Missed Opportunities

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     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.

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     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?"

     He gulps!

     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.

     Think – think – think!

      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

     Oh God! A loose thread!

     She quickly tucks it away, hoping he didn't notice.

     Seconds tick by….

     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!

     Five seconds go by….

     He sighs.

     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.

     Tick – tick – tick….

     Oh come on… walk through the bloody door!

     He opens his mouth. "Yes, it does. Doesn't it?"

     He frowns.

     Great comeback! Way to go pal. That's telling her. Sweeping her right off her feet.

     She softly laughs.

     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….

     She frowns.

     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…."

     She holds out her hand.

     "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 stands.

     He sweats. He waits….

     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…."