Beneath the Clock Tower

The invitation came and I cringed because I'd gone to one of these before.
The experience wasn't memorable in a good way.  The process was drawn out and I wanted it to end so much it almost made me gag.  I pulled away multiple times only to be thrust back into it.  "We're supposed to keep going." He said.  So I endured to the end.  That minute was the longest minute of my life.

I didn't want to force a replay.
But I said yes.  I don't know why.---

So here I stand with you in the little crowd of people jammed beneath the narrow structure which hadn't been built to hold this many people between its legs.  The anticipation is thick in the air as couples hold each other close, waiting for the minute hand to tick to the top.

Then the sound begins and I think "here we go" as your lips connect with mine.
1-2-3
My ears listen to the first beats, but then they somehow feel suddenly underwater.  I know there are other people around us but it is silent and I feel utterly and completely alone with you.

The bell continues to toll, I know, though I am not listening.
Is it 4 or 5, maybe 6 now?
Who cares, I've lost count.
It must be far ahead of us, though, because I know from experience, this is supposed to feel like forever.

But suddenly you are stopping and pushing me softly away.
"We can stop now." You say through a grin
and I feel as though someone has set me back on my feet.  I look around and everyone is talking now.  The clock has moved onto another minute.
But all I want to do is kiss you again.

---
Time kept moving forward from that minute at midnight beneath the on-campus tower, but I walked on clouds for at least an hour afterward, knowing you had put me there.