Kulti

by Mariana Zapata

hadn’t he known we were supposed to get married and have soccer-playing-super-babies together?

To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.

It was the worst non-break-up ever in the history of imaginary relationships with a man who didn’t even know I existed.

“A dream is just a wish without a plan.”

His mouth went into a straight line that said exactly how full of shit he thought I was. “Wonderful.”

“You are the most honest, good thing I’ve ever had. I won’t deny it to anyone.”

“My schnecke. My little snail, do you know that’s what it means? It’s a term of affection in my country. My love. My snail. I don’t want to waste more time. I have nothing to hide and neither do you.”

“Understand, I would wait for you however long you needed me to, but I hope you don’t ask me to wait any longer than the end of this season.”

What would I gain from telling you the first moment I realized you were meant to be mine? Nothing. You’re supposed to protect what you love, Sal. You taught me that.

I know that without a doubt in my mind. This,” he pointed between us. “This is what matters. You are my gift, my second chance, and I will cherish you and your dream. I will protect both of you.

“I’ve been waiting, and I will keep on waiting until the time is right. You are my equal, my partner, my teammate, my best friend. I’ve done so many stupid things that you’ve made me regret—things I hope you will forgive me for and look beyond— but this, waiting a little longer for the love of my life, I can do.

I have never wanted anything more in my life than I want your love, and I don’t want to share that with anyone. I haven’t done a single thing in my life to deserve you, schnecke, but I will never give up on you, and I won’t let you give up on me.”

“Every single thing that has ever happened in my life has led me here, Sal. Destiny is a ladder, a series of steps that takes you where you’re supposed to go. I am the man that I am, and I have done the things that I’ve done, to get me to you.”

“There is nothing I’m not willing to do for you.”

Hot wet lips grazed over my parted ones as he gripped my leg tightly. It was endless. His full mouth was the Pacific Ocean; it was huge and dark and wide and so, so easy to get lost in.

“Your competitiveness, your fierceness, your kindness and this body… I would do anything for you. Lie, cheat and steal. There is nothing I wouldn’t do. Understand?”

You’ll have a team with me wherever we are, with whatever we are playing.”