Lost Time

Michael sat nursing his whiskey on the rocks. The bar was dimly lit by the lanterns behind the counter. A college football game played on the TV to his left, and a few people idly chatted in the booths behind him.

Three years down the drain, and he didn't even know why. He was caring, attentive, driven, and he felt he was pretty good in the bedroom, but she still had to go to someone else.

Michael stared down at his drink and examined the melting ice. The clear cubes were significantly smaller than they were when he got the drink, and at the rate he was drinking it the alcohol was probably leaving his system faster than he could consume it. Michael had been drunk before, but a sad drinker he was not. Still, he sat at the bar wallowing in his misery.

The ring of a bell broke through the monotonous chatter and Michael could hear a few footsteps approach a seat to his right. Without any thought, Michael turned his head to see the newcomer. He was surprised to see Alexis, an old friend of his from high school.

The two had become good friends in his early years of high school, having a few classes together they got a lot of time to talk, and over time they became pretty close. Michael even ended up developing a huge crush on her, but never could tell her. It seemed she always had a new boyfriend, and even if she was single, Michael was always too nervous to act on his crush. Alexis being a year older than him meant that once she graduated, she was off to college hundreds of miles away, and the two drifted apart quickly.

Michael himself since that point had graduated college and got a nice office job in their hometown. In his time in college, he became much more confident, having not only dated but also slept with plenty of girls, but every day he regretted not telling Alexis how he felt when they were in high school. At this point though, he doubted it could work.

"Alexis?" Michael feigned surprise.

"Oh my god, Michael, hey!" Alexis's face lit up.

Michael wasn't sure she'd even remember him, even if they were close friends for a time. She was as beautiful as he remembered, and he could tell why he had such a crush on her in the past. Alexis was small, both short and skinny. Her hair was long, wavy, and dark brown. It contrasted heavily against her pale skin. Her eyes were large and brown, and her nose while relatively skinny jutted out far, giving her profile a bird like appearance. She wore a light blue coat that wrapped tight around her figure, and even lighter blue jeans that showed off her skinny legs and shapely but small butt. She might not have been for everyone, but she was definitely for him.

"I didn't know you lived around here, I thought you stayed out at school." Said Michael.

"Oh, I did for a little while, but only because I had a job out there. I got a job here a few months ago, working for a marketing firm. I make logos and stuff." Said Alexis.

Alexis always was the creative type, her work seemed fitting. "Oh okay, are you living with your parents still?" Michael felt a little ashamed he still lived with his and was hoping she was too so he wouldn't seem as lame.

"No, I actually have an apartment just down the street from here."

The bar was situated in a residential area, a relic of a bygone era of less restrictive zoning laws.

The bartender came out from the kitchen and saw his new customer. "What can I get you? The usual?"

"Uhhh, yeah..." Said Alexis bowing her head.

"The usual, huh?" Said Michael, chuckling.

"Yeah... Went through a bad breakup recently, and nothing fills the hole in your heart like alcohol." Said Alexis, keeping her head bowed in shame.

"Well, that makes two of us. Though I'm not sure I get how to drink. I thought this was what I was *supposed* to do, but maybe sad drinking isn't for me. I've been at this one for an hour." Said Michael holding his drink up.

"I wish I was like you. I've spent half my salary on drinks the past few weeks." Said Alexis.

The bartender came back with a martini, complete with a few olives on a plastic sword.

"Martinis, eh? You don't exactly peg me as a martini girl." Said Michael with a somewhat impressed look.

"Oh, and what kind of girl do you peg me as?" Asked Alexis raising an eyebrow.

"Hmm, well I'd say strawberry daquiri followed by wine coolers." Said Michael, smirking.

"Well, I'm usually one to defy expectations. My parents for example expected me to be an engineer or doctor, they were sure excited when I decided to major in graphic design." Alexis took a sip from her drink. "So, you went through a breakup too? What happened there."

Michael shook his head. "I have no idea, one day I go to surprise her at her house, and there she is with another guy underneath her."

Alexis gave Michael a reassuring smile. "That's awful, no one should have to go through that."

"Yeah... I'm not even angry or sad. Just... numb and confused. I have no idea what I did."

