I woke up to the birds chirping harmoniously amongst each other, the blinding sun seeping through the windows. A smile was worn on my face and my body sang lightly, humming with anticipation of the day ahead. My phone pinged with a “good morning. I will be picking you up at 10” text from Ezra. I browsed through my closet, at a loss for what to wear that was light, comfortable, and sexy, deciding to pair a cream coloured bandeau top with a long red skirt, that had a slit stopping on top of my thigh along with, strappy brown sandals that are low heeled. My make-up was lightweight and skin-like, designing braided strands to sit on top of my head, creating soft wavy curls. They were accompanied with a plain silver bracelet, hooped earrings, diamond, chain styled armband, with simple, intricate stoned rings on my fingers and finishing it off with traditional anklets on both ankles. I felt proud of the look I had put together.

With five minutes to spare, I quickly store away my products and go downstairs to drink water in an attempt to calm down my nerves. The bell rang at the time 10:00 am, I walked down the corridor simultaneously, maintaining a controlled breathing pattern, and opened the door. He looked devilishly handsome even with, the simplicity of his clothing. His eyes were bright, and his golden pigmented skin glistened, glowing from the blazing, hot sun. I moved into his body for an embrace, circling my arms around his neck and resting my face on his shoulder, inhaling his clean scent. Ezra lifted me off the ground, tightening his hold on my body, he kissed my neck, murmuring, “I missed you” into my skin.

“I missed you too” I uttered, his body was sensational against mine. He put me down, and he reached for my mouth, kissing me languidly, deepening the kiss. I freed a moan from my lips as he snaked his tongue inside my mouth whilst, his hand squeezed my ass, smiling against my mouth.

He released my lips, and placed his forehead against mine, “hi,” he said.

“Hi”, I replied.

“You look beautiful, Luna” he whispered, his raspy voice heated my body, and warmth from his words entered my heart.

“Thank you, you don’t look bad yourself,” I returned, feeling my face burn.

“Ready?” He questioned.

“Yes, just need to grab my bag and lock the door” I answered. Once, I had grabbed my bag from the couch and locked the front door, we walked with our hands clasped together.

“No car?” I wondered.

“No, we will be using the subway and if need be, we will be taking the taxi.”

“Okay,” I replied. With the sun looking down at us, the trees gently swaying in sync with the summer breeze, children were loitering in the streets playing, and people strolled and talked to each other,, the smell of food drifted through the air. I just knew it was going to be the most perfect day and one of the memorable days that I will hold onto. Internally thanking God for this life, for this moment.

We took the subway to our first stop Times Square, the buildings and billboards surrounded me, making me feel alive, freeing me. We walked through the streets, never letting go of Ezra’s hands. Ezra narrated, telling me the history of the buildings and the infamous, touristy landmarks along the way. We went towards Rockefeller Center, “you are going to love this,” he stated.

“I would?”

“Mhmm,” we walk towards the sky-scraping building, the elevator taking us to the highest floor. We stepped into the floor, my breath hitching, my mouth opening wide as I stared at the view encircling me. I was speechless and completely in awe.

“Wow,” I whispered, turning to Ezra, to find him staring at me with a smile.

“Beautiful” he uttered, I knew we were not speaking about the same thing. I hugged my body to him in a silent appreciation.

We stayed there for a while, staring outside at the view of New York City, staring at the people going on with their lives and living their lives. I felt like I was in the air like I was flying as if I am infinite. The first part of the day continued to visit touristy places which consisted of me gushing and getting excited over anything and everything, and Ezra laughing at me.

We stopped at a coffee place, the aromatic blends of roasted coffee salivating my senses. The shop was quaint and cute. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and people were coming in and out. With our coffees at hand, we took a stroll in Central Park. The energies in the park were contagious and delightful. People milled in the park with their dogs, children, or with their friends. Some jogged, others sat on the benches or the grass eating or mingling. We walked up the hill, overlooking the city, and we sat in silence on the bench for a few moments, “I always come here. Every morning when I am on my run. I would come and sit on this bench, stay here for a while, and look out as the sun rises. It makes me feel powerful, seeing the rising sun, bringing me calmness and tranquillity. One of my favourite places in this city,” he said. I stared at him in wonder, then stared at the pictorial display of buildings in front of me. The searing sun blazing, beaming radiantly amongst the clouds, the sky, adorning the Earth with its presence, providing and gifting us moments that will be ingrained in our memories. Shining its light upon us.

