matters much now, but, if I really wanted all of that stuff, I could have just asked my parents for it. So, that really isn’t a concern you would have had to deal with. From what I recall, you didn’t look like you were hurting for anything, back then. And, from the looks of things, now… Her amused grey eyes purposefully roamed over his body, from the top of his head down to the light grey suede loafers covering his feet. Not much has changed.

Yeah, he agreed, rubbing the back of his neck. That only came from hard work and long hours at the Casa de Taco, then laughed, with her joining him.

When they sobered, the subtle glow of the moon allowed Jonathan to take a closer look at Nadia. He noticed her deep dimples, which seemed to peek out every time she moved her lips and her warm, light grey eyes with flecks of green were deep set and hooded. This combination, coupled with her almond skin tone, highlighted her already exquisite beauty.

Has anyone ever told you that you have the most beautiful eyes? Jonathan asked, barely above a whisper.

She gave him a shy smile. Not recently.

Feeling a strong, magnetic pull towards Jonathan, she looked up, meeting his eyes. At that precise moment, they locked gazes so intensely that one could almost read the other’s thoughts. Based on how she felt in this moment, Nadia was thinking how handsome and seemingly perfect a fit Jonathan could be in her heart and life. She also felt like, if she didn’t act soon, she would drown in the depths of emotions evident in Jonathan’s eyes.

Jonathan’s thoughts alternated between memories of their high school days and this moment, finally standing in front of and talking to this woman who captured his heart many years ago. These thoughts caused his heart to race and a smile easily brightened his face.

Well, you do, he admitted.

Thank you, Nadia’s cheeks flushed and she could no longer maintain eye contact.

Jonathan nervously shifted his weight on his feet, deciding whether he should take a leap of faith.

Nadia, can I have a kiss?

Her only response was a nod and a look of invitation.

Jonathan grabbed her left hand with his right, gently pulling her closer to him. When he bent his head to kiss her soft, rosy lips, she closed her eyes in eager anticipation and, when their lips met, it was as if fireworks had gone off. As the kiss intensified, their hunger for one another grew.

Jonathan realized just how much he wanted to make this woman his in every way and that his feelings for her had not waned in the ten years since their graduation. Seeing her again made him want to take her into his arms and love her like there had been no one before her. He decided, instead, that he didn’t want to rush into anything but would take his time and get to know her better.

In that instant, his mind took him back to the many sleepless nights filled with images of Nadia crowding his thoughts. He could remember the first time he laid eyes on her, during their 3rd period chemistry class and the many afternoons and evenings when he kidnapped Tim and talked his ear off about the mysterious and beautiful new girl that he just had to get to know better. Too nervous to just outright approach her, Jonathan only watched Nadia from a distance.

When he had finally gathered up enough courage to talk to her about something other than a class assignment, more than a month later, to his great dismay, he saw that their class’ Best Dressed Pretty Boy, Tajir (or T.J.) had set his sights on her and they were quickly becoming an exclusive item. Never one to get in the middle of a relationship to take a girl from the guy that she chose to be with, Jonathan chalked this missed opportunity up as an L on his dating account. After that disappointment, he dated casually for the remainder of their time at Carver, with Nadia never far from his mind and heart.

Now, feeling as if the universe had finally aligned the planets in his favor, Jonathan wasn’t going to allow another opportunity to get with Nadia to pass him again.

He reluctantly ended the kiss, not immediately trusting himself to speak.

Somewhat to himself, Jonathan replied, I’ve waited for that moment since eleventh grade. Then he quickly shifted the subject to lighten the mood. Would you like to get something to eat?

Nadia lightly ran her index finger over the spot where Jonathan had just kissed her, thinking the same thing.

Quickly composing herself and with widened eyes, she answered, Yes! I’m starving.

Okay, I’m parked around the corner, he said while pointing towards the left side of the parking lot.

They walked around to the front of the building where Jonathan’s 4Runner was parked. He let Nadia in on the passenger’s side and shut the door then hopped in on the driver’s side before starting his truck and pulling out of the parking lot.

Nadia felt inexplicably comfortable in the confines of Jonathan’s truck and relaxed in the seat, prepared to enjoy the ride.

CHAPTER 2

When they arrived at DeLuca’s, they were greeted immediately by a waiter who seated them at a quiet table to the left of the window.

All that could be heard upon their entrance into the establishment were the muted sounds of patrons’ conversations, traditional Italian music playing