How They Met...(#wattys2015)

JUST A MEET

It was raining heavily when I was in my mid walk.

Damn it!! I thought and ran to the nearest tree I could see covering my head with my hand. walking was the one thing that helped me during crisis. It was hectic week at work and my place was currently swamped with paperwork.

In midst of all the thoughts I didn't see ahead of me and crashed into someone. the impact was big making me and the other person fall on the ground. I could feel strong arms around me which had enveloped me.

embarrassed I quickly got up and offered my hand to the one I knocked over.

"I'm so sorry, I wasn't watching and it was all my fault" I started apologizing without even meeting his gaze that I could feel burning on my head. it was my fault that he got knocked over and knowing the New York temper I had to apologize.

"Don't sweat it. I wasn't looking either" a soft voice reassured me.

I looked up and caught deep blue eyes staring at me. He had his hood on covering most of his face but his eyes were still visible and all I could focus on was the sparkling eyes.

It could have been seconds before he cleared his throat and I broke the eye contact.

Shit that was so embarrassing. who does that? I turned my face around to stop the blush that was now rising up to my cheeks.

"I-uh...I should go" I stammered a bit with a foggy mind. I just had to get out of here and so I turned away to leave when he held my arm back. confused I turned back to look at him and then my gaze dropped to the hand he was holding. He noticed my gaze and dropped his hand quickly and rubbed his neck nervously.

"umm.. let the rain stop" he said quietly.

"uhh... sure" I said and stood silently crossing my arms over my chest. I gazed up at the sky where it was still pouring heavily.

Risking a glance at the guy I saw his looking at me and so we both passed an awkward smile.

..............

It had been over 20 minutes and the rain was still in its full form. I now sat on the wet grass not caring about my already ruined clothes. It had been a few moments after when the guy joined my too.

We were both sitting with our back to each other. I had curled my legs and wrapped my arms around them and my chin rested on my knees.

My phone was all damaged and the park was nearly empty.

"My name is Josh" he said suddenly making me turn and look at him.

"Excuse me?" i asked.

"Josh. my name? I figured this rain could go on for a while and we're kinda stuck so it would be you know good to know who I am stuck with?" he finished off and I could feel him getting nervous.

I was still looking at him. studying his features. He was a well built guy with soft blonde hair. He looked so innocent and fragile yet he looked so strong.

I knew he was waiting for my response but I was still a little hesitant.

"umm.. you don't have to tell me. it's umm okay" he said.

I could see that he was embarrassed.

"Emily. my name's Emily" I replied smiling warmly.

He looked at me smiling back.

...........................

45 minutes later we were still stuck. but this time it was different.

there was no rush. no awkwardness and no embarrassment.

Josh and I spent the last 20 minutes talking casually and knowing each other. we were bored and we had nothing to do.

"My turn. so how many boyfriends have you had?" Josh asked chewing on a peep.

Yes. he had peeps. packets of peeps stuffed in his jacket. He was addicted to them. Don't get me wrong I was grateful.

"None" I replied popping another one in my mouth.

His eyes were open in disbelief and he stared at me. He was staring intently making me blush.

"stop it" I said covering his eyes.

"I'm sorry but I can't believe it" he said eating his peeps.

"That I've never had a boyfriend?" I asked back to which he nodded.

"well. I don't" I replied.

"Can I ask why?" he asked carefully.

"Never found anyone. I mean sure I've dated a lot of guys but never enough to call him my boyfriend" I replied.

"oh" he said.

...........................

It had been a full hour of talking when the rain stopped. We got up and looked carefully at the sky.

"It's finally stopped huh?" he said still looking at the clear sky. could hint the sadness in his voice.

I was disappointed that this came to an end so early and clearly he was too.

"yup and I should probably go now" I said backing up now.

He looked at me and I saw his disappointed face. He said nothing and just nodded in agreement. we both had to leave now. This short sweet meeting had come to an end.

He was looking at his feet and didn't even look up when I said bye.

I turned around to leave and started walking away. I was secretly hoping that he'd call me back.

I was almost halfway across the place and I gave up on the thought of him ever calling me back and so I chuckled humorlessly at myself and hit my head.

I was close to the exit when I heard someone calling me. It was as if someone was running behind me because I could the breathlessness. As the voice grew close I could make out who it belonged to.

"EMILY!" Josh shouted again

With my back to him I could feel that he was feet behind me and was panting rather furiously. I smiled giddily and turned around to face him.

"Yes?" I asked

He came closer to me and stood in front of me.

"Do you umm... think that you'll be finding someone good enough for you anytime soon?" he asked clearing his throat again and again.

I smiled at him when he looked at me.

"I think i may..." I replied.

He smiled brightly at me and I could see that he happy with my response.

" care to join me for a coffee?"

............................................................................

Author's note:

hello my lovely readers...

this is a short story for the contest i am entering.

if this works i may even start it as a full fledged novel.

please read vote and comment if you like it and share it.

thank you for the support.
xoxo
vrinda