Zipora Grace

Zipora Grace glanced up, startled to find a set of bright blue eyes on her from across the room. She looked away but could see Thad rise and walk her way. Zipora Grace tensed and nervously sipped some more on her tea.
“Can I use that color when you’re done? Zipora Grace, is it?” Thad squatted down beside her to touch the marker she was holding. She could feel the warmth of his hand as it was nearly touching hers. Feeling awkward, Zipora Grace stood up a little too fast, making herself dizzy. Holding onto the back of a chair, she dropped the marker into his hand.
“Oh sure. I think we’re done now, and yes, my name is Zipora Grace Dippel, but everyone calls me Zippie.” Zipora Grace wanted to crawl under the nearby table and hide. She hated being flustered when talking to guys. She was never very good at this, unlike Danielle who always seemed to have these kinds of situations under control. Zipora Grace hoped that she didn’t appear as awkward to Thad as she felt.
Thad stood also. “Thanks. See you around, Zippie.” That said, he walked back to his music posters.
Melissa gave Zipora Grace a distinguished look. “Someone’s got Buggy Boo eyes for you, Zippie, girl! I’ve seen that look before, and trust me, it wasn’t from my brother!”
Zipora Grace stared at Melissa dumbfounded.
~
Thad retired to his small duplex cabin. Pastor Greg Jenkins and Marcia occupied the other side. Thad sat on his bed thinking of only one thing: Zipora Grace Dippel. He reached for his guitar and began to pluck out a tune. Soft, like Thad imagined her to be, he added words to his tune.
“Zipora Grace with the pretty face,
Your eyes look like the sea when you’re looking at me.
Zipora Grace with the pretty face,
Your hair so brown would wipe away any frown.
Zipora Grace with the pretty face,
So soft like a fairy and you smell like a cherr...”
Abruptly silenced by a knock at his door, Thad wasn’t sure how loud he had sung. Still caught up in the moment, he opened the thin door to a broadly grinning Pastor Jenkins.
“Gregory, my man! Nice to see you out and about!” Thad put on his best-manufactured smile. He extended his right hand to his friend for a hearty handshake.
“So, I hear you found the one I was talking about.” Pastor leaned against the doorframe, and lifted his eyebrows. “She must’ve made quite the impression on you, seeing how you’ve already written a song about her. It’s… beautiful!”
Thad’s whole body grew warmer but still, all he could think about was her scent. He put his head closer to Pastor’s and whispered, “Yes, she smelled like cherries!”
“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone.” Pastor Greg whispered back, laughed and tugged Thad out the door. “You up for a walk around the camp before bed?”
Thad looked past him. “I think I could use some cool night air right about now.”
He reached in the doorway, and grabbed his flashlight and a sweatshirt off the chair next to the door.