"You didn't do anything; some people just decide others mean nothing to them. Just... don't do anything crazy once the anger sets in, because at some point it will."

"Yeah, what about you, you said you just got out of a relationship too? How long was it." Michael asked.

"Not very long. It was more a matter of how it ended than the actual relationship that ended. It got pretty messed up. Sorry, I just want to try to forget it." Said Alexis.

"That's okay, I think I've spent enough of my life talking about your relationships." Michael couldn't believe what he just said. How could he be so stupid to say something like that to her. The girl of his dreams sitting right next to him, and he makes a comment like that.

"Oh? What's that supposed to mean?" Alexis furrowed her brow.

"Nothing, I'm not sure why I said that." Said Michael panicked. He needed to put the conversation back on course, but he didn't know how.

"I guess it must have sucked that I was always in a relationship, didn't it? Must have been hell for you knowing I was never available." Said Alexis.

Michael was shocked by her response. "Ex- excuse me?"

Alexis rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on, you didn't think I never knew, did you? You definitely weren't subtle. I mean, I guess I was a little stupid not to notice in high school. But it wasn't long after I left that I realized it. Why didn't you tell me?"

Michael stared in disbelief. He never considered she might have known he liked her. He thought he had hidden it well, but it seemed he was wrong. "I was scared. I'd been rejected before and it ruined the friendship, I didn't want that to happen to us."

Alexis looked down and smiled. "You valued our friendship enough to go through that? I really am flattered."

"I guess the thought of losing you as a friend was always just worse than gaining you as a girlfriend." Said Michael staring past her.

There was a moment of silence that felt like an eternity to Michael.

"So do you still..." Alexis cut in.

"I mean, I don't go to sleep thinking about you every night or anything like that. But I still think you're beautiful. And if nothing else, I'd like to be friends again now that I know you live nearby."

Alexis stayed silent or a moment. "Hey Dave!" Alexis shouted to the bartender while miming her signing a check.

"Oh shit, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make it awkward. Uh, don't worry. I won't come here anymore. I'll leave, you can stay" Michael bowed his head in shame.

Alexis gave Michael a look as if to call him an idiot. "What the fuck are you talking about? We are leaving. I'm not about to have us wallow around in self-pity. Let's go to the park.

Michael couldn't believe what he was hearing. She wanted to leave with him. "Doesn't the park close after sundown?"

"I know a way to sneak in. Come on, let's go.

The two paid their tabs and left the bar. The fall night was warmer than usual thanks to a recent heatwave, but it was still cold enough for a medium sweatshirt. They walked the half a mile down the street to the park at the end of the road. More of a nature preserve than anything else, the park was large with lots of trees and trails to get lost in. On the way the two idly chatted about their college experience. Neither took it too seriously, and spent more time at parties than studying. However, they both graduated with decent grades. Where Alexis couldn't hold down a relationship for more than a few months like back in high school, Michael had the same girlfriend since the beginning of junior year. They reminisced about high school, laughing at the little references no one else would get.

To Michael it felt like a mix of old times, and a second chance.

When they reached the park Alexis led him to a hole in the fence around the corner from the front entrance. Where Alexis's petite frame slid right through, Michael being much larger struggled, but was able to get through without hurting himself or tearing any of his clothes. He couldn't help but think how unattractive he looked struggling through though.

The inside of the park was dark with no lights since no one was allowed in past dark, so the two had to rely on the light of the nearly full moon. The rules of course didn't stop everyone, and there were a few other people strolling through in the late hour. There was even an elderly couple that Michael could only imagine how they actually got in.

Michael used to go to the park daily even though he lived on the other side of town. It had a good mix of uphill and downhill paths with some beautiful views. They continued to talk as they climbed to the top of the hill, and Michael was nearly out of breath. A subtle reminder of how out of shape he had become since high school.

The two sat down on a bench at the top of the hill overlooking the town. They sat in silence admiring the hundreds of houses they could see, each with their lights on as families sat down for late dinners, or prepared popcorn for a Saturday movie night.

A light breeze swept through the trees, cutting through the relatively warm air. Alexis moved in closer to Michael and cuddled up next to him, with her head resting on his shoulder.

