Every love story always happens in an unexpected way. But the way which you want to find your true love might be harder than you want to find a pearl in one shell on the beach easily. The probability is quite low. but once they step on the journey of the person will doubt whether he or she would like me or not. This journey begins hard because of the time, distance and the relationships.
This romance love story is about two strangers who experience a bunch of events. Their relationship become closer and closer. This story uses non-continuous dates to narrate a silly old-style love story.
Part 1
July.8th 2016
It was the hottest day of summer and, on a busy street which people a throng of were walking on the sidewalk. Cars horn when they pass by the crossing.
“Hey, Charles is here!” called by my friend Felix who is sitting in a café. “Why you come so late?” “I got a call from my mother, you know. She always warns me it is the right time to find a girlfriend.” I replied with an impatient voice and rolled my eyes at the same time. “Buddy, that’s the high time for you to find the one who you can share the rest of your life with.”
I always know the kind of the girl that I would love, even I have never met her yet. But on that day, that my attention was caught by a stranger.
This girl come out from the office building’s corner. She walk so fast with her terrible stilettos. She is walking so fast towards the street which our café is on. I never think I would have any contact with her. Maybe I was wrong. Until the moment that only happens in the Korean romantic soap operas, that has happened on me.
When she comes near to the café, suddenly her heeled got stuck in the gap between the birch plank on the stairs. Fate made that inertia to push her towards the chair which I am sitting on. I stretch my hand to her, and pull her immediately at the instant before she hits the plank with the rough surface. I pretend to look like an authentic British gentleman and asked her “Are you allright?” my friend looked at me in a surprised way.
That girl looked up into my eyes. The only imagery that I can recall in my mind is the memory of a lady whose cheeks were flushed, thin lips and a long black hair in pony tail. Her angle face had reflex in my eyes. The stranger girl’s eyes like have magic. Those deep dark pupils in her eyes are full of vitality.
But I was confused by her facial expression a few seconds later. The expression on her face turns from frightened to embarrassed and to angry. I don’t know why she become angry suddenly. She stands up quickly and “ride” on her shoes and left as fast as she can without saying thanks.
Today I find there is a girl who can let my heart pump quickly. I don’t want to know what’ s her mood now. The embarrassing contact between two of us was the catalyst which increases the expectation to meet that mystery girl.
September.6th 2019
Yesterday our company finally asked me to fly to Paris for a business trip, which took me half of a year. I thought this is a good chance to bring some new inspiration on my work. This is also an extraordinary trip for me to have a vacation, business with pleasure.
I got my economy class ticket today. I asked them to book a seat which is by the window. I’d like to sit beside the window even if it’s difficult for me to go to the restroom. I would rather to take some photos before the plane takes off or touches down than bother with the convenience.
It took me nearly two days to pack my luggage. I will arrive at the airport tonight. Before I go, I went to see my parents, and they said “Take care of yourself, eat some tasty food. Remember to take some beautiful photos! Take this chance to improve yourself. That’s really important.”
On the way to the airport, Felix texted me “Hey dude take care! The girls in France are all gorgeous and the sceneries there are also magnificent as the people there. Paris is the city of romance!” I just texted the emoji of rolling eyes back to Felix, I knew he was kidding.
September.7th 2019
It was early morning on a Saturday when I boarded the plane. I was really tired. I don’t even know who is sitting beside me. BUT when I woke up, I found HER beside me. The girl who I met in the café. How lucky I am, that I met her again in this situation. When I woke up, she was sleeping. Although she didn’t lean on my shoulder. I still have good feeling towards her. I am not quite sure though if this feeling is love or something.
I was sitting by the window and suddenly I need to go to the restroom. It has been nearly 4 hours already since the plane take off. I had no choice but to wake her up. “Excuse me, sorry to bother you, but I need to go to the restroom now.” She woke up groggily and gave me an impatient look. But I took this chance to check one more time, she really was that girl from the café.
After I finished, I also washed my face and brushed my teeth. I made myself calm down and cleared my head. “How possible could it be?” I asked myself. I didn’t believe it. I would take this chance to become friends with her.
This 11-hour trip wasn’t boring. We have a nice chat after I returned to my seat, she still remembered me. I got to know her full name which is Lauren Roy. She would stay in Paris for more than a year. Also, she thanked me for what I did that day. “You know that day really made me mad, and in that case. I was going to blow-up, but thankfully you helped. Or I had no idea what I should do.” “Every gentleman would love to help beautiful girls like you.” We chatted on the plane to while away the time.
“We will experience some so we may advise you to go back to your seats and fastened your safety belt. Toilets would be close temporary.” The announcement interrupted chat that brought us much closer.
By the time passed, the aluminum plane body began to vibrate with the strong airflow. We just like to sit on a speedboat which experiencing the bumpy waves. I remember the time at 9:46 a.m. It’s the first time she casually held my hand.
