An Ode To Jennifer

It is amazing how one chance meeting can touch you in a most unforgettable way. How you wake up on a warm spring like Saturday morning in February not knowing what the evening holds.

Stepping out the front door that afternoon, an undescribable breeze was flowing in the air. With no destination in mind, the impulse drew me towards Modesto, CA. It was a strong feeling pulling me back to this city after so many years. Into the early evening there was something in the air passing around my shoulders and into my soul. This was truly a premenition of the events that were yet to come. Like a magnetic pull, the universe was guiding me straight to her.

Being out of the club scene for so many years, the weight holding my feet down felt like lead shoes. The fact that I could not work up the nerve to get out of my car just gave me the urge to drive away. The confidence to open the car door and step out was there, but the intimidation was much stronger. I was really starting to feel like I did not belong there. Trying to convince myself that the things that I had been sensing all day were all in my head and that it was just some sort of useless infatuation. Finally, I opened the car door, took several deep breaths and stepped out with both feet on the ground. I finally found myself in line with the other patrons at the front entrance door. Upon entering this club my heartbeat became much more rapid, the first of many rapid heartbeats that would occur this evening. Doing a once over of the club, I quickly realized something - people change, the music changes, but the clubs always stay the same.

For the first two hours of the evening, I was starting to feel like I was becoming a permanent wallflower. People were entering in groups and it was a guaranteed standing room only kind of night. A discouraging feeling was starting to overcome me. The guy to girl ratio was becoming pretty obvious. Then, from across the room that calm breeze that followed me throughout the day came flowing in from the entrance door. It was like a familiar tap on my shoulder and she was there. Everything around me stopped - no music, no flashing lights, no conversations, and no other person existed in that moment. It suddenly felt as if everything was moving in slow motion as she walked in with a glowing ray of light around her. It was at this moment that I realized why I had been experiencing those strange feelings all through the day. The universe was kind this evening. As she passed directly in front of me, her scent was so familiar, like a flower that only blossomed every thousand years. I suddenly had the feeling that this evening was already starting to move at a very quick pace. The time to act was now. She ordered her drink at the bar and walked to a table where her friends were already waiting. I was so entranced by her beauty that I did not even see them walk in with her. A strong feeling of attraction drew me closer to her with an unknown feeling of great confidence. As she moved so gracefully on the dance floor, I approached her friend sitting at her table and asked her what the status was of her attractive friend. She said."You mean Jennifer? Ask her to dance!" I believe that my attraction to her was pretty obvious - have no fear. I asked her if she would like to dance. Success! This was really happening. Those strange, but powerful feelings that were in the air all day had lead me straight to this surreal moment.

Upon meeting her very few words were exchanged. It was the way she looked at me that said what needed to be said. Everything seemed second nature now, her brown eyes surrounded me as we danced. Was I really here now? I could have convinced myself that it was all just a dream. We sat together at her table holding each other and looking into each other's eyes. It felt like I had already known her, like we had met before and were now reunited. I was floating on air, not even caring that I really forgot how to dance. I was so thankful for the slow dances (Thank you, Mr. D.J.). As we held each other tight she rubbed the back of my hair as I caresed her long silky brown hair and kissed her cheek. She also had the most unique laugh, a kind of laugh that was joyful and comforting to the core. I swear that I was in heaven, or at least, the closest to heaven that I would ever get. I could have sat there forever with her. It was sad that this night would eventually come to an end. We made the best of the time that we had together. We said "good night' and 'thank you'. I suddenly felt so alone. A strong connection was felt with her, like your very first crush that you never forget. Of this evening I learned that a heart can see the whole world and beat for it. No one has ever left such an impression on my heart and mind. I will never forget that special, magical night.                         

 

Thank you Jennifer.