Prompt: What is your favorite work of art? What do you love about it?
“V-J Day in Times Square,” Miranda read out loud.
“I like it,” Jake smiled at her.
Thursday night was Miranda and Jake’s weekly date night. While other college students were getting “turnt up” for thirsty Thursday, Jake and Miranda would go out in the community and find some gems. Sometimes it was a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, a small movie theater, or an unknown park. Today’s date night had lead them to an art museum which had a special exhibit on World War II.
“How come you never kiss me like that?” Miranda teased.
“Well I’ve never been in a situation where I just heard that I’m not going to be sent off to island jump across enemy territory.”
“So if that happens, you’ll kiss me like you actually like me.”
“Sure!” Jake laughed.
Miranda just shook her head and walked off to the next picture.
“You two are adorable.” A little old lady nearby commented obviously hearing the banter.
“Thanks,” Jake said with a small wave of his hand. He ran over to get caught up with Miranda who was already on the other side of the museum hall.
“Flirting with old ladies on our date night?” Miranda asked with a smile.
“She thinks we’re adorable.”
“Well I’m adorable, I don’t know about you.”
“Har har. You’re so funny.” Jake said nudging her with his elbow.
“Yes I am.” Miranda said with a wink.
“Whatever.”
“What about this one?” Miranda asked changing the subject. “Think we could re-create this one?”
“Raising the flag at Iro Jima? I think we need some strong friends if we’re going to do that.”
“Yeah you’re probably right,” Miranda said. “I thought you’d be strong enough. I guess not.”
Jake shook his head. “You’re just relentless tonight. I think you’ve been around too many war images or something.”
“All that warmongering is just going to my head.” Miranda laughed and grabbed Jake’s hand leading him out of the museum.
The temperature had dropped while they were inside and small flakes of snow were starting to fall.
“We better hurry and get home,” Miranda said.
“I know where we can catch a bus. Let’s go.”
Jake and Miranda hurried hand in hand to the bus station. The snow had picked up and started to collect on the ground covering the entire city in a layer of white. It took about 10 minutes for the bus to show up and people shuffled in and out. Jake and Miranda found a seat near the back of the bus. Miranda sat by the window and watched the snow fall. Jake sat next to her and held her hand.
It was a quiet bus ride back home with neither Jake nor Miranda really saying anything. Jake lost in his thoughts and Miranda watching the snow. Winter had always been Miranda’s favorite season and the snow was one of the major reasons why.
After a short drive, it was their stop and Jake and Miranda got off the bus out into the cold, windy air. The snow had become larger and heavier as it started to pile up on the sidewalks and streets. They started on their 10 minute trek towards Miranda’s apartment.
“I had a really great time tonight,” Miranda said her eyes looking up towards the sky.
“Of course you did, you were with me.” Jake nudged her.
“Yeah I thought I’d get tired of that after a while.” Miranda stuck her tongue out at him.
“Wow. How childish,” Jake said with a smirk.
They made it to Miranda’s apartment. There was a small front porch area where they both could stand while getting protection from the snow.
“You could always stay over if you wanted,” Miranda smiled.
“I’d love to, but I have a class early in the morning,” Jake sighed. “Plus I’m pretty sure your roommate hates me.”
Miranda laughed. “It’s not just you. She hates everyone.”
They stood there in silence for a few seconds. A snowplow passed by pushing snow while dumping salt on the road.
After a few seconds, Miranda went in for the hug burying her face in Jake’s chest. Jake wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.
“See you tomorrow?” Jake asked.
“Yeah definitely.” Miranda pulled her head back and smiled.
They dropped their embrace and Miranda turned around to reach for the door handle.
“Miranda.”
“Yeah Jake?” Miranda said turning around.
Jake grabbed Miranda’s hand pulling her back towards him. He then proceeded to dip her and kissed her. A picture perfect copy of “V-J Day in Times Square.”
Jake helped Miranda back onto her feat. “Goodnight.”
Miranda smiled trying her ride how red her face had gotten. “Goodnight.”
Miranda opened the door and closed it behind her. She exhaled and let herself smile. Jake turned around and started on his way back to his apartment. The snow continued to come down but Jake had no trouble getting home. He slipped off his winter coat and boots and went to his bedroom to change out of his wet clothes. He checked his phone and saw that he had a message from Miranda.
M: Had a great time tonight
J: Me too
M: Find some friends so we can do Iro Jima next time
J: Haha I’ll try
Jake laid down on his bed staring up at the ceiling. Overall a pretty great date night. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep thinking of her smile.
Allen The Writer 