Dolor

This is me," Amy said, looking at Jim. They parked at a private residence-only underground parking. "Do you still want to come in? I think our coffee got cold."

"Good thing I ordered a refresher," Jim proudly said. Amy couldn't help but smile. 'This man has been acting cute since the gala'.' And for some selfish reason, she doesn't want him to stop.

Jim then grabbed his hat and mask for disguise.

"umm, so what floor?" Jim asked Amy, "Oh yeah, 11" Amy smiled shyly, her heart thumping loudly.

"Your apartment building seems very private. I like its location, too. It's near every store and building possible but far enough from all the hustle of city life," Jim said, looking impressed.

"It is private," Amy said proudly "contrary to your belief, I'm a very private person. I just don't pass out drunk at a stranger's car."

"Sure you don't," Jim giggled while Amy tugged the sleeve of Jim's shirt, telling him to stop laughing.

Before getting out of the elevator, Amy peeked her head out to make sure no one was around the hallway. When the coast was clear, Amy looked at Jim and gave him an "OK" hand sign. Jim couldn't help but blush at the cuteness of this woman.

Just as Amy was about to press the passcode on her door, her next-door neighbor Mrs. Jones called her attention.

"Dr. Amy, wait," Mrs. Jones demanded. "I have some mail and packages for you." Mrs. Jones quickly took Amy's things and gave them to her. To Amy's surprise, it was two beautiful bouquets of flowers. One was pink and white peonies. The second was a bouquet of yellow tulips. "Oh, and this," Mrs. Jones said as she handed two thick envelopes.

"This boyfriend of yours must have ordered these flowers for you, Amy?" Mrs. Jones said, trying to confirm something.

Amy blushed at the word "boyfriend." She has not had emotional connections with anyone since Noah. Yes, she met some guys here and there for the last four years, but nothing truly made her take it seriously. It was all very casual.

"Thank you, Mrs. Jones; it's nice to see you," Amy said, ignoring the question she didn't know how to answer. She quickly entered her passcode and pulled Jim, who was carrying both bouquets, inside.

"Woah… Woah… Woah…" Jim said, "you don't have to be so ablaze towards your boyfriend, Dr. Amy" Jim laughed.

"You wish," Amy said, looking at Jim fiercely.

"I do," Jim said so casually and nonchalantly.

Amy's pulse began to rise. She can feel her heart beating so strongly that it sent an electrifying friction all over her body. Her breathing was paced and perceptible.

Amy took a few steps towards Jim who was still by the door.

*ba-dummmmmm *ba-dummmmm, 'what's this feeling? Amy thought.

*aaaaaachooooooooooooooo

Amy suddenly sneezed loudly.

"Bless you," Jim laughed out loud while he took off his shoes and let himself in. He then put the bouquet of flowers on her kitchen island.

'Shit,' Amy cursed to herself.

"I'm going to charge my phone. Help yourself, please feel at home" Amy embarrassed, rushed towards her bedroom.

As soon Jim heard her door close, he removed his hat and mask, exposing his flushed face. His heart beating uncontrollably. He then turned on the sink's faucet and splashed himself with cold water.

After calming down, Jim walked to the living room just adjacent to the kitchen. Jim looked around and noticed books impeccably arranged on white shelves, live plants magnificently placed to give the space a zen-like feel, and pictures of Amy and her family and friends hanging on the wall. Jim can't help but smile.

But something Jim noticed was a painting behind the sofa. It was an abstract painting of a beautiful woman painted in bright colors, its background painted in dull colors, emphasizing the contrast.

"Dolor," Amy said, standing next to Jim. "That art is called dolor. Depicting one's double life- one you show people and one you show to yourself."

"It's sad, that painting," Jim sighed.

"It is, isn't it? You have a good eye for art," Amy said, her eyes feeling lonely.

"Not me, but my friend J is. He loves art, and he would sometimes take me to art galleries" Jim smiled and looked at Amy.

Without saying a warning, Jim hugged Amy and pat her back.

Towering over her, he kissed Amy's head. At that moment, Jim wanted nothing but to make Amy happy and bring color to Amy's life.

Jim then remembered when he saw her for the first time four years ago. She has this sadness in her eyes; ever since then, all he could think of was making her smile.

Amy looked up to see Jim's serene face. Her heart beating so fast. She felt incredibly at peace under his arms and couldn't help it any longer. She quietly and carefully raised her heels and kissed Jim's soft lips.

"Amy," Jim whispered in desperation. "The things you do to me." And kissed her more passionately.

Amy puts both her arms around Jim's neck as she quenches the thirst from Jim's kisses. Still tasting each other's lips, Jim scooped Amy effortlessly and directed her toward the sofa.

Moving in sync like their bodies had known each other, with ragged breaths and soft moans, Amy found herself under Jim's burning body.

"Amy," Jim let out a desperate cry. "I don't think I can let go of you this time around," he said and kissed Amy again.