I boarded the subway as I had a million and a half times. It smelled like it always did, hand sanitizer and grease. I found a spot as I always had in the corner and wiped crumbs of god knows what onto the shiny floor. I sat down, situating my bag. Heather always made fun of me, calling it my man purse. I let out a chuckle, remembering the funny argument about it we had the previous night. The subway was fairly empty, it being early on a weekday I wasn't surprised. A few men sat on the opposing bench and checked their iPhones quietly. Next to me say a heavy set black woman with a scarf around her neck. She sat silently and stared at the open subway doors. I pulled out my camera, and began sifting through the shots I'd taken before loading myself on the ride to work. I heard the familiar ding of the doors as they began to slide shut. But before they could close all the way, I heard clanking footsteps. The few of us aboard the train looked up to see a sobbing woman. She was gorgeous, and even had me doing a double take. Her makeup was running down her face, and her hair, once in a nice bun, was now strewn about carelessly. The thing most noticeable, was her pristine white wedding gown that she held up next to her sides in order to slip into the doorway. The held up dress revealed her tan legs and bright red stilettos, making her stumble into the seats. Her blonde hair bounced as she plopped on the bench and wiped the bags under her eyes. Surprisingly enough, nobody commented when the doors shut and the only thing to break the awkward silence was her constant silent sobs into her hands. The subway lurched into gear as it began to blast straight forward into the dark. After a few minutes, the woman's sobs became nonexistent and she stared out of the door windows, wide eyed. I began packing my camera back into my bag, preparing to exit. Once the car stopped, the doors promptly opened to reveal the same boulevard I've walked before. The girl in the wedding dress gathered herself and stood up, wobbling towards the door. As the subway came to a slowing stop, she stumbled, and nearly toppled over. Once the doors slid open, I couldn't take it anymore. I walked up to her side and took her arm, leading her out of the subway. This broke her into a complete breakdown. She turned, not seeming to care who I was, and hugged me, crying into my coat shoulder. All I could do was sigh and wrap my arms around her, placing my hand on the back of her head. She was short. Maybe 5'5 and the heels didn't do much for her. I was barely six foot, so she fit nicely on my chest, barely reaching my shoulder as it was. She was also noticeably warm, and with the cool New York autumn air, it was nice to feel some warmth. We stood for minutes, until she broke away and wiped her face. She smiled, showing an absolutely amazing smile, her white teeth shining underneath her pink lips. "Thank you." She began.
"Nobody's been here for me lately, and I know that you're just a stranger, but I'd really appreciate it if you maybe went out for coffee with me. I just really need someone to talk to right now." I made a point of checking my watch. It was eight forty-two, still early.
I looked down upon her and gazed into her bright blue eyes, ready to decline her offer politely. I had a girlfriend to get home to after work. But those icy iris' were undeniable, and I collapsed under their beauty. "Yeah, what time?" I asked her quietly, as she still stood in my grasp. "Does four thirty work for you?" She said, tucking her hair behind her ear.
I rubbed the back of my neck regrettably, and sighed once more. "Four thirty works fine." I forced a smile, hoping to convince myself that it was true. She let out a sad chuckle.
"How about that little place on the corner downtown? What's it called? Logan's?" She said, pausing between each sentence.
"Yeah, Logan's. Four thirty." I said, pulling away from the conversation because I had to get to work.
"Well thank you again." she said, noticing my darting eyes, and picking up on the hint.
"No problem. Can I know your name before I go?" I said, somehow remembering this just now, and turning back around to ask.
She smiled, showing her impressively perfect teeth. "Maya." She spoke softly, wiping tears that remained on her blushed cheeks. "I'm Graham." I said reaching a hand out to hers. She lifted her tanned arm up and took my hand, her red nails glimmering in the faint sun. I shook her hand a bit lighter than I normally would have, and turned to walk away. But throughout the entire day, I couldn't get the thought of her icy blue eyes out of my head.