“I get you” I muttered, my grip on his fingers tightening. Loving and holding onto each other and coming alive with every moment.    

I followed his lead, taking in the streets we pass, the vendors and pull-up trucks, each area had distinct characteristics, and told different stories. The rowdiness of the crowds intensified as people faught for certain items and negotiated prices for a discount. The silence between us comforting and peaceful, looking up at Ezra to see him staring at me with a smile of his own. The pathway getting higher, the scenery changing from foods to clothes, to souvenirs and now arts. The stream of different arts, paintings from classical to contemporary abstract pieces. We took a taxi to Brooklyn Bridge, Ezra’s words, “to have a mean ass pizza, that’s going to fuck you up.” I get it, I get why people become so awestruck, going through the bridge, the windows down and the wind blowing my hair away from my face. Overlooking the masses of buildings, the soaring creations merging and putting on a show. It was paradise. The embryonic, ancient pillars formed with elegant, soft arch providing an incredible experience with its beauty. The idea of living my imaginations, my dreams, the way it is playing outside my head making me emotional. My eyes watered, the happiness that was blooming inside me became indescribable. I looked over to Ezra, I reached for his hand and caressed the skin mouthing, “thank you,” lightly whispering, “this is perfect,” appreciation heightening for the man beside me.

The pizzeria was charming and cute, with the staff talking a mix of English and Italian. The fragranced aroma of cheese, tomato, and charred smokiness of dough permeating the air. The open concept kitchen, chatter, patting, and sounds of making pizza, the noisiness of people – the energy was infectious and wholesome. The waiter seated us on a corner booth, which had a direct view of the skyline making this happening more memorable and magical. Ezra decided on the pizza and their drink selection, telling me to, “trust him on this”, we aimlessly talked and looked over at the Brooklyn Bridge, the sunset surfaced from the clouds, titivating the city’s skyline once the waiter took our order. “How many activities are left after this?” I asked.

“Two, if we have time maybe three. You wouldn’t know because it’s a surprise,” he stated with an expressive glint.

“Hm. I wonder what they are?” I feigned, curiously.

“Keep on thinking,” he knowingly returned. A bottle of a bubbly drink and two glasses were placed on the table.

“Me too. What is your favourite known fact?” I questioned.

“The Universe is 13 billion years old. That there are multiverses that exist other than this Universe. The notion of nothing is real. In actuality, there is no truth, there is no right and wrong. Necessarily, beliefs don’t exist, it is simply ideations we have created to make our lives purposeful, meaningful – it is man-made. There is no society, but a system that conditions us into a way of living, that controls us,” he ended abruptly, looking nervous and shaking his head in an attempt to shake away the jitters.

“You want to continue,” I whispered, smiling. “You don’t need to stop when you feel yourself getting in too deep. It was nice to see you become passionate, in the way you were getting lost inside your mind with your thoughts. Allowing them to run. I think it is hot too,” I said.

“I usually don’t speak aloud about these notions. A lot don’t seem to understand, nor do they want to understand. Don’t wanna scare you off,” he confessed,

“Not scared just, turned on,” I laughed.

“Yeah,” he countered with heated eyes. His eyes lowered to my mouth. Instinctively, I licked my mouth. Damn it.

“Mhmm,” I affirmed. “Do you believe we were meant to stumble upon each other, I know you said that you felt like you were supposed to meet me, that me coming into your life was fulfilling in some way. But, do you think we were put together through destiny or manifesting each other? I think some part of me did. You were exactly what I was looking for.”

