In a surreal time while I ignored the world, I felt a stare through the smoke that swirled of mysterious eyes inviting me see, a vision of beauty and mystery.

A fleeting glance before eyes shyly averted, but too late for me, I was converted to a new path I knew right away, a new journey would begin for me that day.

I stared and waited for the gaze to return, and when it did I was quickly to learn that this encounter that felt so inviting, should not be allowed to end with one sighting.

The silent conversation was quite brief, but left me with the firm belief that I was invited to learn more but take care, not to offer a fling or lascivious affair.

Such was not my goal, I hoped she could see, there was a difference between others and me. But what to do next, that was the question and I searched my mind for any suggestion

How could I avoid appearing too forward yet still make an approach that bordered on my fumbling attempt at charm, hoping her defenses I could disarm

And utter that first ‘hello’ to start it all, or end it right there it would be her call. With the flash of her eyes came a flicker of smile, so this was it, my time to beguile

But not in a deceptive way, just a chance to talk and say “Hi” to her, and see what happened next, but was this all really for the best?

No way to know.

My better judgment was calling, I thought about stalling my urge to follow this infatuation, strange time for the call, and I felt hesitation

Hesitation is for losers, is that not right? Such conflicting thoughts, my head felt light. And so I approached, she did not move and I wondered what I had to prove.

I could see some tension, she was defensive, on guard from a stranger on the offensive. I hoped my smile would help break the ice, so she could see that some guys are nice.

Our first meeting but no talk, a bit strange but comfortable, refreshing for a change. Talk talk talk, most people do, but not this lady, this was new

It surely did increase my intrigue, a different attitude, a very rare league. Time had stopped, the universe hushed, an eternity in this moment would not be rushed.

I point to myself and spoke my name, and on her face a tiny smile came. She leaned over and whispered her name in my ear, a sudden thought came, where do I go from here?

No way to know.

Scary as it seemed, I wanted to know, compelled to proceed, but where would this go? Following my heart, surely not my head, to find out, into her world I would willingly tread.

Serendipitous. Yes, that word would fit, and back off now, no, no thought to quit. Why run away when it all felt so fine, better judgment exiled to the back of my mind

We talked for a while about not much at all, small talk mostly, I really don't recall. As we talked and so closely engaged, I felt my reservations being slowly assuaged

This meeting of hearts that neither had sought, and caused me such confusion of thought, but only as friends, just friends, if allowed more than that, where could it end?

No way to know

Finally parting with a wave and a smile that seemed to hang there for more than a while. Would we meet again who was to say. I let better judgment rule the day

Then thoughts of her would not desist and I wondered if I was similarly missed, till quite unexpectedly she was there, standing in front of me with sunlight in her hair.

This was a moment, again without speaking, and was the moment I was hopefully seeking. Was this just chance or did she arrange it? I didn't care and would not want to change it.

There was that flash of her eyes and a smile, no way to deny, this lady has style. She offered her hand in shy polite way, better judgment be dammed, the heart wins today.

A dinner was suggested, it seemed about right. She agreed and said "Okay, not tonight". I tried to not let my disappointment show but I think it did when I asked "Maybe tomorrow?"

She saw I was down, she's so savvy and quick. "Tomorrow is fine, and the place my pick." My smile returned, she squeezed my hand, then, just like that… she was gone again.

Wait another day became a good idea. It gave me time to think if there were something to fear. And there was plenty of that my head could find, but to all of these, my heart was blind.

Then tomorrow had come, but she didn't say where. So I went back to the same place and waited there. I got lost in thought about what we would say when suddenly, I heard her behind me say, "Hay"

Snapped back to the present with quite a start, I put my hand to my chest and patted my heart. She giggled a bit, then said, "My fault I fear." "No, that's the best 'hay' I've heard in a year."

She really wasn't one for overly talking, and right away we were up and walking. "Where to?" I asked, a silly, dumb thing to say. "Not far, don’t worry, I will show you the way."

Fearing some fancy expensive place, I can't do etiquette and keep a straight face. So how surprised was I when she stopped to point, at an ordinary streetside local food joint.

Menu on the wall, wobbly table and chair, this place had a charm you don't find everywhere. Still a little perplexed, "You come here a lot?" As soon as I said it, I knew cool that was not.

She looked around the shop with a knowing eye, and said "My favorite place, many treats here to buy." With that she ordered for us both, it was a short wait. And the food when served was not good, it was great.

As we quietly were eating our shared meal, I watched her closely and started to feel that something today was not quite right. Again that tension, her expression was tight.

When all was done, and I asked for the bill, she said, you don't have to pay, I will. And two things you should know, and I am not being funny, I don't need a boyfriend, and I don't want your money.

Silence.

She reached over and took my hand, smiled and said, "I just need you to understand." "I have already worked out where to go with my life." "And no part of the plan includes being a wife."

Did I come on too strong? What's this all about? I thought it was both ways, but now I started to doubt. Enjoying her company, only the surface could I see. I forgot to learn and understand, just who is she.

Was I being dumped before I had a friend? And girlfriend was not what I wanted in the end. Maybe this was for the best, I had to let her go. Would she see me again... well... I sure hoped so

No way to know.

So I waited and tried to put her out of my mind, but somehow every day I managed to find a way to pass by the place where we first met, but she was not there so perhaps best to forget?

And it was working as I was thinking of her less. We were just ships in the night I guess. It was only a few days, but I knew I was right. Something happened to us both on that first night.

Everyday I would walk the street food shop way, and today I would stop and eat, an excuse to stay. I could spend lots of time there with food I could try, and with any luck at all, she just might come by.

Turning away to study the menu on the wall, did I imagine it, or did I hear her call? Looking around, there was no one to see, till she came from behind a post and said, "Surprise, it’s me!"

"I didn't want to be leading you on, but I have missed you a lot since you were gone. What I said is true, I have no plan to wed, and good friends you don't find by jumping in bed."

Seems this lady has class in more ways than one. She made a point that had to be done. I put on my best smile, "So as friends we are good?" She said "Yes, now let’s order some food."

She was busy that day and so was I, so we enjoyed the lunch and said goodbye. But for the next meeting we had made a plan, and I wandered off, a much happier man.

And now I have a lot to ponder. I feel sure that I will grow fonder of one that I was never meant to know, but will true love out of all this grow?

No way to know.