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Searching For Love PREVIEW!
Category: Writing and Poetry
Chapter 1..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
On a beautiful sunny Saturday morning I am walking through the park, and I instantly run into two of my girlfriends: Heather and Sarah. Sarah asks me if I would love to join them for coffee at Starbucks just a couple of blocks away. We are probably just going to do the usual chat about our lives, but my life was the boring one, because I was the one that was single and lonely and didn't have anyone to share my life with to spice it up. Just about five minutes after we all get into a conversation my name starts to get blown up at the coffee table.
"Lucy, Lucy why don't you get a man, so you can have what we call a real life", rambles Heather, "all you do is sit at your desk, run your company, and go home for the day. I understand magazines have to be printed every month, but you could at least take a break and go out and have some fun. If you don't go out now while you are young, life will slowly pass you by and then some day you are going to ask yourself how in the world all those years passed by so fast."
"All I ever think about is what to write about that will strike my readers and getting new people to subscribe to my publications. Going to work was the only thing that would make me happy and complete. I never thought about starting a life with someone else", retorts Lucy. Sarah held my hand and said to me and said "everything will be just fine, trust me you are going to find someone that will love you for who you are and nothing less. Of course it will take some time love doesn't just come walking at your door step, you have to go find it, seek love at locations you never thought love could be found. The right one will step forward just keep holding on."
"Thanks, Sarah for the advice and encouragement. You guys I gotta go I have a meeting in about fifth-teen minutes, my staff and I are planning out nexts month's magazine topics and featured articles. I will catch up with you ladies later-- love ya!"
As I was walking out of the coffee shop I bump into this man and accidentally knock his coffee right out his hand.
"Sir, I am so very sorry I didn't mean to bump into you," said Lucy.
"Ma'am its ok."
"No its not. Sir, here is some money to buy a cup of coffee and a full course breakfast anywhere you like."
"Thank you, what's your name Ma'am?"
"Lucy."
"Nice to meet you Lucy, my name is Mark."
"Nice to meet you Mark. Sorry that we had to meet like this, I feel so embarrassed. How often do you come to this coffee shop?"
"Actually, I come in every single day I work to grab a cup of coffee, just to get a little caffeine in my system to get my day started."
"Oh, maybe I will run into you once again without knocking your coffee out your hand. Well Mark once again it was nice meeting you. I gotta run, see ya later."
Chapter 2-The Bookstore
The next morning I got up, took a quick shower, and went out the door jogging. I jogged all the way to the bookstore to purchase a magazine I had been wanting for sometime. I went inside and here I was standing right in front of the magazine section. There were so many to choose from I had to remember to look for the one I came in for. I was looking for the Hallmark magazine. Heather told me there were a couple of inspiring articles I should take a look at and must read before I even think about leaving the bookstore empty handed. I picked up the magazine and went right into the bookstore's café to get a cup of my favorite passion lemonade tea. I started skimming through the magazine but I somehow felt the need to look out the window. I couldn't believe who I saw at the moment! It was that guy, Mark I ran into at the coffee shop yesterday, while I was in the midst of going to a meeting. I'm pretty sure he has a strong negative opinion about me now. He saw me looking out the window at him, I'm sure he is going to say something to me. I'm just a little scared as to what he is going to say to me.
He walked right inside and greeted me, "Hey Lucy, how are you doing?"
"I am doing great Mark. How about yourself?"
"Oh, I am doing just fine since I spotted your face as I was walking towards the store."
"Oh really?"
"Yes, I think you have the most gorgeous smile I have ever seen, and you have pretty long blonde hair that just strikes my attention every time I see you."
"Well thank you Mark. So, what are you reading? I am reading the Hallmark magazine just something that one of my girlfriends told me to check out before leaving the bookstore."
"Does your girlfriend make greeting cards?" I laughed out loud.
"Mark you are so funny. No silly, she just likes the magazine itself and the great ideas that are featured in the magazine.
"So what do you like to do as a hobby?"
"I love to write, I know I haven't told you, but I am the editor and chief of my own fashion magazine. I use to model for many different high fashion clothing lines. When I retired from my modeling career I came up with the idea to launch my own fashion magazine. The publishing industry was always an area that I wanted to become apart of, because I have always loved to read, write, and edit scripts. Magazine articles are the most interesting—they are never boring and keep me on task without falling fast asleep. When I started to get more involved, that's when I knew this is exactly where I want to be."
"Well Lucy, it looks like you had a plan and stuck right with it until your dreams became a reality."
"Yes, I did, but my parents were also my support group. I wouldn't have made it without them, because there were times I'd say to myself this is simply not going to work out, and it became very stressful, but it all worked out. Well since you have told me a little bit about yourself let me go ahead and tell you about more. WAIT!!!! Please don't tell me you are bi-sexual?"
"Haha, no I'm not bi-sexual that's for sure…"
"Ok, now you can go on."
"Why was that such important question?"