“I do. The first time I met you in that coffee shop, I dreamt of you the night of. I was paralysed in my sleep and you were the one who got me out. You calmed me, and brought me back to life. When I talk about you, nobody seems to understand the way I feel about you. With only having moments together, talking to each other once, nobody knew how you could feel the surge of energy, a deep connection with someone you just met. I didn’t know how and why either. But that never stopped thoughts running inside my mind, it didn’t stop the feelings of longing and hope emerging from within. I didn’t stop dreaming about you or imagining you during daylight. It never stopped the intense, growing energy within my soul that stilled until the moment I had met you again,” he voiced. My heart was heavy from his words, not from sorrow or pain. Rather, the words he uttered were what I experienced too, living in the same state, it was my life. I felt it too. Love is not conjured up by feelings, thoughts, or actions. It is energy so profound, so unheard of it will shake you, it will slam into your face and turn your world upside down. What you thought suddenly doesn’t exist, doesn’t mean anything. Love is an essence that binds you before you even meet, bonding and fusing two lovers together. Only essence that responds to purity and chasteness of connection shared by two beings, through vulnerability and appreciation. Ezra is my destiny. I knew that the moment we separated ways in London.

“I know Ezra,” I said with a shaky voice at the revelation I made in my head. The pizza arrived before I could say anything else. It didn’t stop us from looking into each other’s eyes and saying all the things that solidified the words that were spoken and felt.

“I am thankful for you, Ezra. Thank you for coming into my life,” I expressed.

“Thank you, Luna, for coming into my life,” he returned.

I dug into a slice of doughy cheesy, flavourful goodness, each bite becoming tastier and mouthwatering, confirming that Ezra knew exactly what he was doing, making me fall in love with New York through his lenses, immersing ourselves with our talks and food, we stayed until the dusk. The sunset became starry, the lights transformed the city alive and the streets turned busier. The brisk air outside was crisp, washing over my skin in a warm and tender embrace. Brooklyn was a bustling neighbourhood; the Bridge was lit up, with the lights of the towering view of buildings. Displaying the magnificent vision of art.

“Ready for what is next?” He said with a smirk.

“Do I get to know?” I inquired.

“Nope, not until we are there,” he replied.

“Then what was the point of saying if I am ready?” I jokingly, remarked.

“Well you are in for a treat,” he responded, waving his hand out to stop a taxi.

The street at night was a different experience. The drive to Manhattan went smoothly, driving through the Bridge was euphoric, elation travelling through my veins. As the driver went to the theatre district, I studied the people in costumes milling in the corners of streets close by to the theatres. Lines of people were waiting outside the theatres, the buzz in the air was energetic and invigorating. “Ezra,” I say, prolonging his name towards the end, “what are we doing here?” I questioned.

“You will find out soon. Sir, you can leave us here,” Ezra murmured to the driver, paying him with cash and opening the door to his side muttering “wait.” He rushed to my side of the car, opened the door for me and offered me his hand. I took his hand whilst giggling, couldn’t help it.

“Thank you. You’re cute,” I gushed as Ezra intertwined our fingers, walking to the pavement.

“I have my moments,” he returned with a radiant smile. He guided us through the crowd, shielding me with his body from the wild throngs of people. “It is Saturday evening, I anticipated this. But I guess something is happening tonight so, there are more people than usual” he voiced.

“I know, I am not worried” I responded.

“That’s good” he returned.

We stop at a building situated in the centre of the street. The huge pillars held up the majestic, Victorian-like building which is swarmed with people. People outside waiting in line and those inside getting ready for the show. A poster of Hamilton stuck on the bricked wall, “Ezra,” I muttered, pointing at the wall and quirking an eyebrow. I didn’t need him to say anything with his smile becoming bigger, widening and his eyes shining brightly. “No way” I quietly shriek “what!” I exclaimed, “how did you know?”

“You mentioned how much you loved the Hamilton soundtrack when we were discussing current music favourites, saying how you wished you could see it live. So, I had to make it happen,” he stated. We made a beeline through the line, he reached inside his jacket and handed the usher the tickets. When approved he moved to the side, and Ezra and I stepped into the grand, magnificent building. Absolutely and awfully in awe as my eyes take in every display of art and interior design. I am in love. I am in heaven, this must be what heaven feels like. I turned to Ezra and hugged his body tightly to mine, running my fingers through his strands. I sunk my face into his neck, and he pulled me into him “thank you so much, Ezra. I won’t forget these moments ever,” I vehemently uttered. Complete adoration and admiration for the man. Thanking the Universe, God, the heavens and high water for bringing him into my life.

“Anything for you, Luna. I want you to have the best experience of this city,” he expressed.

“You won. You won with me” I replied, pushing my body from his, caressing his skin.

