Struck

Bart walked along the cement path that weaved its way through town going past many businesses then hitting parks, lovely wooded areas, and also ran along the river bank for a ways. He kept his head down eyes focused on the cement path instead of the beauty around him. It had been a rough week and he hoped a walk in nature would help ease the pain and worries, but thus far the jaunt in the woods had only proven to increase his stress. All he had thought about during the walk was the horrible things that had happened and he had no solutions yet.

The company where he worked had informed all employees that they were going out of business and in a week most employees would be out of work. Yesterday had been his last day at work. Two days after the news about his job his car died on him and the day after that his landlord left a letter saying rent was going up next month.

He walked along kicking at stray rocks lamenting his great misfortune and growing more bitter with each step.

He was oblivious to the dark clouds forming in the distance and starting to roll his way. By the time he took note that the sun was not as bright and looked up to investigate the first rain drops fell lightly on him.

He picked up the pace and even though he was starting back into the section near civilization he knew he was too far from home to make it before he got soaked. As if to validate his thought, the heavens opened and began to dump what felt like buckets on him.

“Great,” Bart yelled up to the storm clouds, “just great. This is exactly what I needed today, thank you so much!”

A huge clap of thunder replied back and seemed to open the flood gates along with the wind. The rain was no longer coming softly, but rather pelting his bare skin and drenching his clothing.

He saw a tree not to far from him and made a beeline for it, hopeful it would offer a little protection. Thankfully, it did give a little reprieve from the storm.

Bart put his back against the trunk and leaned his head back into the rough bark looking up into the green leaves. He closed his eyes then took a deep breath and smelled the sweet aroma of pears mixed with rain. Opening his eyes again he looked into the branches and green leaves, this time picking out the fruit hanging on as the wind tossed it back and forth. “A pear tree,” he thought, “I wonder if they are ready to eat? I could use a snack while I wait out the storm.”

He started to reach up for a pear when a loud honk stopped him for a moment. He considered looking towards the sound, but decided there was no point, it probably wasn’t directed at him anyway. His hand continued stretching towards the closest pear when the horn blasted again. This time he did stop and look towards the sound. A light blue Jeep was pulled off the road near by. He didn’t know anyone with a Jeep so assumed that the person was honking at someone else. He ignored the Jeep and went back to his task, but the person honked several times bringing his attention back to the Jeep. A woman with deep red hair stuck her head out the window and yelled, “Hey!”

Bart looked at her, then looked around, sure she must be yelling at someone else, but he couldn’t see anyone around. Before he could look back to the woman she was yelling again, “Yes, you, under the pear tree! Get over here!”

Bart looked confused and pointed at himself, he had no idea who this person was or why they would be calling him.

Somewhat exasperated she shouted, “Yes, I mean you, hurry up!”

Bart shrugged his shoulders and left his little shelter to go see what she wanted.

“Get in,” she barked at him.

He was about to argue against the idea but the look on her face told him he better do as he was told.

He ran around and jumped in right as a huge lightning bolt struck extremely close by. There was a blinding light followed instantly by a roar of thunder that caused Barts ears to ring a bit.

“And that my friend is why you don’t hang out under trees during a storm,” the woman proclaimed. “That could have hit the tree you were under and seriously hurt you!”

Bart turned to face the woman and felt like he had been struck by lightning, his heart skipped a beat then started pumping far faster than necessary. She was gorgeous, curly red hair extended out from a freckled face with eyes the color of stormy seas.

Barts jaw dropped and a whispered “wow” escaped his lips before he realized what he had done. His mind took control finally and tried to play it cool. Looking back out the window he said, “Yeah, you are absolutely right. That was a close one for sure. Thanks for the rescue.”

She shrugged her shoulders saying, “No problem.” Extending her hand out she said, “My name is Starkrimson.”

Bart took her tiny hand in his and was as surprised by the grip she had as he was by her uncommon name. “I’m Bart,” he replied, “pleased to meet you, and very pleased to be out of the rain. Thanks again!”

“Happy to help out,” she said, a beautiful smile spread across her face. “So, where can I take you?”

Bart looked into those stormy yet warm eyes and thought, “Anywhere you want! Maybe this week won’t be a total disaster after all.”

If you enjoyed this cute start of a relationship check out this little family story.