The Unlucky One

Meeting Her

It was a warm July summer day in New  York. I was walking through the park alone looking sadly at all the families and kids with their parents. Oh how I wish I could have what they have. I would die for that. They don't know how lucky they are.
I guess I got lost in my thoughts because next thing I know an older woman, maybe in her late 40s - early 50s is standing in front of me.
"Are you okay?" The woman asked.
I just seeded at her before giving a small nod, "Yeah I'm okay. I'm fine. I just got lost in thought."
The woman nodded, "What's you're name, sweetheart?"
I looked at her kind of strange as she called me 'sweetheart'. I hadn't been called that since I was five years old. I continued to look at her and wondered why she looked kind of familiar. Like I'd seen her somewhere before. Then I said, "I'm Adeliah."
"Nice to meet you, Adeliah." The woman replied with a smile "I'm Mariska Hargitay."
I looked at her shocked with my mouth agape. Now I know where I've seen her and why she looked so familiar. From the tender age is six to now, I've watched her on Law and Order: SVU. Ever since my foster sister, who was fourteen at the time, got me hooked on the show. Practically my whole life I wish her character, Olivia Benson was real so she could rescue and adopt me. Sometimes I used to pretend that she had and whenever I'd watch the show and I'd see Olivia I would call out 'Mom'.
"It's nice to meet you too." I told her "I'm a big fan of yours. I love you as Olivia on Law and Order: SVU."
Mariska smiled kindly at me, "Thank you."
"You're welcome." I responded. Then wanted to get out of this situation I said, "I have to go. I have to get home."
"Okay bye Adeliah." Mariska said as I smiled softly before I went on my way.
Then as I walked "home" to where I knew there was no family waiting for me, I quietly wished that I had at least one friend to go to or lean on. Sadly I sighed as I entered my small one bedroom apartment where I headed to my room, laid on my bed, and cried.
Meanwhile with Mariska as she heads to work, she is concerned about the young lady she met who seems so sullen and sad, and like she is crying out for love.
As she walks on set, dazed, and not realizing her coworkers are talking to her.
Ice T walks up to her and waves his hand in front of her face.
"Mariska? Mariska, are you okay?" Ice T asked
Mariska blinks and then nods, "Yeah I'm fine. I just zoned out a bit. I'm okay though."
"Are you sure?" Ice T asked just to be sure
"Of course." Mariska replied with a soft smile "Everything's alright. I promise."
Ice T gave a small shrug, "Well if you say so."
Later when they are filming a particularly difficult scene about a troubled foster kid who lied about being raped just to receive genuine love and attention. Mariska started crying as her mind flashed back to Adeliah and the look she saw in the girl's eyes.
"Cut!" The director called
Kelli Giddish, who is in the scene with Mariska asked, "Marish, are you okay? What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Mariska sniffled as she wiped her eyes "The scene just got to me."
Kelli looked at Mariska with a sad smile and a look of disbelief, "Oh come on, it seems like more than that."
Mariska sighed and nodded, "You're right it is." Then she took a deep breath, "This morning when I walked through the park, I met a young lady named Adeliah and the look in her eyes I will never forget. She looked so sad and sullen. Like she is crying out for love. This episode just reminded me of
her."
"Oh" Kelli replied as she gave a sympathetic nod and hugged her coworker and friend. She didn't really know what else to do or say.
Meanwhile with Adeliah at her apartment, she is watching Law and Order: SVU reruns while she wishes she could reach out to Mariska for help. She wishes she could see the woman again, especially after their encounter that morning. When Adeliah looked into Mariska's eyes, she saw nothing but love. The one thing she's been searching for her whole life. Although she knows she will probably never see the actress again or at least the chances are slim to none.

Hope you enjoy. Comments are greatly appreciated.