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

[nostal]

Well written I absolutely loved it, and the twist at the end, remarkable.

[thecoolone52]

ohhh, good twist hahaha good thing you didnt hit on your daughter that would of been strange........... hahahahahaha anyway nice work..........

[Clockwork]

This is truly a well written story. The way in which it flows together is unique, a style all your own. You have some superb lines in there as well. "Have you ever passed a woman on the street who was so stunningly beautiful you wanted to politely stop them and tell them." and "Good-bye, Dad, you were everything I've dreamed you would be." With that she walked to the street, and immediately a cab stopped."

The twist at the end both threw me for a loop and made me love this story. It is such a natural story with an ending that is bittersweet. Thank you very much for sharing, it is much appreciated.

[Kena Dawn Augustine]

great job. i like the first paragraph
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?
pulled me in right away. you pose this hypothetical question that leaves the reader wondering....hmmm.....i agree. you described the characters so well (through dialogue too) that they seemed tangible and real, and it made it interesting for me.

is that really a picture of your daughter? who is that woman, she is stunning! anyway, a great twist at the end. nice job rain. never to cease to write great work.

kena

[Queen of wands]

Who doesn't love a story with a twist, I could drink this up like an afternoon cocktail. Good stories don't get any better than this one. An excellent write from a brilliant writer.

[Meradee]

That was a beautiful story. It reminds me of something that I've always wanted to do in my life. You gave a wonderful opportunity for the reader to glimpse at the girl's feelings about the meeting. You tapped into it wonderfully. Thank you for the treat...

[Dysis]

This is such a good story! The ending tottally surprised me. Who knew the girl would end up being his daughter! As always, your stories are really well written and sucked me in from the very first line. Someday I hope to have a wonderful talent with words as you do.

[J.Black]

Wow Rain, just wow. Once again I am blown away by one of your stories. I like the style you got going on here. And may I be damned, I did not see that ending coming at all! Wow, I am blown away by it actually. I think this is one of those writings that should be placed into Chicken Soup Soul books! It really touched mine. I ended up reading it over three times, just because I thought it was that wonderfully done. Into my favourites this shall go!

[Blackbirdsong]

Wow I was not expecting that ending at all. You can definitely stand besides O. Henry with this one my friend. You really had me thinking it would just be a nice meeting with a nice young woman and KABLAM! I'm speechless, which as you know doesn't happen often. Great work, my friend.

[Inactive]

This is the kind of story I should be reading in a readers digest article. I don't know if you've already published one of your writings, if not, you definitely should.