A Dream That Passes Quickly

By: Kelland

Faron glanced at her watch... again. It was still only 4:30 p.m. It was the week that would officially never end. Permanent dementia had set in some time the previous day. Faron hastily pushed the button and blanked out her monitor, unable to look at the offending screen any longer. Without inspiration, she would never meet her publishing deadline.

Exhaling a harsh breath, she turned to look out the window of her third floor office. It was a mighty good thing the windows didn't open, she thought, not having the strength to hurl herself through the thick glass. Faron slumped in her chair and rested her chin on the window ledge, her eyes cast downward to see what other unfortunate souls walked below in her vicinity of madness. The sidewalk was nearly empty except for one man who walked down the sloped pavement and into her view.

Faron's eyes widened at the sight of the extraordinarily beautiful man. At least that's how he appeared in her altered state of mind. His pace was quick, and without thinking, Faron rose up and knocked loudly on the glass. She wasn't sure it could be heard from the street, but she just *needed* to see a full view of his face. To see if he really was as incredible looking as he appeared in profile.

The man stopped and turned his handsome face upward as Faron waved happily to him. Dementia just might be the way to go if all men start to look like this, she laughed. Faron noticed that the man's intense stare remained fixed toward her. Even from a distance, she could tell his gaze was like no other.

Realizing how stupid she must look gaping down at him she dissolved into a fit of laughter. Faron then plunked her head down onto the desk, half in despair, half in her absurdity. She stayed in that position until a lack of sleep finally caught up with her and she began to drift off slowly. The office door was pulled to and it was late, no one would notice. Sometime later, Faron came to with a start when her secretary rapped lightly on the door and cleared her throat.

"There's a gentleman here to see you, Faron."

Trying to maintain an image of control, Faron asked her to show him in. Laurie stood there looking shocked for a moment before suggesting that perhaps she better show the visitor to the waiting area. Laurie gestured around her mouth and Faron noted with dread that she had been drooling.

"He's really good looking." Laurie giggled and then walked away.

Well, he must be in the wrong place, Faron thought as she pulled out her mirror. Yikes! She almost fell out of her chair at the sight of her creased and reddened face, not to mention the mess of hair on her head. Faron grabbed a brush and holder and pulled her waist-length chestnut locks into a ponytail. She wiped her face and applied fresh makeup. It would have to do.

Faron strolled casually out to the waiting area and promptly stumbled at the sight of the handsome stranger she had seen on the street. Faron wasn't used to wearing high heels, nor was she used to seeing someone so gorgeous standing in front of her. He had on black denim jeans, a t-shirt and a black leather jacket. Not at all the man in the stuffy business suit she had expected.

"I'm Faron Cole. How can I help you?"

"I noticed you waving. I was wondering if I could help you."

Faron's face turned red and she stumbled again. She released an exasperatedsigh and swiftly removed the aggravating shoes in disgust.

"I can't stand these lousy things anymore! I only wear them when I have meetings. I much prefer Birkenstocks and not these torture devices."

Faron stopped, remembering the only reason the man stood there was because of her crazy waving at him. And now she was acting even more like a lunatic as he stood there calmly and controlled.

"I'm very sorry about this...." Faron paused, but quickly picked up. "I've been having a nightmare week. I saw you out my window and thought you were very handsome. I just wanted a little distraction. Please accept my apologies for my not-so-subtle ogling."

"Why such a bad week?" He questioned softly.

Faron immediately felt herself start to relax at the sound of his soothing voice. She lifted her eyes to his and suddenly nothing seemed quite so bad. She hated to get herself all worked up over the stresses of every day life. It never really did any good. A total stranger reminded her of that fact. Faron's face soon softened and brightened with a smile and her dark eyes regained their shine.

She felt relieved just to talk to someone. "I haven't been able to write a single word all week and I have a deadline on Monday. I'm probably just trying too hard."

"I have an idea… maybe we can help each other. I'm working… security… at the Plaza event across the street. It helps my cover if I have a date. I hear the music is great."

"Are you asking me to join you?"

"Yes."

"Okay then, I would love to go. Give me a minute." Faron said as dashed back into her office.

The door closed and she quickly removed her business suit and pulled out a pair of jeans and put them on with her white blouse. She grabbed her emergency Birky's out of the bottom drawer, pulled on her matching denim jacket and was ready to go. She emerged from her office feeling much more like herself and smiled broadly.

Her hand extended in a fresh introduction. "Hi, I'm Faron. Nice to meet you."

"I'm Michael." He returned a firm, yet sensuous handshake.

They walked quickly across the street and got some coffee at a little shop on the corner. The cool air and light wind made it just the right temperature for a hot cup of delicious java. The band soon started warming up and the chatter of people roaming about grew more steady.

Faron noted that although Michael's eyes surveyed every inch of their surroundings he paid perfect attention to her and never missed a moment of the conversation. He must be really good at his job, she thought. He seemed to be the kind of person you could trust completely to get the job done.

Somehow it seemed so natural for her to be talking with this stranger. What was it about him? She, who was never at a loss for words, could not explain. Yes, his exceptional looks surpassed perfection. But it was far more than that. This was a man of indescribable quality. The kind you only dream about… the one that doesn't really exist.

A slow, jazzy tune started to play and as if all her dreams were destined to suddenly come true Michael held out his hand and asked her to dance. His caress was too gentle, designed to break hearts. She caught a glimpse first of starlight, and then his eyes, and was oblivious to the difference. If the music still played, she did not hear it.

She heard only his voice, but he was not speaking to her. "I'll be there."

Faron searched his eyes. They were not the same. Michael spoke to her this time.

"Something's come up. I'll be back."

Her heart skipped one beat as a dream vanished into the night. Faron walked back swiftly toward her office, a smile illuminated her face. The words were already tumbling forth.