The first time I met Shelley, I saw a sad blonde girl in a state park sitting on a bench alone, far from everybody else. My first instinct was to continue walking and not bother her. However, the gloomy face haunted me, and after 100 yards, I returned to the place she sat.
I stood 10 feet away, not wanting to scare her, and said, "Lady, my name is Art. We do not know each other. I felt sorry seeing you depressed, and I had to stop. I promise I am not a criminal or a stalker. I just wanted to tell you I usually stroll around this hour on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. If you wish to have somebody's ear, I'll be happy to listen, and perhaps I can help." She stared at me and remained silent.
Two days later, She was standing near the same bench. When she saw me, she smiled. I wasn't sure if this was a sign of recognition or invitation, so I smiled back, nodded my head, and walked slowly. She didn't talk or try to stop me, so I continued my stroll.
Friday afternoon, I was again in the park, but at that time, my mind was busy thinking about a complicated situation in our main office. Suddenly, I heard a soft voice, "Art, is your initial offer still on the table?"
I looked back and saw the blonde girl. She tried to smile, but it looked fake. I asked if I could sit by her. She moved slightly and pointed to the area near her.
I sat and gazed at her eyes. Up close, her face appeared cute, though unhappy. Her short hair was dirty-blonde, and her eyes blueish. She wore a dress with a large coat on top, preventing me from getting an impression of her figure.
She glanced at me and didn't talk. I tried to encourage her, "As I said last time, my name is Art. I live nearby and like to walk in the park late afternoons 3 times a week. The stroll helps me think and calms me after a stressful day at work. Can you tell me a little about yourself?"
She hesitated, "My name is Shelley. I live 2 blocks away. I am a 3rd year student in college."
"And what do you want to do when you finish?"
"If my scores are high, I'll try to become a veterinarian and work in a zoo."
"Somebody told me it's more difficult to get accepted to a veterinary program than to medicine. Is it true?"
"I heard the same thing, but I'll try my best."
The park began to darken, and I asked, "I'd love to talk to you some more, but I am not sure how safe it is here after dark. We can go to one of the coffee places or continue talking next time."
She stared into my eyes, "I need to go home. I haven't had dinner yet."
"Do you live with your parents?"
She smiled, "I am originally from Iowa. I got accepted to UCLA, and I live in an apartment with 2 other students I hardly know. Why do you ask?"
"Because I guess you plan to eat alone. How about we go to the Italian restaurant down the street and grab something together?"
"Look, sir... Art, I do not want to take too much of your time. I can see you here again on Monday."
I chuckled, "Shelley, are you just shy or you don't like me? In case you wonder, the dinner is on me; I just got a bonus at work, and I have no one else to share the good news with."
"You have no family?"
"It's a long story. I grew up in Boston. I ended up in LA because my best friend's father is on the board of the firm I work for. And in case you are curious, I live alone in a small house and have no mate..." She blushed and looked embarrassed.
"Shelley, will you come with me to the Italian restaurant, or do you prefer I accompany you to your apartment?"
"Are you certain you wish me to join you for dinner?"
I raised my hand, "Cross my heart and hope to die."
She grinned, "OK. It will be nice to eat Italian for a change."
...
I could not recall what I ate when we sat at the restaurant. Shelley ordered cheese ravioli. I remember that because much of the time, I ogled her. The more I looked at her, the prettier she appeared. Was it because she was less suspicious and felt more comfortable relaxing her facial muscles? Did I turn more biased, falling for her?
Our talk was simple, just 2 people learning about each other. Again, many details escaped me, except once I asked her why she was having the blues. By then, Shelley felt better and answered, "The first time you met me was an hour after I terminated my relationship with my boyfriend of more than a year. He was handsome, a real gentleman, and smart. In the first 3 months, we were doing great, and I fell in love with him. However, with time, I realized that I was his second, much-less-important love. His true love was his electron microscope. He was impressed by Dr. Fauci and studied to become a virologist. Unfortunately, even during his free time, rather than being with me, he spent in the lab doing research on viruses. I saw there was no future together and said goodbye. I knew my decision was good for the long run, but I was still upset and feeling sorry for myself. You showed up right on time to offer help. I wasn't ready yet, but I thought about you overnight and realized you weren't pushy but genuinely trying to offer your support. The second time I saw you in the park, you smiled and looked like a nice man. Again, you kept your distance and didn't bother me. So the third time, I knew if I cared to talk to you, I'd have to initiate it..."
I grinned, "I think you did the right thing. I may not be able to relieve some of your issues, but if I had personal problems, I would have liked to be able to talk to somebody about them. Here in town, you have nobody else so that I may be the one."
She stared at my face for a moment, "For some reason, I believe and trust you. You haven't tried anything alarming, and you have good eyes. I may not be a good judge of character, but so far, I like what I have seen and heard.
...