Elena stepped out of the cab onto the sidewalk, gave her name to the concierge and walked up the red carpet into the building. She was scheduled to meet a workmate and one of their clients at this gala fundraiser for the local children’s hospital. It would have been nicer to stay at home, she mused, light some candles and soak in the tub of her newly renovated bathroom. Even so the evening would be filled with fine food, good wine and the small chit chat would pass the time well enough. Besides, the evening was for a good cause.
She spotted him almost immediately when she walked into the foyer. When their eyes met Elena knew that they were both experiencing that certainty of consciousness that comes from knowing each other from some other context, place and time. A smile passed between them and she mouthed the word “Hello”. His blue eyes sparkled and the corners crinkled into crow's feet. His smile widened.
Her attention was drawn away to the coat check and she handed off her scarf and jacket to the attendant. She was not getting that sense of panic that at times comes when you cannot place someone; instead there was a contented satisfaction that his face belonged to someone from her past and there were only positive sensations running through her. He appeared and disappeared in vague flashes of her memory and although there wasn’t enough details to connect the pieces she had a strong sense of conviction that wherever or whenever they had been together it had been a positive, rich experience.
Elena turned and scanned the crowd resting her eyes on the spot where her man of memory had been standing but with all of the jostling and movement he was gone. A movement caught her eye and she smiled as her workmate waved to motion her over to the bar in the large ballroom.
“Elena, Elena, come have a drink”, Anna shouted above the din and the background music as she moved closer.
Elena's attention turned to the art of the trival conversation expected at these types of events and she made her way around the room. She took the opportunity to introduce herself to a few people and before long was totally absorbed in conversation with the person from the marketing company who had designed the event logo. A movement on her right caused her to pause momentarily and lose her train of thought. HE was there, talking with a stunning blonde who tilted her heard and laughed at something he said.
Elena stole a glance at his profile. He was tall, his dark wavy hair had a hint of grey at his temples which set off the pinstripe of his very tailored suit. She took in a sharpe breathe when he looked her way and smiled and she had to work hard to concentrate on what the person in front of her was saying. Thankfully, her conversation finally came to an end and it was then that Elena sensed movement before something soft caressed her arm.
“It’s wonderful to see you again” the rich timbre of his voice in her ear caused a shiver to travel down her neck and through her entire body. She turned to find his eyes inquisitively burrowing deep into hers. He continued, "I know we know each other but I cannot for the life of me remember how or where................."
So how do they know each other? What is Elena wearing? what do you think happens next??
Nov 19, 2008
Salynne Wilde ©2008
Hmmmm.....I dunno. That writing leaves wanting to know more..how it ends...
ReplyDelete