She feared the shake of the plane, when the plane experienced a real strong airflow. She held my hand like a small baby who was feared something dangerous happened. She held on to my hand when we experienced turbulence along the way.
“Please don’t be scared, I’m here.” How dare I can said these to Roy? I thought after I comforted her. I am not even her boyfriend. This sentence might let her think I am a frivolous man. This time I become embarrassed. She might also felt the same since, she quickly snatch her hand back.
The rest of the journey on the plane, there like a glass wall between us. The relationship changed to the original point. We watched movies separately. We were just like kids when they face the embarrassing events. They just don’t talk about it anymore.
“I doubted whether I was too direct, and has hurt her feelings? Maybe she never feels the same way about me. Or maybe she just doesn’t like me at all. Maybe it’s a one-way street. Or maybe everything was going too fast?” These questions trap in my mind.
Everything that day was all too fast. The relationship changed and like a Boomerang which I throw, it may be back to its original point, and our relationship turn back to strangers.
Part 2
September.7th 2019
A few hours later, I arrived at Charles de Gaulle Airport. After I struggled for hours. Many people are just afraid to step one step further. It’s too hard to do this, many people before they become couple, have stopped their feelings and loss the confidence to keep going on.
Actually the only key of this lock is to be brave to take the chance. The world is too big for me, but also too small too. It’s a contradiction, but the probability for me to find the person whom I really want to fall in love with is really small.
If the feeling is right, so it’s good to become friends first before both of you decide to share your life to each other. So it’s important to keep in touch.
I encourage myself to add her on my contacts list. I needed to stay in Paris for a long time. It’s a good chance for me to learn more about her.
Before I left the airport, I ran up to her. Gasping, I asked for her number.
“I thought you never want to talk to me anymore, I just hold your hand subconscious. Your words make me confused, so…”
“Maybe we can be friends?”
“We might still need some time to know more about each other.”
“Yep, that’s right. I am sorry to say those frivolous words. I’d love to be friends with you. I need to stay in Paris for half a year. Maybe we have time to learn from each other. So, can I?”
Of course, I added her contact eventually. I invited her after she has settled down and explored Paris together with me. I think this kind of a date only it helps us to get closer to each other and also let us get more information of Paris.
October.15th 2019
This time, I have a good experience on my design work. My new colleagues here treat me very well. The working group here is very efficient, and they always provide me with new creative inspirations. The sceneries in Paris also relaxed me from designing new product.
During the weekend, Roy and I have gone to the Louvre Museum, Versailles Palace and went on the Seine River Cruise. We enjoyed our time here. Once we decided to walk on the Alexandre III Bridge which was built on the Seine River. The cool wind caressed my face and brought fresh and clean air to me.
Once Roy and I went to taste the tempting and sweet macarons in one famous café. I also ordered a cup of black coffee which can neutral the sweetness overload. Roy love these desserts which taste good. She ordered a cup of latte and asked for a take away.
By dusk we walked through the Tuileries Gardens which connected the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre Park. The afterglow of the sun set show on my face gently. It’s comfortable. Everything in Paris connect me with happiness especially this girl sitting beside me.
We were able to catch the tail of the Autumn, because of this graceful season. Leaves began dancing the Waltz along the gentle wind. They drift and fall slowly with melody. There at Champs Elysees, many travelers who would like to take beautiful photos for the whole day.
I thought I know why there were so many people would like to come to Paris with someone they loved. Like the sentence in the movable feast which was written by the famous writer Hemingway, “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”
They want to share the most beautiful thing in their life with someone they loved. I thought maybe after they shared this fascinating feast, they might continue to share the meaningful rest of their lives.
These months Roy and I shared this feast. We went to many famous places. We also went to some interesting places which were hidden in the corners of Paris. Maybe later, I should tell Roy I’d like to share the rest of the feast of my life with her.
November.3rd 2019
It’s quite a different feeling when the season is different. In the beginning of the winter, the leaves had already fallen. There were only bare branches of trees. Even the travelers were becoming less in this season. Everything around me was clean and quite.
Roy and I meet less during this time We both have work to do. She is perfumer. During the weekend, she often need to go to her company’s flower room for some samples.
I always need to take the time on the weekends to have important meeting for the product design. Our product still needs to improve. Every time I go back to my apartment, it was late. I haven’t seen the beautiful dusk again since October.
Today, I invite Roy to go to the Parc Monceau. It’s a landscape garden which was built in 1770. We walked slowly on the curved walkways. I stop in front of a fountain. I turned to face her and watched again in her deep eye. It’s same as before.
“In these months, I found myself getting slowly attracted to a girl who is full of happiness. We spent a lot of time together. The first time we met, you have not only fallen into my arms but also fall in my heart. When we accidently met on the plane, you slept on the seat beside me. I can’t believe myself getting so lucky. The first time we talked together, my heart rate records on my watch even went to 181BPM, it beats faster than usual. Paris has so many beautiful landscape, tasty food and many unforgettable memories. But I want to discover other sceneries, taste other delicious dishes and create new memories with you. I just want to share the rest of my life with you. I love you, Lauren Roy.”
