Standing on a street corner in Charlotte wasn't something Andrew had done in a long time. The weather had turned since the evening he agreed to this and it was apparent that the temperature would not be returning to the highs intended to an April in Rochester. He hadn't packed accordingly and was forced to make do with several layers of insufficiently thin t-shirts and casual sweaters. The cold lunged viciously at his face, desperately trying to invade his interior warmth. Occasionally, he'd remember to attempt a futile movement, sometimes even clasping at the neck of his pathetically defenceless raincoat jacket, but his mind was elsewhere and so the battle was lost.
For all the harshness of the weather, he couldn't help but feel how well the years had treated Charlotte. The sun beamed down vainly on the corner where Mann Road met Beach Avenue and although it didn't ease the frost seeping into Andrew's bones, it did make for a pretty scene. He stood with his back to station, looking onto the houses blocking his view to sea. There was definitely no mistaking it was there though, you could hear the waves when the traffic subsided and its scent was always present. Andrew noticed a freshly painted bungalow was for sale and remembered the time when he had desired such a property. Or was the desire with whom he was to share the property? Was the property superfluous? He couldn't remember.
Nora excitedly exited her car. She had managed to park it without being seen, which surprised her greatly due to horrendous noises it was prone to making. As she crept up on Andrew she supposed that he didn't know what she drove any more and so could be forgiven for making himself such an easy target. She never paused to wonder whether it would be appropriate. Andrew gasped and instantly, there was laughter. After the initial rush had passed, they both took the chance to see how the other had changed.
The moment lingered but not uncomfortably.
Nora drove while Andrew contemplated how uncomfortable her car was. Andrew was cursed with the gift of height and with such a gift often comes legs of a greater length than the reasonable person. Nora's car wasn't as accommodating as her conversation. In the few moments in which they'd be reunited, they'd discussed many items; health, family, looks, kids, work. Andrew thought discussion was too strong a word to describe their interaction. Nora dominated the conversation, skittishly darting from subject to subject. Andrew knew her well enough to know that this meant she was excited and happy to see him and he was content with this.
As they drove along Beach Avenue, the conversation continued. As Nora drove, Andrew began to wonder how she could concentrate on navigating the icy roads and still find space to imagine up new and far reaching items to dissect at such a pace. He struggled to keep up and had barely finished formulating an answer when the chatter had move unexpectedly and left him behind. Eventually, the trees to his left parted and he halted any attempt to respond. Nora remarked how it must have been a long time since he had seen the coast. All that time melted away and Andrew remembered vividly spending weekends away with Nora back when her surname was Tormé. It was Norris now, which did not suit her. He remembered playing with her beautifully dark Italian hair as they walked along the beach. He was upset to see it now greyed, but then again he was sure she was disappointed seeing the sizeable haunch he was carrying around his midriff.
They left the car in a side road and headed towards the Ontario Park Boardwalk. The conversation now turned to idle gossip. Had Andrew heard what had happened to Phil and Francesca? Was Arnie still playing in jazz clubs? By the time they took a seat in a cafe, Andrew's head was swarmed by images of sunny days on campus, idle times spent away from essays and lectures. That's how they first discovered Charlotte, on a weekend jaunt. It was a perfect hideaway from NYU. They originally went as part of a group, but made many returns as a couple. He remembered laying his head on her lap as they sat on the beach and the fragrance that Nora used to wear. He noticed that that was another way in which she had changed and it stung. This memory was lost when the aroma of coffee beans arrived at their table, closely followed by the actual beverage. When Andrew knew Nora, she loved the smell of coffee, but couldn't stomach the drink.
After the coffee, the conversation continued, as did the clock. Soon, hours had passed and Nora had to return to her life. She was picking up her granddaughter from flute practice. Nora asked if Andrew would like to meet her, if he would be interested in seeing her family home. Andrew offered a hasty excuse about travel and business. Both knew it was an excuse, but it was accepted and understood.
Nora returned to her family. Andrew travelled back to New York and after completing his obligations there, returned to his life in Texas. Afterwards, he thought about her with a regularity that he usually reserved for slow roast cooking. This, of course, faded, though he appreciated having the colours brightened for an afternoon.
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So this is a short story I wrote. It took a while. It should be read when listening to the following songs.
Things have been as hectic as usual. So following my trip to a farm three weekends ago, I attended a Sci-Fi convention two weekends ago and for the weekend just past, I managed to fit some study in between cinema viewings of the Room and Lost Highway.
I was officially accepted into the Great North Run, so I best get that jogging gear out again. I had a glorious run on Saturday. My second favourite run actually, only because it reminded me so vividly of my favourite. It was my birthday two years ago. I was living in Leamington. I woke up unexpectedly early and couldn't get back to sleep. I believe I chatted to a friend in Italy for a bit and then went out for a run. It was a Sunday and early, the roads were clear except for other joggers and workmen laying grit onto the frosty roads. The sky was stunning, the weather sharp. I love winter.
Muppets tonight, either Carnage or Young Adult tomorrow. I think the next post will be about films or music. I've been re-enjoying music lately.
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