"I once dated a guy and fell in love with him, later I found out he was sleeping with other men."
"Oh, I see that's a little on the wild side."
"Yea, that's why I had to ask that. The question was just important to me. Sorry, now you may continue."
"It's okay don't sweat it, I understand now. What I do for a living is sing and write music. For years I have been trying to get a record label to sign me a deal, but it's just not working. Record labels are just too busy and can't listen to every submission that they retrieve in their mailbox. People now are stealing more and more music off peer sharing networks online like never before. Sooner or later my dream of becoming a rock star could be soon out the door, if I don't get any help from anybody."
"Mark, please don't give up! Trust me I felt that same way, before I launched my magazine. No one believed in my idea, others said that they would be right by my side when trouble came up, but really all they did was leave me with all the debts to pay. When I shared my idea with the peers that I thought were good for me, they told me the magazine would just be a failure and too many other magazines promote high-end fashion. Mark, sometimes you have to become your own cheerleader when others don't believe in you, you have to believe in yourself. Some people are just jealous of the motivation you have, because they are not happy where they are, so they try to make you feel bad so you can drop down to their level, which is at the bottom - below sea level. I am telling you to keep your dream alive and don't give up no matter what anyone says to you. Just keep moving on and leave the losers behind."
"Thanks Lucy for that great advice and motivation."
"So Mark, how long have you been singing?"
"I have been singing for a long time, ever since I can remember. I used to be in the band, choir, and orchestra - they were all great classes. I had a blast, but I think what made the classes so fun is actually learning the music notes to play the instruments. I played the saxophone, and in the choir I became the lead singer a couple times in the band performances we had doing the spring and winter programs. Although during high school I was still involved in music band and choir."
"Well it certainly sounds like you have bit of experience."
" Yes, indeed I do."
"Shall we skim around the bookstore to see what new books have come out?"
"Sure, Mark why not? So do you read many novels?"
"No, not really. Most of the time I am busy trying to get my magazines out on time with the best content as possible, to spark my current subscribers and get new subscribers to subscribe to establish higher profits. This is the biggest obstacle when it comes down to becoming successful in the magazine publishing industry, but once you are out there and people know about your magazine, then you pretty much have established an audience. You know it's all about making more money in this day in age. The more money you make the more you can help others that are less fortunate."
"So what is it that you do to help others?"
"I help low-income people get homes with a very, very low payment, a decent home that they would not be able to afford on their own. I help people in Africa struggling with AIDS to get them medication, encourage support groups and other highly educated and experienced doctors to work with them, so they can feel safe and right at home."
Mark leans over and kisses me on the cheek.
"Well Mark I wasn't expecting that kiss, but it was great…"
"I just couldn't help it those lips of yours are so juicy and pretty. Please don't hate me, because I made a stupid sudden reaction."
"Oh! Stop it actually that was a good kiss. REALLY! Yes I mean someone kissing me is not the typical thing I experience, but you made my day."
"So Lucy what will you be doing a little later on tonight?"
"I don't know yet, I haven't made any plans."
"How about we go out to the beach tonight at this favorite restaurant of mine, Seashells?"
"Sure, why not I'm all yours. Does eight o' clock sound fine?"
"Yes. I will definitely be there. Look hot."
Chapter 3-The Bookstore
As always, I have been the type of woman that always arrives way before the set time of any type event that I am attending. I'd rather arrive much earlier than the time I am supposed to be at a certain location. I learned those key time management skills when I first started running my own business, especially when I had to attend important meetings that would potentially promote my fashion magazine. I arrived at Seashells a quarter till eight. Time and time kept passing by - the next thing I knew I took a look at my watch and it was ten past eight. So many things ran through my mind.. I should have known he was a total jerk and would set me up, I'm sitting at a table all alone with no one else to communicate with. I am so not used to this, I'm too social to be sitting in a restaurant all alone. Maybe Heather was totally right - he might have set me up, but at the same time I need to think positive and not negative. Maybe he is running a little late, maybe he is trying to impress me with whatever he is wearing, maybe he is stuck in traffic. Now I'm wondering whether I should call or just leave…its half past eight…forget it I can't take this waiting so long anymore I'm going to give this man a call.
"Hello this is the deputy Jerkins speaking."
"I'm sorry I have the wrong number."
"NO, NO are you trying to reach Mark?"
"Yes I am."
"Well hate to tell you this, but he was involved in a major car accident on Central Ave. The Ambulance is coming now to take him to the hospital."
"Wow, really? Is he ok?"
"Yes, he is fine, but we are just going to send him to the hospital just to make sure he doesn't have any internal bleeding or any damage to his organs."
"Ok so what hospital will he be located in?"
"East Ridge Healthcare Center on Orange Avenue."
"I will be there in approximately forty-five minutes."
"Ma'am make sure you call when you get there so you can find out what room he's in. You might want to bring something to keep yourself occupied, because the doctor just might want him to stay over night. By the way, his last name is Evans just in case you didn't know."
