Fading(Working Title)

A short story written from a suggestive prompt. 1. A broken wristwatch, peppermints, and a hug that goes too far.

Walking down the street one cool, windy California day, I tripped and fell. Not on anything in particular, confirming that there is indeed skill in tripping over flat surfaces. I digress, so as I fell I realized there was no way to avoid my face smashing into the cold, static sidewalk. I accepted my fate and awaited the impact, the tearing and burning sensation of my skin scraping the porous concrete. I knew that once I picked up my head I would be forever leaving a little piece of me in that spot. My body plummeted the vast two feet to the floor, until I was suddenly suspended, my fall cut short by two soft and fair skinned arms connected to a full and womanly torso. Confused and still mid fall, all I caught were flashes as I was pulled into standing by my savior. The only sound I heard was the ambience of the busy LA traffic and a lightly raspy, soothing chuckle mixed with the pounding of my pulse in my ears. I saw the flowing waves of long hair, the upturned lips exposing a breathtaking smile, and the glint of sunlight in gorgeous eyes. It wasn’t until I looked up from my self-indulged recovery, attempting to hide embarrassment, that I saw exactly who saved me.

She smelled of peppermint, so strong that I would bet my bottom dollar she just put one in her mouth. That smell took me back to when I was small and my dad would come home, walking in the door checking his watch and bringing in with him the scent of cigarettes and peppermints. Neither smell overpowered the other so it became familiar, comforting, and felt like home. I never understood why he checked his watch constantly, that darn thing didn’t work. It had a crack across the face that resembled lightning striking the earth and the ticking faded shortly after being exposed to the air for so long. Back to the girl.

Her hair fell in light drawing waves like a wave breaking shore. She was absolutely gorgeous and I had to tell her. At this time I realized I had been standing there silent for roughly two minutes while all that went through my head, and she was kind enough not to walk away.

“Thank you for sweeping me off my feet”, I said slyly. She chuckled, and I internally celebrated my small victory. 

“I’m just happy I was lucky enough to be the one that did”, she replied just as sly.  Smooth, I thought.

“I’m Isabella and it’s very nice to meet you.” She said with a smile so sweet, I had to be dreaming.

“Uh.” “I’m Dominic, and the pleasure is mine.” I stammered.

“You are absolutely gorgeous, and I know it may be strange, but may I hug you?” I nearly blurted.

“Actually I would love a hug, today hasn’t been the best.”

I took a step towards her and wrapped my arms around her midsection underneath her arms and squeezed firmly, not too tight, but just right. I was blown away when she squeezed back. It was like someone lit a fire under me, suddenly my whole body was tingling and my nerve endings set ablaze where her skin touched mine. Her scent so familiar, her beauty striking, her hugs perfect. It was in that moment I knew that I never wanted to be away from her again. What started as a friendly hug, turned into my chance to win her over.

                        “Isabella?”

            “…..”

                        “Hello?”

No response, I began to worry, so I opened my eyes and she was gone. My arms wrapped around nothing. The only thing keeping me company was a gentle breeze. And the only thing I could see was the monotone grey of the concrete.

                        “What the?” I exclaimed

Uhm, is all I could think. How could one minute the girl of my dreams be in my arms and the next gone? Perplexed I continue my walk and check my reflection in a nearby car window. Across my left temple is a gnarly gash causing blood to pour down my face into my shirt which explained the butterflies and the warm feeling. Now the girl, I can’t explain where she came from, but I guess a hit to the head will do that to you. The peppermint I smelled was from a crushed mint someone left on the floor, and as I looked down, I realized in the fall I had broken my watch. Now, you might read this and think, wow, this guy just dreamed up an entire story after he fell and hit his head. And to be honest I’d probably agree with you. But me, I still think she was there, my Isabella.

 

“Grandpa, that was a weird story, You’re a little crazy.” Bella jokingly says.

            “Yeah but that’s why you love this old fart” I reply.

Author's Note

Tear it to shreds!!