By Ted Solinko lordwish@aol.com
Date: 16 July 1997

The Encounter

          Click, click, click was the sound that came from the stiletto heels of Diana
     Marshell, as she strolled across the polished black marble floor of the now deserted
     ballroom. Stopping in the center of the room, she raised her head to examine the
     huge chandelier. The lights that glowed from the magnificent work of crystal were
     now dim. She lowered her eyes and turned her head from side to side, scanning the
     room and making a mental note where all the exits were. There was one to the right;
     the one behind her she had entered, and three in front of her.
     
          The trio of exits led to the balcony.  Two of them were partiality blocked by large
     plants. The center portal was clear of any obsticals. The doors to all three were
     open, and the curtains were tied back to allow the sunlight to pour through and
     reflect off the black marble which created a shimming effect on the ceiling. Diana
     continued to cross the room, she headed for the balcony's center exit. Stopping a
     few steps from the threshold of the middle terrace opening debating whether to
     cross over to the balcony.
     
          The sound of a door closing behind her ended the debate.  She would stay
     inside. She turned around to search for who had entered the ballroom. She could not
     clearly see who was standing by the door.  Her eyes were not adjusted to the dimly lit
     room. All she could see was a silhouette.
     
          Jason King stood infront of the ballroom door, trying to distinguish who was
     standing in the center entrance to the balcony. The physical features of the person
     who lingered by the center doorway were shadowed out by the sun's rays that
     blanketed the threshold and marble floor. He started to walk forward, as the person
     he was watching moved toward him. As he advanced, he began to notice the apparel
     of the oncoming stranger. The coat was snow white, and the gown was a royal blue.
     
          With each step closer she discovered that the silhouette she observed a moment
     ago was now a man dressed in a black tuxedo. She ceased her movement forward. 
     She would let this sharp dressed individual come forth.
     
          Jason stopped within six feet to eye this stunning maiden. Her Strawberry blond
     hair was tied back into a french-braid, and her round little face, in his opinion. Had
     the right amount of makeup. The shoes she wore were open toed, and had an
     impressive three inch heels. The best thing viewed about her was what he didn't not
     see; A wedding band on her finger.
     
          Diana looked him over from head to toe; what she saw she liked. His coal black
     hair was short, and neatly groomed. A thin moustache that was well trimmed graced
     his face. She guessed that he was at least six feet tall, and from the way she filled
     out his tuxedo.  He was not overweight. What caught her eye about him was the
     smile he had on his face that gave her the impression "Trust Me!"
     
        Diana reached up with her hand and unfastened the clasp holding her coat, she
     pulled her arms out and let the white fur fall to the floor. He stood there admiring her
     figure, and his smile widened a little, the fabric of the gown fit her like a second skin.
     Together they moved closer to each other. Now within arms reach, he raised his
     hand to the back of her neck, and pulled the hair pins that held her french-braid,
     undoing the twists of hair, to allow the then to fall free around her shoulders. She
     looks deep into his eyes and smiles. 
     
          Pulling each other closer, they embrace, then they both imagine music filling the
     ballroom. They begin to dance. As the illusionary melody waltzes them across the
     floor, their movements were graceful and as one. Their bodies melded to each other
     creating the impression they had preformed this pantomime before; but in reality they
     knew this was the first time.
     
          The dance ended and they bowed to one another. Softly taking her hand they
     both turned toward the center balcony door, stepping together they moved forward,
     stopping at the threshold, and turning to face each other.
     
          Grasping his hand she pulls him closer, and looking into his deep blue eyes and
     smiles. Seeing her smile. He stares into her emerald green eyes; he then bends his
     head down and kisses her, She responds to his kiss and wraps her arms around his
     broad shoulders, They break the kiss and look into each others eyes, He smiles, as
     the thoughts run thru his mind.
     They would experience the day and share the night.