Penguin Parents

Every Monday morning on his way to his second hour class, Jeremiah sees her. He leaves his dorm room at 8:47 sharp so he'll pass Desiree on the sidewalk. There she is. Jeremiah took a deep breath. "Good morning" he says with a smile. He turned around to see if she'll look back but mostly to check out her butt.

"Man, she is FINE! One day. One day. But for now, at least a brother can dream."

Jeremiah was not normally shy around women, except when it came to Desiree. He tried several times to talk with her but his tongue would betray him and he would trip over his words.

One Wednesday at a church singles' group, Jeremiah saw a new, but familiar face in the congregation. He squinted to make sure his eyes were not playing a cruel joke on him. It was Desiree. All during service, he kept sneaking a peek hoping to catch her eye. He had no idea what the speaker had talked about that night.

The moment after the closing prayer, he darted out of the congested isle. Where could she be he thought to himself? He ran out into the parking lot hoping to catcher her before she left. Still, he did not see her. He went back inside discouraged. He was picking up his bible from the seat where he was sitting when he felt it. It was a soft gentle touch on his right arm. The touch sends chills down the spine like electricity.

"I didn't know you came here," Desiree said.

"Ah, yeah, while here going church. . . I mean, I've been going here for a while. Have you been her before?" How original, he thought to himself. I must sound like a joke.

"Once or twice." There was a 20-second silence. It was deafening. She was not trying to leave thought Jeremiah or get away from him. Think quick. Think quick.

"My name is. . . What's your?" They each spoke simultaneously breaking the silence. Then they laughed; mostly out of nervousness.

"I'm sorry let me introduce myself. My name's Jeremiah and yours?" Jeremiah spoke clear and soft so he could control his stuttering tongue.