Comic-Con (Comic Convention), has lots of good venues. I know, I've attended a few. I enter through the doors of a convention center, appearing as myself. Boring, isn't it? I didn't want to go through changing clothes, fixing my hair and putting on a lot of make-up, takes up too much time. This is my second and last day at Comic-Con, hoping to look for some good souvenirs. I'm wearing some dark blue jeans, white V-neck shirt, and dark gym shoes. I can't help that I like wearing dark shoes. Checking my left hand, making sure the wrist band is intact.
I head through the check point, raising my left hand, the guard nods and lets me through. Once again, it's a jungle out there. As always, the convention is mixed with a lot of kids, mostly teens. But there were a lot of young adults in their costumes. It was a mixture of DC, Marvel and Anime characters. I was impressed. I browse around aisle to aisle, seeing cool clothes and toys. There were also adults who are professionals when it comes to cosplay (Costume play).
Few hours later, I'm sitting in a table at the concession side, finishing up a slice of pizza and a can of soda. I grab some napkins, cleaning my face. I place some shopping bags on the able, checking to see I got my souvenirs with me. What I got was a few figures from films and three DeLoreans from the "Back to The Future" franchise. I place the bags down the floor, cleaning out the table.
I turn and see families sitting together, enjoying their meals and souvenirs, little children running around playing comic book characters etc. A voice pops out from behind.
"Excuse me, is this seat taken?"
I turn to see a woman in a costume.
"No, It's not." I respond.
She smiles and sits down. Who is she I wonder. She's wearing a latex type of outfit that's gone from her torso to her feet. Arms are covered as well. Her zipper is open down to her breasts and she's not wearing a bra. Is that legal? I hope it doesn't get her in trouble.
"So, who are you?" I ask.
"Oh, nothing special, Femme Fatale type character." She responds, untying her brunette hair.
She leans back, putting her feet on the table. Her stiletto heels looked clean and shiny.
"Who are you, today?" She asks.
"Just being myself, I didn't want to go through the costume changing and putting on makeup. Takes too much time." I reply.
"I wouldn't blame you." She speaks. "Takes a lot of time, making sure if you have enough make-up or missing something part of the costume."
I folded my hands on my lap, trying to show good manners.
"Are you a professional at cosplay?" I ask.
She places her feet down the floor, leaning forward.
"No." She responds. "Just a mom of two teens and I manage a bank".
"No way." I spoke. "You got to be 26 years old."
She smiles. "Awwwwww, thanks. But I'm actually 45."
I stared with my mouth dropped open. "Wow!" I speak. "You take good care of yourself. I'm sure the husband and kids are proud of you".
She blushes. "That's sweet of you to say that. But I've been divorced for seven years. The kids live with me. They see their dad on the weekends. When that happens, I go out. When I heard about Comic-Con, I had to come. It's so fun, seeing people in costumes, watching celebrities speak etc."
"I'm so sorry." I say. "I didn't mean to say that. I'm 26 and living with roommates. I work at a records store. I make sure the products are straight and clean. I make good money; I just don't spend a lot. I manage to keep a big bank account. Occasionally, I would spoil myself. I thought I would come here and enjoy myself."
She places her elbows on the table, putting her chin on her hands.
"Don't be sorry." She responds. "It's life. Don't be scared spoiling yourself often. You wouldn't want to miss out on having fun. You like being here?"
"Yes" I say. "It's beautiful and I'm glad I got what I'm looking for." She winks. Her blue eyes are casting a shine on my hazel eyes.
"You have? Is this your last day coming here?"
I lean forward. "Yes, I can't think of something to buy or look for."
I look at my watch and froze. "I better leave, I have to take the bus home. I don't want to end up going for a long walk."
I gather my things and stand up. She grabs my hand, as if she was trying to warn me.
"Let me drive you home, I would hate for you to get mugged or get exhausted walking."
I look at her sweet, innocent face. "We only just met and how would I know you're honest and trustworthy?"
She stands up. "Don't worry, I won't hurt you. You sound like a sweet and harmless man." We both head to the parking garage, towards her vehicle.