The Blonde
Aimlessly wandering was exactly what Dylan was doing in Philadelphia on a Saturday morning in the fall.
Dylan was one of those restless guys constantly on the move. Philadelphia afforded him the opportunity to get this out. He loved going to Elfreth's Alley, the art museum, and center city, which were all separated by huge chunks of blocks.
The sparse trees throughout the city were beginning to turn color. Green leaves gave way to reds, oranges, and yellows. He had one hand in his hoodie and the other was holding a Starbucks coffee. It was as dark as the evening before.
He took small sips of the coffee.
Mmm.
He looked at the words L-O-V-E written in scarlet red with the L and O stacked on top of the V and E. He became distracted by the fountain shooting water into the blue sky behind the letters. He observed the pool the fountain water fell into. Nobody had their feet in it.
It's certainly not the summer.
Dylan stopped studying the landmark and moved through the streets as a cheetah would in thick grass looking for prey. He was walking towards the location of the Rocky statue, at the Philadelphia Art Museum.
Rittenhouse Square popped into his mind.
Maybe I'll check it out. It's on the way.
Rittenhouse Square was packed with people as Dylan sipped the strong coffee. Guys and girls were holding hands and talking. The women smiled with their mates. Dylan always loved a woman's smile. Some couples would embrace in a kiss. Older gentlemen walked their Weimaraners and Golden Retrievers enjoying the suns rays as they darted in between Philadelphia's skyscrapers.
Dylan continued walking hitting the pavement quicker than most walkers. He looked ahead to see where the next block began, and he slowed down like a car coming to a red light. She was walking towards him with another girl.
She's beautiful.
The woman looked only a few years out of college, had long blonde hair and was taller than most women, even some men. Her face was carved with the finest biology of skin and molecules. It was like beauty was born with her face. She wasn't wearing makeup. Dylan became a little anxious.
Don't stare.
The blonde smiled and turned to her sister as her lips moved. Her smile revealed white teeth.
I don't have a chance.
Dylan and the blonde got closer to each other, and he tightened his grip on his coffee cup clinging to something for comfort. Her green eyes met his blue eyes, and Dylan smiled without showing his teeth. She smiled back, and Dylan felt his heart beat a little quicker. The two passed each other as street cars would traveling in opposite directions.
I have to talk to her.
His running shoes stopped above the concrete and one of the laces flopped up. He turned around and walked towards her.
“Hey,” he said raising his voice.
“Hi,” she remarked startled.
To be continued...
JL
