His breath pungent with alcohol, his face drained and resembling someone’s — that someone whom I see before my mind’s eye is long gone. This man’s face is abound with already dried up blood. Frightened, I can’t help but walk away as he mumbles out to me and I throw back a “The bus will come in a few minutes” to him. Leaving him behind, all I can think of and hope is that he has somewhere and someone to go home to. On Christmas Eve. The evening which should’ve, for both of us, been one of the most wonderful times of the year.
2012, June 22
On paper – by Estrella Azul
I saw how happy they were with each other, even though on paper it wouldn’t seem that way.
She was an artist with a true Pollyanesque heart, he was a realistic, straightforward guy. He liked classical music, it made her ears bleed. She was an introvert wishing nothing more than to stay at home with a good book, he was a complete extrovert always up for going out, partying with friends.
Yet… they worked. Wonderfully.
2012, March 30
Double digits – by Estrella Azul
It was her. The woman he has longed for ever since they have met some months ago. The woman whom he could never truly have.
He watched her for a long time, not quite knowing how to ask what was on his mind. He decided to go with straight forward and inquired.
- So… How many boyfriends have you had?
- Many. – she answered nonchalantly.
- Is that a precise number? – he winked.
She smiled at him.
- Sure.
- So a lot, huh?
- Yes.
They lay there for minutes, cuddled up. He caressed her back, fondled her shoulder-length hair as she distanced herself slightly from his embrace.
- Is it like… double digits? – he proceeded carefully.
- Yes.
- Higher than ten?
- Yes.
- Higher than fifteen?
- Yes.
- Higher than seventeen?
She paused to look at him seriously. Then slid off of the bed and picked her clothes up from around the room’s hardwood floor.
- What are you fishing for?
- I’m not sure.
- Why? Does it matter how many boyfriends I’ve had? How many men I’ve slept with? What are you really trying to ask?
- No, it doesn’t matter. I don’t know why I asked. – he answered sincerely – Never mind.
With all her clothes gathered up she headed towards the bathroom, then changed her mind. She lowered the pile onto an armchair and asked.
- Want to join me for a shower?
- Sure.
Just a one-night stand, a rebound thing… – he thought.
No, somehow it didn’t matter.
2011, August 26
Overwriting memories – by Estrella Azul
They were admiring the view as he leaned in to kiss her.
She was delighted with traveling to Paris. It was her favorite city in the world. The one she had been so happy in.
Now however, she was overwriting past memories while he charmed his new bride. Overwriting distant memories as the two of them strolled down cobblestone streets and dined in romantic restaurants. Overwriting cherished memories as they criss-crossed the Seine River and visited attractions, as they watched the city turn more magical with every second that passed.
She loved her groom more than life itself.
Obliviously, he kissed her forehead and glanced over the city again, after she graciously eluded his kiss; embracing him so strongly as she never had before, kissing him on the cheek.
There was one memory she could not overwrite.
There was only one kiss she desired to recall on top of the Eiffel Tower.
2011, May 27
Ten to life – by Estrella Azul
Staring at the crack in the ceiling, she contemplates on what color to have her room painted.
She’d love purple, except, she couldn’t afford changing the carpets as well. The color needs to be something that matches the red and black combo.
Grey – or would that be too morbid?
No, grey would be appropriate – she giggles at her decision after weighing the options.
Because after the bank loan gets approved, she’d be living on bread and water for the next ten years anyway, and she’s already got bars on her windows.
2011, March 16
Speaking volumes – by Estrella Azul
He had never met anyone quite like her.
He was content in his current relationship but something was missing; he sometimes wondered if he had made the right choice.
She was a wonderful friend, so easy to be around, and the person he became around her, himself, forced him to think of what he really wanted: a relationship where he was appreciated even for simply being there, a relationship he needn’t hide from anyone, a relationship that wasn’t perfect yet he couldn’t imagine living without.
He felt confused, yet more sure than ever. He didn’t want to settle anymore.
He wanted her!
Before he left, she invited him back to visit. That was his only ray of hope, but could only casually accept so as not to purposefully hurt his girlfriend back home, her, and himself.
However, he didn’t know how she felt. He couldn’t tell if she was only being nice and polite to a foreign man she had just met, or if she started sharing his emerging feelings.
He left, holding all the memories of their moments spent together closed deeply away in his heart.
***
After his departure she felt a hole in her heart – she couldn’t stop thinking of him.
The memory of his kiss on her cheek still lingered with her; something which had never happened before.
She typed countless emails she never sent, fearing it might have only been a crush.
It wasn’t.
She typed up and sent a quick email, casually reassuring him he would be sorely missed and invited him to visit her anytime he was ready to.
***
As he read her email, he understood even the words she hadn’t typed out.
—
Published today for the “Hone Your Skills Blogfest” hosted by Charity Bradford and Rosie Connolly
2010, November 5
Staying in touch – by Estrella Azul
- Have you spoken to your father yet? You’ve been home for three days now. He most certainly worries about you. – her mother inquired.
- Not yet Mom, however, he doesn’t even know I was away. I kept wanting to let him know before I left, but it was always after 10 PM by the time I remembered. – the unknown girl sincerely responded.
- He knows about your trip, I called him after you left.
- Now why would you do that? I was only gone for two weeks and it’s not like I traveled halfway around the globe.
- Well, I only wanted him to know it would be costly to phone you during that time.
- I’ll do it later. – she gave in.
***
- Hey Dad, sorry I haven’t called you since I got back, I’ve been insanely occupied catching up with work an…
- Hiii baaby! III’m not feeelin’ too wwell… II’ll call youu when III get beetter, okaaayyy? – the inebriated voice on the other end of the line interrupted her.
- Oh, sure… Bye D… – her father had already hung up.
*This is my third installment of the Unknown Girl. You can read the previous standalone flashes here:
