I know what goes on in the heads of most people at this point. This dude seriously has issues, no way they were that serious or sappy all the damn time. Point was, yea we were. We spoke candidly and openly as anyone. But in those beginning moments, we spoke in very poetic, or very serious undertones, as our souls searched each other out....sniffing the scent of our painful and woeful existence.
At this point we settled back to the couch and were just looking in each others eyes. I remarked to her that I might have to go back to my hotel, I needed a shower and some rest, and desperate need of a change of clothes. "I've been out all night, my dear, I roamed the city streets, feeling the heartbeat of this city. It's not something I am used to, and I wanted to feel something other than despair, and being wired all the time does me no good."
She smiled, "Of course, I have been selfish. Shall I drive you back?" "Yes, or I feel I shall pass out in this very room, and right now it's not a wise thing to do. Strange surroundings can lead me to be a very finicky sleeper," I smiled as I said this. Truth is, I wouldn't have been able to sleep, as much as I was enamored and enthralled by the moments, I needed rest, and some reevaluation of what was going on. A little steam, some shampoo, and some coffee would help me maintain my balance.
We walked out the door and she led me downstairs to the place where she kept her car. I was impressed, to say the least, she drove a sporty little Fiat her father had given her when she graduated from *Lycee. "Please do buckle up monsieur, as I am afraid you are not prepared for real french driving." I laughed and visibly wobbled my knees in mock fear and climbed in the passenger seat. "So where to?," she asked me as she pulled down the drive.
"Ah, sorry I keep forgetting myself, the Quartier Latin, Villa Pantheon," I breathed out as she took to the road with a speed and precision that delighted, and scared the hell out of me. As we drove we didn't talk, but listened to the wind, and also, I was fading. All the excitement was wearing off, and a deep slumber was starting to take hold even as I fought to stay awake.
We got to our destination and she parked and even walked me to the front door. She stood on her tip toes and gave me a peck on the nose. "When will I see you again?," she asked me with a slight look of concern on her face. I did my best to assuage that fear in her. "Sunset madam, I need but little sleep to get myself alert and fresh. Shall we meet here, or a place of your choosing?"
She eyed me a moment and then smiled brightly. "There is a small party tonight, one of my father's co-workers is retiring, they have rented Le Chalet du Lac for the event. Will you come with me, as I tire of these things rather quickly, and you can meet my papa."
I grinned and winked at her, "Of course I will, besides, your father might want to meet the man that took up a lot of your time today." I kissed her hand, bid her adieu, and went inside to my room. I collapsed on the bed shivering violently, sat up and slap myself across the face. I took a long steamy shower, and tried to rationalize what was going on and still couldn't. I gave up, drawing the curtains to my room and laying down for a deep sleep.
*french term for high school
YOU ARE READING
Across the night, and to the moon we went
Non-FictionA story of how I met a lovely girl, while singing a song in a restaurant. Very real story, unfortunately it's not as sweet as it may seem to be. There is always a catch in life.
