Memories

Reunion of Memories

Possibility knocks now and again and when it does you should answer before it moves on to the next door.

I needed to leave work for an afternoon doctor's appointment and walked out with my partner when he headed to lunch. He asked me to go with him, but I didn't want to be late so we separated at the sidewalk; him headed to a local bar that offered a lunchtime wing buffet, and me to my car parked across the street. I was about to step off the curb when I caught sight of her. She was sitting in a car parked opposite looking my way and when our eyes met my heart actually jumped. I was happy to see her out of the hospital; undeniably better, but what was she doing here? Why was she just sitting in the car?

I checked for oncoming traffic and headed over, stopping just outside her window. She had a shocked 'not quite sure what to do' look on her face, but eventually opened the door and got out. I followed her to the curb where all I could do was look at her. The last time I'd seen her she'd been bruised and scratched and swollen; that I recognized her now was surprising.

She looked healthy and...beautiful. Why had I stayed away these last four months? I finally managed to ask, "How are you?"

It was a stupid question; she was obviously fine if she could stand here in front of me. Guilt and regret warred in my stomach because I hadn't been to visit, "I'm sorry I didn't get up to see you, but things just kinda worked out that way." I assumed she'd make me feel bad, instead, she smiled and it felt like the sun hitting me.

"I never expected you to, so that's okay. I'm alive thanks to you."

I didn't know what to say after that. I desperately wanted to pull her close and make sure she was real and all in one piece, but that would definitely send her running.

"I was in the neighborhood writing an article and wanted to thank you for what you did." She blushed and glanced at the ground, "Words don't seem enough, but that's all I have to offer."

An article? So she was a reporter. Words left my mouth but I wasn't sure exactly what because I was wracking my brain trying to find a way to keep seeing her. She hadn't even left yet and I was planning our next encounter; I really needed to get myself under control. She stopped talking and I realized she'd answered a question I didn't remember asking, but I hadn't heard a word because I was so focused inside my head. The awkwardness increased since I didn't know where we were in a conversation I hadn't been paying attention to.

She finally had enough, "Well, thanks again. I'll let you get back to what you were doing."

What had I been doing? It didn't matter, I was about to lose her because I couldn't seem to string two words together. She started for her car and I didn't know how I'd ever see her again.

"Wait!" I thought quick, "Would you have a drink with me? Or lunch? We could go for some lunch; have you eaten yet?" 'Just please don't leave,' I begged inside my head.

She took a minute, "Ummm, okay. I don't know this area very well."

I directed her toward a sandwich shop that was relatively close. As we walked along things weren't quite as awkward even though neither of us said anything. I was excited to have gotten her to stay, I just didn't have any idea what came next.

When we entered, the regular girl was making sandwiches and paused to smile a greeting; she's young and cute and always flirts with the guys. I know one or two had asked her out, but that was dangerous. She may not be jailbait, but would likely be high maintenance and clingy; just the kind of woman I avoid at all costs.

She took our order doing her normal flirting, but it felt a little over the top and I hoped the woman next to me didn't think I had any interest in this girl. As soon as she was done I grabbed the tray and automatically put my arm around my guest so she wouldn't bump into the people around us as we headed to the tables out back.