It was just one of those nights. The weatherman had predicted thunderstorms but didn't say anything about what was happening outside. I stood at the bay window thinking out loud when a sudden flash of lightening, followed by a window shaking peal of thunder ended my lighting, television, and of course the computer.
I stood in the dark, just looking out when another flash of lighting blinded me for a moment. As I regained my vision I saw the lights of a car pulling down into my drive. " Who in the name of Hanna would be out this late on such a crappy night," I wondered. I walked to the door, stopping for a candle and a match to light it with. I opened the door as I reached it and found my arms full of a wet wiggly something. I almost dropped the candle as I caught this armful of raincoat and hat.
I stepped back steadying my visitor and watched as a pair of soft full lips, followed by a wonderful pixie nose emerging from the wet mess. A face filled with high cheekbones, and eyes of pure silver soon followed these. I blinked a couple of times just to make sure, they looked like silver but were not. Just the grayest eyes I have ever seen.
"I am so sorry to bother you on such a night as this, but I could not see the road and I saw the light of your house just before they went out." she said.
" There is nothing to apologize for," I told her, "I cannot believe how hard this front has hit."
I was staring and I knew it but I could not help itβ¦Hearing her voice I stop and refocus my attention.
"β¦.. a dry towel or something"
"I'm sorry you must be soaked" I took her by the arm and led her to the downstairs bath. Lighting a couple of candles I extended my arm for her coat. In the candlelight she was a heavenly creature as the hood, once removed, revealed pale blond hair, piled up high on her head, with a few wispy strands playing along her face. She handed me her coat and I excused myself. " Please take your time, the water is gas heated so if you want to wash up feel free. The towels are in the cabinet to the right of the shower."
I move to the kitchen and start a pot of hot water. Thank God for gas. Taking out two teacups I prepare the tea for brewing. I make up a tray with sugar, cream, lemon and the pot of tea. I turn to walk into the living room and standing there in the doorway is the blonde visitor. I damn near dropped the tray for all she is wearing is a towel.
" Sorry if I spooked you," she said. " I need to dry my clothes, if you don't mind?"
" Not at all." I put the tray down and carry her clothes back to the laundry room. "I'm afraid that we will have to wait a bit for the power" as I quietly think to myself, "Thank God for gas." I hang what I can to dry and return to the kitchen for the tea.
By this time she already has the tray in the living room and was lighting a few more candles. I stand and just gaze at her. Her movements are fluid and full of grace. She moves like a wrath, not seeming to touch the floor. I stand and stare, my inner-self whispering, " So what has it been, two, three months since your girlfriend walked out on you. All this time alone and now you have a stunning creature here and you just stand there like a teenager." I shake my head, walking into the room.