The Unforgettable Stranger

A chance meeting with a stunning woman.

   

Have you ever passed a woman on the street who was so stunningly beautiful you wanted to politely stop them and tell them...no secret hidden agenda...no subtle hustle, just letting them know their beauty was noticed? She was like seeing a breathtaking painting in an art gallery...I didn't need to own or possess her. I was just taken by her beauty. I found it difficult not to stare. 

She chose a seat on the bus where no-one could sit between us.

 

I smiled and said hi, and in the friendliest tone she returned the hello. I married a beautiful woman, so I seldom found myself intimidated around nice looking women, but this strange attractive woman actually caused me to be a little nervous. After our brief exchange, I thought that would be the end of the stranger says hello to stranger encounter,and began reading the newspaper I had just bought.

 

"Do you read, a lot?" She asked,with a smile.

 

  "Only if its news about the end of the world," I said with a grin. She laughed. Even her laughter was magnetic; with it's lightness and sincerity. There was a slight pause, and then she spoke.

 

"Did you know there's bacteria on the lime they squeeze into your drink? I love living life on the edge."

 

 

She intentionally made the remark in an overly serious tone,one that really struck me funny. It was as if we were old friends. I couldn't believe the ease with which we were talking. We both laughed at the same things.I was surprised at how relaxed we had both become in such a short amount of time. I was happily married,but I loved the way my heart felt, talking with this amazingly beautiful young woman.

 

Finally,I asked her "Are you a model?"

After I asked the question,I wanted to take it back. 

She looked at me with her entrancing eyes, then, in an obvious, and playful way she replied. 

 

 "That's so ironic,I was about to ask you the same thing." She said with a sly grin. It was perfect timing, and we caught ourselves laughing, again. Then she said something that truly surprised me.

 

"Would you think me too forward if I asked you to share a cup of coffee with me? I know this nice outside cafe a few blocks from here, and I have a little time before I leave for the airport. I thought you were so friendly, and we hit it off...I wondered...if.."

 

Without thinking of anything else, I blurted out

 "I'd love, too." I wasn't trying to pick her up,but she was fascinating, and I wanted to know more about her. I wanted to hear her laugh more, talk more, feel this odd feeling just a little longer.

 

We sat outside on this beautiful morning, and talked almost non-stop. There were no awkward moments. I didn't feel as if she had a hidden agenda. It was two people, two total strangers who, for whatever reason, hit it off, and they seized the moment.

It was unforgettable, and I think she felt the same way. The time flew by. We had talked about a little of everything, then she looked at her watch.

 

"It's time, I can't believe we had so much fun, and were so relaxed doing it."

 

 "And, you didn't try once to hit on me," she laughed out loud, as she slid her chair back.

 "And finally, I didn't have to fend a woman off for a simple conversation." I said, smiling. There life had put us, for a second, I felt a twinge of sadness. I realized how rare such encounters were. I looked at her once more, as she prepared to leave. My God,she was striking,I thought to myself.

 

"Well,I guess I won't ever see you,again,but I just want to tell you what a pleasure it's been meeting you. You take care,and never,ever change that magnetic personality." I said, as she moved toward me.

 

Without warning, she laid her purse back on the table, wrapped her arms around me and gave me the sweetest, most heartfelt hug. She then tenderly kissed my cheek. I was caught off guard.

 

 

 

She picked up her purse...looked me in the eyes... then leaned in close to my ear, and whispered,

 "Good-bye, Dad, you were everything I've dreamed you would be." With that she walked to the street, and immediately a cab stopped. As she pulled away...she smiled, but it looked like she had a tear running down her cheek.

 

I stood there motionless, as my mind raced through summers past...

 

Reviews

[jenbem]

your stories make my heart hurt! in a good way.
this is very well written. I love these new prose/flash fiction pieces you've been writing, they suite you well.
I also love how I can't quite tell if any of your pieces are biographical or not, it takes a person who has many and deep life experiences to blur the lines between pure fiction and reality. It's why Hunter S. Thompson was so extraordinary (although he is on the opposite end of the spectrum from you!).
luck and best wishes,
jenbem

[Serendipity]

OMG, I'm speechless.

This was amazing. As the others I'm curious, is this a true story? And is she your daughter? You have such a way of drawing us in. I thought she was going to lean in a give you a kiss. Definetely surprised with the twist in the end. Thank you for such a beautiful story.

[Chained_Voice]

*laughs* That was funny. I love the twist at the end. Very well written, good job. I kind of feel sorry for the guy though. Anyway, there isn't much more to say. Good work.

[ah]

this is the ultimate story and you caught me off guard as much as u were caught off guard, this is amazing.... are u really her father?

[Chiquita]

No way! There needs to be more. How could it just be over? Where did she go? Are you really the daddy? How did she know and manage to set it up to sit next to you and engage in such a conversation? There are so many questions. You have done it again!

[Jane Doe]

Oh what a delightful ending! I so was not expecting that! It was the perfect end to the perfect story. Wonderful writing!

[SM Davis]

Have you ever passed a woman on the street, so stunningly beautiful you almost stopped them to tell them ?

I tell them all the time. Beauty is meant to be admired and admiration is meant to be voiced. Loved this....you've given a heart wrenching rendition of what regret may always be.

[Chillbear Latrigue]

Wow. That really blew my mind. Thank God he didn't try to hit on her. You have a writing style that is very easy to read. The last line was very poetic. Impressive work.

[Papillion]

This was a great twist, you lead me down one path then suddenly change everything and pow....hit with it. A wonderful story you have told, I wonder how much is real?

[Jet Lag]

wow, what a great surprise ending! i was getting all riled that the man would even flirt if he was happily married (which he still did)! the daughter ends up being the noblest... great tale.

[Solis-Lopez]

AWESOME TWIST!!! =D that was amazing, the way u described her as being so happy and beautiful to this guy and then it turns out she's visiting and she's his kid X3 i love the way u write, u have a fan out of me.