"Thanks deputy and by the way my name is deputy Jerkins."
"Well thanks for your help."
I finally arrive at the hospital at the front door, and the lady at the front desk recognized me right away.
"Oh my gosh, it's fashion model Lucy Collins! How may I help you Ms. Collins?"
"Ma'am I have friend of mine that just got admitted into this hospital, Mark Evans. Can you tell me what room number he is in?"
"Yes Ms. Collins just one moment. He is in room number 236 B, that is located on the third floor, after you exit the elevator make a right on hallway B, then go down about three doors on your left. You should see him right in that room."
"Thank you, ma'am.
"Ms. Collins you are very welcome, have a great day."
"Oh! I will certainly try."
Now I'm on the third floor and she said his room would be on the left side, I know I'm getting close there's room 234…235…here it is room 236-B. I walked in and there he was lying in bed watching T.V.
"HEY! Lucy!"
"Oh my gosh, Lucy I've missed you!"
"I've missed you too Mark."
"I'm sorry this had to happen. Especially on the night we were to suppose to have our first date."
"It's ok Mark. Things happen, it's just a part of life."
"Lucy, they said everything was fine, but my body feels a little sore. I guess that's kind of normal after a car accident. Well, hopefully I'm feeling a little sore, because of the couple of cuts and brushes I have, after they heal I'm hoping the soreness will fade away."
Mark I'm sure everything is just fine. Don't you worry. So when did the doctor say you could go back home?"
"He said I could go home, if he couldn't find anything wrong with me, so I am hoping all is going to be well."
"Well Mark I have plenty of faith and hope everything will work out for the good."
As the time passed by we laughed and talked for hours, when all of sudden the doctor popped in the door. "You guys are sure having a lot of fun."
"Yes we are," we answered.
"Mark, do you want to go home tonight?"
"Yes, sir that would be great."
"I have examined your body and so far we can't find anything wrong. We have looked at X-rays and have found nothing."
"Well thank you, doctor."
"No, thank yourself. I was hoping I could hook you up with a prescription for something. Haha, just kidding. Let me just fill out some paperwork, and you will be all set to go. Have a wonderful night."
"Oh my gosh what a blessing."
As I was driving him home asked,
"What about we go out to Seashell's restaurant tomorrow at noon?"
"Sure, why not I'm all yours at noon."
"I have a second car at home that I can use so I should be there on time."
"Perfect! Mark I am really proud you, be safe and have a good-night."
The next morning arose and I peeked out the window and looked up at the sky. All I could say is what a beautiful day. The sky was blue, all the flowers were blooming, and the grass was pretty and green. What more could I ask for? Eventually I got up and made some breakfast, and watched T.V. for a couple of hours. I looked at the clock and it was 10:30. I said to myself I better get ready to go soon. Since it takes me a while to get over there. At around 11:05 I left to get on the highway. I arrived at Seashells at 11:55, and there he was sitting at the same exact table we were supposed to meet at last night. I couldn't believe this was happening.
"Hey Lucy, how are you doing?"
"I am doing great Mark, I can't complain."
"So what is it that you want to eat Lucy?"
Hmm, I'd like to have some popcorn shrimp, ever since I was a little girl popcorn shrimp became a lifetime favorite. Usually when I go out with my girlfriends to fancy restaurants, I am always wondering as to why I always order something regular. I have never been the type of person to eat a lot of food that is not American. Most think I'm crazy when I tell them I don't like Chinese food, but I don't let people's opinion change me, I am who I am Lucy Collins, and of they don't like it oh well."
"You know what Lucy? Something I have noticed about you is, you stick up for yourself, and I love that about you. A lot of women I believe think they need someone else to defend for them, but you're a strong, powerful, independent women. You should give yourself a pat on the back. You have what I would say true courage to stand up for yourself."
"Lucy, I think I am going to have some catfish. When I was a little boy, there was a seafood shop not to far from my parents home, and Fridays were the nights that my mother didn't cook, so we went out to eat. The first thing mother asked me was, "Son what looks good on the menu to eat?" I said,
"Well mother to be honest, everything looks good now. I'm hungry."
She laughed loudly and said, "son how about you try some catfish?"
"Sure mother why not?"
Soon enough the server brought me some catfish. It tasted great! So great that ever since then I have been ordering catfish from just about any seafood restaurant I dine at.
"Well Lucy I am so glad we could meet and eat right here, it's a soothing moment to have someone to talk to."
"I do agree Mark, someone that I can share my past with takes me back, so many years back when my father was alive."
"What happened to your father Lucy?"
"He died in a plane crash when I was sixteen years old, those were some painful years for me, but my mother took it harder than me. She suffered months of depression."
"Oh my gosh! Lucy I'm sorry to hear that."
"It's okay, it was just something that took time to get over, one thing I can be proud of is my father is in a far better place Heaven above."
Author: Samuel West
Editor: Jennifer West
5:23 PM
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