Hello, Young Lovers!
And hello to all my new subscribers! I have a three-fer for you today in honor of my one-year anniversary on this platform. I published two of these last April and thought they fit in with the first of the three (the new one). The first is about a second chance at love. I consider it a coming-of-age story, even though it features people in their 60s. The last (and longest) of the three is a sliver of the backstory of the couple in the first story.
Second Chances
Tim sat at his usual table in the coffee shop’s corner, sipping his steaming cup of coffee and scanning the room for familiar faces.
As he looked up from his book, Tim stopped breathing for a few seconds.
She stood by the coffee shop entrance, as beautiful as he remembered. Her shoulder-length silver curls tumbled down, while her hazel eyes maintained the same sparkle that had captivated him from the start.
“Maggie?” Tim’s voice trembled as he called out her name.
Through the years, memories of Maggie, his high school sweetheart, continued to haunt him.
They lost contact when he started attending college, and her breakup letter left a lasting impact on him. He hadn’t reached out to her, letting her live her life.
Maggie turned toward the sound, her eyes widening in surprise.
“Tim? Is it truly you?” Maggie’s voice filled with a mixture of disbelief and joy.
A smile spread across Tim’s face as he stood up from his seat, his heart pounding in his chest.
“Yes, it’s me,” he said, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
“It’s been so long, Maggie. How have you been?”
Maggie walked over to Tim’s table, her steps eager. “I’ve been well. Life has had its trials, but I can’t complain. How about you?”
Tim’s eyes sparkled. “I’ve had my share of difficulties, too, but I can’t complain either. I can’t believe you’re here.”
“I just moved here a month ago. My daughter lives here. She recently became a mother. My son lives not that far away in Napa. After I retired, I decided it made sense to be closer to them.”
They sat down at the table, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they caught up with each other’s lives.
Tim’s eyes softened as he looked at Maggie. “So much has happened since we were teenagers. I had a few relationships, even got engaged once, but nothing lasted. I became an English professor and now I’m teaching Comparative Literature at Berkeley.”
Maggie’s eyes widened with genuine interest. “Comparative literature, huh? That’s not surprising. I remember you loved literature.”
Tim’s face lit up as he spoke. “Yes, I’ve always loved a good story. I love exploring different cultures and perspectives through words. It’s a way for me to understand the world and connect with others.”
Maggie nodded, a glimmer of admiration in her eyes. “I always admired your love for literature, Tim.”
Maggie paused and looked down. “Breaking up with you years ago was incredibly difficult for me. I had to let you continue your life. You didn’t need me holding you back. I figured you wouldn’t contact me if I made my words sting.”
“I immersed myself in school and got married in grad school, gave birth to two wonderful children, and pursued a career in science writing. My focus was on topics like nature and the environment. I’ve been fortunate enough to have my work published in magazines like Nature and National Geographic.”
Tim’s face brightened with genuine excitement. “That’s incredible, Maggie. Your passion for science and the natural world has always been inspiring. I’m glad you found success in your career. Did you have a good marriage?”
“We had our difficulties. My husband’s name was Walter… Walt. Before his cancer diagnosis, I thought our relationship was flat. His diagnosis changed that. I spent my days arranging his care, driving him to a series of medical appointments, and in the last few months, watching him shrivel away.”
Tim reached out and held her hands in his. “I’m so sorry, Maggie.”
Maggie sighed. “You would have liked Walt, I think. His patience reminded me of you. Do you remember that time we went to see The Matrix, before everything became digitized and the film broke twice? We waited for them to splice it together. I was so annoyed, but you were so calm.”
Tim laughed. “I really wanted to see the movie, plus I was with you.”
As they reminisced about their shared memories, a sense of familiarity and comfort enveloped them. Time stood still as the connection they shared as teenagers rekindled.
Tim summoned the courage to question what had been on his mind since he laid eyes on her.
“Maggie, I can’t help but wonder... if things were different back then. Would we still be together if I hadn’t attended a west coast college?”
Maggie’s eyes glistened with a mix of longing and regret.
“Tim, I’ve often wondered the same thing, but we can’t change the past. We can only cherish the memories we shared and the moments we have now.”
Their conversation overflowed with laughter, shared dreams, and unspoken desires as they continued to talk. Despite the bustling coffee shop, they felt like the only ones there.
What happens next to Tim and Maggie? Only time will tell. Their encounter reignited a dormant spark with endless possibilities.
As they said their goodbyes, promising to meet again soon, Tim couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, fate had brought them together again for a reason.
The second story is not quite 330 words, about a first Homecoming dance, and is titled Taking a Powder (Puff).
Taking a Powder (Puff)
The third is a 1500-word short story about a boy’s first love titled Summer Hauntings.
Finally, in honor of my husband who thinks Frank Sinatra is the best crooner of his (Sinatra’s) generation, I offer you a video of Frank Sinatra singing Hello, Young Lovers.
Author’s Note
"Hello, Young Lovers" is a show tune from the 1951 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, The King and I.
Upcoming…
April’s writing prompt:
One Hundred-Word Wonders, 17 April 2024
For those who want to get a head start, themes are ENVY and CONTENTMENT, and the prompt word is PORTENT. Write in exactly 100 words, a story, poem, or creative non-fiction in any genre, using ONE theme only. Use the prompt word or its derivations (e.g., portent, portentous, etc.) as many times as you wish. Pieces should be exactly 100 words, no more or less. The 100-word count does not include the title. Hold your piece until the 17th!
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