Oh, I need the darkness
The sweetness
The sadness
The weakness
Oh, I need this

I need a lullaby
A kiss good night
Angel sweet love of my life
Oh, I need this

I’m the slow dying flower
In the frost killing hour
Sweet turning sour and untouchable
Do you remember the way that you touched me before
All the trembling sweetness I loved and adored?

Your face saving promises

whispered like prayers
I don’t need them

No, I don’t need them

Oh, I need the darkness
The sweetness
The sadness
The weakness
Oh, I need this

I need a lullaby
A kiss good night
Angel sweet love of my life
Oh, I need this

Well is it dark enough?
Can you see me?
Do you want me?
Can you reach me?
Oh, I’m leaving

You better shut your mouth
And hold your breath
And kiss me now
And catch your death
Oh, I mean this
Oh, I mean this

The piano was off to my right in the room.  She had yet to see me. The sadness in her voice was evident.  She sang the lyrics with personal meaning.  She looked up on the last verse and saw me.  She continued to play the last bit and I walked over and sat on the piano bench next to her.  We just sat in silence for a bit.

“I used to listen to that song over and over right after Jena broke up with me.  Some times it feels good to just be sad.” I said softly.  “Are you sad?”

Ashley nodded. “In some ways yes, but you are not the reason I am singing this song.” She whispered back.  She didn’t tell me the reason why and I didn’t ask.  Maybe later.

“I am very glad to hear that.  In any case I love to hear you sing.  Songs are always played and sung better when they have personal meaning.” I said shyly.

She swung one leg over the bench so she was straddling it and pulled me in close to her.  She kissed the side of my cheek gently.

“So what gives me the pleasure of getting to see you tonight?” She asked.

“I thought I would just come by and tell you the plans for tomorrow.  Kaylen and Aiden want us to meet them at 8 at Hollywood Bowl.” I said.

“We are going bowling…?” Ashley asked with raised eyebrows.

“Not just bowling…It is 80’s night bowling.  You know where they play all those 80’s songs, put on foggers and black lights so the pins glow.” I said laughing.

“Oh..my…God. Seriously?  I am a horrible bowler.”  Ashley replied.

“That makes two of us.  However, Kaylen and Aiden are freaking stoked so be prepared for over exuberant bowlers tomorrow.” I said.

She laughed.  “Okay.  Count me in.”

“Well I should get home.  I need a shower.” I said.  Ashley kissed my neck just below my ear.

“Mmm…your skin tastes salty.” She whispered in my ear.  It made me shiver and close my eyes.  She ran one of her hands gently up the inside of my thigh making me sigh.  “You know…we have 4 showers in this house.  More specifically there is one attached to my bedroom.” She murmured her lips still kissing down my skin to my shoulder.

“Oh really?”

“Mmm-hmmm. One condition though, I get to shower with you.” She replied as she stood up and pulled me to the door with her.  I was pretty sure I was ok with that condition.