Her Ideal Boy

A Beautiful Encounter

Post the breaking of dawn Keith came down for breakfast and began shoveling a piece of pancake into her mouth as she prepares to leave for college. "Hey, Mom!" she chimed.

"Keith, baby, your cousin is getting married next month. Aren't you excited?" her mom, Reena, announced with a wide smile.

"What?" Keith exclaimed, her mouth  stuffed with pancakes and her eyes wide. "My exams are starting next month!"

"Really?" Reena replied, worry evident on her face.

"Yes, how will I manage?" Keith said, growing more concerned. Her heart felt heavy since she was very close to her cousin, Rina.

"Okay, let's do it like this: since today is Saturday and you have a half-day at college, why don't we go out shopping today and buy you dresses and stuff? I know a really cool place outside the city where we can find some excellent dresses for you. This way, you won't have to worry about shopping later on. You'll just need to attend the wedding and remaining ceremonies," suggested Reena.

"Huh, okay, fine," Keith replied, somewhat bored. She didn't want to go out on a Saturday. She had planned to come home and take a nap. But it is what it is.

After college ended for the day, Keith saw her mom waiting outside in their modest car, a reliable Toyota Corolla. She got in and let her mom drive. The journey was lined with trees on either side. Keith rolled down the window, letting the cool breeze hit her pale face. It was moments like these that made her feel alive. She consciously let all her worries pass by with the free flowing wind.

Soon, they arrived at their destination. Both Keith and her mom entered the mall, looking around for various shops to find the best dress for Keith, unaware that Zachariah and his mom were there shopping as well.

Mother and daughter duo scoured the best shops, hunting for the perfect dress. After a while they entered an elegant shop with a variety of exquisite dresses. Keith's eyes fell on a full-length gown in a pastel pink hue, adorned with diamond work at the corners. The dress flowed freely with pleats, featuring a cute pink bow near the waistline and a large pearl nestled between the cleavage. At that moment, Keith's mom was in another part of the store, looking for dresses for herself. "Mom, I'm trying some dresses!" Keith yelled softly enough for her mom to hear. Reena nodded in agreement and walked away to another aisle.

Just as Keith went into the changing room, Zachariah and his mom, Patricia, entered the shop. Patricia looked around for dresses while Zachariah, bored, strolled casually around the store. Keith emerged from the changing room in her dress and started flaunting her gown in front of the mirror situated outside, to the left of the changing room. Coincidentally, Zachariah happened to come to the same place where Keith stood. His eyes caught her reflection in the mirror, and with a double-take, his gaze locked onto Keith's.

Keith thought she was daydreaming. But she wasn't. She stood there stunned for a few moments before blinking multiple times and turning around.

"Hey, Keith," said Zachariah.

"Hey," Keith replied softly but casually, her consciousness doubling as she thought of all wild things.

"You look beautiful in this dress," complimented Zachariah. This earned a blush from Keith, but she quickly regained her composure and nodded a thank you in appreciation.

"Zachariah!" Patricia called, holding a dress in her hand. She looked at Keith and walked towards the young pair. Keith and Zachariah both turned their heads towards Patricia.

"Hey," Patricia exclaimed cheerfully. "Mom, this is Keith. Keith, this is my mom," Zachariah introduced.

"Hello, ma'am!" Keith greeted Patricia carefully and warmly.