Summer Solace (open)

[BLACK BART]

Talon

The matter done I had time to relax, time to study the occupants and make my own guesses as to thier occupations and problems.

My eyes drifted from couple to couple...some newlyweds holding hands...thier eyes enraptured with each other, the love and desire evident in each move...Another, older couple...retired...dressed well and holding themselves elegantly, feeling the "moment" that meant so much to them...an anniversary perhaps...after living a life together they still celebrated it...

And at the bar...the laugh of a woman that seemed distantly familiar, one that seemed uncomfortable but happy...

She was the black haired woman at the beach I had bumped into...and next to her sat Charlie...well, why not? I reflected...Plans change and perhaps they were friends, the occasion set before I intruded?

The meal arrived and I looked at it with amusement...wondering if I could find a fast food joint and a greasy burger...at least I knew what was in it, I chuckled...soy bean...beef..pork...and the usual 1% "other"...

Still I had eaten worse...or not eaten at all and dreamed of anything on occasion as well, and I began eating...taking my time to cut each portion and chewing it..not wolfing it down...and watching the older couple as they talked, him taking her hand and saying a few words that made her eyes shine and smile...as he reached into a pocket and brought out a small velvet covered box...

Different stages of life, I thought...and love to those who were fortunate enough...

My meal was over...and I waved the young waiter to my side, his help in translating pounds to dollars allowing me to pay the bill and gratuity...

"Perhaps offer the table to the two ladies at the bar" I nodded towards Charlie and the raven haired woman, adding a second tip..."They seem to need a place to talk"

Moving thru the thinning crowd I took a final look at the elderly couple with satisfaction...the annivesary ring was on her finger as she admired it, showing it to the smiling young couple beside them, her voice strong and proud...

"It is our fiftieth year together as a married couple...I can remember when we were your age and...."

Not having anything to say or wanting to intrude, I passed the two ladies and nodded...the young waiter standing next to them and offering the table to them...

 

[BadForm]

Terese Milton

She watched him on and off as he ate his meal and saw how expertly he seemed to be evaluating the other people here. He was not your average rapist, or even a normal stalker, but there was something dangerous, something fun about him. What it was, Terese was yet to find out, and eager to do so. Perhaps, just perhaps, they could help each other find what they both enjoyed.

Meanwhile the lonely heart from the bench had come in and taken over the teacher's time. She listened half-heartedly to the conversation which didn't seem to contain anything much. Then again, two hearts were better than one, she thought to herself, and depending on what the bike-boy was planning, two-hearts could be extremely interesting.

He stood up and made to leave, asking the waiter to pass his table on to the two women. What should she do, Terese wondered. On the one hand, you never could tell just what would happen in the restaurant, what she could learn by watching the teacher. On the other hand, she wanted to know more about the guy and just what his intentions were.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Charlotte

Conversation with the woman was stilted, but Charlotte tried to be freindly. She was grateful that she was no longer sat at the bar alone.

They sipped their drinks. Both seemed to be evaluating the other.

When the waiter moved towards them, both women looked up expectantly as if pleased of the diversion.

He explained that the gentleman over there, he pointed, had suggested that they may wish to eat an as the place was crowded, would be pleased for them to have his table as he was leaving.

Charlotte threw a glance over at the "gentleman" who had been so considerate. He seemed familiar somehow. As he turned she recognised the man from the park. The one who had stood her up, she frowned. Even as she did so, she acknowledged that the arrangement had been loose and that she had been late. Even so, it still annoyed her.

"Tell the *gentleman* that he is very kind, but I have a prior engagment."

She spoke coldly, before the other woman could speak.

She took up her drink, fully intending to down it and walk out immediately.

Rush hour was over and there was absolutely no reason to stay.

 

[Lady Talia]

Talia

I watched her quickly finish the drink and make to leave, some how it seemed that she was angry at the man for something,

"Hey, no need to run away so fast, sorry for my silence but it seems that you have a srious attitude problem, you are a very gaurded person, I don't mean to offend but I think we should go over there and share a meal, if not you can stay here and we'll have another round of drinks on me"


For reason it bothered me that she was so eager to leave, she seemed as if she had been hurt in life something or just lived a sheltered life. I didn't want to see her leave like that.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Charlotte

Damn. Charlotte was angry with herself for getting into this situation. Even as she drained her drink, she realised it was no big deal really, she just wasn't keen on being around people at the moment.

"Hey, no need to run away so fast, sorry for my silence but it seems that you have a srious attitude problem, you are a very gaurded person,"

Charlotte shot a look at the woman sat beside her, taking a breath to tell her to keep her opinon to herself!

"I don't mean to offend but I think we should go over there and share a meal, if not you can stay here and we'll have another round of drinks on me"

Charlotte was thrown off balance. This woman was offering her friendship. "Why?" Was the question which sprang into her mind. She didn't trust anyone nowadays, even women, women especially, she amended.

"I'm not really hungry..."
Charlotte muttered, none too forcibly. All she wanted to do was get back and close the door, shut everyone and everything out.
She looked up to find the woman still looking at her.
The directness of the gaze unnerved Charlotte.

"Ok. Perhaps a quick bite to eat then, but I have an.. appointment.. "
She lied unconvincingly.

 

[BLACK BART]

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