A young man tries to forget a previous relationship in this excerpt from my book, “Fourth and Short”.

Kathy ran long fingers down Dan’s sinewy arms. “Did you ever think we would be together?”

“I don’t know. I guess I never thought about it,” said Dan.

Kathy giggled. “I sure tried to give you enough hints I was interested. Did you ever notice me staring at you in class?”

“Sometimes, I noticed.”

“It’s hard for us brainy girls to compete with busty cheerleaders.”

Dan looked at Kathy. “Two weeks ago I told you everything about me and Roxanne. It’s over. I’m here with you because I want to be here.”

Dan said the words to Kathy, but he wondered if she could detect his ambiguous thoughts. The relationship with Kathy happened too fast. Words spoken several weeks prior expressed an impulsive sentiment he felt at the time. A sentiment that still existed, but at a diminished intensity from two weeks prior. Maybe a relationship with Kathy was better than his clandestine trysts with Roxanne, but a deep hunger still plagued him. He needed to let go of Roxanne, but he couldn’t forget the emotions and physical sensations of Roxanne Jones. Someone said you never forget the first one, and Dan sadly realized the truth of that statement. Roxanne initiated him into the world of carnal pleasure, and Dan knew the memories would never fade away in spite of Kathy’s prowess between the sheets. The relationship with Roxanne was only physical, and the relationship with Kathy provided more intellectual stimulation. It wasn’t an easy thought process, but Dan continued to remind himself he needed a relationship that met more than his physical needs.