Ghost of a Chance

It was different this year. Halloween fell on a Wednesday so all the parties and trick or treating were taking over the weekend. I think it had something to do with a city ordinance. Halloween is suppose to be filled with fun and laughter, goblins and witches and some goulish parties. So, what was I doing sitting alone at home munching popcorn and watching old movies? I guess it could have been my fault. I have not dated since my girlfriend was involved in a tragic traffic accident two years ago. All my friends have tried to get me back in the dating scene, however I just work and go home, spend some time at the gym and sleep. Seems that is all I want to do these days. So tonight was like every other night watching television and having popcorn
Now don't get me wrong, I am niether one of those morose guys who languish and linger in my memories about the past nor am I some kind of toad who felt he got lucky once but never again. I am just myself and believe it or not, not all men are self assured and able to just jump into the deep end of the dating pool. I had met my girlfriend at a conference related to my job, (Don't ask, I work for the government and if you knew what I do, I would have to kill you.), I always chuckle when I say that, actually I work for the GAO as a pencil pusher. Anyway we met, hit it off and one thing led to another and the next thing I knew we were living together. As far as I was concerned everything was great, we laughed, we loved and we lived. We worked hard at our jobs and played hard in the bedroom as well as outside of it. It seemed that we were destined to spend our lives together then she was taken away from me.

I was just about ready to cut off the TV and get ready for bed when the doorbell rang. I glanced at the time thinking that it was a bit late for visitors. I did not have a porch light on for trick or treat, so I had no idea who it might be. Maybe it was one of my friends looking for a place to crash for the night. Sometimes they get a bit to wasted to go home and since my place is rather close to the downtown area I get occasional overnight visitors. I opened the door and felt my jaw drop. There stood a woman. Not just any woman, but a woman who brought back my past, my dreams and deep inside I felt the stirring of my passion. I stood looking into the most haunting, emerald eyes, eyes I have only seen once in my life. Long red tresses down to the middle of her back, high cheek bones, almost perfect face. Full red lips, a slight curve to the nose. No way. There is just no way I could believe what I was seeing. I was looking at my girlfriend. I started to step back, I caught my heel on the rug and the last thing I remember was a smile, a smile I thought I would never see again.

I came to on the couch, my head hurt and my vision was a bit blurred. I remembered answering the door, catching my heel and falling. I guess I hit my head on the floor, but how did I get on the couch. I started to sit up and the room started to spin so I just stayed put, getting myself together when I heard sounds coming from the kitchen. I could also smell fresh tea being brewed. I closed my eyes and suddenly the face at the door flashed into my mind. That face, the one I never thought I see again. I jerked up, grabbing the back of the couch to steady myself about the time she came out of the kitchen. She was holding a tray with cups and a pot of tea.



" I hope you don't mind but I figured after that fall you took you might want a spot of tea to help clear your head."

The voice had a lilt to it, not quite British, but a definite lilt. I tried to place it and realized that it was Irish, not the strong Irish I had heard on television programs, but soft, almost melodic. I sat with a dumbfounded look on my face, trying to get use to the image in front of me. This could not be true. I just stared feeling tears forming in my eyes, running slowly down my cheeks. I tried to be a man and hold them back but the tears just rolled out on to my face and down my cheeks. Something inside of me had given way and feelings I had locked away started to flood my mind and my heart like the wind as it fills a sail. I felt her take me in her arms, allowing me to weep. Somewhere a soft humming sound filled my head pushing away the pain like a mothers gentle hand wiping away the hurt from a dirty skinned knee. I cried until I had nothing left. I pulled away, my tear reddened eyes looking into hers. She ran her fingers through my hair, picked up a cup and poured me some tea. I took the cup, sipped it and started to say something when she held up her hand to stop me.

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