Foreshore

We’re sat on the beach on a small blue blanket. The waves roll in gently under a light grey sky, the sea breeze gently caressing my cheeks. My right hand is wrapped around another; large and rough yet just as warm and comforting. My gaze drifts towards birds soaring in the distance, and I take another sip from my merlot.

I wake up earlier than usual, just before my alarm has the chance to usher me out of bed and into another monotonous day. The memory of my dream lingers as I ponder in bed for a moment. The feelings my dream brought were so vivid and clear, I was half convinced it really happened.

Rolling back the curtains reveals a thick overcast above. The sun fought to shine through the clouds, yet ultimately recoiled in defeat.

I grab my phone and head for the kitchen. The wooden floor of my apartment is cold beneath my bare feet as I gingerly approach the coffee maker. The pot is still half-filled, remnants of a long busy night. I heat up the leftover coffee and quickly get ready for class. I select navy jeans and a rosy colored sweater, which pairs well with my coral lips. My black hair falls lackadaisically around my shoulders, and I can’t help but feel disappointed in the reflection I see in the mirror. It’s been far too long since I’ve put genuine effort into my appearance, and for the time being I’ve become content with my plain look.

The calming scent of petrichor fills my nose as I exit my apartment and make my way through the bustling streets of Manhattan. My university is just a few blocks away; my route takes me through central park, a pleasant stroll which was always the highlight of my morning. The rustling of tree leaves, the cheerful singing of sparrows, and the joyous laughter of children all filled with park with overwhelming life and energy. Despite the cheerful chaos, my walk through the park somehow managed to clear my thoughts and ease my stress.

As I approach my university, I can’t help but recall my dream. I catch myself longing for that sensation, the intimacy and companionship I had felt from my unconscious fantasy. It dawned on me how alone I’ve been feeling, and how I craved for romantic attention.

I finally arrive at the lecture hall a quarter ‘till 9, and take a seat in the far left side of the room. As more students trickle in, I take the few spare minutes I have before class begins to organize my materials. Just as I finish prepping to take notes, Roman walks in. He’s among the top of our class, and we frequently compete for highest test scores. He sits down in his usual spot to my right, with a few chars left in between. I saw him frequently, even worked on a few projects with him, and yet it wasn’t until this moment that I was truly able to appreciate his beauty. His dark brown hair looked soft with a gently curl, framing his chiseled face. His bone structure was flawless, strong cheekbones and jawline, paired with a gentle smile, and teal eyes that matched the cobalt blue flannel he wore. He was, as far as I was concerned, perfect.

We locked eyes for a brief moment, and I could feel myself being pulled into the deep ocean depths of his gaze. I quickly avert my gaze, silently praying he didn’t notice my cheeks flush. What’s wrong with me today? I’ve only ever seen him as a peer, and yet here I am, star-struck. My heart longed for something my head couldn’t quite process.

I just barely manage to subdue my emotions enough to focus on the lecture before me. Finals are approaching in two weeks, and the last thing I need is a distraction. As I gather up my notes and prepare to exit the class, a sweet aroma suddenly fills my nose - the piquant fragrance of a mountain waterfall, with subtle notes of amber and vanilla. After a moment, I realize the wonderful scent was coming from Roman, who was standing in front of my seat gazing down at me, a gentle smile on his lips.

“What’s up?” I ask tentatively.

“Not much”, he replies. “I was just thinking, I’ve seen you around for a while but I’ve never gotten to know you very well. Do you think I’d be able to take you out for dinner sometime?”

Moments pass. Seasons changed and the world set ablaze, all in the rolling waves of his eyes.

I wasn’t anyone particularly special or remarkable. I wasn’t an athlete or a member of any clubs, nor was I very outspoken or brazen. I simply kept to myself and focused on my studies. And yet here he was, asking me of all people to join him for dinner.

“I-I’d love to,” I stammered. “When did you have in mind?”

“How about Saturday night, at the Buvette?” He was so calm and collected as he spoke, while I was barely managing to keep my composure.

“Yeah, that sounds great!” It sounds far better than ‘great’, though its the only word I manage to come up with.

He hands me a neatly written note with 10 numbers. “Here’s my number, we’ll work out the time.”

And just like that, I had a date with the hottest guy I knew. I hoped with all my heart this wasn’t another dream.

- - -

My luck held, the encounter wasn’t a dream. And so the rest of the week was a haze, my thoughts clouded with anticipation. When Saturday evening finally arrived, I had so many emotions rushing through my head I felt almost dizzy; a mesh of excitement, hopefulness, anxiety, and terror.

I stood outside my apartment complex, nervously fidgeting with my cellphone. We had settled on 7:00 PM, and I was ready and waiting a few minutes early. I wore a simple striped blouse and flowy red skirt, and my hair was elegantly curled for the first time in months. I even wore makeup, a natural but refreshing look that made me proud. The sun was just beginning to set as I pondered. What if it doesn’t go well? What if I mess up and embarrass myself? What if he doesn’t show up at all?

My fearful thoughts instantly vaporize the moment I see Roman walking down the street towards me. He’s wearing a dark blue dress shirt and crisp slacks. Flawless isn’t nearly a rich enough word to describe how perfect he looks.

The moment he reaches me, the chilly October breeze vanishes, his presence and the smell of his cologne warming me up like an invisible fireplace.

“You look beautiful, Jeanne”, he says as his brilliant eyes scan my outfit.

Jeanne. My name sounded so magical coming from his lips, as if I were a princess in a faraway kingdom. I might as well be; despite the hundreds of people walking hastily past us, right now it felt as though we were the only two people in the world.

We made our way down to the restaurant. It was a quaint French eatery, with cozy lighting and a sultry ambiance. I was struck with delicious aromas and a feeling of comfort the moment we stepped through the doors. Our reservation was next to the window, which I enjoyed.

The evening went by in a blur. My initial nervousness was long gone. Roman made conversation so easy and effortless, I felt truly relaxed with him. Our night was filled with wondrous food and hearty laughter, talking about family, dreams, and everything in between. Before we knew it, it was 9:00, and the restaurant was beginning to close.

“How would you like to head down to the beach?” Roman asked as we considered how to spend the rest of the night.

My dream from earlier in the week came back to me just then. My heart skipped a beat.

“I’d love to”, I say, as I take another sip from my Merlot.