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Topic: Rain (09/07/04)
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TITLE: Right As Rain By LINDA GERMAIN 09/11/04 |
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Blessedly, there was no traffic, no noise, only the refreshing healing water of a sweet, soothing, steady tapping on the roof of the little sports car. Twinkling like Christmas decorations, neon lights made the streets shine like patent leather. It was a nice change, seeing the familiar old route freshly washed. One could almost believe the world really was clean, that rhythm restored itself, that something made sense. After a day of rest, refreshment would come. It always did, and then she was back doing what she loved to do. But for now, the fatigue demanded relief.
She waited patiently for the stoplight to release her. The tom-tom drumming of the wiper blades seemed in perfect sync with the falling of the rain. Just listening to the flamdiddle beat made her relax. Slowly, she exhaled a breath seemingly held for hours and perspective began to realign. As she shifted gears, one of the flashing signs bade a welcome to hungry travelers in the night.
Armed with her favorite ice cream indulgence, rocky road- double dipped, she slipped into first gear and continued to unwind on the well-traveled path. The predictable whine of the RPMs in her little English pride and joy reminded her there were still a few fun things in life. She was driving one and savoring the soothing chocolate coolness of the other.
Pulling into the clean, manicured apartment complex, she quickly untied and removed those sensible, sturdy, working girl shoes. They were too expensive to water log. Still clinging to the delicious sugar cone, she moved slowly, feeling the accumulating shower on her tired feet.
As she approached a huge puddle, memories of a delightful childhood game came flooding back. Impulsively, she jumped into the middle, kicking drops like little footballs. Leaning her head back, the lovely precipitation seemed to wash away all the ache of the past 12 hours. There was no one who could share this cleansing moment, but the Lord knows; she had prayed for His will.
Leaning against the shelter of Apartment 3, his twinkling blue eyes were riveted on the barefoot young woman playing in the rain. He needed to leave but it seemed important to preserve the wonder of this serendipitous timing. He had seen her before; in fact, they had passed in the hall at work. He doubted if she would remember him.
Her innocent delight in the ice cream and the rain had so captured his attention; he was a little reluctant to interrupt. Cautiously, as if pushed by remote control, he held one arm out to catch some of the cool refreshing liquid sunshine. He began to hum softly, then louder. She did not seem surprised or frightened, and recognizing the tune, even began to sing the words from that familiar old movie musical.
He was doing his best to prolong the incredible event. With one foot on the curb, one on the pavement, and the blue unfurled umbrella in the air, he hastily choreographed his own amateurish attempt to emulate Gene Kelly. It was kind of a waltz, chacha, and hokey-pokey effort. Her dazzling smile conveyed instant approval. Instinct told him she was a woman who could follow, even a clumsy lead. He continued turning in order to keep an eye on her, hoping his car was waiting behind him and that he wouldn’t splatter and wake from this real life dream.
When he reached the fender, he stopped and leaned against it for a second to imprint this unbelievable picture forever on his mind. She, still sweetly singing, never missed a step but moved quietly with agile grace to unlock Apartment number 4. He was reluctant to leave this wonderful and unexpected present. Something told him this dance had only just begun.
He vowed to write every detail about this night. Their grandchildren would want to hear how he had been searching and praying to find her his whole life and, like many answers from on high, suddenly, she had danced through the rain, rocky road and all, and right into his heart.
But first, he would need to find out her name.