Storiesonline.net ------- Love is... by Victor Klineman Copyright© 2005 by Victor Klineman ------- Description: A short love story from different perspectives. It just depends on your point of view. Codes: MF rom cons het ------- Hurrying from his office through the rain, Jason waited impatiently for the traffic lights to change, it had been a long day, his supervisor had ridden him hard all day; and now unless he hurried he was going to be late. 'Damn, still two more blocks to go' he thought anxiously, 'what if she doesn't wait for me... I'll be devastated.' She stood by the clock in the plaza holding her red umbrella aloft, sheltering from the rain. Office workers were streaming past her into the subway entrance, eager to leave the city for the weekend. She bumped into other umbrellas she moved closer to the stone column on which the large clock was perched. A stocky male collided with her; he glared rudely at her before he too disappeared into the subway. More anxious, she opened her purse, and balancing her umbrella clumsily against her shoulder; she extracted her compact from her handbag and checked her makeup for the fourth time. The rain was heavier now, beating a tattoo on her umbrella. 'I hope he doesn't stand me up. I've been longing to see him again. I'm so happy that he introduced himself and asked for a date.' The pealing clock bells in the distance announced six o'clock, 'Now I'm late.' 'If the rain would ease off, I could make better time.' Perspiration beaded on Jason's forehead despite the cold. 'Why has she has dominated my thoughts since I met her. Damn, what if she doesn't wait for me?' From under her red umbrella she scanned the crowd as the clock bells tolled the last stroke of six, 'Please God, I hope he doesn't stand me up!' Her hands felt clammy, 'this always happens when I'm nervous. I must calm down but my stomach is churning so badly... ' It was the last set of traffic lights before the plaza; searching the faces of the people around the base of the clock tower, 'She didn't wait.' Despair filled him as he pushed forward through the crowd. He started circling the clock tower, 'There she is; she waited for me!' Smiling, he rushed forward and impulsively he bent and kissed her lightly. 'Oh thank God, he didn't stand me up. What a marvellous man he is, he's so handsome when he smiles.' "Hello Marcy, I'm sorry that I'm late; my supervisor had a last minute job for me. Thanks for waiting." "You're not late. Look it's only 6:01," she said happily pointing at the clock, and then she took his hand, her heart beating faster. 'What an angel face, she looks so calm... so happy.' he thought. "If you fold your umbrella I'll carry it for you and then we can be close together under mine." Timidly, slipping her arm around his waist, she huddled with him as his arm encircled her shoulders. 'He's so considerate, so protective.' "Do you like seafood? I've booked a table at a restaurant near the waterfront but we can go wherever you want." "I love seafood." "I'll try and get a taxi..." "No, please don't, lets walk... I love walking in the rain." They walked, mostly in silence, each a little apprehensive. 'He doesn't talk much... But it feels just right being with him... I think I could fall in love with you Jason Wellington.' her excitement was mounting. At the restaurant, they checked their rainwear and then a waitress led them to table eighteen, it was Jason's favourite because of the water views. Even through the rain-spattered windows, the reflections of the coloured lights from across the quay, seemed to be dancing on the water. He had eaten at this table many times before. Alone. They sipped wine in between courses, occasionally holding hands across the table, as their eyes feasted on one another. "You're so beautiful, Marcy." "And you're so handsome Jason." Leaning closer she asked, "Do you believe in love at first sight." She looked longingly into his eyes, apprehensive as she waited for his reply. Then it occurred to her, 'What if he thinks that I'm being too pushy, or heaven forbid, too naïve.' "Until two days ago - I didn't..." Reaching across the table she slid her hands into his, she felt her face blushing and her heart was thumping. When Marcy pressed her hands into his, Jason became sexually aroused; he shuffled in his seat trying to get comfortable. ------- Through the double swinging doors to the restaurant kitchen, two waitresses paused as they passed one another. "Hey Julie, are you serving table 18?" "Yeah." "The guy with the lopsided head and big ears." "Yeah," "Aren't they two of the ugliest, frumpiest people ya ever seen?" "Yeah right. You should see them up close mooning at one another. Yuk!" "Y'Know Julie, love is in the..." "Hey you two, get back to work! I don't pay you to stand around chatting all day. I pay you to serve tables." ------- The End ------- Posted: 2005-09-13 ------- http://storiesonline.net/ -------