Missed Opportunities
A chance meeting might happen once in a
lifetime. When one presents itself, you either take advantage of it,
or you let it slip by.
If you don't take advantage of it, you start to wonder… what might have
been? Would it have been a mistake… or would the mistake have been a
missed opportunity.
Today would be one of those days. A chance meeting would present
itself, and quick choices would have to be made.
He wants very much to talk to her, but he fears rejection.
How many times has he seen her in his dreams? She is always there.
Now - no longer a dream - but real, and right before his eyes. Her warm supple
body, just inches from his. He has but to walk up, and talk to her.
You better hurry, or she'll be gone, and so will your chance. Someone
like her will surely be snapped up, by the first man, who possesses even an
ounce of confidence. That would not be me.
His heart pounds. His palms begin to sweat. Failure rings in his
ears, before he makes a single step, in her direction. He opens his mouth. He
holds out his hand. He mouths what he's going to say to her. Thoughts go
through his head, as he works out the best possible icebreakers.
Hi, my name is John. No – that's not right!
Mentally she impatiently drums her fingers as he works up his
courage.
Hello, my name is John. Lovely day don't you think? Right – lovely
day! It's misting rain, and bitterly cold! Now that's going to get the job
done. It'll sweep her right off her feet!
She sighs deeply, and waits.
He wishes he remembered to bring an umbrella.
Hello Miss. My name is John. I wonder if I might have the pleasure
of your company. Would you please join me for a cup of coffee or tea? Yes, that
should do it!
He smiles, now more confident.
He walks up, shuffles his feet, and holds out his hand – for real
this time.
She lifts her head. She glances at her carrier bags, and the empty
space next to her. She looks back up, and studies his eyes. She smiles.
"Would you like to sit down?"
Now what are you going to do? Your opening line that you've
sweated for, for the last five minutes is not going to work now! If you can
even remember what it was supposed to be…?
He mentally pounds his fist against his forehead.
She senses failure. Again, she sighs and waits.
He starts to trip on his tongue. He desperately searches his mind
for an alternative opening line, coming up miserably dry. He just looks down at
her, and smiles.
"You know," he pauses slightly, "I think I
would."
That's it! Wow! This conversation should merit at least half a
dozen words. He has to do better than this!
She smiles and moves her carrier bags out of the way; sitting them
on the ground next to her feet.
Timidly, he sits beside her. He casually crosses his leg; still
desperately searching for a way to restart the conversation. He considers his
previous line, and decides it's still inappropriate.
Perhaps a direct approach? Yeah right – direct approach – by me?
Who am I kidding? I'm far too shy for that! If you wait long enough, the bus
she is waiting for will arrive, and at least one of your dilemmas will be
solved.
But what of the other one? The insatiable curiosity of the unknown.
The slimmest possibility. The missed opportunity….
She smiles to herself, as his thoughts venture into her mind.
You really are having a hard time talking to me, aren't' you?
She looks down at her watch.
If it's on schedule, my bus will arrive in less than ten minutes.
Left to his own devices, at this rate, he might manage at least, two more
words!
She pretends to study the pattern on her skirt
She quickly tucks it away, hoping he didn't notice.
She checks her watch again.
In less than five minutes, another opportunity is going to be
lost. A chance will have slipped by.
Oh, do say something! If you don't, we'll have to go through this
same tiresome routine again tomorrow! It's been days now! Every day
the same thing! How much longer is he going to keep this up? Mother is
right. Men can be stupid, at times. They clearly know what they want, but are
scared to death of rejection. Their answer to prevent it? Easy - avoid
confrontation altogether.
He asks himself what is he doing - sitting on a bench - waiting
for a bus stop.
Why in the hell am I doing? I have a bloody car! You're being
silly and stupid. If you ever manage to talk to her, and you offer her a ride,
she's just going to think you're mad! Get it together! She's not a monster.
She's another human being. She's not going to bite off your head! Just open
your mouth stupid - before it's too late!
His heart pounds. He can hear his pulse in his ears. His mouth is
dry. He glances at his watch.
Two minutes and counting!
He nervously glances at her out the corner of his eye.
OK, this is it! I'm going to do it.
He begins nervously tapping his foot.
It's easy. Just inhale and force air around your vocal cards and....
She smiles to herself again.
Oh all right, but only a little help. I'm not doing everything for
you – you do have to try.
She glances down at her watch again.
"Looks like the bus is going to be late," she says,
trying to make idle conversation.
OK the door is open – take it!
What do I say? How do I respond? What if she says no?
He begins to nervously bounce his knee. Doubt getting the better
of him.
Oh come on… walk through the bloody door!
He opens his mouth. "Yes, it does. Doesn't it?"
Great comeback! Way to go pal. That's telling her. Sweeping her
right off her feet.
His heart jumps in his throat. He quickly checks his appearance.
Why did she laugh? Is there something on my tie? Is my hair out of
place? Perhaps she laughed at the thought that someone like her would even
consider someone like you....
His self-esteem drops ten notches.
Another five seconds goes by….
Oh no - no, please don't think that. You were making progress.
There's nothing wrong with you. I'm just trying to follow the standard rules of
'boy meets girl'. This is hopeless. Either you're going to make the first move,
or we're both going to be rooted to this spot.
She sighs and casually smiles at him. "Well, I don't know
about you, but I'm giving it two more minutes, and then I'm going to start
walking. I think I could get home faster anyway."
She mentally shoves him toward the open door.
"Oh no – don't do that – you don't… to do that – you don't…
need to walk. I have a car – I can drive you! If you like. That is, if you
don't mind riding – with a stranger."
Why the hell didn't you introduce yourself? You had the chance. Oh
you're such a moron!
She smiles and softly laughs again.
Oh all right, at least you tried – help is on the way.
"Well, I think I can fix that part at least…."
"My name is Karen and yours is…?" she prompts.
"My name? Ah – my name is – ah – oh, yes. My name – my name
is John! Pleased to meet you Karen. Can I give you a lift?"
She studies his eyes a few more seconds.
Mustn't be too obvious.....
He holds his breath. He waits. He hopes. He crosses his fingers.
He would cross his toes, but his shoes are too tight.
She grins wryly. She sees the bus. It's a block away.
She smiles and turns to him.
"Yes, if it's not too much trouble. The bus is usually on time. I
don't understand what's keeping it…."