“Come, let us go to our seats,” he said. I placed his hand behind my back and guided him in the direction of our seats.  The theatre was constructed with timbers, the thick wood creating circular motions in the roof. Anticipation and apprehensiveness sank into my skin with giddiness rushing through in love with everything surrounding me. My hands shook and clammed up, breath hitching as the lights dim low and the curtains ensued, gradually revealing the stage. The chatter amongst people transformed into cheers and clapping eventually dying down. The floors vibrated as the sounds came alive, my hands slapping over Ezra’s instantly, shrieking with excitement. The play moved beautifully, stirring emotions as the plays progress the music made me feel high, unabashedly singing and rapping the lyrics. I tried to maintain quietness as I do, receiving weird looks and side-eyes from those around me. It filled my heart with inspiration, admiration for the play and love for the meaning of the play, for what it brings, and what it stands for with, the stories from different people and communities. Enthusiastically stood up from my seat, clapping my hands, whopping, screaming and cheering once it ended. I looked at Ezra, to see him with the same elation, the room vibrating with love and joy. The lights came back on as the curtains began to close. People got ready to leave, whilst I stayed seated on my seat and took it all in. The overwhelming emotions wanting to be purged, to be released. Tears rose from the corner of my eyes, allowing them to fall. The whole day felt like a floating dream, surreal with no words coming to describe the emotions rushing through me. Ezra was quiet as he handed me a tissue, running his hand through my back and muttered, “it is okay, I think I did a bit too much today” he chuckled nervously.

“No, no you didn’t. It was perfect. Everything was perfect” I voiced, clasping our fingers and stroking his skin. He wiped away the remaining tears, I stand up to get ready to leave. Ezra followed suit, going down the expansive, carpeted stairs, looking around me and taking it in for the last time. The chilly air rushed through the open doors as Ezra pulled the door for me to go first. Rain falls slowly, the air still warm with a hint of a breeze. Without thinking I turn to Ezra, and I kiss him. Fusing our lips together, gripping the material of his shirt, and melding our lips, Ezra returned the kiss just as passionately. Wrapping my arms around his neck, gripping strands of his hair as he kisses my top lip then my bottom, sucking it and dragging it out, releasing a moan. He picked me up, wrapping my legs around his waist. My hands reached, tenderly touching any skin that I can find as our tongues dance in a twist. The rain intensified, welting down on us. I savoured this rainy dream-like state, feeling like the scene from The Notebook as I communicate my words of how I felt, the way he makes me feel. My hair sticking to my skin, not wanting this moment any other way. Breaking the kiss, I put my forehead against his chin. Regaining my breathing, my heart hammering against my chest, my body pulsing with pleasure, fire and affection for this man. I closed my eyes, and he kissed my forehead. My skin was wet from the rain, but, uncaringly stayed attached to his body as he sways his body, keeping me close to him. Ignoring the ways we’re seen in the street.

“Be my girlfriend” he bluntly said. Raising a laugh from me, quietening down watching his eyes displaying his emotions.

“Say it again” I whisper, running my hands through his strands, he puts me down, cupping both sides of my face.

“Be with me Luna, be my girlfriend” he gently murmured.

“Okay. Boyfriend” I breathed, not needing to think with my stomach floating with butterflies. Both smiling with our foreheads pressed against each other, embracing this moment and of each other’s presence. “Thank you, Ezra, this was everything that I dreamt and wished for. This was perfect, so perfect it will be deeply embedded within my brain. Seems like a dream” I voiced.

“Anything for you baby” he returned. “Still have time for another activity,” he asked.

“You can take all the time in the world from me, I feel like I am living pass time. I just want to be with you” I expressed. Tired of thinking of what to say, what not to say, wanting to talk freely and not be afraid. We hailed a cab to the next destination, my heart filled with fulfilment, peace and deep-seated, growing emotions.

The ride to the next destination was short. Aloofness sinking in, having no idea why we are here, at 10 pm with everything closed except, for the food places. People filling the street, the vibrancy intensifying as the night lived on. The taxi stopped and Ezra opened the door for me, stepping out with a “thank you”.

“You don’t have to do that every time, you know,” I said.

