forever, is a light in the distance

I didn't know her name. Hell, I didn't even know where I was. It was just a quick dash into the nearest establishment to escape the downpour of rain.

Anyway, it was rather pointless. I was already soaked from my leather jacket to my socks. Every step was a noisy squelch as I made my way into the humid room, which I later discovered was a bar.

I wonder what was so special about this bar that drew her there that night. Faint country music played and the horrible stench of vomit clung to the air. The place was littered with cigarette buds, but at least everyone minded to themselves.

My squeaky sneakers didn't grant me a single glance.

Everyone appeared to be drowning their sorrows in a glass of alcohol. Including her.

I don't know her name.

She didn't say it.

We didn't say anything to each other.

But there she sat in the corner of the room, under the hazy warm light of a lightbulb hanging from the ceiling. She was holding a glass cup, rolling it between the palms of her hands.

On the oak-chipped table in front of her, a ring glimmered and she stared at it intensely.

I stared at her intensely.

I couldn't help but wonder what led her to be in such a ragged place at this time of night.

A ring meant two things: she was married or bound to be soon.

Maybe the weight of the question was too heavy to bear.

I hadn't realized I was just standing there gawking at her until she looked up. Her intense gaze softened as her two green eyes landed on me.

Brushing aside her red hair, she lifted her eyebrows and smiled awkwardly.

Embarrassed, I nodded and walked to a booth across the room, both my cheeks red.

I sat down on the torn leather seat and combed back my wet hair, daring a glance at the girl.

She was laughing. I couldn't hear her though. I could only see her shoulders moving up in down as she smiled leaning forward, attempting to cover her smile. A cute smile.

When she finished laughing, she used a finger holding her glass to point at my shoes.

My battered old running sneakers that I threw on in a rush.

I pointed at my shoes with a puzzled look on my face.

She nodded.

I stood up pointing again and exaggerating the same look.

She smiled brightly nodding again.

I made a show of waltzing around the bar with a hand on my chin and a hand behind my back. As if I was a detective thinking over evidence I just collected.

My shoes began to squeak loudly drawing attention from other visitors.

Amused, she laughed and waved for me to stop.

I held my hands up in surrender, returning to my booth, but not without making one big jump that caused an annoying loud squeak.

The bartender shot me a look of disapproval and I scampered into my seat giving an apologetic smile.

The girl was catching her breath and with one big sigh, she returned to staring at the table.

The ring still gleaming in the light.

Of course, a woman as beautiful as her was taken. Her skin was a soft hue of brown, glistening with sweat from the humidity of the room. Her dark straight red hair touched her neck. I didn't need to move any closer to see that her pink lips were full and plump.

She was stunning.

I was gawking again when she caught me.

She rolled her eyes, letting out what looked like a defeated sigh before slamming her hands on the table and standing.

She wore a tight black henley shirt that was unbuttoned exposing a fair amount of cleavage and a pair of dark blue jeans.

She was gorgeous.

But it looked like my staring pissed her off. Or so I thought.

She stood up and placed a hand on her chin rubbing tentatively. The other hand went on her hip and she paced back and forth peeking at me.

I didn't realize I was blushing but my face felt like it was on fire. It was obvious I liked her and she was well aware I'm sure. I mean, she must be used to guys gawking at her all the time.

I felt a wave of shame pass over me wiping the smile from my face.

She has a ring. She belongs to someone, stupid.

She didn't seem to care and casually made her way to the jukebox next to her booth.

She fiddled with the box for a couple of seconds before turning around on her heels and staring at me with a devious look.

I raised an eyebrow looking around nervously.

It was silent for a second before the music kicked in.

We're caught in a trap.

I can't walk out

Because I love you too much, baby

Suspicious Minds by Elvis Presley began to play on the speakers.

She was now dancing her way over to me. Swaying her body left and right.

I hung my head laughing and peeking up at her.

She was now in front of me holding out a hand. Up close, I could get a good look at her smooth face which was decorated with a few blemishes. And a smile that probably swept the lucky guy off his feet.

I stood up grabbing her hand.

And we danced.

I never danced a day in my life, but she didn't tell me that. She didn't say anything. Just danced, laughed, and smiled.

I felt more connected with this stranger than I did any girl I met.

Maybe it was how carefree she was.

Or maybe I'm a liar and a sucker for good-looking girls.

If you saw her you wouldn't blame me.

You wouldn't blame me for grabbing her hips and pulling her closer to me.

Letting my hand linger on her hands as we twirled.

You wouldn't blame me for grabbing another man's future wife and leaning for a kiss.

A kiss she returned.

At some point, I saw the realization cross her face. Her smile vanished and a look of sadness replaced it. We were close enough that I could feel her breath. The smell of alcohol and cherry lip balm tempted me to steal another taste.

She gave my chest a quick pat, escaping my arms that were wound around her. I watched as she made her way to the table and collected her belongings.

Purposely saving the ring for last, she hestitated to pick it up. Staring at it as if it was a ticking time bomb.

If he doesn't make you happy, you shouldn't do it. That is what I wanted to yell.

Who was I though? Some guy who stumbled into a bar.

A shaky hand picked up the ring and twirled it thoughtfully.

With one final sigh, she put the ring on her finger, examining it with a fake smile.

And then she was headed for the exit, briskly walking past me with her head hung avoiding eye contact. I reached a hand out to try and stop her, but I quickly dropped it.

She exited the bar without a single glance back

* * *

Maybe in another life, she decided to end her marriage before it began. Instead, this woman went home and decided to give it a chance. She said yes to her future husband. She leapt into his arms and he kissed her with relief and desperation. As if she would leave again and never come back this time.

They celebrated with a glass of wine and danced to slow jazz as rain began to paint their windows with water. He held her delicately and combed her hair, humming gently.

There she laid her head on his chest with her eyes closed. Breathing in his scent of sandalwood and vanilla.

Her mind traveled to the bar. To the stranger, she also danced with and kissed.

The thrill didn't lie within the man but in the moment. She felt free that night in the bar. To have the freedom to sleep with anyone. And kiss anyone.

Freedom that would be snatched away with two words at their upcoming wedding.

That scared her.

Belonging to someone.

And the man who held her knew this. So, he didn't hold her too tightly. He didn't want to scare her off. Like a bird in a cage, the door was open for his fiance to leave. Though he wished she'd stay with him.

Forever.