Is this the day I fall in love?

What will my future be? A thought that never fails to put a pit in his stomach.

This thought had haunted him for years and the answer he was hoping for was now right in front of him but what could happen once he reached it? Was it possible for someone like him to have what everyone else seems to enjoy? To find love? To find happiness? He knew there was nothing to dream about as his father always told them that dreams were fleeting and only lasted until you met your match. The last thing he wanted to do was get married. His father said marriage would make people happy or something along those lines but what kind of person did he need to marry?

Should I just live my life as a single man? His thoughts drift away from him at that point. What if he finds someone in the future that will change his life forever. Would she want to be together with him or would she reject him because she wants more than just “someone to spend the rest of her life with?”

He sighs loudly causing a group of people passing by to turn their heads and glared at him but he just continues walking towards his car.

It’s not like he cared anyway. Why should he care about what others think of him? They’re all wrong about everything so why should he bother? All he wanted was for this horrible life to end already, but unfortunately for him, things don’t always go according to plan. He didn’t know what the world would throw at him next but hopefully whatever it is wouldn’t be too bad. Maybe he should take some time off and just relax after everything that had happened?

He opens the door to the car and immediately feels the hot air that seeps into his face, it was probably going to be hotter than hell today. He closes his eyes and leans over the seat before getting inside. As soon as he does, he notices that the passenger window has been rolled down. He looks up expecting to see his mother but instead, it’s an unfamiliar woman who’s staring back at him.

She raises an eyebrow at him curiously which causes him to flinch. He takes notice of how beautiful the woman’s eyes are and wonders if they were made by the gods themselves. She has long black hair that reaches halfway down her thighs. It’s curly and almost resembles a lion’s mane. Her skin is pale and porcelain-looking; her lips are full and pink. She’s dressed quite simply in a white tank top, jeans, and flip-flops. Two bracelets are dangling on each wrist and around her neck sits a red locket. She gives him a small smile but doesn’t say anything. He blinks a few times wondering if he imagined all of these and if she could hear his thoughts.

The stranger breaks the silence between them.

“I didn't expect to see anyone out and about so early in the morning. Where are you heading?”

He can feel himself starting to panic slightly. Why did she ask him where he was headed?

“Um…” He replies stuttering while trying to gather his thoughts. “Just home.”

“Where's that exactly?”

Her voice has a slight accent that sounds European.

"Uh... I live at the train station."

Again, her facial expression remains unchanged though he can feel her interest growing.

"Oh really? Are you traveling alone?"

There was something about the way she spoke which makes it seem like she cares.

"Yes."

He turns to look at her and sees that she’s wearing a curious grin.

"Is this a special occasion?"

A moment of silence passes before he decides to break it.

“No, not really. Just taking a trip, that's all. I haven't been anywhere besides school and work since my mom passed away."

His words come out rather coldly which surprises him since normally he wasn’t someone who spoke coldly to strangers.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you nonetheless. My name is Elizabeth, by the way. You may call me Beth if you wish.”

“Nice to meet you too. I’m Bryan. Bryan Hamilton.”

The corners of her mouth lift upwards and she offers her hand for him to shake.

He hesitates for a moment before taking her hand. He can tell her palm is very warm and soft against his own. Their hands stay intertwined for several seconds before they slowly let go of each other, unsure of how to proceed further. She smiles once again and opens the window allowing the cool breeze to sweep through the car.

Bryan lets out another heavy sigh as he runs a hand through his hair. He glances over at Beth who’s still looking out the window before turning his attention back to the road ahead. He stares at his reflection in the windshield for several moments before reaching forward and turning the radio on. An instrumental version of a popular song starts playing and he listens intently as it goes on. The song ends and he begins to wonder why he was listening to music at that time, especially in his car. Before he knows it, he starts singing softly under his breath. This catches Beth’s attention as she turns to look at him. She smiles brightly causing him to blush a deep shade of crimson before looking down at the steering wheel in shame.

“You know, you could sing along if you want.”

“Umm. Thanks but I’ve never sung before so I’d rather not mess it up.”

“But you’re good at it.”

Her voice is low and smooth, like honey mixed with chocolate. Something is captivating about it and he finds himself unable to resist looking at her. Beth continues to smile at him as he avoids eye contact and fidgets with his hands on the steering wheel. He can tell that she is still waiting for him to sing but eventually, he gives in. As soon as he begins to sing, Beth begins clapping softly.

Bryan laughs nervously, embarrassed to know she is enjoying his performance. His cheeks begin to hurt from the smile that spreads across his face and his hands continue to tremble slightly. Once he is finished, he clears his throat quietly.

“Thanks.”

“That was amazing! Did you grow up in Texas?”

“Nope, I moved here when I was twelve.”

She seems excited to learn about him and he finds it hard to concentrate on the road as her eyes light up with curiosity.

“Are you from around here?”

“Yeah, I am. My parents are from England."

“Really? That explains it then. Your English is pretty good by the way. Where are you from originally?”

“New York City.”

“Wow! So you must have lived a lot of exciting lives. Do you have any pictures of yourself?”

“Um, yeah, I do. Why?”

“I bet I can convince you to show them to me someday.” She says smiling widely. Bryan can sense that something about her isn’t quite right and his suspicions are confirmed when he looks over at her face. Her eyes are a little sad, and even though he’s not sure what’s bothering her, he can’t help but feel sympathy for her.

“How about this, whenever you decide to show me your pictures you give me yours first. How about that?”

Beth pauses for a second seemingly thinking it over before nodding with a smile on her face.

“Deal!”

As he pulls his phone out of his pocket, Beth asks him what number to text him so that they could arrange a meeting. As he types in the digits, he realizes that he’s never given a girl his number before, and he hadn’t expected to meet one so soon, either. He feels his heart beating faster as the anticipation builds up inside him. Is it possible he has met his soon-to-be girlfriend now? Is there any chance that she might like him back? Will she be accepting of his feelings?

He tries to push those thoughts away from his mind as he hands her his phone.

They arrived at their destination. He parked the car and got out of the car, stretching out his arms and cracking his knuckles. He walks around the car to Beth’s side and opens the door for her.

She smiles politely and gets out gracefully.

I think I've found the bone of my bone, he thought to himself. Ever met someone in one day and been so certain you're going to marry them someday?