"You still think losing my friendship is worse than the chance of getting something more." Alexis said.

Michael thought silently for a moment. He had gone without her as a friend for a while, but after just talking all night, he realized how terrible it was without her. "Yeah, I think so."

Alexis raised her head off from his shoulder. "Okay then, I'll do it."

Alexis grabbed Michael's face gently and turned his head to face hers.

Michael stared at her large brown eyes, contrasting off her pale skin in the moonlight.

Alexis closed her eyes and moved in to kiss, and Michael did the same.

Her lips were soft and tasted a little bit like alcohol. The kiss was better than Michael had ever imagined. Years of frustration and longing washed away, and the world seemed to disappear around them.

When the two pulled apart, Michael couldn't hide his smile. He lowered his head to try, but it was apparent what he was doing.

"So..." Said Alexis.

"So." Replied Michael.

"That was... nice." Said Alexis.

Michael's heart sank. She hesitated, she clearly hated it.

"Oh." The only thing Michael could think to say.

Alexis's eyes widened. "No! I mean it was actually nice. I'm just sad it took so long; we could have done that so long ago."

Michael was relieved. "Well, I just never actually expected you to like me back."

Alexis shook her head. "It's my fault, I should have noticed."

"Well, let's just forget that. Let's make up for lost time."

Alexis bowed her head and stood up. "Come with me." She reached out her hand.

Michael grabbed Alexis's hand and rose to his feet. She guided him back out of the park, and through the hole in the fence. They walked back up the road hand in hand, in silence. Lights began to go out in the homes around them as they walked as people turned in for the night.

About half-way to the bar Alexis pulled Michael toward a house off to their right. Two doors sat side by side on the front each with a black metal mailbox labeled 'A' and 'B'. The exterior was made of brick, and it was illuminated by a dusty old lamp that hung between the two doors and to the outside of each door was a window facing the street.

Alexis let go of Michael's hand, walked up the steps to the door on the right, and unlocked it. Michael stood at the bottom of the steps looking up at the door.

When Alexis got inside, she turned back. "Well, are you coming in or not?"

Michael's eyes widened. He had expected maybe just a kiss goodnight and a call in the morning, he didn't expect to be invited in. But he wasn't going to turn down the invitation. With a light hop he went up the stairs and through the door.

Alexis closed the door behind him. "You can just put your shoes on the mat in the corner." She said, taking her coat off and hanging it on the wrack by the door. Underneath she wore a tight white short sleeved shirt that exposed a bit of her belly, just below her bellybutton.

Michael looked around. In front of him was a staircase leading to a small hallway with a door directly in front, and one to the side. To his right was a living room with a couch situated in the center and a TV stand by the wall in front of it. In front of the window to the front of the apartment was a small table adorned with various vases and pictures. Behind the living room and separated by only a two section counter was the kitchen. By the counter was a few chairs. Michael assumed that was where Alexis would sit to eat. The kitchen seemed well stocked with cooking paraphernalia, with pots and pans hanging from the exposed brick behind the stove.

"This place is very nice. I need to ask; how much is rent?" Asked Michael.

Alexis chuckled. "More than I should be paying. But, it's what was available and my parents do chip in a little bit."

"I'd kill for a place like this. Sometimes living with my parents is complete hell."

"Why do you think I moved out? The rent is well worth my sanity. Plus, the location is incredible. You want a beer?"

"Yeah, sure, why not."

Alexis walked to the fridge, pulled out two bottles, and opened them with a bottle opener fastened to the wall. She walked up to Michael and handed him one.

Michael looked at the label, the only word he recognized was stout. "Guess you're not a bud light girl or anything."

"God no. Couldn't imagine a worse beer."

Michael took a swig and was impressed. It tasted more like coffee than beer, which was a welcome improvement the shitty IPAs and light beers he'd had to choke down throughout college.

Alexis sat down on the couch and picked up the remote from the coffee table in front of it. The table was cluttered with sketches of logos, most crossed out.

Michael sat down on the other side of the couch, leaving a few feet between the two. "Don't you want to move those? Wouldn't want to spill anything over all that work."