I said what I have felt these months. I don’t know whether she would understand me or not, but I need to tell her the words from my heart.
“Thank you for letting me know these. I, I can’t answer you now. Sorry…” I saw her cry after she response with. She left again like the first time I met her, but I know she left the answer to me this time.
I walked slowly back to the parking. The different dusk shone through those bare branches. The dusk helped me make a lonely silhouette on the ground. On the way home, there were few cars on the deserted road. The dim lights emit from the street lamps. It seems so weak in the dark night. I was like a lonely Fisherman paddling a boat on the sea with nowhere to go.
Part 3 The end.
December.19th 2019
Today is my birthday. My phone was about to blow up by the massive messages I have been receiving since early morning. I haven’t been able to talk to Lauren for nearly a month. Now I doubt whether she would accept my invite. I invited her to come. Of course, only her.
I gave myself some courage, and called her yesterday.
“Uh…, hello? Yeah, it’s been a while since I heard from you… I mean maybe, you can uh… No, can I meet you tomorrow night? You might know that tomorrow is my birthday, so…”
“Ookay, but tomorrow is Thursday, I need to go to my company’s flower room. So maybe it’s hard for me to come, I will try my best. Sorry…”
“Uh that will be great, if you are ok to come. It’s half past 8 at Place de la Concorde. Obviously, if you are late. I will still wait there patiently.”
Actually I am very hope she could come, but I know the truth, I know I need to face the reality. In winter, the temperature suddenly becomes colder than in Autumn, so I wore a down overcoat and, walked sluggish on the way to Place de la Concorde. I was like a child who didn’t want to face the bad answer that I expected.
I walked through the lively Champs Elysees Christmas Fair. People there have already begin preparing the fair ever since December started. Parisians and tourists come out and buy some gifts or decorations for the coming Christmas. Everybody was in happy mood, except this lonely me. The bright lights and the lovely songs come out from the fair stalls. They seemed to want me to be happier. They want to share that joy to me.
It was 8:17 p.m. I arrived the Place de la Concorde. There were many people on the square, and some young couples are lining up for the Ferris wheel. Maybe one day I can also go on there with a girl who loves me too. Time has passed as minutes tricked into second, I really don’t want to face the truth. It was 8:30 already and, I didn’t even see her figure.
I know she might use this excuse yesterday to let me feel better. But in my heart, I still hope she could come. I also want to say sorry to her for what I expressed on that day. I found a bench to sit near the Ferris wheel and waited patiently as I promised.
It was 9:09 p.m. I have no idea how long I have waited then suddenly. Roy opened the taxi door and ran towards me. I stood up and also rushed towards her. I held her hands and pulled her into my arms and hugged her tightly. I close to her ear and said quietly.
I whispered, “I am sorry, when I saw you I found it just like the little Prince meets the fox, like Alice meets the rabbit. It’s kind of a miracle, you know? I was always being trapped with these feelings I have for you, I want you to be my girlfriend, but realized we might not be the relationship in love, but we can still be friends. I’m sorry. In return, let’s ride on the Ferris wheel.”
I held her hand and went for a ride. I saw the teardrops rolling in her eyes. This time she didn’t take her hand away. When the height began increasing, the night scenes below looked so magical. Paris comes alive at night with a different makeup. Every street, every crossing, every corner that we have been, we watched them from above by ours eyes. They are hooked into the memories that we create together. Shining Stars on the deep dark sky, like a light house in a galaxy which light up our directions. Suddenly, she cried like a baby. She was groping and gasping for breath at the same time.
“No, I am the one who need to say sorry. I do! I do! I do! I am sure I want to be your girlfriend. I do not only want to be your girlfriend. I want to share rest of my life with you. All of these time, you have accompanied me with what I have been through. I can feel all of that. But I clear my mind, maybe I didn’t prepare at that time. But now, I made myself clear and I, Lauren Roy love you, Charles Lee. Please don’t be mad.”
Our faces are close to each other when reached the top. The time when we kissed, I felt the time was just stop there. Everything around us stopped. We didn’t want others to bother us. Time has stopped, there were only two people in the world, only her and me.
Now, the only thing in my mind I know is that she loves me.
WORKS CITED
“Love story between two strangers” (artist name)やまもり三香. (title)ひるなかの流星. (link)https://www.google.com/search?q=%E6%98%BC%E8%A1%8C%E9%97%AA%E8%80%80%E7%9A%84%E6%B5%81%E6%98%9F&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjSn7CJ4LDiAhXXBIgKHU03Aq8Q_AUIDigB&cshid=1558583679691930&biw=1023&bih=639
ULink College Wordsmith Society 2019 