I caught a glimpse of you shirtless after a hard days word pounding away with your hammer at the sharp, durable steel. Embers dance all around sweat tumbling on your spine. You turn, and we lock eyes.

“Rose,” my mother calls me my moment with you etched into my brain all evening. After supper, my mother drew a bath lilac and rosemary from the garden float on top.

While my mother combs my hair, I think of you again. And I can't help but let by hand brush against my sacred part my mother would refer to. She tells me of when I'll become a woman. I am only 13 and have not encountered a male.

Sensation creeps inside the middle of me my belly feels like small creatures occupy it.

“Rose you will meet Bishop tomorrow.”

She cannot see where my hands are in this cloudy substance.

“Rose! Did you hear me.”

“Yes, mother.”

As I lay tonight, I imagine you standing by the oak tree — the one where everyone decides to consumate. I've seen several girls my age go into the night a young girl as myself and leave a woman.

I once saw my mother on her knees with the tailer. I let my mind wonder else where why would she be on her knees why would one feel pleasure down on the knees in the cold earth.

The moon keeps me up restless I toss and turn until I finally leave my bed. From my window, I can see someone. It's you; my heart knocking at my ribs.

If my mother has any idea of my actions, she will send me away. She's already sending me away with Bishop. I don't feel this hot liquid roll down my legs when I close my eyes and let my hands touch me. I don't crave him the way I starve for you.

“Rose?” Your voice meets me halfway.

“Yes?” my heart thudding.

“I had to see you I’m sorry; my heart led me where my feet knew I shouldn't go.”

“Why have you not come sooner? It is dark and my mother will wake”

“I couldn’t resist you your eyes spoke in a way your lips could not.” Your swallowed by the dark.

“I am truly sorry I just—” your sigh you let out makes my blood hot and the small hairs shoot up all over.

“Will you meet me here tomorrow?” The words run across my tongue.

Your face goes red when you leave the darkness. Your smile melts my flesh. I stand on the tip of my toes to transfer a kiss on your cheek.

“Goodbye” The words leave your lips.

I go return to my home.

“What’s—” your gone fully into the night.

In an instant I shoot up sweat dazzled on my forehead. It was a dream of you one I have every night. I never ask your name.