"Oh, those are just junk. I haven't really gotten much of an opportunity to clean this place up." She paused. "Well, I have, but I've used those moments to go the bar. Let me just clean those up." Alexis scurried to her feet and reached to grab a bunch of the papers from the table.

Michael reached out and grabbed her wrist. "It's fine; if they're junk then they're junk. Just relax. Let's put on a movie or show or something."

Alexis relaxed a bit and sat back. "Alright, what did you want to watch?"

"Anything but horror." Said Michael.

"Are you sure? You know with horror, when the girl gets scared, she cuddles up to you for protection, right?" Said Alexis.

"I'll be the one cuddling up when he's scared, trust me." Said Michael.

Alexis laughed. "Okay, okay. Comedy or drama, then?"

"Like I said, anything but horror."

"Alright then let's pick out something I like."

Alexis navigated her TV over to Netflix and began scrolling their popular movies. Finally, she found something that caught her eye. It was some rom-com with actors Michael had never heard of. They watched in silence for a little while, but Michael didn't pay any attention. He had no idea what the plot was, or even the name of any of the characters. He was just waiting for the right time.

After a while, Michael shifted over to the other side of the couch, and Alexis positioned herself to allow him in behind her. The two ended up laying down on the couch spooning. Alexis was warm, and comforting. Her butt was resting perfectly in Michael's crotch, and every part of him was screaming not to get an erection.

However, it seemed Alexis had other plans. She began to wiggle her hips, rubbing against Michael, and within a few seconds he couldn't stop himself from getting hard. Alexis followed that up by grabbing Michael's hand and guiding it to one of her breasts. Michael couldn't believe it was finally happening.

Like the rest of her, Alexis's breasts were small, but Michael didn't care. They were soft and felt nice in his hands as he fondled her. He could feel her nipple get hard through her shirt and bra. Michael could tell the bra was lacy, and more for aesthetics than to keep anything in place.

Alexis let out a deep breath and closed her eyes. She began to grind her hips against Michael a bit more vigorously. Finally, she just turned around and kissed him.

Michael closed his eyes and enjoyed the experience. Alexis pulled one of his legs up slightly, so his knee was between her legs, and she began to grind against it.

Alexis would let out little moans and gasps between kisses. Michael grabbed and explored her body feeling her hips and ass.

After a few minutes of this Alexis began to breath even heavier and grind even harder until finally her face scrunched up and she let out a serious of loud moans.

When she came down from her orgasm, Alexis opened her eyes and smiled. She stood up and pulled her shirt above her head. Beneath it she wore a light blue bra, which she promptly took off to let free her boobs, highlighted by small dark nipples. Next, she pulled her jeans off and threw them to the side. She wore dark blue panties that hugged her hips. Michael guessed she loved the color blue.

Alexis knelt down in front of the couch, and Michael sat up, getting the signal. Alexis grabbed at his belt buckle and unfastened it, then unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans. She grabbed at his pants at his sides and with a little help from Michael, pulled them down to his feet. His loose boxers did very little to hide his throbbing erection. Alexis reached her hand down under the waistband and pulled his cock free. Her hand was cold and soft, it felt incredible.

Alexis pulled Michael's boxers down just as she did his jeans. When at his feet, Michael shook his right foot out so he could spread his legs a little easier and allow Alexis in close.

Michael's penis was nothing special, circumcised, and of average length and girth, but in Alexis's small hands it looked enormous. Michael couldn't help but smile at that. Alexis leaned forward and licked the precum that had dribbled over the frenulum. Michael shuddered at the feeling. Alexis leaned forward and put it in her mouth.

Her mouth was warm and wet, like most mouths, but Alexis was active with her tongue, skillfully swirling it around all of his most sensitive areas. Some of her thick and wavy brown hair fell onto Michael's pelvic region and it somehow added to the experience.

Alexis began to speed up and go deeper, getting all the way to the base. She held there for about ten seconds, and Michael could feel the muscles in her throat contract and loosen rhythmically.

Alexis pulled back out with a gasp. Her big brown eyes were tearing up. She continued to stroke his cock vigorously thanks to a lubricating layer of saliva. The sensation was incredible, and Michael felt like he might cum just from that.