“I like doing it. When you’re with me, I will always want to open the doors for you, to treat you in a certain way. It makes me happy” he responded gently.

“Okay. Only for you. I’m just used to doing things on my own, so it makes me feel weird”.

“Well, you have me now” he replied.

Being so enamoured by his energy, I wasn’t aware of where we were, that I was taking steps in front of me. Studying the scene in front of me, the dim lights cascaded around the pillars, the classic, vintage-like architecture was stunning. Halting, my eyes widening, my mouth opening in shock, realising where he was taking me.

“Ezra” I whispered.

“Welcome to The Met,” he said softly.

“How. We can’t, it is closed” I responded.

“I have a close acquaintance with the manager of The Met, he owed me some favours, so I used one of them for taking you here. He relented, giving me the keys for them yesterday evening”.

“Ezra, this is amazing”.

“I anticipated we might be late, so, I couldn’t take chances”.

“Ezra, who are you” I uttered, so dazed with everything. Responding with his deep chuckle, which is becoming one of my favourite sounds. “Ezra you didn’t have to do all of this,” I said, meaning every word. He went above and beyond, leaving me stunned with how to respond, and amazed that a man like him existed.

“I wanted this to be special, memorable. To me, it is catching up with all the missing moments we didn’t get to share”.

Ezra opens the entrance door once we have reached the top of the steps. Once locked, we quietly walked inside, the hall eerie with its darkness.

“I am going to take you somewhere. Just trust me okay” he whispered.

“Okay,” I replied. Using the torch on his phone to guide us the way, we take the elevator to the top floor. We continue walking, passing a café to a rooftop view of the city’s skyline. Putting my hands on my mouth as I gasp, my eyes begin watering. In disbelief of what is in front of me. It was stunning, dreamy, and romantic. “Oh my god” I breathed, my breath becoming uneven.

“Ezra, this is so wonderful. How did you do this” I asked?

“I had my sister in law come up. She is a wedding planner, she knew about you. I described the way I wanted this to be and she knew how I wanted it. She came in the evening, right before The Met was closing”.

“Ezra,” I said, my voice weakening, tears relentlessly falling. The scene in front of me was gorgeous. Rose petals scattered around the floor, surrounded by small candlelit lamps, encircling a blanket that accompanied an enclosed basket.

“I was hoping to stargaze here, I thought this was perfect inside the city with the moon out” he whispered. Taking my hand, kneeling in the makeshift blanket. Ezra bringing the basket to us, revealing two glasses, a bottle of sparkling champagne along with, fruits and doughnuts.

“Interesting combination of food,” I commented.

“I knew we would be stuffed, only things I can think of that would be light. Doughnuts being the dessert for the day” he replied. Unscrewing the bottle, pouring us both a glass whilst, I bring the food to us and open the fruits. Leaving the doughnuts inside the basket for later. I look out at the breathtaking vision in front of me, the full moon glowing luminously against the dark, night sky. The stars glistening, twinkling, shining their celestial lights upon us with the illuminating lights from the buildings, bringing the city alive. The picturesque visuals making me feel light, infinite.

“Thank you so much,” I said.

“Stop saying thank you. I wanted to do this for you, for us. You being here, your reactions is all I needed” he responded, smiling, his skin glowing from the moonlight. My safe haven. Pulling me to his lap, between his legs. I push myself closer to his body, the warmth and safety of his arms were blissful. Looking out at the spectacular sight, I call my home, the Universe providing me with peace, stillness as they bless us with miracles. Feeling like Ezra and I only exist on Earth, cherishing this moment as we both sit in silence and gaze out at the scenery. Time is still, life is in a pause as we live in the moment.

“I like you a lot, Luna. You came into my life and changed everything. I haven’t been the same since I have met you” he voiced, against my ear. His breath fanning over my skin, closing my eyes as it electrified me.

“Me too,” we both discard the drinks and turn to lie down. Both inseparable, as I lay my head on his chest, looking up at the starry sky. Stargazing, talking about everything and nothing, stars enveloping us, the moon blessing us with her presence. Thankful. The end of a perfect day.

(A scene from the current story. Simply wanted to share for becoming attached to the characters. Living vicariously through the characters and how precious this story has become for me. If you have read it till the end, thank you so much. Truly appreciate it)